INDIA-RUBBER OR CAOUTCHOUC. 



from seed, were fully eight feet high, and a cutting that 

 had been put down scarcely six months ago was quite eight 

 feet high and in blossom. Being of such wondei'fully rapid 

 growth, the tree is naturally very susceptible to wind and 

 liable to be blown over, until it gets firm hold of the 

 ground. Consequently a sheltered position is most neces- 



INDIA-RUBBEB (Hecea brasiUensia 



sary. It seems to thrive on poor soil, requires no shade 

 and very little rain. . . It is better to plant out the young 

 plants after the first heavy burst of the Monsoon say in 

 the months of August or October when the ground is 

 thoroughly saturated, and the showers only occasional, with 

 bursts of sunshine between. The germination of the seed 

 seems a very simple process, and generally occurs in ten 

 days, and sometimes less, from the time the seed is placed 

 in the damp sand. The seed-coat, being extremely hard, 

 C 



