33 



As we have already seen, preference should be given 

 to planting in rows instead of in squares or lozenges. 

 The above mentioned figures can be taken as a basis 

 for planting in rows. Generally the distance in the rows 

 amounts to the half of the distance between the rows. 

 The distance mostly adopted is 12 X 24 feet; on one Estate 

 where the older fields were all planted 10 X 20 feet this 

 distance was given up and all the new fields were 

 planted 12 X 24 feet. 



Wide distances have a considerable advantage over 

 close planting and great preference should be given to 

 them, even if any older Hevea-plantations were not to 

 be seen. The advantages of wide planting may therefore 

 be more closely particularised. 



In the first place, as regards tapping, the crop can be 

 calculated according to the total tapping surface of all 

 the trees per acre. The tapping surface per tree is ob- 

 tained by multiplying the height up to which the tapping 

 can be made, by the girth of the trees. The height at 

 different planting distances is, of course, the same ; we 

 need only therefore keep account of the girth of the 

 trees. The best planting distance will accordingly be one 

 in which the total girth of the trees per acre, is the 

 largest in the long run. 



The total girth is obtained by multiplying the average 

 girth per tree by the number per acre; in this calculation, 

 the wider the distance the greater the girth. 



