&3 
The very serious decline in price since October is mainly due to 
the serious crisis in America, and the closing of many factories there. 
But, considering the enormous increase and general expectation 
of “ planting ” rubber in most tropical countries (coupled with the 
prophetic figures of immense supplies of plantation within two or three 
years), values were far too high. The decline will, we hope, cool many 
new enterprises and prevent too large extensions of planting. There is 
no sign of such increased demand or new uses for rubber as to warrant 
too rapid an increase of supply. If it becomes too large, values will 
suffer. We cannot expect much increase of consumption in 1908 in the 
present state of trade and the over-production of motors everywhere 
this season. 
Brazil shows no sign of reducing her output, though perhaps she 
may do so in the next crop owing to the serious losses on this crop. 
Brazil exported over 41,500 tons. 
There are rumours about the manufacture, by old and moneyed 
people who do not often put money into disasterous speculation, of 
what was erroneously described as synthetic rubber. We shall wateh 
results with curiosity (and doubt). 
The lower price may retard or reduce the manufacture of 
“substitutes,” but they are largely consumed. The manufacture of 
reclaimed rubber is very considerable and increasing. 
Rambang and Castilloa have not been liked, and sold cheaply. 
The India-Rubber Journal, volume 35, p. 40. 
LEWIS & PEAT'S 
REPORT ON PLANTATION GROWN RUBBER 
From Ceylon, the Straits and Malay States for 1907. 
6 Mincing Lane, London, 
January , 1908. 
It is with satisfaction that at the end of another year we are able 
to report a large increase in the number of manufacturers and con- 
sumers who are now using plantation rubber, and who send regular 
orders for all kinds as they are offered on the market. There is no 
doubt that this means that by degrees old prejudices are gradually 
being overcome, and that experience in how best to use the Rubber by 
manufacturers is proving to consumers the superior merits of 
cultivated over native kinds, and considering the purity and reliable 
quality of the bulk of supplies sent home for sale, we anticipate manu- 
facturers will further adapt their plant and use plantation more and 
more. We have had some most satisfactory results of tests for strength 
brought before us, and if producers will only maintain the reputation 
for purity and evenness of quality, we have no fear for the future of the 
article, although it may be as supplies increase at lower prices. 
