. Cyclopedia of farm crops, a popular survey of crops and crop-making methods in the United States and Canada;. Farm produce; Agriculture. Fig. 796. Fims eiasliea, or Assam rubber tree, Sbowing tapping system. Fig. 795. Ficus elastiea, or Assam rubber tree. Showing habit and the characteristic way it attaches its roots to a log. growing either as an epiphyte on other trees for part of its life, finally killing its host, or as a rock plant on high precipices. It is well adapted for cultivation in the rain-forests of the equator, but it will also grow farther north than will Para rubber. It is t
. Cyclopedia of farm crops, a popular survey of crops and crop-making methods in the United States and Canada;. Farm produce; Agriculture. Fig. 796. Fims eiasliea, or Assam rubber tree, Sbowing tapping system. Fig. 795. Ficus elastiea, or Assam rubber tree. Showing habit and the characteristic way it attaches its roots to a log. growing either as an epiphyte on other trees for part of its life, finally killing its host, or as a rock plant on high precipices. It is well adapted for cultivation in the rain-forests of the equator, but it will also grow farther north than will Para rubber. It is the well-known "rubber plant" of the horticulturist. Assam rubber can be grown from cuttings, which is the usual method, or from seed. The seed is very small and should be grown in boxes over water, as it may be destroyed by ants. There are 1,000 to 1,200 seeds in an ounce. Cuttings grow rapidly and may be tapped in four years. It grows freely without shade if planted close, but more rapidly under partial shade. The tree sends out aerial roots, some of which are usually removed, leaving only those which in time may become suitable for tapping. Eoots and stems are tapped with a V-shaped cut, made with a gage, and a sharp knife is drawn down the center of each arm of theV. The latex is more difficult to coagulate than that of Para. It can be coagulated by stirring, or by extracting as much water as possible. One system is to allow it to drop on mats below the tree, where it coagulates and is afterwards removed. The amount of latex produced varies greatly. After heavy tapping the tree requires to be rested for a year or two. The value of this rubber is about the same as that of Central American rubber. Ire or silk rubber {Funtumia elastiea). This tree grows to a very large size, and takes many years to come to maturity. When of sufficient size and age it produces rubber of excellent quality, but few can wait the time required for it to mature, which may be given at 1 mini
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