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The tree grows rapidly from either seeds or cuttings. In four 

 or five years it will reach a height of from 20 to 50 feet, and a 

 circumference of from 12 to 50 inches, depending upon the soil 

 and climatic conditions. It grows erect and branches some dis- 

 tance above the ground. 



I have never seen the tree in flower, but am told that after it is 

 4 or 5 years old it produces numerous flowers, which are followed 

 by nut-like fruits about the size of a large plum, each one con- 

 taining four seeds. When the seeds have reached maturity the 

 shells suddenly and forcibly break open, hurling the seeds to 

 some distance. The seeds resemble weather-beaten cherry seeds 

 in shape and colour, though much larger, thicker and harder. On 

 account of their hardness they are not readily attacked by insects, 

 resist water, and do not easily germinate. The seeds will average 

 about 900 to the kilogram (2.2 pounds). They can be bought 

 here for about $l a kilogram, and for much less if taken in quan- 

 tities. 



As has been stated, the tree is reproduced either by seeds or by 

 cuttings taken from old trees. When the seeds are used it is con- 

 sidered best to plant them in beds, 2 or 3 inches apart. The 

 proper time to plant is just before the rainy season. On account 

 of the slowness with which the seeds germinate, many file two 

 edges of the shells carefully until they are just cut through, thus 

 permitting rapid entrance of moisture. The seeds are planted 

 about an inch below the surface in a place exposed to the sun and 

 are watered from time to time if necessary. They come up in 

 from three to six weeks. Others soak seeds in water about a 

 week and then plant them as described above, when they will 

 come up in from two to four months. Year-old seeds are said to 

 germinate best, and good seeds can be told by the rapidity with 

 which they sink in water. When planted in the ground in the 

 ordinary way they sometimes do not come up until the following 

 year. 



As soon as the plants are a few inches high, and whil'e the 

 rains are yet on, they should be transplanted about lO feet apart. 

 •-When reproduction by cuttings is desired, branches are taken 

 from old trees and stuck in the ground to the depth of 2 or 3 feet 

 during the rainy season, when they soon take root. 



Seedlings are said to be preferable, as they resist drought better. 

 They produce latex later than cuttings, yet they are said to 

 give more when the proper time comes and do not so readily die 

 as a result of the extraction. 



The best soil in which to plant is a question not yet settled. In 

 the wild state the tree seems to flourish best on sandy soil mixed 

 with clay, the clay aiding in retaining moisture. It also occurs in 

 quantities on hard clay soils and on sandy soils which seem unfit 

 for any other form of vegetation. I have seen in this State planted 

 trees growing luxuriantly in the very sandy soil within sound of 

 the sea. In some places in the State of Sergipe the tree grows 



