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the experimental stage. From the tappings of larger trees that 
have so far been made in Hawaii there is every reason to be 
sanguine over the flow of latex. The present investigation should 
go a long way toward throwing light on the cost of handling the 
product, for the figures that are being collected refer not alone 
to the tapping of the trees but include as well the several steps of 
collecting the rubber from the trees, getting it to the drying 
house, making it into a commercial product and preparing it for 
shipment. 
Incidentally much information will be got on the quantity of 
latex found in young trees, and the age and size at which tapping 
should best be begun. Such data are all to the good for the object 
of the experiment is not to get rubber, but to find out accurately 
what the cost of collecting it is to be. Even if no rubber at all 
were obtained the data as to the time needed for making the cuts, 
setting and gathering the cups, carrying the containers to the dry- 
ing shed and the rest would be distinctly worth while, for at 
present there are no figures available on the cost of these opera- 
tions. 
It perhaps should be said here that along with the tapping 
tests on the small trees there will also be made continued tappings 
of some of the older trees to ascertain how much rubber can be 
produced and for how long a time it is expedient to continue to 
tap a given tree. 
In working out the details of the experiment the plan broad- 
ened somewhat in scope so that as it now stands the work that 
it is proposed to do falls under four main heads, as follows : 
First. Experimental tappings to determine the cost of collect- 
ing latex under conditions of commercial practice. 
Second. Comparative tests of different methods of tapping to 
ascertain which one is best adapted to the local conditions, in view 
of cost, time required, effect on the flow of latex, and general in 
fiuence on the tree. 
Third. A study of the methods of handling latex after it has 
been collected, with special reference to control by chemicals or 
by other means, so that as large a percentage as possible may 
be sold as high grade rubber. The best way of handling the 
"scrappings" is an important phase of this problem. 
Fourth. A study of methods of cultivation and fertilization, to 
find out how through these means the rubber trees may be brought 
sooner to the point of tapping, or by increased vitality be made 
to yield larger quantities of latex at an earlier age or for a longer 
period of flow. 
Along with the main points enumerated much information 
should also be got on such related matters as the best spacing of 
the trees, the appropriate season of the vear for planting, inter- 
cultural crops, and the like. 
The work under the third head, methods of chemical control, 
will be performed at the laboratory of the Hawaii Experiment 
