RUBBER PLANTING 21 



shaped. As each successive layer of rubber dries, fresh 

 latex is poured upon the surface until a large block or 

 ball of rubber is formed, which may weigh from 50 to 

 100 pounds. 



The method above described appears to be nearly 

 identical with that which has been employed for 

 centuries by the natives of the Amazon valley. The 

 rubber obtained thereby is still adopted as the highest 

 standard of quality in the world's markets. 



Economic Aspects of the Amazon Rubber Industry. 



The country which produces Para rubber lies in the 

 States of Amazonas, Para and Acre. The pioneers of 

 the industry are constantly pushing further afield up the 

 different tributaries of the Amazon. When the country 

 has been explored and the presence of a suitable 

 number of Hevea trees ascertained, a grant of land is 

 obtained from the Government of the State, and after 

 the payment of certain taxes, the land becomes private 

 property. 



The owner of the property is usually not himself a 

 large capitalist. In order to finance his enterprise, he 

 obtains a loan at a high rate of interest from a trader or 

 rubber merchant. Labour is chiefly imported from the 

 barren region of Ceara. The labourers often arrive at 

 the base of the expedition in a practically destitute 

 condition, and provision has to be made in advance for 

 food supplies, tools and transport. All supplies have 



