22 
RUBBER PLANTING IN CEYLON 
SECOND LETTER. 
Growth of Hevea Trees at Heneratgoda — Their Yield at Various Ages — 
Visit to Peradeniya — Director Willis and His Work — Canker Fungus in 
Hevea and its Treatment by Mr. Carruthers — Railways in Cevlon — Plan- 
tation Scenes — Leeches and Other Insect Pests. 
A BCLLOCK hackery is a small two-wheeled cart, gaudily painted, 
with oilcloth top, no springs, and a seat on which sits the driver, 
so close to the little hump-backed bullock that he easily twists 
his tail, or punches his ribs to make him trot, while the passenger, sitting 
back to the driver, clings as best he may. It is a most jerky mode of 
bullock hackery AND RICKSHAW, COLOMBO. 
progression, as the bullock starts and stops with surprising suddenness ; 
indeed, his whole progress is a series of jerks against which it is difficult 
to guard. Were it not for the little step behind on which one’s feet 
rest, it would be impossible to hold on for more than five or six minutes. 
The bullock is a tough little beast, about four feet high at the shoulders, 
and is supposedly guided by a pair of rope reins that run through his 
nostrils. He is, however, more influenced by the half bark, half yell, 
of the driver, and the vigorous tail-twisting that he indulges in on 
occasion. 
