no RUBBER AND 



conveniences in practice and is not theoretically ob- 

 jectionable. If the leaves and smaller roots were left 

 upon the plants, both would be found to die back 

 except under remarkably favourable circumstances. 

 Stumps can be used which have grown for two and 

 even three years in the nursery, whereas it would be 

 impossible to transplant seedlings of that age with all 

 their roots and leaves. A good start for the plantation 

 is thus assured, and there should be few failures when 

 proper care is exercised. The earth should be rammed 

 tightly round the planted seedlings or stumps. For 

 early planting, seedlings grown in small loose baskets 

 may be used, as these can be set out earlier than plants 

 grown in the nursery in the ordinary way. The baskets 

 are planted with the seedlings and are allowed to rot 

 in the soil. When this method is adopted it is 

 specially necessary to make sure that weakly plants 

 are rejected. 



Planting should of course be carried out in wet 

 weather, and in most countries where rubber is grown 

 this presents no difficulty. Should a prolonged drought 

 follow shortly after planting the young plants may 

 require some protection. This is often best afforded 

 by mulching with grass and leaves, or with anything 

 of the kind that may be available, close round the 

 plants, in order to check evaporation from the soil 

 surrounding the roots. 



