Caoutchovic Trees — (Indians incising them). 



CHAPTER XIX. 



CAOUTCHOUC AND GUTTA PERCHA. 



The Caoutchouc-Tree — Siphonia Elastica — Manner in which the Resin is 

 collected — Urceola Elastica — Ficus Elastica — Has but recently become im- 

 portant — Mackintosh — ^Vulcanised Caoutchouc — Multiplicity of uses to which 

 Caoutchouc may be applied — Marine Glue — The Gutta Percha Tree — Pro- 

 perties of the Resin — Its importance for Marine Telegraphy — Will the Tropical 

 Zone be able to satisfy the growing demand ? 



WHEN we consider the luxuriance of vegetation in the 

 tropical zone, it is not to be wondered at that so 

 many plants of those climes abound with juices of a variety 

 and richness unknown to those of the temperate latitudes. 

 The resins and gums which our indigenous trees produce, 

 either in smaller quantities or fit only for common uses, are 

 there endowed with higher virtues, and ennobled, as it were, 

 by the rays of a more powerful sun. Sometimes they exude 

 spontaneously through the rind and harden in the atmosphere ; 

 more frequently a slight incision is required to make the sap 

 gush forth in wliich tbey are dissolved, but in every case they 

 require but trifling labour for their collection. Many of them 

 have medicinal qualities, others are esteemed for their aromatic 

 odour, but none ranks higher in a commercial and technical 

 point of view than caoutchouc or India rubber, which was first 

 brought from South America to Europe as a great curiosity at 



