2 



[July, 1912. 



Q.— Which is the period of the year during which the tapping gives the greatest 

 yield, and during which in consequence the export is greatest ? 

 A.— The latex flows most f reely towards the end of the year, i.e., in October, 



November, December, and in January. 

 Q.— What is the average production of a tree according to its age; and for an 

 acre of land planted with Hevea? 

 A.— We have no means of estimating the average. 3 lbs. a tree and 400 lbs. an 



acre are regarded as good yields at 8—9 years of age. 

 Q.— Is it true that the production of rubber increases with the age of the tree ? 

 In what proportion ? Is it known at what age the maximum pioduction is reached ? 

 A. — Yes, with careful tapping. The age-limit of increase has not yet been reached 

 in Ceylon. An increase from \ lb. at 5 years to 4 lbs. at ten years may be 

 anticipated with wide planting. 

 Q. — Which are the general ideas about labour in rubber plantations? What is 

 the rate of pay ? Does it not increase ? Is it true that in that case the tea planters 

 will be ruined V If so what is the limit which can be reached without damage ? 

 A. — In Ceylon the efficiency of tapping will probably be so much increased, that, 

 with new sources of labour, tea and rubber will alike continue to pay hand- 

 somely. 



Q.— Does the production of rubber by the important companies agree with 

 previous estimates ? 



A.— Estimates are generally on the conservative side and are often exceeded. 



Q. — What do you think of the average cost of production of rubber taking a 

 pound as a basis ? Does it not exceed previous estimates and tend to increase ? Is 

 this caused by the rate of pay or by the scarcity of coolies ? 



A. — We do not think that the average cost of production is likely to increase. 



Q. — Please tell me which are the best publications regarding the plantations, 

 statistics, exportations, &e. 



A.— 1. The Circulars and Agricultural Journal of the Agricultural Department 

 of Ceylon. 



2. The Tropical Agriculturist. 



Q.— Is wastage owing to loss of trees foreseen by the rubber planting companies? 

 Is it possible to form an estimate of the future loss of trees; as well as the 

 percentage of trees likely to be lost by disease ? 



A.— We are disposed to think that the percentage is not likely to be serious. 



Q.— What are the estimates of production tor the years to come? 



A. — Please see Ferguson's Directory. 



