7 6 



Castdloa elastita reproduces itself freely. It has been compared to 

 the pine — a slow -growing tree which does not propagate itself rapidly. 

 It should however be compared with the chestnut of our northern forests. 

 If a stretch of well-situated land were allowed to grow up wild here at 

 the north, it is certain there would be a fair proportion of chestnut- 

 trees that would probably come up on the property. If, besides these 

 natural results one or two camps were established on the place and a 

 few men were kept working about through the woods planting chest- 

 nuts and looking after the trees, it is certain that the care and attention 

 would result in a heavy percentage in favour of the planter. Similar 

 results can be expected in the tropical forest, using the same methods 

 but substituting the care of rubber-trees for the chestnut-trees that I 

 have taken as an illustration. 



I have noted strong evidence in the tropical forests that rubber- 

 trees will reproduce themselves whenever the locality is naturally 

 adapted to such reproduction, and with a little care such as could be 

 given by three to ten men according to the size of the property taken 

 in hand the results will be beyond the most sanguine expectations. 

 The great question is to secure a good run of healthy forest land in a 

 suitable location. This being done but little more is required. A few 

 ordinary labouring men and the investment of a small amount each year 

 will after a time return thousands annually. In the forests the rubber- 

 tree can be relied on to produce an abundant flow of sap. In open 

 cultivation it must protect itself from the sun and dry air, and the 

 results are doubtful, though some well-situated plantations will certainly 

 yield bountifully. Another important point is that forest land is cheap 

 in most rubber countries, and it is no object to secure a maximum yield 

 from a given amount of land. The object should be a minimum cost of 

 production without regard to the amount of land employed. 



After having travelled through all the desirable rubber regions in 

 Central America and northern South America, I am satisfied that suit- 

 able tropical forests which can be had now at a low price — often for a 

 few cents an acre — present an oppcrtunity for the profitable employ- 

 ment of capital such as has seldom been offered in the world's history, 

 but the serious point is to secure the proper land. Those who acquire 

 it wil) have more than they expect, but natural rubber lands are not to 

 be had by simply making a chance location. Though the tree will grow 

 almost anywhere, it is only the most favoured spots that will yield those 

 spontaneous returns that are so very profitable. It is fair to state that 

 if people go to taking up tropical forests promiscuously ten will be 

 disappointed tc every one who secures a prize.— Indiarubber World. 



