13 



on the idea, then current, that in such a northern latitude 

 that species might prove profitable under cultivation ; 

 growth is possible, tout economic cultivation an absurdiity 

 as far as Ram.bong in Sicily is concerned. 



Where Para Trees Will Not Grow. 



There is a general impression, esipeaially among persons 

 who have not lived in the tropics, that all Para rubber 

 trees require is occasional tropical heat. It is certainly 

 little less ithan wonderful to see how many trees thrive in 

 the 'tropics where the soil is of tlie poorest, but where 

 tliere is a high temperature andi plenty of water. Heat 

 alone is not, however, sufficient to ensure continuous 

 growth. A high temperature of 75 degs. to 85 degs. F. 

 (average) is favourable to the cultivation of Hevea brasi- 

 liensis ; but this alone would be of no value to rubber 

 planters, even though they possessed the richest alluvial 

 or volcanic soils in the world'. There are many areas 

 where Para rubber trees will not grow, thoug^h a tempera- 

 ture of 100 degs. F., and over, may often be registered. 

 Relative uniiformity in temperature, absence of frost and 

 drought, and minimum seasonal changes are almost 

 absolutely necessary for the successful cultivation of Para 

 rubber trees in non-'irrigable, tropical landis. 



The difficulty with which vegetation grows, in spite of 

 the advantages of high atmospheric temperatures, in the 

 coastal regions of the area through which we are now 

 passing is obvious to everyone ; to east and west are 

 extensive tracts of sandy deserts and salt-orusted pools ; 

 hardly a speck of green is to be seen for miles, except in 

 the immediate vicinity of wa:ter. The natural vegetation, 

 visible to the traveller on board' as the steamer passes 

 from Suez into the Red Sea, is miserably poor ; ihere and 

 there are tufts of stunted, coarse grass and general herb- 

 lage, suggestive of more than three acres being required 

 to feed one cow. Further inland, where conditions for 

 plant growth appear to be more favourable, one might 

 imagine it possible to come across laticiferous shrubs 

 similar in habit to the Mexican guayule ; but even they are 

 absent from the immense tracts of flat, open country be- 

 fore us. 



