THE PRINCIPAL RUBBER DISTRICTS 31 



crisis has developed to an acute stage both buildings 

 and gardens have been neglected, the former falling 

 rapidly into a dilapidated state, and the latter becoming 

 choked with undergrowth and rank weeds. 



In these districts the rubber-trees are found in the 

 forests at distances varying from 200 to 250 feet 

 apart, and from 130 to 150 trees are allowed to each 

 estrada. Pathways are cleared through the jungle from 

 tree to tree, and these are cleaned up once a year 

 to free them from vines and other quick-growing 

 vegetation. To each collector is allotted one or more 

 estradas, according to his capacity for work, and also 

 with regard to the quality of the trees. Rules are im- 

 posed in connection with methods of tapping, but 

 these are more often followed in the breach than in the 

 observance. Nominally the collection of the latex is 

 under the supervision of headmen appointed to safe- 

 guard the interests of the owner ; but all discipline is 

 slack, and regulations of any kind seldom enforced, except 

 in the case of a very few establishments. Many of the 

 rubber-producing properties in the Madeira districts 

 extend back from the river for several miles, and to 

 these inland stations access is obtained by creeks avail- 

 able for steam-launches or boats when the water is 

 high, or by canoe or road in the dry season. Where 

 roads are cut through the jungle, the brush and logs are 

 cleared to an extent permitting the passage of pack 

 animals, but are not sufficiently open to allow the use 

 of wheeled vehicles of any description. In this section 

 the lands lying a few miles back from the waterways are 

 undulating in character, and for the most part are 

 situated above the flood-level; but all communication 



