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RUBBER CULTIVATION IN JAMAICA. * 

 By T. H. Sharp. 



Now that rubber cultivation has been taken up seriously 

 in Jamaica by several planters, I have compiled the following 

 short notes with the view of rendering assistance to all intending 

 planters. 



There are so many varieties of rubber which appear in 

 different countries to thrive best at various altitudes and to 

 yield according to varied conditions, that it would appear to 

 be impossible to lay down any fixed advice in the matter as to 

 what we should do in Jamaica as to the choice of kinds for 

 planting. It may be possible, however, by comparing results 

 obtained in other countries, to be able to advance upon reason- 

 ably sure lines to suit our conditions. 



For the present, planters should confine their operations 

 as to laying out plantations to as few varieties as possible, but at 

 the same time to experiment with as many other varieties as is 

 convenient on a small scale. Such experiments should be laid 

 out in different localities possessing varied soil and climatic con- 

 ditions. 



The plantations should be commenced with Hevea brasiliensis, 

 Castilloa elastica, and Forsteronia floribunda. Other varieties might 

 be tried, but it is probable that the above-mentioned rubber-pro- 

 ducing plants might be relied upon tor cultivation in certain dis- 

 tricts in Jamaica. 



SOILS. 



The lands of Jamaica may be devided into the following four 

 classes : — 



1. High altitude lands from 2,000 to 4,000 feet mostly of lime- 

 stone formation, covered with trees, rich in humus, naturally 

 drained, with plentiful rainfall. 



2. Lower altitude lands from 1,000 to 2,000 feet, good rainfall, 

 generally rich, but now being more largely cultivated. 



3. Lands from 400 to 1,000 feet in altitude, fairly well denuded 

 of forest, severely injured by running fires, and populated more 

 thickly than the higher lands. This section would possess but 

 small areas that could be conveniently given up for rubber culti- 

 vation. 



4. Lands extending from sea-level to 500 feet. The deepest 

 and richest lands of the island, with well-defined seasons, rain- 

 fall less than the higher altitudes. This land, being deeper and 

 rich'er, is more retentive of moisture. 



Each altitude enjoys its peculiar advantages and varies as 

 much in its class of labourer as it does in its soils and climate. 

 Any fixed advice as to the cultivation of rubber or of any 

 other plant cannot, therefore, be given so as to apply to the 

 whole island. It is only by comparisons and experiments that 

 the best results can be obtained in each locality. 



Unfortunately, rubber takes a long time to produce, and 



* Reprinted from West Indian Bulletin Vol. VIII p. 191. 



