142 THE CEARA RUBBER TREE 



of about 4,000 ft. with an average annual rainfall of 

 60 in. and a mean temperature of 73° F., the difference 

 between the day and night temperature bemg about 

 30° F. 



In Nyasaland, Ceara trees do not give satisfactory 

 results if grown on light, sandy soils, with a rainfall of 

 under 40 in. per annum, unless the trees are planted 

 along streams or on alluvial flats near a river where the 

 roots can reach water. A moderately humid climate 

 has been found to be advantageous to the growth of 

 the trees and also to their survival on tapping. In 

 order to obtain remunerative yields of rubber from 

 Ceara trees in Nyasaland they must be grown on rich 

 soil with a heavy rainfall, and these conditions are 

 only obtained in certain districts. The Ceara tree can, 

 therefore, only be cultivated successfully in parts of the 

 Protectorate. 



In the East Africa Protectorate, Ceara trees have been 

 principally planted in the coastal districts where the 

 rainfall varies from 45 to 70 in. per annum and the tem- 

 perature from 70° to 88° F. A well-drained, fairly rich 

 loamy soil, in a somewhat sheltered position is preferred 

 for the plantations. 



Manihot Glaziovii has also been introduced into all the 

 British Colonies and Protectorates in West Africa, and 

 except in very wet situations the trees have usually 

 made good growth. Owing, however, to the small 

 yields of rubber which were obtained from the first 

 tappings, little interest has been taken, until recently, 

 in the trees and their possibilities for purposes of cultiva- 

 tion. It is probable that Ceara trees may be worth 

 planting in the drier districts of West Africa. 



Formation of Plantations. — In selecting a site for the 

 cultivation of Ceara trees a sheltered position should be 

 chosen if possible, as the trees are liable to be blown down 

 or broken if exposed to strong winds. In some cases 

 the planting of belts of other trees as wmd breaks is 

 advisable to protect the plantation. 



The land is cleared in the usual manner and parallel 

 lines are laid out at the distance apart which is to be 

 adopted in planting. Holes, 18 in. square and 18 in. 

 deep, jire made and filled with surface soil for the re- 

 ception of the plants. 



