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THE INDIA RUBBER WORLD 



[June 1, 1912. 



panded, while new chapters on the "Theory of Coagulation" and 

 "The Smoking of Rubber" deal with those questions in detail. 

 In connection with the first-named subject, an interesting point 

 is discussed as to the influence of coagulants on the strength of 

 rubber, reference being made to the experiments on that subject 

 of various well-known experts. In a new chapter the smoking of 

 rubber is discussed, including the methods used in that process 

 and its influence upon the strength of rubber. The forms, brand- 

 ing, packing and handling of plantation rubber are treated in 

 another new and interesting chapter. 



SEEDS, DISEASES AND PESTS. 



These subjects are handled at increased length in continuation 

 of the former edition, with special reference to Hcvea trees. 



ESTIMATED COST OF PLANTING. 



In dealing with this subject, the division of the original chap- 

 ter into others upon "Cost of Production on Estates." and "Esti- 

 mated Costs of Planting," affords an opportunity of reproducing 

 various interesting detailed estimates of the cost of planting 

 Hevea m Malaya, Ceylon and elsewhere. 



CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF PLANTATION RUBBER. 



This broad subject and the kindred question of testing, are 

 handled in amplified form in continuation of the former edition 

 and likewise in a new chapter devoted to the character and 

 comparative value of plantation rubber. Among other points 

 treated are those of the complaints frequently made of the lack 

 of uniformity in that kind of rubber, and the factors causing 

 such variability. 



MANUFACTURE AND COMPOSITION OF RUBBER ARTICLES. 



At this point rubber enters into a new stage, that of its use in 

 manufacture, subject to new conditions. In this connection the 

 various subjects of masticating and mixing, calendering, vulca- 

 nization, as well as the heat and cold cures are dealt with, as 

 also the question of the direct use of latex. 



SYNTHETIC, RECLAIMED AND ARTIFICIAL RUBBER. 



The various forms in which it has been attempted to furnish 

 practicable substitutes for rubber are concisely handled. 



NO IMPORTANT DISUSE OF RUBBER. 



In his concluding remarks, Mr. Wright emphasizes the fact 

 that notwithstanding the substitution of other materials for rub- 

 ber in connection with certain purposes, great advances have been 

 made in the number of purposes for which rubber can be used; 

 while an increased demand has been established in other direc- 

 tions in which that product has long been employed. In his 

 opinion the disuse of rubber will not be of any consequence so 

 long as the demand in old applications continues to grow at such 

 rapid rates. 



Mr. Wright's work shows a remarkable grasp of the many de- 

 tails with which it deals, while his individual opinions, as ex- 

 pressed on the various subjects treated, impart a marked personal 

 interest to the contents of the volume. 



PREMIUMS FOR RUBBER PLANTING IN ECUAaOE. 



By a law enacted in 1904, the government of Ecuador was 

 authorized to pay a premium equaling five cents for each rubber 

 tree planted in the national territory. Through an executive 

 decree of December 21, 1911, the conditions attached to these 

 premiums are specified. They are available for plantations with 

 more than 500 trees, at an elevation of more than 1,640 feet above 

 the level of the sea, with an average temperature not less than 

 72 degrees Fahrenheit. The separate trees must be from 13 to 

 20 feet apart, so that there are not more than 250 to an acre; 

 they must have attained the age of five years and have an 

 average diameter of 16 to 18 inches at a height of 40 inches from 

 the ground. Two experts, appointed by the government, will in- 

 vestigate the merits of the claims presented. 



A POPULAR WEEKLY ON RUBBER MATTERS. 



The "Saturday Evening Post," in a recent issue, contains the 

 following paragraph relative to the United States Rubber Co. and 

 the rubber outlook in general • 



There are under rubber cultivation in the Far East some 

 .S75.000 acres, and the United States Rubber Company ex- 

 pects to obtain from its own plantations 25 per cent, of its supply 

 within three years and 75 per cent, within five years. The acreage 

 aforenamed is likely practically to double the world's product of 

 about 75.000 tons within six years. What the world's consump- 

 tion of rubber will be six years from now is beyond present power 

 of conjecture. That it will increase is certain; and so, likewise, 

 may the area devoted to the growing of rubber trees be enlarged. 

 Until lately the bulk of the rubber has come from the wild rubber 

 trees of Brazil, but the practicability of the development of or- 

 chards privately set out and cultivated has now been fully demon- 

 strated To what extent the manufacturers of rubber goods will 

 divide the benefits of cheaper rubber with the consumers of their 

 goods is past saying. The dividend plans of the United States 

 Rubber Com.pany attest expectation of enlarged profits for the 

 manufacturer as the consequence of cheaper and more stable 

 prices for crude rubber. Stability of prices for crude rubber will 

 obviously lessen the capital required to carry a supply of this 

 commodity. Enlarged production by rival interests should dimin- 

 ish likelihood of corners being formed in the article, although this 

 alone may not positively guarantee immunity from that danger. 

 The United States Rubber Company has its own company engaged 

 in the cultivation of rubber, and by supplying itself from that 

 source the expense at least of several middlemen will be avoided, 

 for the crude rubber industry is peculiarly subject to an excess of 

 middlemen's profits." 



PORTABLE WATER BAGS. 



A PORTABLE and very easily handled water bag to be carried 

 on horse or mule is shown in the accompanying picture. These 

 bags are double, made of 12-ounce canvas, waterproof, about 28 



Portable Water Bags to be Carried on Horse Back. 

 inches deep, and are closed with a flap that can be held do:vn 

 when being transported. They are joined together with a saddlt 

 portion that goes over the back of the animal. The capacity of 

 this double bag is 20 gallons. It has been found very convenient 

 in the army service. 



An American consular officer in the Far East reports that a 

 company in his district wishes to make connection with Ameri- 

 can firms desirous of purchasing rubber in that region, and is 

 prepared to enter into contracts with firms for the supply of 

 this product. 



