for the conditions for the spread of disease are so favourable that 
we may expect bark diseases to become general in the peninsula. 
Then if the root-rots are active—and these are already very 
generally distributed—the number of trees per acre may be so 
reduced that the best results will not be forthcoming, in fact, 
may make all the difference between profitable and unprofitable 
working. 
Competition may now be considered. Plantation rubber 
thetic rubber. A great demand for rubber may be anticipated 
after the war, which will stimulate enquiry into the synthesis 
of rubber, and much activity may be expected in this direction. 
A commercial synthetic rubber may possess intrinsic properties 
which will make it valuable in the arts and manufactures, but 
if proper foresight is used to develop the plantations along 
scientific lines plantation rubber should never fear competition 
from the synthetic product. 
The menace to the present plantations is disease. 
In Malaya the question is specially serious. ‘“‘ The menace 
of disease in Malayan plantations is still potential, but it may 
prove the limiting factor in the development of the plantations 
if a serious competitor arises. If preventive measures are not 
undertaken the menace may become dynamic and prove the 
ultimate ruin of Malayan plantations.’’ 
to refute the idea of disease becoming a serious matter are few, 
an attitude very different to that recently held. Active clearing 
work is in progress most plantations which can spare 
0 m 
diseases of rubber in Malaya can be found in the special bulletins 
issued by the Department of Agriculture, and this article is 
intended as an introduction to suggestions which should be taken 
up and vigorously supported by institutions or by influential 
men interested in the rubber plantations of the Middle East. 
L 
