253 
ical way is only in its infancy. As time goes on and large areas 
of trees come into bearing and with the experience gained, the 
cost of collection should be materially reduced. The problems 
yet to be solved are : How old or how large the trees should be 
before they are ready for tapping; how to reduce the amount 
of bark cutting without loss ; how often and for what length of 
time it is best to rest the trees ; whether to use the 
Problems, single "V" method of cutting the bark, the herring 
bone or some other system. There are also the ques- 
tions of whether or not it is best to cut the trees on both sides at 
the same time or alternately ; the frequency of tapping and its 
effect on the quantity, richness and strength of the rubber; the 
number of trees most profitable to plant to the acre, etc., etc. I 
found a difference of opinion as to what tapping tools were best 
to use and the method of treating the latex. One question 
appears to be settled, however, and that is that 
Variety Planted, in this part of the world the Hevea is the most 
satisfactory tree to plant and is being planted 
almost exclusively. It grows well, is hardy and will stand a great 
deal of abuse, while the cost of gathering the latex is less and 
the profit consequently greater with this variety than with any 
other. 
The yield of rubber per acre per annum is also greater than 
with other varieties. Ceara is planted to a very small extent in 
parts of Ceylon on the higher elevations where Hevea does not do 
as well. Ficus Elastica was planted to quite an extent at one 
time but is now being abandoned or cut out. Castiloa does not 
do well as it grows very slowly. 
HEVEA OR "PARA" RUBBER. 
Hevea or "Para" rubber does best where the temperature does 
not go below 6o°, but localities where the 
Physical Conditions, temperature does not go below 65 0 are 
preferred. The temperature in Malaya 
and Ceylon does not vary more than four degrees between the 
cooler and warmer months. The climate is very humid. January- 
is the coolest month while March is the warmest. The following 
table shows the weather reports for the months of April, 1907, 
to March, 1908, inclusive. These readings were taken at Kuala 
Lumpor, State of Selangor, F. M. S., which is about the center 
of the largest plantings in Malaya. 
