TAPPING A RUBBER-TREE IN THE PUTUMAYO DISTRICT 



The bark is first pierced to allow the liquid gum to run out into a small tin 

 fixed below the incision. A giant spoon is dipped into the latex (or milk) and 

 held ovev smoke, which is made by burning bits of the Urucury palm. Almost 

 at once the milk congests and turns into the india-rubber of commerce. 



