402 
PARA RUBBER ON THE GOLD COAST. 
Mr. JOHNSON publishes his annual report for 190$, in which he 
gives some account of the progress of Rubber-culture, in the Gold 
Coast. Para rubber seems there to be more satisfactory than even 
the local rubber trees, for he says that attempts to extract rubber 
from Ofruntum ( Funtutnuz elastica) , Ceara and Assam rubber trees 
were again unsatisfactory. A large tree of the local Ficus Vogeln, 
yielded i| lbs. dry rubber of inferior quality. No returns are given of 
tapping Para rubber, but the growth appears to be excellent. Thus 
the diameter of : — 
3 years old trees is 6*5 at 3 feet from the ground. 
do. 
IO* 
do. 
do. 
12- 
do. 
do. 
i6- 
do. 
do. 
2 r 
do. 
do. 
40* 
do. 
Of seed, 168,000 seeds were distributed and 13,000 seedlings are 
ready for distribution in the rains. They will be sold at eighteen 
pence a dozen which is certainly cheap enough. 
H, N. R. 
EXHAUSTION OF WILD RUBBER. 
In Africa. 
Every year the consular reports show how more and more the 
African rubber supply is diminishing and those for 1905 continue 
the tale. 
The report for Angola says some ten years ago rubber grew 
exuberantly in many districts of Angola and merchants derived a 
profitable trade from its export wdn'ch reached some 3,000 tons per 
annum. The wholesale devastation of the rubber forests which has 
extended over a lengthy period is now being perceptibly felt by 
the dealers who are beginning to realize that their sources of supply 
are rapidly becoming exhausted. The gathering of the rubber is 
left in the hands of the natives of the hinterland who are injuring 
all the trees by ruthlessly cutting them down and over-milking. 
No attempt at systematic planting has been made except on the 
initiative of individual planters. The output is consequently steadi- 
ly declining and will soon become insignificant unless measures are 
speedily taken to check the flagrant spoliation of otherwise fertile 
districts by adopting scientific methods of culture. “ The principal 
rubber regions of Ambuellas and Luchases lie between the rivers 
Longa and Quando where seeds and living plants are being col- 
lected for the creation of an experimental Station of Fort Princeza 
Amelia, Cubango.” In the Consular report for Gambia we read too 
“ The decrease in rubber must I am afraid be a continuing one as 
