523 
From what we know at present these Manihots would appear 
to grow much faster in the first year than Hfvea brasiliensis does, 
but whether the same rate of growth is maintained in the second 
and succeeding years remains to be seen. 
Manihot dichotoma would appear to be the better tree Irom a 
planter’s point of view attaining as it does a fair size. According to 
Dr. Ule M. piauhyensis is often not more than a shrub 6 feet tall and 
is obviously unsuited for practical purposes. 
A third species has been mentioned recently, namely Manihot 
heptaphylla the ” S. Francisco Manicoba,” but of it we know very 
little although it is said to yield rubber of good quality. 
Judging by the record of Ceara Rubber ( Manihot Glaziovii) in 
Malaya in the past it is extremely doubtful if the Manicobas will 
ever be taken up in preference to Para. Hevea brasiliensis has 
everything to recommend it at the present moment and is eminently 
suited to our climate. Planters will therefore be well advised not to 
expend money on these new species of Manihots until something 
more is known of their reputed good qualities. — 
T. W. Main. 
SHORTAGE OF THE SUPPLY OF PARA RUBBER. 
Heavy and increasing demands from America. 
The continued high price ruling for raw rubber, which is now 
round about 8s per lb. has induced many investors to submit 
inquiries asking us for information as to the present market position. 
The rubber standard of value is the “spot” price of hard Para, 
wild forest grown, and the market has now to face a natural shortage 
in this product, with the result that for the first time on record the 
value of wild has risen above that of plantation grown sorts of the 
best brands, and has also caused quotations for forward shipments 
to rise. This situation is causing manufacturers to make only “hand 
to month” purchases in the fervent hope that something will happen 
to cause the price to drop. Consumers complain that the market is 
being manipulated by speculators, but this does not rest on any 
tangible evidence. The only matter of uncertainty is that no one 
knows what the actual production in Brazil amounts to or is like to 
be, owing to the various difficulties surrounding its collection and 
transport. 
As is well-known, the chief sources of wild growths are in the 
districts ofthe Amazon and its tributaries, whence it is brought 
down by boats or pack mules to Para and Manaos. It is cured before 
being moved, and therefore is ready for immediate shipment or for 
stocking at these ports, a universal marketable commodity. It is 
about the only commodity of its class which is not sold from sample. 
