There can be no doubt that thinning out is a problem which will soon have to be faced on the majority of estates, and on many the process is already in operation. The most important principle to be observed in thinning is to disregard the position of the trees. In the opinion of the. writer, it would be a great mistake simply to remove alternate trees regardless of their individual value. Under ordinary conditions, whatever the position of the remaining trees may be, and however large the gaps caused by felling, the roots will soon explore the whole of the remaining soil, and the branches will come after a time to occupy the remaining air space. In the first place then, all weakly or diseased trees should be removed, and secondly all those which are found to give the poorest yields of rubber. Large trees may have to be taken down in sections, since their fall would lead to injury of the surrounding trees. The stumps must next be dug out or extracted. The site of the old tree should be thoroughly dug over and well limed, and as much of the roots as possible taken away. All dead wood and roots must be burned. The older parts of Hevea make a fairly good fuel which may be utilized in the factory.