( 32 ) 
the consumption of one ton of wood for every 185 
lbs. of rubber. The consumption of wood may 
therefore be estimated at rather more than twice 
the output of rubber. 
It would appear advisable, therefore, to direct 
serious attention to this problem and to state that, 
in the not distant future, some other method of 
preparation of the raw product will have to be 
considered, which will eliminate or considerably 
reduce the large amount of fuel consumed in the 
smoking. The shortage of wood fuel, apart from 
its actual cost, may have an important influence on 
the method of preparation of raw rubber in the 
future. 
Statistics. Rubber was first commercially planted 
in Malaya about 1895 ; since then, 
though checked by the slump, expansion has been 
steady and rapid. 
Figures for the last few years show : — 
Acres of Rubber Rubber Exported from 
Year. 
F.M.S. 
Planted. 
S.S. & Unfed. M.S. 
Malaya.** 
Tons. Value ($) 
1920* 
— 
— 
182,059.21 
36,074,278 
1921 
1,234,951 
Approx. 1,000,000 
169,429.06 
12,898,345 
1922 
1,234,951 
„ 1,000,000 
248,131.12 
18,685,828 
* No reliable figures previous to census of 1921. 
** Includes re-exports. 
The F.M.S. acreage is made up as follows: — 
Estates over 200 acres . . . . 696,041 acres. 
100 and under 200 ac. 68,959 „ 
25 100 ac. 64,296 „ 
under 25 ac. .. .. 405,655 „ 
1,234,951 acres. 
