1 64 RUBBER PLANTING ON THE 



thickly, will, by its rapid growth and shade, effectually smother all 

 weeds, thus serving as a cleansing crop. 



There is another plant which rubber planters might well look into, 

 and that is the velvet bean the Mucuna pruzriens (var. utilis). This plant 

 comes originally, I think, from Tampa, Florida, and no doubt the Florida 

 experiment station could tell all about it. It is said to have even a 

 more luxurious growth than the cow pea, and produces a great amount 

 of vine, and a large yield of seeds. It covers the ground with so heavy 

 a vine that it is reported to have killed temporarily even the cocoa and 

 Johnson grasses. 



When one is in a foreign country, and almost ready to start for 

 home, and a bit homesick at that, there comes a moment when all deter- 

 rents are brushed aside, and one bolts. I had planned several days 

 sightseeing, and a stop off on the way, but instead I bolted. I met all 

 sorts of nice chaps on the return journey, yet it was a long week that 

 elapsed ere I sighted the skyscrapers of New York. Now that I am here, 

 I wish somewhat that I had stayed a trifle longer, and I find myself 

 yearning again for the open air life, the strange experiences, and the 

 glimpses of nature luxuriant, triumphant. 



Will this wishful attitude draw me back there soon I wonder ! 



