RUBBER PLANTING 99 



these operations extending over at least four years 

 the principal work available for the labour force is 

 weeding. On large estates which are opened gradually, 

 so that the first fields may be already in tapping before 

 the whole of the original forest land is cleared, this 

 objection does not apply. In such cases stumping and 

 the use of agricultural machinery may be recommended 

 wherever the lay of the land is suitable. When we 

 consider the way in which even heavier timber is re- 

 moved by far more expensive labour in newly opened 

 districts of North America, the fact that simple stump 

 hauling machinery has scarcely been introduced into 

 the tropics is certainly remarkable. Its introduction 

 may be expected to lead to considerable economy and 

 immunity from disease. 



Nurseries. 



In planting up a rubber estate, nursery plants not 

 less than twelve months old are usually employed. 

 Hence the establishment of nurseries is one of the 

 first operations to be undertaken. The best planting 

 land also makes the best nursery, and a site should 

 be chosen where the soil is as rich as possible, well 

 drained and well sheltered from wind. The nursery 

 should be close to the fields where the plants will 

 ultimately be required, in order to reduce transport 

 as much as possible. In countries subject to a pro- 

 longed dry season some artificial shade may be 



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