207 



initial experiments are not yet available for publication, but I 

 have found that so far a marked improvement is noticeable in 

 seedlings placed under favourable conditions and subjected to 

 rational and systematic treatment. 



HABITS OF CASTILLA. 



When we study the Castilla in its native conditions, in the 

 natural surroundings in which the tree has been able to exist and 

 flourish in competition with other trees, we learn many a useful 

 lesson as to its requirements under cultivation. It is by no means 

 essential that a cultivated plant should always have to be grown 

 under conditions identical with those of its original habitat, but we 

 can always derive pointers from a close observation of nature. 



One of the first things we notice when observing Castilla in 

 the wild state is that it prefers small openings in the forest and 

 that it never selects very heavy shade. In this regard, it is similar 

 to its relative the Guarumbo tree which is always found in 

 localities where the primeval forest has been cleared at some 

 time or other. The Guarumbo, or trumpet tree {Cecropia), is 

 very common through Southern Mexico and Central America. It 

 is often called the false rubber tree, because to the uninitiated new- 

 comer it resembles at a distance Castilla. As soon as a cleaning 

 is made Cecropia will gain a foothold and as it is of very rapid 

 growth, it soon grows into a small tree. I have noticed on some 

 plantations that the managers studiously avoid cutting down the 

 Guarumbo trees wherever they grow among the rubber. I was 

 informed that this was done on purpose as the Guarumbo tree 

 resembled the rubber tree so much that it helped to carry out the 

 impression of an even and good stand of rubber trees. Inspecting 

 shareholders did not notice the difference. I am ready to 

 believe this, as there appears no other reason why the Guarumbo 

 tree should be left standing. It is not good as a shade tree 

 and as it consumes a great amount of water and plant food, it is 

 decidedly detrimental in a rubber stand 



In the natural succession of the forest trees both Cecropia and 

 Castilla are secondary elements. The seed of Castilla is so thin- 

 shelled and perishable that it needs a moist place in which to 

 germinate as it would otherwise be destroyed by the heat of the 

 sun. We therefore always find the young seedlings growing close 

 to other trees which give them sufficient protection. 



Castilla depends in many other respects upon its neighbours 

 for safety. It is a very brittle tree, easily broken by the wind 

 and therefore needs a wind-break. We always find Castillas in the 

 pole stage standing close to other trees, which indicates that they 

 have been able to survive only by reason of the protection 

 afforded by the other trees. It may be inferred that if this is true 

 we would never find a Castilla standing separated from any 

 neighbours. I think that in every case where an old Castilla tree is 

 found single it has either been planted by man and protected, 

 or, if a wild tree the surrounding trees have been destroyed in 

 some way or other. It is at least on very rare occasions that 



