328 



There are 400 to the acre. A tree selected at random 

 gave 2 lbs. 11 ozs. of "refined" rubber. The cultivated 

 trees raised from seed begin to yield in the sixth year. 



In Mr. Harrison's report to shareholders, it is stated 

 that up to December 10, 1907, there were tapped 257,760 

 trees which gave 40,600 pounds of rubber: an average of 

 2.52 ounces at each tapping. These trees varied in age 

 from 5 to 7 years, the average being under 6 years. 



One tapper and a boy can tap 50 to 80 trees a day 

 according to size and brings in 5 gallons of latex which will 

 produce from 8 to 10 pounds of rubber, according to the 

 season, as in the rainy season the latex is more watery. 



Mr. Harrison has no hesitation in saying that from 

 three tappings a year of a six to seven year old tree, can 

 be obtained a total of six ounces of rubber. 



The cost of collecting and curing the rubber worked 

 out to 7\ cents a pound, and allowing 8 cents for mainten- 

 ance and marketing a total of 15 cents a pound for harvest- 

 ing and marketing. The rubber is valued at 1 dollar a 

 pound, the average price for the past six years. These 

 figures obviously refer to American coinage. 



Now while without doubt Castilloa is a plant which in 

 Mexico will pay well to plant, the figures given hardly bear 

 out the statement that it is more productive than Para and 

 of all rubber trees responds most readily to cultivation. 



Its actual returns are apparently considerably less, 

 for age, and it does not appear to be as fast a grower. 



However our readers can for themselves compare the 

 figures with those of their own estates, and decide which of 

 the trees thev would prefer. 



Ed. 



JOHN HADDON & CO. SPECIAL 

 PRODUCE LETTER. 



London, 7th May, 1909. 



Straits Report. 



beeswax A good demand has continued, yellow descriptions 



selling at higher prices, East Indian up to £6.10.0. per 

 cwt. 



capsicums Fine bold of good color are scarce, further arrivals 



should sell well. 



