tree. From this incision the latex flows for about three or four 
hours, after that it stops flowing of its own accord. The incision 
should not penetrate beyond the bark, which is generally about f 
inch thick, into the wood of the tree, and for this reason a very 
small axe, which rapidly thickens, wedge-like from the cutting 
edge is used, the shape of the instrument preventing its entering 
too deep. The axe. is generally about f inch wide. The custom 
is to strike with it a back-handed blow upwards, thus making an 
oblique cut on the bark. It is probable that a better method would 
be to use a chisel and mallet and make a V-shaped incision. 
Recent experiments at Henaratgoda have shown the advantage of 
this shaped incision. 
The incision having been made, a small tin cup of a capacity of 
about 4 ozs. is affixed just below it to receive the latex as it 
flows. This is effected by pressing the edge of the cup, which is 
sharp, into the bark until it gets a sufficient hold to remain firm. 
By this method, however, "a second wound is made in the bark 
which is injurious. No better method has as yet been suggested. 
In some places a winding groove is cut in the bark of the tree, 
and by means of a clay breastwork the milk is conducted into a 
vessel placed at the foot to receive it. This method is found, 
however, to be very exhausting to the tree., and is falling into 
disuse. The usual mode of tapping is to make an incision with 
the axe at the height of some 6 or 7 feet from the ground ; on a 
level with that incision and at a distance of some 8 inches a 
second cut is made, and so on round the tree. On the next day 
incisions are made just below these, and so on day by day until 
they reach the ground. Incisions are then made on the same plan 
beginning as before from the top, and working downwards between 
the former rows. A tree that will carry seven cups 8 inches apart 
is considered a large one, and though trees that will carry eight 
or nine cups are to be met with, the average do not carry more 
than four or five. 
It is not possible in the present state of the industry to give any 
precise data as to the average yield of latex per. tree. To begin 
with, the trees are extremely irregular in the yield. Two trees 
growing close together and under apparently precisely similar 
conditions, will often vary very much as regards their yield of 
latex. Some trees are very rapidly exhausted, whilst others have to 
be tapped for some time before they yield the full amount of latex 
of which they are capable. The natives account for this by saying 
that the tree has to be accustomed to being tapped. Sufficient 
data are not available to enable any judgment to be formed as to 
the correctness of this view. It is certain, however, that even 
the most experienced cannot judge of the value of a rubber estate 
before at least a year’s work has proven it. The examination of 
the books of a number of rubber estates actually working and from 
reliable information received, leads me to believe that, for estates 
working with over 20 men, a yield of 300 kilos, per annum per 
man may be expected should it be a good district ; 200 kilos, 
should the district be only fairly good ; and 100 kilos, per annum 
