2 go THE RUBBER INDUSTRY 



yield any latex worth collecting. The export of gutta- 

 percha in 1910 was 300 tons, but in 1911 the shipments 

 dropped to 45 tons, the falling off being due to the same 

 cause as occurred with the Ficus. 



The railway system is being gradually extended 

 throughout the island, and in the course of a few years 

 will provide access to all the principal districts ; but the 

 roads which act as feeders to the various railway lines 

 leave much to be desired. Except in the vicinity of the 

 larger towns, the maintenance of all roads and bridges is 

 neglected. First-class Government roads are metalled ; 

 but second-class roads have only an earth surface levelled 

 off, and in wet weather they are impassable for wheeled 

 traffic. This is especially inconvenient for rubber and 

 coffee estates, which as a rule are situated at consider- 

 able distances from the main roads. 



