284 THE RUBBER INDUSTRY 



that accomplished in the three countries under similar 

 conditions of age and growth of trees. 



The usual diseases of the Para rubber-tree are present 

 in Java. Evidence of various forms of canker is seen 

 on many plantations ; especially is this the case on low- 

 lying lands near the sea-coast. In the Banjoemas dis- 

 trict it is prevalent to a marked degree, and considerable 

 areas have suffered severely on both the Langen and 

 Banjarsari estates, where the soil is of a cold, clay 

 character, and very wet. Decay of the cortex on the 

 tapped surface is also common in these swampy districts, 

 and is similar to cambium rot in Ceylon. Possibly 

 better drainage and the application of lime as a top 

 dressing for the soil may remedy the evil, but it can 

 be eradicated only at comparatively high cost. On the 

 laterite soils of the hilly and undulating lands bark 

 disease is less in evidence ; but it exists, and it requires 

 constant watching and treatment. Fomes and " Die- 

 back" are both found, but so far threaten no serious 

 damage when the trees are taken in hand at an early 

 stage of infection. White ants are not very numerous, 

 and do little harm. With the exception of the estates 

 on the very low-lying wet lands, where canker has a 

 strong hold, there is no reason why disease should 

 prove a serious factor in the development of the Java 

 rubber industry. 



There is ample room for the extension of the industry 

 as far as suitable land is concerned. The general in- 

 clination in Java, however, is not to attempt any fresh 

 undertakings until some tangible results are obtained 

 from the area now under cultivation. A good deal 

 depends upon the course of coffee prices during the 

 next few years ; there is no doubt that any great expan- 



