252 THE RUBBER TREE BOOK 



This is a dark saying. Surely it is better to have big trees, and 

 big trees as soon as possible, rather than small trees. A big 

 tree, having a stouter stem, is less likely to be seriously injured 

 by a storm than a small tree is. A soil rich in nitrogen is always 

 to be preferred. 



The mistake of putting on too much at a time of strong 

 chemical manures is one which can be made. A moderate 

 application at a time, twice or thrice applied, gives better 

 results. Scientific observers who make and study cultures of 

 various bacteria have noted the fact that while the bacteria 

 thrive well and multiply with rapidity in weak solutions of 

 various salts, strong solutions remain barren. 



When applying chemical manures for the purpose of adding 

 to the fertility of the soil it is always well to previously mix 

 them with thoroughly dry and finely powdered earth. By 

 this means a better and more regular division of the chemical 

 manure can be made over the estate, and there is less risk of 

 some areas getting too much while other areas get too little or 

 none. There is also less chance of considerable quantities of 

 valuable material being washed away into drains with the first 

 heavy shower of rain. 



Generally speaking, an application of lime is what many 

 soils, especially peaty and clay soils, need most, and this is not 

 expensive to procure. In the Federated Malay States and 

 Straits Settlements the cost of one ton of lime and its applica- 

 tion to an acre is usually about $20. Unslaked lime is best. 

 With green manures either lime or basic slag, added to the soil 

 a month or two before or after rather than at the same time, 

 answer excellently, correct any sourness in the soil and greatly 

 add to its fertility. What light gravel or sandy soils most 

 require is green manuring to add binding power to the soil 

 particles and thus assist the capillary action elsewhere dis- 

 cussed at length. Where canker is prevalent, or burr-like 

 growths troublesome, potassium is stated to have markedly 

 beneficial effects. 





