THE PARA RUBBER TREE 



109 



Formation of Plantations. — The first step in the forma- 

 tion of a rubber plantation is to clear the land by cutting 

 down the existing trees, and then if the timber cannot 

 be disposed of it is burnt when dry. It is desirable, if 

 possible, to remove the stumps of the trees from the soil, 

 as if these are allowed to remain they decay and serve to 

 harbour white ants and fungoid diseases which may 

 subsequently attack the rubber trees. The cost of re- 

 moving the stumps is, however, considerable, but the 

 work has been carried out on several estates with very 

 satisfactory results. A number of mechanical appliances 

 for facilitating the removal of the stumps are now available. 



After the land has been cleared, suitable roads are 

 made through the estate and any necessary drainage is 

 done. The land is then divided into blocks and " holed " 

 for the reception of the rubber plants. It is advisable to 

 make the holes as large as convenient, since this is bene- 

 ficial to the subsequent growth of the plant, and 2 ft. 

 square by 1| ft. deep is considered to be a good size. 

 The holes should be refilled with surface soil a little time 

 before plantmg out is commenced so that the soil may 

 settle before the plants are placed in position. 



Considerable discussion has taken place regarding 



* Analyses by Bamber quoted in Report of Director of Agriculture 

 in the Federated Malay States for 1906. 



