88 



Before the tapping lines are set out the tree is 

 cleaned up with a piece of cocoanut husk so that dead bits 

 of bark, dirt, moss etc., are rubbed off from the trunk. 



For the cutting of the tapping lines a marker is generally 

 used, also the "Jebong knife", both tools are described 

 in the following chapter. 



When setting out, there should be clearly indicated : 



a. The limits of the sections. 



b. The directions of the tapping lines. 



If a half herringbone is used, care should be taken 

 that the side canals run strictly parallel. Different 

 methods may be used, and two which I saw applied on 

 one estate will be described here. It is essential for both, 

 that in the first place, the tapping surface of the tree 

 should be so selected that when the vertical canal is 

 cut it shall not end just above a root; this would make 

 it difficult to place the latex cups properly and as in 

 subsequent years, new quarter surfaces have to get 

 their turn and at a distance of 90 a new vertical canal 

 must be cut again, it is also essential when cutting the 

 first canal to take into consideration the location of 

 these latter. Therefore, the place for the first canal 

 should be so chosen that those others which have to 

 be cut at intervals of 90 will be well placed between 

 the roots. According to the first system, the work is 

 carried out as follows : 



1. When a suitable place is found, the conductive 

 canal is cut, with the aid of a wooden straight 

 edge, which is held vertically against the tree ; 

 the bark is then lightly cut away (see fig. 31 I.) 



2. Notches are cut on the straight edge at intervals 



