S o 



bark, extending over a quarter of the circumference, the following 

 method may without hesitation be substituted: Make oblique, or 

 V-shaped incisions along two strips of bark, that are exactly 

 opposite each other on the opposite sides of the stem, and the 

 width of each of which is an eighth of the tree's circumference. 

 Tapping has to be performed in exactly the same manner as in 

 the other method. During the second tapping period, tap two 

 strips of bark, each of which is an eighth of the tree's circum- 

 ference wide, and which are situated opposite each other and 

 exactly in the centre of the strips of bark that have so far remained 

 intact. In the third tapping period, tap two more strips of bark 

 situated opposite each other, that have before been left untapped; 



and in the fourth, the remaining two. 

 (Compare diagram 4 for the trans- 

 verse section of the tree.) In the 

 fifth tapping period, start again with 

 the two strips of bark of the first 

 period. As regards the precaution- 

 ary measures that must be taken 

 in order to prevent an injury to the 

 trees, especially with reference to the 

 commencement of the fifth tapping 

 Diagram IV period, compare what I have said 



about the other method. I consider 



this method a very good one. Probably there are several reasons, 

 on account of which it is even better than that one, by which only 

 one strip of bark, a quarter of the tree's circumference wide, is 

 tapped. 14 



But we will have to consider whether this method can be 

 recommended for trees six to eight years old. For in their case 

 we have to reckon with a circumference of only 50 to 60 cm, 

 arid each of the two strips that are simultaneously tapped would 

 be only 6 to 7,5 cm wide. 



Perhaps some planters will wonder that I do not enter into 

 some of those questions of detail, on the solution of which so much 



14 The yield of latex gained by this method will probably be greater than 

 by the other one. According to Pit, the yield -per unit of bark excised is all 

 the greater, the smaller the wound-surface. (Compare Teysmannia, vol. 19, 

 1908. Pages 479, ff.) From this we would infer, that two small incisions, which 

 are situated on the stem some distance apart, yield more latex, than a contin- 

 uous one embracing the same area as the two small ones put together. 



