PREFATORY 



I HATE to write a preface, in fact I always resolve not to, and then 

 do it. When I brought out "Crude Rubber and Compounding 

 Ingredients,"' a captious friend complained that it was too matter 

 of fact, that it "lacked imagination." As it was practically a diction- 

 ary of methods of rubber manufacture, I did not care, that is, I did 

 care, but didn't show it. This book is different. The story of rubber 

 planting is most romantic and at the same time as a whole is sound 

 and successful. I should like to stop a bit just here to say to a lot 

 of good fellows who smiled at my predictions ten years ago "I 

 told you so.'' But they have forgotten, and if they haven't, what's 

 the use? 



Starting again, this book is not a scientific treatise. It contains 

 the personal experiences of the author in his search for rubber plant- 

 ing information in the tropical world. 



As a scientific treatise it may be scorned by some intellectual 

 ones who have a string of letters following their names (I wish I 

 had them myself) but whose attenuated digestive organs preclude 

 the possibility of wedding fun with fact. 



At all events the statements regarding rubber made herewith are 

 facts and can be gambled on. As to miy personal experiences and 

 adventures, think of them as you like. 



Another word I want to thank planters the world over, for 

 their interest and hospitality, but then they know that too, and if I 

 called them all by name here this book would contain a three hundred 

 page preface. 



HENRY C. PEARSON. 



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