CHAPTER VI 



HARVESTING OPERATIONS 



Introductory. 



PREPARATIONS for tapping the trees are generally 

 begun when the plantation has reached an age of four 

 or five years from planting. In each field over a certain 

 age usually not less than four and a half years the 

 trees are measured and numbered. All trees over a 

 certain girth usually not less than 18 inches at three 

 feet from the ground are then marked out for tapping 

 on one or other of the systems presently to be described. 

 The age at which the trees can first be tapped is largely 

 determined by the thickness of the available bark. 

 Experience has shown that trees of 18 inches girth and 

 upwards can generally be lightly tapped without injury. 

 This size, as we have seen, corresponds to an age of 

 from four to six years. At this age the bark has 

 reached a thickness which is capable of sustaining the 

 effects of careful tapping and of making a satisfactory 

 renewal, whilst yielding a certain amount of latex. 

 From trees of a smaller size than this the yield hardly 



