Gums, Resins, 



As far as known the trees are long-lived, and increase their output of latex 

 yearly until as many as twenty-five pounds of crude rubber have been taken from 

 a single tree. It is only within a few years that attention has been called to 

 the cultivation of this tree. During the years 1889 and 1890 a grove of some 5,000 

 of these trees was planted on La Zacualpa, a plantation in the above Depart- 

 ment, which trees are now (1905), on air average, eighteen inches in diameter and 

 forty feet in height, and are yielding about two and one-half pounds of rubber 

 to the tree. They stand about 400 to the acre and are in prime condition. These 

 are the trees referred to by Mr. O. F. Cook, Bulletin 49, issued by the United 

 States Department of Agriculture, as follows :— " The planted trees at La Zacualpa 

 abundantly demonstrate the practicability of rubber culture." 



The successful production of rubber and growth of these trees, combined 

 with their present healthy state, has proved the fact that Castilloa elastica 

 can be easily cultivated in its native habitat, with large profits. Cultivated 

 trees are raised from the seed, and begin to yield milk during the sixth year 

 from date of planting. 



The trees have no natural enemies, as, by reason of the quantity of 

 resin and albuminoids contained in the milk, they are not molested by worms, 

 insects, birds or animals. 



Owing to the successful conditions noted above this plantation has been 

 extensively developed, and under the care of expert rubber cultivators about 

 3,000,000 rubber trees are growing vigorously. The cultivation of rubber is a new 

 enterprise, calling for the most careful study, and is a notable addition to the world's 

 varied industries. Consequently, the questions of soil, rainfall and climatic 

 conditions must enter largely into the calculations of those contemplating its 

 future. The rubber tree requires a rich loam soil ; warm, moist climate ; low altitude ; 

 a large and evenly distributed rainfall, and perfect drainage. All these conditions 

 exist in the Department of Soconusco. The rain record, taken daily by the 

 British Vice-Consul, R. O. Stevenson, has averaged 160 inches for many years 

 past. The plantation consists of 18,791 acres of land, of which 12,000 acres have 

 been set apart as La Zacualpa Rubber Plantation and are now being planted 

 with rubber trees. 



Labour.— The management is entrusted to one superintendent, two major- 

 domos, or sub-managers, and one corporal to every thirty men. During the 

 planting season about 300 men are employed, with ten corporals. All the planting 

 s done under the supervision of rodmen who have formerly worked with engineers, 

 and the lines outlining the planted squares and avenues between are run with 

 great care. At sunrise the plantation bell calls the labourers to work, all 

 assembling in the patio, or yard, in front of the manager's house. The major- 

 domos receive their instructions from the manager and communicate them to 

 the corporals, who in turn direct their men, regarding the work of the day ; 

 and are responsible for the performance of their respective duties. The bell, which 

 can be heard in all parts of the plantation, announces the noon hour, and at 

 1 o'clock work is resumed, continuing until sunset. Everything is done in the 

 most systematic manner, and the plantation is kept clean and in good order at 

 all times. The supplies needed are furnished from the company's store, and a 

 large bake oven is provided for the use of the labourers. Generally four or five 

 women do all the baking, and sell bread to those wishing to buy. 



The location of the plantation is an ideal one, level for the most part, 

 but sufficiently rolling for good drainage, well watered, entirely free from stones 

 and gravel, and has the reputation all through that country of being a very 



