1 1 1 



tree. From this incision the latex flows for about three or four 

 hours, after that it stops flowing of its own accord. The incision 

 should not penetrate beyond the bark, which is generally about § 

 inch thick, into the wood of the tree, and for this reason a very 

 small axe, which rapidly thickens, wedge-like from the cutting 

 edge is used, the shape of the instrument preventing its entering 

 too deep. The axe is generally about f inch wide. The custom 

 is to strike with it a back-handed blow upwards, thus making an 

 oblique cut on the bark. It is probable that a better method would 

 be to use a chisel and mallet and make a V-shaped incision. 

 Recent experiments at Henaratgoda have shown the advantage of 

 this shaped incision. 



The incision having been made, a small tin cup of a capacity of 

 about 4 ozs. is affixed just below it to receive the latex as it 

 flows. This is effected by pressing the edge of the cup, which is 

 sharp, into the bark until it gets a sufficient hold to remain firm. 

 By this method, however, a second wound is made in the bark 

 which is injurious. No better method has as yet been suggested. 

 In some places a winding groove is cut in the bark of the tree, 

 and by means of a clay breastwork the milk is conducted into a 

 vessel placed at the foot to receive it. This method is found, 

 however, to be very exhausting to the tree and is falling into 

 disuse. The usual mode of tapping is to make an incision with 

 the axe at the height of some 6 or 7 feet from the ground ; on a 

 level with that incision and at a distance of some 8 inches a 

 second cut is made, and so on round the tree. On the next day 

 incisions are made just below these, and so on day by day until 

 they reach the ground. Incisions are then made on the same plan 

 beginning as before from the top, and worki g downwards between 

 the former rows. A tree that will carry seven cups 8 inches apart 

 is considered a large one, and though trees that will carry eight 

 or nine cups are to be met with, the average do not carry more 

 than four or five. 



It is not possible in the present state of the industry to give any 

 precise data as to the average yield of latex per tree. To begin 

 with, the trees are extremely irregular in the yield. Two trees 

 growing close together and under apparently precisely similar 

 conditions, will often varv very much as regards their yield of 

 latex. Some trees are very rapidly exhausted, whilst others have to 

 he tapped for some time before they yield the full amount of latex 

 of which they are capable. The natives account for this by saying 

 that the tree has to be accustomed to being tapped. Sufficient 

 data are not available to enable any judgment to be formed as to 

 the correctness of this view. It is certain, however, that even 

 the most experienced cannot judge of the value of a rubber estate 

 before at l^ast a year's work has proven it. The examination of 

 the books of a number of rubber estates actually working and from 

 reliable information received, leads me to believe that, for estates 

 working with over 20 men. a yield of 300 kilos, per annum per 

 man may be expected should it be a' good district ; 200 kilos 

 should the district be only fairly good ; and 100 kilos, per annum 



