THE 



TROPICAL AGRICULTURIST 



AND 



MAGAZINE OF THE 



CEYLON AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



Vol. XXXIX. COLOMBO, JULY 15th, 1912, No. 1. 



A RUBBER CATECHISM, 



It is thought that the following answers to a series of questions relating to 

 the rubber industry of Ceylon, which were recently put to us by a correspondent, 

 may be of interest to readers of the Tropical Agriculturist. It was explained that 

 they represent only an expression of our personal opinion which is naturally open to 

 correction, and we would cordially invite such correction from any of our readers 

 who do not happen to agree with us on any of the points here dealt with. It will be 

 seen that we were subjected to a pretty searching examination. 



Question.— Is there still a large area of land which can be applied to the culti- 

 vation of Hevea ? Are the planters disposed to continue that cultivation ? 



Answer.— A large part of the best rubber land is now taken up, but extension 

 is still proceeding steadily. 

 Q.— What is the present tendency with regard to the number of trees planted 

 per acre ? 



A.— The tendency is to reduce the number of trees planted. The number now 

 recommended is about 150 per acre, but varies according to the nature of 

 the land. 



Q.— Are there any diseases of Hevea and are they dangerous in Ceylon? Can they 

 be combatted easily ? Do you think that there are other countries worse situ- 

 ated on this account.? 

 A.— The known diseases of Hevea in Ceylon and their treatment are described in 

 the Circulars of the Government Mycologist. With proper care no serious 

 danger is anticipated from any known disease in Ceylon. 

 Q.— Is it true that too vigorous tapping is injurious to the trees? Has such a fact 

 been noticed in Ceylon ? 

 A.— Trees can certainly be damaged by overtapping. With high prices the ten- 

 dency in recent years has been to overtap. Steps are now being taken to 

 reduce the rate of tapping on many estates. 



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