15 
Methods of Selection. 
The process of selection should commence, as I have pointed out 
above, with the seeds. Whatever method of planting is adopted the 
most important time for selection is when the seedling has appeared 
and grown to a size which permits the distinguishing of its main 
features. In order to be able to" exercise necessary judgment in this 
selection the planter should be thoroughly acquainted with the 
development of the plant in its various stages. 
I have previously stated that a great variation exists between 
individual plants. This variability is evidenced in a large proportion 
of the trees producing a small quantity only and often an inferior 
quality of latex. Such a lack of uniformity necessitates a subsequent 
sorting and grading of the latex if a good result is to be obtained. 
If latex from all kinds of trees is indiscriminately mixed together 
the result will be a lowering of the standard. From a planter’s 
view-point uniformity of stand is desired, and to attain such a result 
systematic seedling selection is a necessity. 
It has been demonstrated by recent experiments that it is 
possible to secure by selection a great improvement in the 
uniformity of the rubber stand. It is equally possible to obtain a 
considerable increase in yield, and the planter should give the 
closest attention to these and other, points which can be controlled 
by careful selection. The planter should first decide upon the type 
of tree he desires and when he has formed a clear conception of this 
in his mind he should go through the rubber forest, carefully 
observing the trees and selecting the number of trees he needs for 
the production of his seeds. When these, seeds have been collected 
and treated in the best possible way, they should be further selected 
by the screen and the common specific gravity methods. When 
such seeds have germinated the .resulting seedlings will clearly 
demonstrate the benefit of seed selection. ’ As soon as the young 
plants have reached a height of 7 to 8 inches it is time for the planter 
to pass through his fields, eliminating all, plants that are defective, 
backward, or in any other way undesirable, « 
Increased Size and Productiveness. 
Only a superficial observation is necessary to show the planter 
that when a rubber tree is cultivated properly it re-acts to good 
treatment. If the trees have good soil with sufficient moisture, 
plenty of light and air, and no crowding or competition .with other 
plants of its own or any other kind, it will grow quicker, remain 
healthier and more robust, and what is most important, it will 
furnish a greater surface for tapping, than if exposed to the 
vicissitudes of the natural struggle for life in ’the forest or in a 
plantation where the trees stand too close. 
If we subject the trees to the best possible treatment according 
to modern and improved methods of silviculture we will soon be 
repaid for the additional care bestowed upon the plants. There 
can be no doubt but that the size of the trunk can be considerably 
increased by breeding and selection. There can be as little 
uncertainty in regard to the possibility of increasing the amount of 
