the results are very encouraging. The rubber 

 separated in this manner is of excellent quality 

 and free from foreign matter. 



Until now it was generally assumed that the 

 Central American rubber was of much inferior 

 grade to that of Para. It has now been proved, 

 however, that the actual difference is very 

 slight, if there is any, and resolves itself into 

 the question of the method of preparing it 

 for market at the time of tapping. 



As it is necessary to treat the latex as soon 

 as possible after it is collected from the tree, 

 receiving stations have been established on La 

 Zacualpa, so as to avoid the transportation of 

 the latex to any great distance. 



VULCANIZING. 



Rubber is prepared for Vulcanizing by putting 

 the washed and dried rubber through hot rollers 

 until it becomes a softened, homogeneous 

 mass. The gum is then ready for mixing with 

 the various ingredients and adulterants, includ- 

 ing sulphur, that are to be incorporated with 

 it. The mass is then again passed through 

 hot rollers until a perfect mixture is obtained, 

 rolled into whatever form is desired, and sub- 

 jected to intense heat until Vulcanized. 



The amount of adulterants mixed with the 

 crude rubber governs the quality and value of 

 the manufactured article. 



