PARA RUBBER. :\1 



" Swampy soils are usually in a very fine state of division, a con- 

 dition which may prevent the soil being aerated, and to some extent 

 may hinder the free oxidation of the humus. Owing to the ex- 

 tremely fine state of division the soil can retain large quantities of 

 water, due to the particles being in such close contact with one an- 

 other that they form a very large number of capillary tubes which 

 become full of water. Again, such a soil may suffer during periods 

 of drought, as it is difficult to get the air out of the capillaries. A 

 water-logged soil is usually cold and therefore generally unsuitable 

 for cultivation, unless it can be modified both physically and chemi- 

 cally. One of the chief aims in reclaiming such land is to have the 

 soil well-drained, in order that the superfluous water may be carried 

 off and the air drawn through the soil. 



"Burning has been tried on peaty soils at high elevations, and the 

 results are satisfactory. Paring the surface and collecting into 

 heaps and then burning has also proved successful. The heat 

 should not be allowed to become too great and should just be suf- 

 ficient to char the vegetable organic matter ; the heaps should then 

 be distributed over the surface. There is a loss of nitrogen and or- 

 ganic matter, but the physical condition of the soil is improved, 

 and the potash salts are converted into carbonates which are useful 

 for the neutralization of the free acids present. After burning, 

 the potash, &c., is in a much more available condition. 



' ' Opening up of swampy soil by the addition of sand or gravel has 

 been tried, but this is expensive. Liming is very beneficial for such 

 soils, as it not only opens them up but also neutralizes the free acids 

 present, and thus gives a freer action to nitrifying organisms. The 

 addition of lime frees the potash from the double salts by double 

 decomposition, and makes the mineral plant food generally more 

 available. Swampy soils are usually deficient in mineral plant food, 

 and should have occasional dressings of potash and phosphatic 

 manures, basic slag, and sulphate of potash or kainit being consid- 

 ered suitable." 



Para Rubber Soils in various Districts in Ceylon. 



In order to give some idea of the composition of the soils of typical 

 rubber districts in Ceylon, it is necessary to draw inferences from 

 many analyses. The districts known as Kelani, Kalutara, Kegalla, 

 Matale, Peradeniya, Kurunegala, Ratnapura, and Passara are of 

 considerable importance; and the information given in the Circular 

 previously referred to is here quoted. 



Kelani Valley District. 



According to the latest report of the District Planters' Associa- 

 tion, for the year 1905. it is estimated that there are at present 

 14,000 acres planted in rubber alone in addition to a huge acreage 

 interplanted with tea. The abundant rainfall and high tempera- 



