February i. igio.] 



THE INDIA RUBBER WORLD 



165 



On "La Zacualpa" Plantation. 



[Tapping a six year old rubber tree.] 



It is worthy of mention that the rubber turned out by the 

 centrifugal process from the waste water of the washed latex has 

 proved the best in quality, a recent consignment realizing in 

 London 5^. 6rf. [= $1.33.8 gold] per pound — the highest price thus 

 far obtained for Caslilloa rubber. As stated in a note in the 

 October, 1909, number of The India Rubber World (page 9), 

 this rubber closely resembles fine Para in appearance, is very 

 clean and very tough, perfectly homogeneous in texture and ex- 

 hibits, when cut through, sectional gradations of color, such as 

 are produced in Para rubber by the smoking process. It is anti- 

 cipated that this mechanical method of preparation will eventually 

 supersede the ordinary coagulating system, and the plant is being 

 extended accordingly. 



The average annual rainfall at "La Zacualpa" is between 80 

 and 90 inches. At "Juilapa," which is located on rolling ground 

 approaching the foothills of the Sierra Madre, attaining an eleva- 

 tion of 300 feet above sea level, the precipitation is about 30 

 per cent, greater ; in the center of the neighboring coffee lands, 

 at altitudes between 2,000 and 4,000 feet above sea level, it reaches 

 165 inches ; while in Tapachula it amounts to 120 inches. The 

 dry season lasts for five months or more. That the rubber on 

 "La Zacualpa" does not visibly suffer from lack of rain during 

 this protracted period may be ascribed to the depth and richness 

 of the soil of the alluvial bottom lands on which the plantation 

 is situated, combined with the moisture retaining property of the 

 volcanic ash incorporated with it. 



Portions of the estate were originally so swampy as to be 

 wholly unsuitable for cultural purposes,- while freshets often in- 

 undated and damaged low-lying plantings. These water-logged 

 areas have now been reclaimed and further danger from floods 



• - V-' 





, L •-!f r ' 



On "Lumija" Plantation. . 



[Four year old rubber trees.] 

 averted by the construction of an extensive drainage system, 

 totalling over 100 miles in length. The efficiency of the scheme 

 was forcibly demonstrated upon the occasion of the writer's visit 

 to "La Zacualpa" in August. 1909, when there occurred a succes- 

 sion of extraordinarily heavy rains, which washed out a number 

 of bridges and much track of the Pan American railway, but 

 left no water standing upon any part of the plantation. These 

 drains have lately been connected with the main water supply 

 canal, with the object of irrigating the whole of the plantings 

 by means of the same during the dry season. Such treatment, 

 it is believed, cannot but result in materially improving the 

 health, and thereby increasing the productiveness of the rubber 

 trees. 



With regard to labor, it i- said that "La Zacualpa" has never 

 suffered any serious difficulty on this score. The rate of wages 

 is practically the same as prevails in other planting districts of 

 the country. That the force is a contented one is best evidenced 

 by the fact that pay day comes only once a month, a system 

 which appears to give general satisfaction. A large assortment 

 of goods adapted to local needs is carried by the store, upon 

 wliirh every man may draw within the limit of his credit on the 

 company's books. No intoxicating liquor is sold, and its importa- 

 tion is prohibited. 



A considerable amount of money has been expended by the 

 company upon the erection of roomy and substantial buildings 

 for the accommodation of the men and their families, while ample 

 washing and sanitary arrangements have been provided. The 

 gi neral health on. the estate is very good, so that there is no need 

 for, a resident medical man ; but a complete supply of drugs is 

 kept on hand, and cases of malaria and other common tropical 



