2^4 
attained the reproductive stage in the La! Bagh. In its culturable 
requirements this important tree seems to be intermediate between 
the Para and Ceara species^ requiring neither the tropical humid- 
ity of the former nor the open and comparatively dry conditions of 
the latter. It is, in fact, a tree for the coffee zone. 
Although I do not say positively that Castilloa , would fail on the 
Maid an, I certainly think it will have a better chance in compara- 
tively open spaces throughout the coffee zone. Indeed it may be- 
come a good shade tree for coffee for all we know at present. 
Now we come to the Iasi of the three American trees eg. Hevea 
brasit iensis , or Paid rubber. When pure the latter is worth Rs. 4 
a lb. and is admitted to hold the market at present. But under 
improved methods of preparation it will soo 1 be closely run in 
quality, and perhaps greatly exceeded in quantity, by' the rubber 
which I have just reviewed Anyhow it is not likely to be of much 
practical use in the dryer parts of India: therefore, we are justified 
s in turning our attention to more hopeful subjects. The Para rub- 
ber tree is essentially tropical in its requirements, and needs a 
humid atmosphere such as is found in the Amazon Valley — its native 
habitat. Ceylon has started cultivation in a small way. But the 
only eastern country which is likely to compete on fairly equal 
terms with America in the Malay Peninsula and Archipelago. Along 
the West coast of India and in moist situations under the Ghauts 
there may be spots where the climatic conditions are tolerably 
favourable. But careful experiment should be conducted before a 
large investment is made. At Bangalore the tree languishes and 
dies during the long dry season. Irrigation gives only temporary 
relief and there is loo little moisture during the first four months of 
the year. 
The Assam rubber tree, (true rubber) Ficus elastica, I have all 
along said will grow well in the coffee districts, and the reason why 
it is not found there in quantity is possibly due to the difficulty of 
rapid propagation. But in any South Indian rubber plantation this 
useful tree should containly find a place. It is said to be doing 
well in the Straits Settlements. 
Planting Opinion , 8th A /gust, /goj.p. 542. 
PARA RUBBER SEED 
Kepitigalla Estate , Matale. 
Dear Sir, — An important point to be decided, and of interest 
to Para Rubber growers, is whether the tapping of a tree injures 
the seed for planting. This question lias been raised by a few 
planters when ordering seed, stipulating that the seed should be 
from untapped trees only. I have sold many thousand of seeds 
during the last four years, but only three planters have made this 
request. I have carefully tested seeds from tapped and un tapped 
trees, of an equal number grown in beds side by side for the past 
three years and 1 have never found the slightest difference. I have 
