October 1, 1913.] 



THE INDIA RUBBER WORLD 



Para Rubber in Mexico. 



By J. C. Harvey. 



In spite of civil war and revolutions, Mr. Harvey keeps his Mexican plantations going. He stands his ground, equally 

 prepared to entertain friends, fight or pen scholarly essays. The following letter from him is of great interest, not alone to 

 the student, but to the many who are interested in Mexican plantations. That the llcrca could be grown in southern Mex- 

 ico as well as anywhere in the world, many have believed. Mr. Harvey's facts and figures prove that belief to be fully justi- 

 fied. The samples of rubber submitted were equal to the best plantation product of the Middle East. 



H.W'IXG in mind a request made by you long since for 

 iintes on the progress made by the trees of Hcvci.i 

 Brasiliciisis (Para rubber) planted by tlie writer, tlie 

 facts are as follows: 



The first seeds — some 20 in number — were transmitted to 

 me by Dr. Henry S. Ridley, late director of the Botanic 

 Gardens at Singapore. Fourteen of these germinated and 

 were planted in permanent position in due season. These 

 trees you saw when visiting Mexico some nine years ago. 

 1 regret to say that they were destroyed subsequently by 

 deer, during a protracted absence of the writer. Indeed at 

 that time we did not know that deer were fond of feeding 

 on the bark of Hcfca trees. 



About three years after the loss of the first trees a further 

 remission of seeds was made, and their product — the present 



referred to at greater length. The phenomenon of foliar 

 periodicity, both terminal and lateral, is as well marked here 

 in Mexico as in the Orient, occurring at various intervals 

 throughout the year, complete defoliation rarely lasting more 

 than a fortnight, often much less and in some instances new 

 growth occurring synchronously with the tall of the older 

 foliage. In this district — South Eastern Mexico — the par- 

 tially deciduous period may be said to occur during April 

 and May, the driest months of the year, the deciduous char- 

 acter being more marked as the trees attain age. 



The aspect of poorly developed heads, yellowing of foliage 

 ■ — indicating a want of chlorophyl and caused no doubt by 

 defective root nutrition — atrophy of lateral branches and die — 

 back of tops, as seen in some localities here in Mexico and 

 elsewhere as so commonly affecting CastiUoa, is entirely 



Hevea Pi..\ntings at El Palmer Estates, 



trees, now six years in position — forms in part the subject absent in Hcvca. tho growing in the same localities, 



of these notes. These Hcvea trees have grown vigorously Briefly then, insofar as plantings, either upon a practical or 



and are in the best of health. The accompanying photo- experimental scale, have been made, the trees leave nothincr 



graphs will convey some idea of them, and of others herein to be desired in their general aspect of growth and health- 



