442 
The ratio of growth all trees varies at different periods, with 
the Para rubber tree the best growing period is undoubtedly be- 
tween the 6th and 1 5th years during which time ’ trees may 
increase from about 24 inches in girth to 60 inches or more, thus 
shewing an annual increment of growth from 3-6 inches. We 
have shown that trees close! planted do not make a satisfac- 
tory increment of growth, and that the yield of rubber increases 
with the size ©f the tree from under \ o z. of dry rubber to the 
inch of girth for small trees, to over J oz. for large ones and to 
further emphasise the fact, and the error of close planting we 
submit the following statements taken from the figures of the 
experiments : — 
Number 
of Trees 
Tapped. 
Average 
GIgTH PER 
Tree. 
j 
Aggre- ! 
GATE 
GIRFh. 
Dry 
Rubber. 
Remarks. 
Ft. in. 
Ft. 
in. 
Lbs. ozs. 
‘ 40 
1 
1 
j 
2 3 
QO 
7 i 
H 
OO 
VI 
H^|M 
• 
Tapped 18 times. 
20 
4 2 
83 
7 i 
25 6 
50 
1 
1 9 
88 
7 i 
-nhc 
00 
00 
H 
i5 
3 
1 
5 8 
85 
7 
J 
33 8 
i- ’ 1 
This we think conclusive, and that the first object of every 
Para rubber cultivator should be to aim at well developed trees, 
and this can only be attained with trees which have been well 
distanced from the time of planting, for as soon as the roots touch 
and become intermatted the growth of the tree is impaired. We 
also think that whatever be the methods of tappings — whether 
those now in vogue, or those to come — the result can only be 
safe when the annual increment of growth is up to standard as is 
shewn by the figures quoted. 
There is still a further objection to close planting by the 
reason of the probability of the spread of fungoid disease. We 
do not now enter into all the different pests and diseases of Para 
rubber which are familiar to readers of the Agricultural Bulletin 
but none of which need be regarded seriously excepting the 
fungus (Fomes semitostus) this if once established might prove 
very serious on estates closely planted, for the roots already inter- 
matted remain and the fungus is not apparent until a tree drops. 
The thread-like mycelium is exclusively underground and 
when well developed some fruits may appear at the base of a tree 
but the tree is then doomed and past recover)". Only one thing 
pan. be done, to clear a sufficiently large area and isolate the ground 
