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of unappropriated land of tins description north and south of the 
Isthmus. 
CLIMATE. — The climate of Colombia more particularly the dis- 
tricts north and south of the Isthmus, is a very great deal better 
than its reputation. 1 am inclined to think that the villainous 
climate of the stretch of land between Colon and Panama, and the 
frightful death-rate amongst the canal workers, has been taken to. 
apply without distinction to the high-lying land adjoining the dis- 
trict. But it must not be forgotten that the susceptibility of the 
negro, at any rate those hailing from the West Indies, for zymotic 
diseases, is nothing short of extraordinary, the death-rate amongst 
them even from measles being simply appalling. The white races 
under the same conditions enjoy comparative immunity. More- 
over, the higher-lying districts adjoining the Isthmus are incompa- 
rably healthier. There is, therefore, no reason why in the next io 
or 20 years rubber cultivation in Colombia should not attain to 
huge dimensions. Land is to be had practically for the asking, the 
establishing of even a large rubber plantation is incredibly cheap, 
and the returns are large, certain and permanent. 
RUBBER, IN CEYLON. 
Mr. J. B. TENNANT, of Berredewelle, Matale, went down to 
Kalutara in September to inspect the Para rubber cultivation on 
Culloden Estate, Neboda. A “Standard” representative, who was 
in Kalutara on Saturday, in a brief conversation with Mr. R. W. 
Harrison, the manager of the estate, learnt that the prospects of 
Para rubber in the low country were very bright. Recent sales in 
London fetched exceedingly good prices. All the trees have been 
tapped, and are yielding very freely. Trees have been planted in 
all parts of the estate. (Culloden), which belongs to the Rose- 
haugh 'Tea Company of Ceylon, and is the best estate in the low 
country where Para rubber has been fully planted, Arrapolakande 
(also in Neboda) coming next. Mr. HARRISON informed our repre- 
sentative that he expects an output of nearly ten thousand pounds 
this year, which is considered a splendid record. Large quantities 
of seed have been sent to Southern India, and several local estates 
have also been supplied. Mr. HARRISON used to do a tremendous 
business all over Java, Sumatra, the Cape, North Borneo, Thursday 
Island and Queensland. Small quantities have also been shipped 
to London and Paris, but the foreign is now practically over. — 
India rubber and Gutta percha Trades' Journal. 
RUBBER IN AFRICA AND SOUTH AMERICA. 
The following extracts are taken from an article by Emile 
BoNNECHAUX, explorer, published in “ Le Vieux Corsaire”: — 
With the extending use of rubber and its thousand and one 
applications, a serious question presents itself. Will the forests 
