flgricultureil Bulletin OF THE — 5TKAIT5 ™ AND FEDERATED HALAY 5TATE5. Founded by n. N. RIDLEY, C.n.G..ri.A., F.R.5.. fie. in 1891, and edited by him up to 191 1. AND CONTINUED BY The Botanic Gardens Department Singapore. No. 1. JANUARY, 1912. Vol. I. CONTENTS. Index of Bulletins, from 1891 to 1911 inclusive. The Price of the Bulletin will be as follows: Annual Subscription for Straits Settlements and Federateil Malay States Annual Subscription for other places in Malaya Annual Subscription for India and Ceylon <' Annual Subscription for Europe (Thirteen Shillings) Single Copy . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 ots Whole Volume . . $5.00 $5.50 Rs. 9-8-0 ^0-13-0 ors. 1/2 d. $5.00 All Sutoscriptions are payable strictly in advance. To be purchased at the Botanic Gardens, Singapore, from Messrs. Kelly AND Walsh, Ltd., No. 32 Raffles Place, and 194 Orchard Road, and The Straits Times Office, Cecil Street, Singapore. THIRD SERIES. Agricultural Bulletin STRAITS FEDERATED MALAY STATES. Founded b .^ H. N. RIDLEY, c.>'.G., M.A,, F.R.S., &c., in l8^I, and edite 1 by I i n up to 1911. SINGAPORE : THE STR\'TS TLYES PRESS, LIMITLD. INTRODUCTION AS the Bulletins contain much material of great interest to Planters and Horticulturalists in general, I have endeavoured to form as complete an index as possible by including each article under its special heading. This has been a matter of extreme difficulty as many articles had no title so that in many cases one article may be found under one of two or three headings. Many of our readers may be interested in some spe- cial subject and may not vv'ant to purchase a complete volume to obtain the necessary literature, so that I have given the Volume, the Month and the page in nearly every case. Should they desire some particular article, it will now only be necessary to write to the Botanic Gardens giving Volume and Month (by the way, enclosing the cost of same). As the Bulletin has been edited largely for the help of Planters in general, 1 have also endeavoured to keep all the articles on Para Rubber by themselves. This method should greatly facilitate the reference to articles required by Planters which have appeared in the Bulletins. 1 trust this has not been a labour in vain and that it will supply a long felt want. JAS. W. ANDERSON. Assistant Curator, Abolition of Botanic Gardens, Penang Abrus precatorius, a covering plant „ „ at Batu Tiga Abroma augusta as fibre Acid soils, treatment of for Rubber, by J. B. Carruthers Acalypha fruticosa, by H. N. Ridley Acanthus montanus Acclimatization of Plants, noteson.by H.N.R. Acorus calamus, Use of against Termites ... Acridium sp. (grasshopper at rubber) Actinella Richardsonii (Colorado rubber) ... Adenanthera pavonina Administration of Land Laws of F.M.S. of Forests in F.M.S.— 1903 ... Adulteration of Gambir of Patchouli of Cloves „ of Pepper of Produce Africa, British Central, planting in ,, German East, Consular Report African Products of Rubber Rubber Company, a big Rubber Vines, by H. N. Ridley ... Afzelia palembanica 'insect pest of) „ pest of, by H. C. Pratt. Agave americana — Fibre of Agave sisilana „ Zapupe Age of Rubber Agricultural Association, Report on Exhibitions of the Horticultural Society „ Exhibitions — American view^s of „ Periods ., Produce (1909) Progress in Perak ... 9 March '10 97 8 Sept. '09 415 8 ,, '09 447 4 May '05 15a 8 Jan. '09 I 7 July '08 268 2 Sept. '03 291 6 Dec. '07 41S 7 Jan. '08 I 3 May '04 m 8 Sept. '09 424 8 Feb. '09 53 OS > Dec. 'q8 227 8 May '09 195 3 ,, '04 i65- OS Feb. '92 34 ,, May '93 54 „ April '97 114 ,, ,, '97 120 10 July 'II 210 1 April '02 267 I ,, '02 263 9 May '10 170 5 Jan. '06 8 6 May '07 125 6 Aug. '07 244 6 ,, '07 248 3 March '04 88 3 Oct. '04 409 3 „ '04 409 8 Dec. '09 569 9 Aug. '10 338 5 July '06 237 5 March '06 82 8 Oct. '09 474 4 Aug. '05 299 9 '10 301 9 Jan. '10 5 Agriciiltuiiil Show at Kuala Lumpur (1904)... „ at Pc:iang {1905) „ at Pcnang, b}' W. Fox ... „ at Pl nang „ at P*. nang, rubber list ... at Pe nang, report of (1909). „ at M.ilacca at Si igapore at Singapore, 1910 ,, in Bi itish Africa „ in the Peninsula „ ofMcdan St)ciety, proposed ... Agriculture among natives, Encouragement c^f, among natives, by L. C. Brown .. and Science Directors' Report History and development of in Brazil in British North Borneo in the Cameroons and Togoland. in the F.M.S. ditto (1905) „ by J. B. Carruthers in Kelantan in Native States (1900) in Seychelles Progress of, in F.INI.S. by T.W. Main Report of Director of ',! !', ',', in F.M.S. (1910)... and Forestry in Hawaii Albizzia moluccana, (as shade tree) „ „ curious roots of Alchornea villosa Alligator Apple, by E.G.F. Campbell Altitude at which Rubber can be grown Alstonia scholaris „ "Pulai" Amathusia phidippus (Coconut butterfly) Amazons Rubber versus Plantation Amorphophallus Prainii VOL. Dati P.AGE. 2 Oct. '03 334 3- -'04; 66 99, 170, 180 232, 299 4 June '05 230 4- -June; 16 1238,3.^3 5 March '06 n I Oct. '01 29 8 Aug. '09 375 9 Jan. '10 15 I Sept. '02 480 5 —'06 ; 34, 307 9- -'10; 166 176,412 5 Nov. '06 411 I —'02 ; 157. 505 7 —'08 ; 200, 550 4 -'05 ; 49. 162 •-> Dec. '03 399 3 —'04 ; 53. 90 10 March 'II 66 6 Sept. '07 273 4 Aug. '05 292 I Nov. '02 537 10 July 'II 220 2 May '03 260 2 July '03 211 5 June '06 206 6 ,, '07 175 7 Sep. '08 383 9 Aug. '10 311 5 May '06 140 8 Aug. '09 353 7 Nov. '08 523 8 Sept. '09 391 Aug. July 236 219 OS Dec. '98 227 7 April 4 June 5 Nov. 5 ]March OS May OS June 8 Feb. 9 OS May 8 Dec. OS Dec. 137 215 '06 411 '06 67 '00 250 '97 133 '09 52 '10 54 '00 259 '09 568 '98 215 [ 3 An Ant-killer Anacardium occidentale Analysis of Castilloaand Funtuniia Rubbers. „ ofGambir of Rubber of Soils of Singapore Bot. Garden? Analytical Laboratories of Aynsone Notes of Rubber Plants Ananas sativa Andropogon citratus Angsana Tree — disease on Animals associated with Rubber Annual Report of Botanic Gardens, Singapore. S'pore 1907. Annual Report of Director of Agriculture ... Annual Report of Govt. Micologist (1907) ... of Govt. Plantations, F.IM.S. (1907) Annual Review of Rubber Market Annuals, treatment of, by C. Curtis Anona palustris Another Para Rubber Fungus ... Antiaris toxicaria, Ipoh — all about Anti-Opium Drug, by H. N. Ridley byB. J. Eaton Ants Ants Ants attacking seedlings by F. E. Lease Ant killer, an Apogonia (Coleoptera) attacking Coffee Application & Making of Bordeaux INIixture. Appointment of C. K. Bancroft ... Aquatic Plants, by J. W. Anderson — Action of Copper sulphate on Aralidium pinnatifidum Arden S. — resignation of Appointment Aroeocerus fasciculatus (Coffee bean pest) ... Aroid — Cultivation in Singapore, by H.N.R. Aroids — List of „ new Introductions „ Treatment of, by C. Curtis Arsenical and sulphur fumes — effect on vegetation Artichokes Artocarpus Kunstleri (Fibre) integrifolia OL. D.\TI ^.\GE. 3 Aug. '04 306 5 Oct. '06 377 3 April •04 130 OS Feb. '92 37 5 May '06 136 7 Dec. •o3 579 8 ,, '09 564 9 Feb. '10 51 3 Jan. '04 I 5 Aug. '06 282 9 April '10 133 8 July '09 316 6 April '07 91 7 March '08 104 7 Nov. '08 523 7 Dec. '08 588 7 '08 606 2 Jan. '03 7 5 Feb. •06 40 7 March '08 99 OS June '97 154 4 Dec. '05 481 9 June '10 216 OS Dec. '98 201 4 June '05 214 d Feb. '07 45 6 Sept. '07 310 OS Jan. '95 78 OS ^lay '00 273 5 Nov. '06 408 3 Aug. '04 306 8 Sept. '09 425 9 April '10 138 9 Oct. '10 441 X Sept. 'II 282 5 Nov. '06 403 OS Dec. 'a8 211 .s March 'o5 69 f July '02 387 4 ,, '05 254 4 ., '05 261 5 Jan. '06 7 OS June '97 160 9 --'K ) ; 46 , 137 OS Dec. '98 194 4 June '05 213 9 Feb. '10 54 Arboretum at B:itii Tiga Arengn siiccharifera for brushfs „ „ Kabang Fibre Ass ~)Ciation—Batu Tiga Planters — Johore Planters — Kampar Planters ... - Kuala Selangor - Negri Sembilan —Perak Planters —Planters Asclei)ias curassavica (Wild Ipecacuanha) ... Asparagus (edible) Astyclius c'irysc chloris at Para Rubber, by R. Pears ,, „ at Para Rubber by H. C. Robinson... Atlas Moth--Attacu5 atlas and Rubber Attacu- atlas on Gambir Australia — Rubber in Any some Laboratories, Lancashire Azjlla, as an anti-mosquito plant 8 Sept. '09 443 OS May '93 58 4 March '05 65 7 '08; 223. 406 7 Aug. '08 351 7 Aug. '08 351 7 July '08 293 7 Nov. '08 552 7 -'08 ;95. 201 7 - -'08; 41: ;,482 ,614 3 Nov. '04 464 OS Dec. '98 193 OS May '00 270 3 Jan. '04 21 3 D.c. '04 493 3 July '04 271 7 March '08 89 OS Mav '00 269 5 Nov. 'c6 401 OS Feb. '92 29 OS May '00 269 7 Aug. '08 345 9 Feb. '10 61 8 Tulv '09 322 e Badly affected Areas of Rubber witii Fomes Bailey Memorial Fund Bangka method of manufacturing Gambir Bakek (Piper Chaba) Bakau Firev\-.^od— Steaming qualities of ... Exploitable size, bv V. B. Bjrges Bakau Firewood— Swamp growth at Tanjong Burong Bair.b'O — fungus in, by H.N.R. ... Preservation of, E. P. Stebbings Banana Beetle — Sphenophorus sordidus Cultivation — by A. Hale. „ Fibre — by Prof. Dunstan Fibre Weaving Bark Fungus of Para Rubber ... Barluria Prionitis, remedy for snake-bite ... Barringtonia seed Baru— Hibiscus tiliaceus Bal Guano— by Prof. W. Dunstan 9 Sept. "iO 373 X Jan. 'II 57 OS April '92 3?> OS April '97 ^23 ( May '02 292 3 Oct. '04 41 { 3 Aug. '04 308 7 June '08 230 3 Jan. '04 15 OS May '00 271 5 June '06 185 5 Aug. '06 259 7 July •08 265 7 Sept. '08 390 5 Mar. '06 69 8 July '09 323 2 May '03 165 4 July '05 272 4 Oct. '05 394 [ 5 ] Vol. Datb. Pac e. Biitocera Hector (beetle) ... ... OS May '00 265 Batu Tiga Planters' Association ... 7 —'08; 406, 223 Bassia Motleyana, Fat of— by J. Hewitt ... 7 May '08 174 Bean Cheese,— Fruit for colouring ... 4 Feb. '05 46 Bean Cheese and Soy, by H. N. Ridley ... 3 Dec. '04 494 Beans^Poisonous ... ... 3 Mar. '04 87 6 May '07 139 Beaumont Estate, Report on, — byS. Arden... I Nov. '02 551 Bee culture,— by T. W. Main ... ... 7 July '08 255 Bee— Hawk moth ... ... OS May '00 263 Beetles attacking rubber, — by R. A. Burgess. 3 Oct. '04 419 Coconut, by Mr. Dunman ... 2 Feb. '03 64 by Mr. L. C. Brown .. 2 „ '03 65 Beetle, another coconut, by H. N. Ridley ... 7 July '08 265 Beetles, coconut ... ... 7 Dec. '08 594 ,. extraction from Annual Report ... ... 2 May .'03 16 1 Beetles, in Para Rubber ... ... 2 July '03 222 ,, injurious to Nutmegs ... ... OS April '97 1 12 Beetle,— Red Coconut ... . . 4 July '05 272 — Rhinoceros-in-soil, — by W. Dell ... 3 Jan. '04 18 Begonias, — Treatment of ... ... OS June '97 156 Belgian Rubber Exi9ert in Ceylon, by M. O. Collet ... ... 3 May '04 178 Benzoin, Report on a specimen of, by Prof. Dunstan ... ... 5 Aug. '06 261 Benzoin, Siam ... ... 10 Jan. 'ii [5 Beri-Beri, — Padi and its relation to ... 8 Oct. '09 472 Bertholettia excelsa (Brazil nuts) by H. N. R. 8 Dec. '09 551 Betel-nut Sheaths,— use of ... ... OS Jan. '95 87 Betis or Malay Belian ... ... 5 Feb. '06 39 Biak, Opium substitute ... ... 7 ,, '08 40 Bibliography ... ... 8 July '09 324 Big Rubber trees, by H. N. Ridley ... 7 —'08; 253, 351 Bini Rubber Co , by W. Dunman ... 5 — '06 224 Birds specially useful in destroying insects OS June '97 148 and Crops ... ... 10 Aug. 'II 232 Bisulphide of Carbon ... ... 8 May '09 245 for Termites ... 3 July '04 282 by K. C. Robinson ... 3 Dec. '04 486 Black Cobra ... 2 July '03 225 Black Brazilian Cherry ... ... 9 March 'lO 85 Hevea Fungus ... ... 8— '09; 311,521,570 Pei)per ... ... OS April '97 I18 Bleekrodea — a new rubber tree ... ... 7 March '08 89 Bluniea balsamifera ... ... OS May '93 55 3 —'04; 23. 89 2 Sept. '03 290 Borassus flabelliformis ... ... OS May '93 58 I 6 ] Bordeaux Mixiiire, making & application of Borneo Camplior Borneo, Corticium Javanicuni in Botanic Gardens, Annual Report, 1907 1906 ,, Penang, abolition of Brachartona Catoxantha Brachytrupes achatinus at Tapioca, by H. C. Pratt Brachytrupes achatinus attacking rubber ... Brazil,— Agriculture in nuts, by H- N. Ridley „ Rubber Trade Branch Disease "British World" Brucea sumatrana Brucea sumatrana Brucea sumatrana chemistry of ... British North Borneo, Rubber planting in Brussels Exhibition Buffalo Milk, — Composition of Bulbs & Tubers, treatment of, by C. Curtis Burials, burial ground enactment Burn-Murdoch A. M. appointment of Bamboos, History of Batang Padang, Administration of Land in Batu Ti^a, Report of Plantations at Balanocarpus maximus 9 April '10 138 8 Aug. '09 358 9 Feb. '10 59 7 March '08 104 6 April '07 91 9 March '10 97 8 Aug. '09 357 8 —'09; 13c, 425 5 March '06 69 I Nov. '02 537 8 Dec. '09 551 I Oct. '02 509 9 Sept. '10 373 6 Feb. '07 50 I —'02 122 343 2 Feb. '03 41 6 Aug. '07 252 7 Maj- '08 175 8 Aug. '09 365 Q April '10 151 8 Jan. '09 15 OS June '97 155 8 May '09 211 I '02 122 4 Aug. '05 312 8 May '09 216 7 Dec. '08 603 4 April '05 124 Caesalpinia sappan (as dye) .!. Calotropis gigantea (Mudar fibre) Calendering (Indigo) California, planting in,— E. Mathieu Cameroons — Agriculture in Caladiums, treatment of Calophyllum inc^phyllum (shade tree) Camphor Tree, by H. N. Ridlev... in F. M.S. ,, some insects at Camphor out't.ok for, by H. N. Ridlev Pest Oil in F.M.S. Malay Further notes on OS May '93 50 4 June '05 217 OS May '90 47 . 7 July '08 288 2 Aug. '03 260 OS June '97 156 OS Dec. '98 226 2 Mav '03 163 5 July '06 223 X Nov. 'II 357 6 June '07 173 6 Oct. '07 336 . 7 Sept. '08 394 7 Jan. '08 14 7 Dec. ■08 598 9 Aug. "10 297 9 '10 299 L 7 ] Camphor in Batu Tiga Gardens... „ notes on preparation of Thread Blight on, by Keith Bnncroft Canker Fungus in Rubber, by J. B. Carruthers in Hevea by W. J. Gallagher Canarium commune (for shade tree) Cannas attacked by Cctonia ,, treatment of Gananga odorata Caoutchouc in Indo-China Capau sp. attacking Afzelia, by H. C. Pratt... Caprinia Conchyladis — Funtumia Pest by E. Green Capsicum fastigiatum, etc. Carapa moluccana (Nireh) for Dye Carallia integerrima Carbon Bisulphide for Termites... by H. C. Robinson „ „ by B. T. Eaton ,, ,, by W. J. Gallagher Cardamons in French Indo-China -Caringas at Nutmegs Carrots ■Carpodinus lanceolatus Carrathers J. B., departure of ,, ,, death of Cashew Nuts wanted Cassja Cassias suitable for shade trees ... Cassia fistula Castilloa and Funtumia analj^sis of ,, at the International R. Exhibition „ borer „ l)y " Poison Seffer " „ cultivation in Colombia, C. O. Weber „ cultivation in Java „ cultivation in Mexico ... ,, cultivation in Assam ... ,, elastica „ elastica in San Miquel... „ elastica in Mexico „ elastica „ elastica Growth of trees of Formaline in treating Rubber „ Fruiting in Singapore „ Geographical distribution of „ Preparation of Latex ... 8 Sept. '09 437 8 Aug. '02 344 10 April 'II no 2 Dec. '03 260 7 Jan. '08 15 OS Dec. '98 225 I Nov. '02 550 OS June '97 155 OS Dec. '98 228 6 May '07 127 6 Aug. '07 248 2 Nov. '03 355 3 Feb. '04 52 OS April '97 123 OS May '93 51 9 '10 180 9 '10 181 3 July '04 282 3 Deer. '04 486 6 Sept. '07 309 8 May '09 245 7 Mar. 'o8 95 I Mar. '02 232 OS April '97 109 OS Dec. '98 193 8 Feb. '09 48 8 Sept. '09 419 9 Aug. '10 329 5 Oct. '06 m OS April '97 117 OS Dec. '98 227 5 Mar. '06 68 3 April '04 130 8 Feb. '09 46 2 Oct. '03 322 6 Jany. '07 I 2 May '03 167 2 Mar. '03 105 2 Aug. '03 262 2 Oct. '03 320 OS June '97 133 2 June '03 198 X July 'II 212 8 Feb. '09 46 2 Oct. '03 328 2 Sept. '03 285 8 Julv '09 320 6 Jan. '07 3 3 Mar. '04 102 [ 8 ] Castilloa reliirns seeds, vitality of „ seeds for sale tree — yield of Castilloa versus Para Rubber Castor Oil- Caterpillars pest (Ophiusa melicerte) Casuarina equisetifolia (shade tree) by R. D. Hudson ... „ ., Tile pots for wood, steaming quali- ties of Casuarina j;lauca— Root-shoots of Casuarina?, all nbout Catch Croi)s ,. „ coffee as, E. B. Prior for Rubber ,. ,. „ Tapioca Chillies as a Caterpillar attacking Tobacco ... attacking Pepper ... Ceara Rubber — analyses of ,, by T. C. Campbell Large tree of, in India in Goorg in Sheets „ in South India ... „ in Christmas Island in Mexico (see Manihot) Cement Floors, cleaning of Cephaleuros parasitic on Clove Trees Cephonodts Hylas Cerbera odollam Ceriops candolleana (in dyeing) ... Ceylon Agricidtural Society (on Camphor) ... „ Rubber Exhibition Rubber Exhibition, Straits R. at „ Rubber Exhibition, report ,, Rubber Exhibition ,, Rubber Exhibition, notes on Ceylon's place in the Rubber Industry Chemical Composition of Gambler Chemist, — Govt., Report of Chemistry of Antiaris „ of Rubber, by P. T. Burgess Chengei Damar. by H. N. Ridley Chengal — Growth of, A. Burn-I\Iurdoch 3 Mar. '04 84 I —'02 ;3i3,.s8o July & Aug. '02 390 2 June '03 199 8 July '09 327 OS Mav '00 266 3 Jam '04 22 OS Dec. '98 229 4 Jan. '05 II 4 '05 67 I May '02 292 X Nov. 'ir 359 6 June '07 169 8 March '09 105 8 April '09 170 5 May '06 133 5 July '06 225 9 Nov. '10 450 4 Oct. '05 391 3 March '04 lOI 2 Oct. '03 329 5 May '06 135 5 ,, '06 138 5 ,, •c6 172 5 April '06 119 5 Feix '06 44 7 Dec. 'c8 610 6 Jan. '07 29 9 March '10 107 8 July '09 326 OS April '91 )6 OS Mav '00; 26c ,263 OS Dec. '98 218 OS May '93 51 5 May '06 161 5 Mav '06 139 5 Oct. '06 383 5 Nov. '06 393 6 Jan. '07 ; 3 2.34 6 Feb. '07 40 5 Mav '06 169 OS Feb. '92 35 6 Sept. '07 308 OS Dec. '98 208 2 „ '03 385 6 Mav '07 139 7 Sept. '08 386 I 9 I Cherimoyer Cherry Black Brazilian Chetties — mejting of Chilies as a citch crop „ varieties of Chilocarpus enervis Chinese labour „ ,, Report on „ ,, Plantei's on ,, Anti-Opium Drug „ Reclamation of Land ... „ Rotation of crops in F.M.S. Chilo saccharalis (Sugarcane borer) Chloridea assulta at Tobacco Chocho (Sechium edule) Cholera Choneoir.orpha macrophylla rubber vines . . Christmas Island- C'eara Rubber in Phosphate Chronological Table of Para Rubber 1873-1899 Cinnamomum — cultivation of ... all species of Deschampsii Citronella Oil ,, ,, Analysis of, Prof. Dunstan „ ,, Report of sample, B. J. Eaton Clean Weeding, by J. B. Carruthers „ „ and cover plants „ „ versus Tephrosia, by F. Zernichow Climate and Condition of Crops in F. M.S..., of Penang ... Climbers, Ornamental, by J. W. Anderson ... Cloulh Fr. Rubber, Gutta-percha & Balatta Clove tree, disease of, by H. N. Ridley Cloves — collection and preparation of „ cultivation of ,, disease of „ Enemies of „ manuring of Cnesmome javanica Cobra, Black Coca Leaves Cocoa Planting — future of Cocoa — New work on, by B. Head Coagulation and curing of Rubber of Rubber Vol. D.-vte. Page. I Oct. '01 32 9 March '10 85 I Dec. '02 600 9 Nov. '10 450 OS April '97 123 OS May '00 244 9 Feb. '10 52 9 April '10 153 9 June '10 226 9 Aug. '10 331 6 Feb. '07 45 7 Oct. '08 450 7 '08 450 OS June '97 143 4 Oct. '05 391 OS Dec. '98 191 6 March '07 85 9 Feb. '10 56 X May 'II 146 7 Dec. '08 61G 2 Oct. '03 321 9 J 11 lie '10 213 OS April '97 115 OS „ '97 117 10 Aug, 'II 23. s OS Dec. '98 231 3 Aug. '04 310 4 Oct. '05 397 8 April '09 142 7 --'08 ;383, .537 8 -Sept. '09:413,448 r 8 April '09 131 7 Nov. '08 526 8 July '09 320 10 April 'II 89 3 Mar. '04 1 04 OS Mav '96 95 OS April '97 114 OS „ '97 113 7 July '08 263 OS April '97 114 OS „ '97 113 OS Dec. '98 214 2 July '03 225 7 Aug. '08 336 7 Dec. '08 611 3 Mar. '04 lOI 9 July '10 277 2 Jany. '03 18 [ 10 ] Coagulating? Latex — a new method ,, „ of Dyera Coconut abnormal ,, beetles „ beetles in Perak, by W. Dell beetles, Inspector's report on (1902)... cultivation in F. M. S. „ industry in 1911 pest (Beetles) Coconut Palm Disease Pest— by R. N. Bland ... Pest— by J. B. Carruthers „ Pest (Brachartona catozantha) Diseases Beetles in Philippines ... „ Beetles „ fibre (Coir) „ Plantations Report of Inspector „ Planting in Fiji Prolific „ Prolific, remarkably ,, Trees, Annual Report for 1905 ,, Trees, attacked by a Coccid Coconuts a disclaimer another beetle attacking „ another use of Defoliation of, by H. C. Pratt ... „ diseases of in Ceylon „ in Cocos-Keeling, by A. S. Baxendale in F.M.S. in 1903 in F.M.S. in F.M.S. „ in Peat Soil ,, in Selangor „ in Selangor ,, in South America ... ,, in Plantations and Draining „ in Planting in Papua „ in Report of Inspector of Planta- tions „ red beetle at Coccid attacking Coconuts Coccus or White Blight on Sugar Coffea robust I stenophylla ... I Coffea Coffee, position of, etc. VOL. Date. P.\ge. 8 Mar. '09 no 8 Dec. '09 533 2 Oct. '03 323 2 Feb. ' 03 ; 64, 6s 3 Jany. '03 19 2 May '03 161 9 Sept. '10 394 10 Feb. 'II 33 5 Aug. '06 266 9 May '10 178 3 —'04 ; 92, 309 5 April '06 II& 8 Aug. '09 357 8 Sept. '09 425 6 June '07 175 7 Dec. '08 594 4 March '05 64 8 Sept. '09 426 2 June '03 207 8 Nov. '09 536 8 „ '05 318 5 Aug. '06 265 9 Nov. '10 465 9 Aug. '10 322 I Sept. '02 483 7 July '08 265 7 „ '08 258 6 Sept. '07 306 6 June '07 165 3 April '04 134 3 Jan. '04 18 3 May '04 162 8 —'09 237, 394 7 --'08 527, 590 Q June '10 214 I — '02 ; 226 . 233, 349 8 Sept. '09 429 I March '02 227 I April '02 26 r 7 Aug. '08 339 6 Sept. '07 295 4 July '05 272 9 Nov. '10 465 OS June '97 145 9 May '10 165 Julv & Aug. '02 388 OS Dec. '98 232 2 -'03; 279. 349 II ] Vol. Date :. t *AGE, Coffee 9 Aug. '10 322 „ and Tea, World's Consumption of ... I Dec. '01 115 as a Catch-crop, by E. B. Prior 8 April '09 170 „ at Lowlands I March '02 234 at Zanzibar I Dec. '02 577 „ Blight OS „ '98 232 diseases OS June '97 146 „ enemies to in S.S. OS April '91 15 „ Foxy I Nov. '01 80 „ Hawk-moth OS May '00 260 husks and Malaria I Oct. '02 510 Imports of Coffee & Copra into Holland I July & Aug. '02 387 „ in F.M.S. 7 Nov. 'c)8 530 8 Sept. '09 397 „ Leaf fungus on Liberian ... 3 Dec. '04 492 locust OS May '00 275 Method of treatment of Leaf disease in Java OS April '91 2 pest in beans I Aug. '02 386 pests 8 Sept. '09 425 ,, production and consumption of I June '02 329 predisposition to disease ... OS April '91 6 „ preventive methods for disease of OS „ '91 8 „ treatment of )^oung plants OS .. '91 9 „ vars. — History of 4 Aug. '05 301 Colonial-grown Fruit 6 Dec. '07 424 fruits 5 Feb. 'o6 43 Combretum sundiacuni 7 April 'o8 136 (as anti-opiate) 6 Feb. '07 47 Commelina nudiflora by T. W. Main 8 Jan. '09 8 Comparison of other grasses with Lallang ... OS „ '95 82 of Humus prod, with worms 05 „ '95 82 Composition of milk of Dairy cow and buffalo in Malay Peninsula... ... 8 ,, '09 13. Conditions for the germination of spores of of Coffee disease Congo Rubber — deterioration of Congress Fibre, at Surabaya Connaropsis Gritfithii, by H. N. Ridley Conifers in Botanic Gardens, Singapor:; Continental Scientific Laboratory Coolies (see Labour) Coolies, Free meals to ... ... I Ojt. ., Medical management of, P. N. Gerrard Coolies Sanitation of, Coorg, rubber in Copp.'r Sulphate as a timber preservative . „ ., action of, on aciuatics OS April '9^ 2 2 June '03 202 8 April '04 144 4 Mav '05 155 6 July '07 197 9 Julv '10 281 6 Mar. '07 72 7 Nov. '08 546 5 Mav '06 172 OS Jan. '95 87 5 Nov. '06 403 [ 12 ] Cooper Research Laboratory Copra, Export of, from F.M.S. ... Industry, by T. W. Main Coptosapelta flavescens Cork — a substitute for substitutes for Correspondence Corticium Javanicuiii ,, ,, in Borneo... „ ,, on Para Rubber Coscinium fenestratuni Cost & Production of Indigo Cotton „ a sample grown in Singapore Bug correction on, by C. E. Baxendale ... byT. H.Hill cultivation of, in S.S. „ in 1837 ditto in Malay States, S. Arden experiments in cultivation in S. S. ... „ „ in Bot. Gardens, Singapore „ Imports & Exports into U.K. Industry in Netherlands — India, Tromp de Haus „ in Baram, Borneo in Dutch Borneo ,, in F. M. S., further papers on „ „ ,, by A. S. Baxendale „ by S. Ard.Mi „ in Port Dickson, by D. C. Neave ., in Straits Settlements „ Leaf — roller Notes (Pests on^ by H. N. R. „ Report on Sample of „ Sea Island in Perak, report on sample Cover plants at Batu Tiga Cover plants instead of Clean weeding Cow, Composition of Milk „ Improvement of Dairy, by T. W. Main Crenothrix — Further notes, on, by H. N. R.... „ Kuhniana Creasoting Rubber Cricket attacking Rubber, by H. C. Pratt ... „ ,, Tapioca, b}'^ H. C. Pratt ... „ eating rubber plants Crinum Northianum, by H. N. Ridley „ „ fruiting OL. Date I ^AGE. 8 July '09 325 7 Dec. '08 595 8 Jan. '09 2 OS Djc. '98 213 I May '02 314 2 Mar. '03 114 9 . Feb. '10 61 5 June '06 208 9 Feb. '10 hg 7 Mav '08 170 OS Dec. '98 209 OS May '93 48 2 Oct. '03 309 4 Tany. '05 5 7 Dec. '08 610 3 May '04 169 3 June '04 232 3 Jany. '04 7 3 ,, '04 10 4 July '05 266 3 Jany. '04 7 4 July '05 265 3 Jany. '04 14 3 June '04 195 8 Oct. '09 470 3 Feb. '04 42 3 Mar. '04 94 2 Nov. '03 345 2 Oct. '03 396 3 Aug. '04 305 2 Dec. '03 398 3 „ '04 ; 161 283 3 Mav '04 160 4 July '05 267 3 Feb. '04 41 8 Sept. 09 444 8 Sept. '09 413 8 Jan. '09 15 7 Oct. '08 437 7 April '08 136 5 Nov. '06 407 5 ,, '06 395 8 April '09 139 OS May '00 276 8 April '09 139 5 March '06 68 3 Aug. '04 310 6 May '07 139 13 ] Croaxliles — Skins and tanning ... Cropping and preparing of Pepper ,, Gambir of Nutmegs Patchouli Crotolaria as affecting Termes Gestroi „ at Batu Tiga „ attacked by Fungus ... „ cultivated form of in F.M.S. striata Crows, Ceylon, in Selangor, by E. V. Carey... Cryptostegia grandiflora in Mexico Cubebs (Piper Cubeba) Cumpassia parviilora — "Tualang" Cucumbers Curciiligo filjre Curcuma Z^doaria, starch „ „ (Temu Lawak) longa — "Turmeric" ... Curtis, Mr. C, retirement of Cultivation of Cassia „ of Coconuts in Perak of Gambir for profit ... of Indigo „ of Nutmegs „ of Patchouli of Passiflora foetida and Mikania. ,, of Pot-plants, by C. Curtis „ of Sago Cultivation of Ferns of Camphor in Malaya of Coconuts in Negri Sembilan... „ of Pines for fibre „ of Coconuts in Pahang Cutting of Cinnamon shoots Cultivation of rubber in Cochin China of rubber in F.M.S. of rubl^er in F.M.S.— '07 & '08. ... of Hevea Cryptostegia grandiflora Madagascariensis ... Cyanogenesis in Plants, by H. N. Ridley Cyrtacanthacris nigrovaria (Coffee locust) ... Cymbopogon spc. as oil grasses D Dadessa evaxalis — Turm^rric Moth Daemonorops Draco, niicranthus, propinquus, etc. I '02 6-)3 OS April 'm7 12a „ Feb. '92 30 ,, April '97 104 „ May '93 53 8 March '09 104 8 Sept. '09. 444 8 March '09 105 8 Oct. '09 474 7 Dec. '08 602 8 Sept. '09 416 2 Jan. '^3 16 X Juiy 'II 208 OS April '97 121 6 June \)^ 17.0 OS Dec. '98 I9[ 4 March '05 67 5 Oct. '06 374 OS April '97 128 „ ,, '97 127 2 Nov. '03 370 OS April '97 . n7 8 Sept. '09 247 OS Feb. '92 38 OS May . '^)3 44 ,, April '96 100 „ May '93 53 8 June '09 262 OS ,. '97 150 „ Jan. '95 66 8 June '09 28^ 8 Aug. '09 346 8 Sept. '09 431 OS May '93 56 8 Sept., '09\4>i OS April '97 nS' 9 Sept. '10 388 8 May '09 23^ 7 July '08 282 OS June '97 135 8 Feb. '09 52 8 Dec. '09 562 6 May '07 131 OS ,, '00 275 6 " '07 129 OS May '00 2^ 5 Feb. '06 28 [ 14 I">aib' versus alternate day, tapping rubber Dairy Cow — Improvement in, by T. W. Main Dalpada oculata attacking Gutta-percha ... Dammar tapping, by S. A. Moorhouse Datura fastuosa ,, poisonous DeJ'ecls in Chinese methods of manufacturing Indiiio Dendrc)l)iuin spectal)ilc • taurinum var album Denudation of Soils Derris ellipiica Desmodinm tritlorum Destruction of Insects Deterioration ( 8 Feb. '09 47 „ „ iiowering in Johore 6 May '07 127 „ „ fruiting in Perak 7 April '08 136 „ „ in Trinidad 2 Jan. '03 7 Pest of 2 Nov. '03 355 Caprinia Conchylalis at 3 Feb. '04 52 Funtumia elastica X ,^ 'II 34 (Kicksia africana) OS —00, 97 ; 133 283 Furnace fumes and Vegetation, by J. B. Carruthers 5 April '06 118 Further notes on Malay Camphor 9 Aug. •10 299 Fusicladiuni on Rubber, by W. J. Gallagher 7 May '08 172 by H. N. Ridley ... 7 Oct. 'c8 441 G Gadung 10 March 'it 73 Gale-effect of, on Para Rubber ... 8 July 'C9 322 [ 20 1 Vol. Date. Page. Gallagher W. J. — appointment of ... 6 June '07 175 Gambir. by H. N. Ridley ... ... OS Feb. '92 20 disease of ... ... i May '02 314 Improvements in the manufacture of 8 July '09 312 History of ... ... 4 Aug. '05 30S Gaicinia Merguensis ... ... 7 Feb. '08 40 Geographical distribution of Castilloa ... 6 Jan. '07 3 German East Africa, report {1900) by A. C. Hollis I April '02 268 Colonial enterprise ... ... I — 02; 83 & 346 Germination of hard seeds ... ... 9 Jan. '10 5 Getah-Gripfrom Pulau Jerajah, by R. Derry 8 Sept. '08 391 Getah Jelutong from Sarawak ... ... 3 Feb. '04 48 Ginger— Cultivation and preparation ... O*^ April '97 126 — black-rot disease ... ... I June '02 34s „ —Stems as paper ... ... OS Jan. '95 87 ,, — preserved ... ... „ April '97 127 Girth of trees-method of measuring, by J. B. Carruthers ... ... 6 Dec. '07 420 Girth instrument for measuring, by P. J. Burgess 5 Nov. '06 394 Gloriosa '^uperba— as poison ... ... OS Dec. '98 218 Glycine hispida ... ... 4 Feb. '05 49 soja (Soy bean) ... ... 10 June 'ii 186 Glyphodes Actorionalis ... ... 2 Jan. '03 4 Gnelum edule ... ... OS Dec. '98 216 Gnetum ... ... 4 June '05 2l6 Gomphocarpus semilunatus ... ... 8 Dec. '09 560 Gourds — varieties ... ... OS „ '98 190 Gow^, Wilson and Stanton's report Vol. IV — 05, 484 Do. do. do. „ V— 06, 10; 45; 84; 120 ; 156; 209; 254; 287; 358; 3^5: 412 Do. do. do. ., VI— 07, 56; 113; 141 ; 180 217; 259; 312; 358 391 ; 428 Do. do. do. ., VII— 08, 16 ; 67 ; 1 17; 146 185; 234; 294; 360 417; 490; 556; 632 Do. do. do. „ VIII— 09, 25; 35; 82; 118 174; 179; 331 Do. do. do. „ X— II, page 30 Gramatophyllum speciosum, v^rith plates ... 4 May '05 141 late flowering of 6 Feb. '07 49 Grasses other than Lallang ... ... OS Jan. '95 82 Turf and Fodder ... ... 2 Sept. '03 273 Green manuring Rubber Trees ... ... 9 ,, '10 391 Growth of Forest trees, by A. Burn-Murdoch 7 ., '08 386 „ „ ,, effect of light on, by S. Arden ... 2 Nov. '03 352 Growth of Manicoba trees in Malay Peninsula 8 ., '09 522 [ 21 ] Vol. Date. Page. Guava Jelb, by Mrs. Gunn I Oct. '02 519 Guayule rubber 5 o6; 39; 62 „ 8 Feb. 09 52 „ ,, 6 07; ; 29 & 385 Gum Benjamin 10 Jan. 'II 12 Gunda Sikkima (Rambong pest) 2 Feb. '03 69 Gutta Gerip in Pulau Jerajah, by R. Derry ... 7 Sept. '08 391 Gutta Jelutong I Feb. '02 188 by R. Derry 8 May '09 244 Gutta-percha— by A. Burn-Murdoch 3 July '04 269 M >» 4 Feb. '05 33 at Tjepetir, Java 2 Oct. '03 312 Dr. Sherman's researches and report I 02; 83 & 263 Dutch Plantations of 2 Oct. '03 312 extraction from leaves I Jan. '02 153 „ by P. Dunstan 3 April '04 128 exports from Sarawak ,, '02 266 Gentschos' new June '03 205 growth of 08; 389 & 481 in Ceylon Dec. '02 581 in French Indo-China Nov. '01 83 in Malacca 02; I 85 & 305 in New Guinea April '02 275 in Penang, by C. Curris March I '02 220 in Philippines Nov. '03 367 by Dr. Sherman May '04 168 in Saigon Aug. '04 309 insects attacking Nov. '02 550 Lonchodes brevipes attacking „ '02 551 methods of extraction Feb. '05 37 moth OS May '00 268 notes on 2 July '03 226 Gutta-percha— Pest, "Rhodoneura" 6 Aug. '07 24s report of samples from S.S. at the Imperial Institute,.. 3 April '04 121 Guttas of the Malay Peninsula, by H. N. Ridley 5 Marcl- I '06 61 H Haddon's Produce letter, Vol. Hail in the Malay Peninsula „ in Ulu Langat, by C. W. Hailstorm in Singapore Hancornia speciosa VII— '08, 353; 498; 568; 630 VIII— '09. 29 ; 87 ; 121 ; 172 ; 249 ; 298; 328 ; 376 ; 456 ; 527 ; ; 586 IX— '10, 31 ; 66 3 May '04 169 Harrison ... 3 March '04 lOI 8 July '09 320 OS June '97 133 [ 22 Hancornia speciosa Hard seeds, germinatitjn of Hawaii — Agriculture and Forestry in Hevea brasiliensis -^ ,. abnormalities in stem of „ „ Capsules gathering, by G. Wei man „ „ Early fruiting of Enemies of „ ,, Seed, oil of „ „ Seed, weight of Tapping patterns, by C. B. Kloss „ „ Transmission of seed ... „ ,, Vitality of seed „ ,. Wind twist in „ „ Yield of rubber „ „ (See also Para Rubber) Hats — Pandan Health on Estates Heliconias, by H. N. Ridley Hemileia vastatrix Hemp and Fibre Industry, by C. J. Schirmer Henna (Lawsonia inermis, L.) ... Herbarium in Botanic Gardens ... Herbs, culture of Hibiscus esculentus (Okra) „ tiliaceus, " Baru " „ vars for fibre History of Gambir Gardens of the Peninsula ,. Nutmegs „ Sago Palm Historical notes on Rubber Industry High price of rubber Hosea Lobbiana Humus producing animals Hydrocotyle asiatica (as Stomachic) Hydrocyanic acids in plants Hymenochjete „ noxia on Rubber ... 8 Feb. '09 49 9 Jan. '10 5 10 July 'II 219 OS June '97 134 6 " '0/ 157 6 May '07 134 6 June '07 176 6 Aug. '07 251 6 June '07 177 6 Nov. '07 384 6 Nov. '07 387 6 May '07 138 6 „ '07 132 6 June '07 160 6 Sept. '07 281 5 Aug. '06 263 8 Sent. 'og 408 7 April '08 129 OS ,, '9 1 2 4 July '05 269 OS Mav '93 50 6 Oct. '07 329 OS Dec. '98 183 ,, '98 197 4 July '05 272 4 April '05 156 OS Feb. '92 22 9 March '10 100 OS April '96 99 „ Jan. '95 65 9 Tune '10 201 5 Jan. '06 8 9 March '10 106 OS Jan. '95 77 5 June '06 201 6 Sept. '07 311 8 July '09 312 9 Nov. '10 461 Immigration Fund Enactment Imperata arundinacea eradicatioB of 8 Jan. '09 9 OS Feb. '92 27 7 08; 177 & 585 8 Sept. '09 448 23 Imperata cylindrica „ „ (Lallang for paper) „ as a paper material Imperial Institute „ „ work of „ „ work of Imports and Exports of Copra in Singapore Improvements in Dairy Cow, by T. W. Main Improvements in Fruits, by T. W. Main Improvements in the Manufacture of Gambir Imported Sago to Singapore (raw) Imperial Institute on Cotton from Baram ... Indexes to Malay Flora INDIA RUBBER. (See Ficus Elastica). India rubber Manufacturers Association India Rubber Market Reports Vol. V— 06, 10 254; 287 India rub!)er market for 1905 Indigo, History of, by H. N. Ridley Indigo cultivation diseases and injuries „ cultivation in Singapore „ natural „ Trade of in Marseilles and Lyons ... Indigofera tinctoria Infection of leaves in Coffee disease Injurious Fungi Insecticides Insect notes „ pests — all about „ „ general treatment of „ „ on Gutta-percha and Cannas... ,, „ (see also White Ants). Insects destroyed by luminous snares Introduction of new Agricultural Products... Instructions to Managers on Rubber Estates International and Allied Trades Exhibition Introduction of Para into F.MS. Ipecacuanha, by H. N. Ridley ... „ cultivation of, E. M. Holmes „ prices „ root analysis, by M.Ct.S. Blake Ipoh (Antiaris toxicaria) Isoptera borneensis Ixonanthes icosandra, juice used in harden- ing Jelutong VOL. DATE. Page. OS Jan. '95 73 9 March I '10 85 6 Nov. '07 379 2 '03 369 5 '06 398 8 '09 518 8 Jan. '09 4 7 Oct. '08 437 7 '08 433 8 July '09 312 OS Jan. '95 68 8 Oct. '09 471 7 Tune '08 230 4 Dec. '05 477 ); 45; 120; 156; 209; '; 383; 412; 417; 419 5 Feb. '06 40 4 Aug. '05 306 OS May '93 44 „ Jan. '95 87 2 Sept. '03 286 I Jan. '02 146 OS May '93 44 „ April '91 4 „ May '00 284 2 July '03 229 2 Jan. '03 4 OS May '00 252 I Nov. '01 64 I '02 550 2 Aug. '03 261 2 Oct. '03 333 9 Sept. '10 369 8 Feb. '09 39 9 March '10 no 2 03; ; 2, & 61 7 April '08 134 8 Aug. '09 363 OS Jan. '95 88 8 Aug. '09 364 OS Dec. '98 201 4 June '05 219 7 May '08 174 3 March '04 91 [ 24 ] Jamaica Rubber — a failure in Jacaranda mimossefolia as shade tree Jatropa urens (rubber producing) Java Grass oil Jelebu-Land administration in ... Jelutong— "Pajiar Anak" used in hardening „ preparing of „ from Sarawak gutta Jelutong (see Dyera) Jeringu (Acorus calamus), use of Journal of Cooper Research Laboratory Johore Planters' Association Justicia Gendarusa, Remedy for snakebite .. Vol.. Date Page. 9 Feb. '10 57 OS Dec. '98 226 9 May '10 i88 10 March 'II n 8 May '09 224 3 March '04 91 2 June '03 191 3 Feb. '04 4» Feb. '02 18* 3 May '04 178 8 July '09 32s 7 Sept. '08 40& 8 July '09 323 Kabong Sugar, by T. W. Main ... Kadok — Piper longum Kapar District Planters' Association Kapok as a textile Karatas plumieri — the Mexican Fibre Keeping land clear of weeds Kelantan — Agriculture in District Planters' Association Meteorological reports Vol. VIII 7 July OS April June J=in. June Jan. Aug. July April Kelantan Meteorological Reports, Vol. I—' III—' IV— VI- „ VII- » VIII- IX- X- -09, 35; 94; 306: 339: '02, None '04, 247 ; 296 ; '05, 31 ; 61 ; 246; 284; 420 : '06, 25; 54; 182 '07, 156:239 '08, 30; 38; 305: 381; '09, 35 ; 94 ; 306; 339; ■'10, 44; 76; -'II, 23; 58; 201; 230 ; 340; '08 266 '97 '23 '01 22s '10 30 '10 215 '05 7 '03 24S '08 283 '10 149 191 ; 236; 462; 512 329:403; 439; 501 95: 138; 330; 378; ; 455 : 507 102; 130; ; 220; 391 272 ; 372 ; 413; 43» 128; 251; 429; 512; 574; 646 191; 256; 462; 512; 549; 603 128; 162 ; 198; 235 134: 176; 273; 315: 372; 399 [ 25 ] Khartoum, Report of Wellcome Laboratories Kinds of Rubber Kine:, Sir George— Obituary Kinta — Land administration in ... Kicksia africana Knife — new tapping Koalatex in coagulation, Lehmann and Voss Krian — experiments at „ irrigation canal, opening Kuala Lipis, Land administration in Kuala Kangsar „ „ Kuala Pilah Kuala Selangor ,, „ Kuala Langat District Planters' Association Kuala Trengganu Dt. ,, „ Rainfall Vol. IX— 10, Kuala Selangor Planters' Association Kuantan, Land Administration in Kumus (Shorea ciliata), bj^ H. N. Ridley ... 45 OL. Date 1 Page. 8 July •09 318 OS June '97 132 8 April '09 169 8 May '09 216 OS June '97 3i OS May '00 283 8 May '09 245 5 July '06 243 5 May '06 173 5 Aug. '06 283 8 May '09 229 8 „ '09 215 8 ,, '09 227 8 ,, '09 221 8 Nov. '09 524 8 Dec. 'C9 605 ■, 79; 129; 164; 200 7-J [une '08 ; 221 ,293 8 May '09 230 4 March '05 63 Laboratory — Journal of Cooper Research ... Labour — Circular to employers ... „ in the Malay Peninsula ., question in the F.M.S. ... ,, on supply „ (see also Association reports) Lachnosterna sp. (Brown chafer at Sugar) ... Lagos — silk Rubber in Trinidad Lallang as a paper material „ „ „ by Clayton Beadle „ grass in paper-making ... „ eradication of eradication of Soil „ reclamation of Land „ Comparison with other Grasses Land and Agriculture Land Laws of the F.M.S., by R. G. Watson Landolphias „ vars of „ Heudelotii Laportea crenulata „ „ by H. Furnival Larut and Krian— Land Laws for, etc Large Soursop 8 July '09 325 I April '02 276 8 Sept. 09 409 5 -'06 ; 159, 239 I Nov. '02 544 7 '08 545 OS June '97 144 2 Jan. '03 7 OS Jan. '95 86 6 Nov. '07 379 7 -'08 ; 177, 585 9 Mar. '10 85 8 Sept. '09 448 6 Sept. '07 294 OS Jan. '95 74 7 Oct. '08 450 OS Jan. '95 82 9, —'10 ;3i9^ .323 8 May '09 195 OS May '00 243 8 Feb. '09 47 9 '10 53 OS Dec. '98 213 4 May '05 163 8 '09 213 9 Nov. '10 464 [ 26 ] VOL. Date. P.age. Latex— collecting ... ... I July '02 382 mechanical preparation of ... 7 Aug. '08 352 new method of coagulating ... 8 Mar. '09 no „ pricking rubber trees for ... 9 Jan. 'lO II „ significance of ... ... 7 ,, '08 I j „ (See also Under Para Rubber, Dyera, etc). Lawns, by T. W. Main ... ... 8 Dec. '09 557 Lawsonia inermis (Henna) ... ... OS May '93 50 Leaf fungus on Para Rubber ... ... 3 Aug. '04 308 Lecanium Coffeae ... ... OS April '91 16 Lemon Grass Oil ... ... OS Dec. '98 231 5 Aug. '06 282 Leptocorisa acuta — rice sapper ... ... OS May '00 272 Leuconotis — description of ... ... OS May 'no 245 ,, eugeniifolius ... ... 9 Feb. 'lO 54 „ eugeniifolius ... ... 8 Feb. '09 30 ,, eugeniifolius ... ... OS May '00 245 Griffithii ... ... OS May 'OI 245 Lewis & Peats Rubber Report ... 7 '08 63 6—07, 54; 65; 140; 8—09, 379; X— II, 81 ; Life History of Termes Gestroi... ... 5 April '06 107 Life— Plant and disease, by W. J. Gallagher 7 Jany. '08 9 Light, effect of, on growth of trees ... 2 Nov. '03 352 Liberia— rubber in ... ... 9 Jany. 'JO 3 Lime preserves, by L. E. Bland ... ... 2 Jan3^ '03 22 Liquid Fungicides for rubber diseases ... 9 Sept. '10 382 List of Climb.rs (ornamental) ... ... 10 April 'JI 97 List of Ferns in Botanical Gardens, Singapore 8 June '09 287 List of Plants suitable for baskets ... OS June '97 162 List of Plants used in Dart-poison ... OS Dec. '98 200 List of shade trees ... ... OS Dec. '98 224 List of Prize winners at Show, 1909 ... 8 Oct. '09 491 Litsea persella, by H. N. Ridley... ... 5 Jany. '06 6 Local Flower-pot making, by J. W. A. ... 9 Nov. '10 460 Lanchodes brevipes attacking Gutta-percha I Nov. '02 551 Long distance and transportation of seeds... 2 Jany. '03 5 „ Pepper (Piper officinarum) ... OS April '97 122 Lophopetalum pallidum ... ... OS Dtc. '98 2IQ Low, Sir Hugh— Obituary ... ... 4 June '05 239 M Macaranga hypoleuca in Gambir manufacture OS Feb. '92 32 Maize (Jagong) ... ... OS Dec. '98 197 Making and applicatio;i of Bordeaux mixture 9 April 'lO 138 Malacca Can_> ... 2 ,, '03 i'4 [ 27 Vol.. D.\TE. Page Malacca Horticultural show I Sep. '02 48a Malay Camphor 9 Aug. '10 297 Drugs, by H. N. Ridley ... 5-'o6;i93, 245, 269 ,, Medical Journal 10 June 'II 189 Peninsula— Agriculture in Q02 2 July '03 211 Introduction of Para Rubber 2 Jan. '03 2 Ramie Company 7 Feb. '08 51 „ Timbers and Guttas 5 Mar. '06 61 Varnish 7 Feb. '08 40' Malarial Fever 6 Mar. '07 76 Malaria and Coffeebean Husks ... I „ '02 510 Malacca Meteorological Reports Vol. 5- -'06 22; 55; 96; 125; 177; 299; 364; 388; 433:478 " " I- -'02, 39; 91; 130; 167; 205; 241; 284; 322; 360 -,423; 494; 567; 612; " II- -'03, 35; 83; 124; 239; 302; 342; 378; 416; M III- -'04, 33; 74; 151; 189:242; 290 : 325 ; 395 ; 433 : " IV- -'05. 27; 88; 134; 247; 280; 326; 374:410:451; 500: „ V- -'06 22; 55: 96: 125; 177: 299:364:388:433:478; " VI- -'07, 120; 187: 192; 234:270; 326; 368: 434: j» »> VII- -'08, 26; 34; „ ,, X- -'II, None. Malacca, extract of Report for the year I9IO X July 'II 213 Managers and Assistants, instructions to 9 Sept. '10 369> Management of Exhibitions, by G. A.Hall... 5 „ '06 352 Mangifera indica as a shade tree OS Dec. '98 228- Mango borer OS 93 & 'HO „ trees— pest of, by J. Hewitt ... 4 Oct. '05 399. Mangroves in the Bindings, by R. Scott 4 April '05 124 by H Furnival 4 J;i'i. '03 3 Manicoba Rubbers Vol. 8—09, 5 ; 436; 522 (see under Manihot) Manihot dichotoma 8—09. 5 & 522 „ dichotoma 9 Aug. '10 326- Glaziovii 8—09, 42; „ Glaziovii experiments in extraction of Latex X Dec. 'II 382 „ Glaziovii OS June '97 134 „ Glaziovii 9 Feb. '10 56 Piauhyensis 8 Jan. '09 5 Piauhyensis 8 Nov. '09 522 effect of nitrate of soda on flow of latex of ... 9 June 'lo 219- [ 28 Manufacture of Gambir Oil or Attar from Patchouli Manure for Nutmegs Manuring Para Rubber Vol. Date. Page. OS Feb. '92 31 OS May '93 54 OS April '97 102 2 Nov. '03 351 15; 157; 191 ; 287:400; 468 Marcottage — an improved method, by C. Curtis I Oct. '02 503 Market Reports, Vol. I— '02, 33; 85; 125; 158; 196:235; 279; 316; 352; 417; 488; 521 11— '0.3, 25 ; 73 ; 113 ; 180 ; 231 ; 293 ; 336; 3/2 III— '04 ; 26 ; 68 ; 105 ; 143 ; 184 ; 236 ; 284 ; 389 ; 424 ; 465 ; 497 IV— '05 ; 21 ; 53 ; 8r ; 128 ; 243 ; 274 ; 320 ; 368 ; 404; 445; 488 V— '05; 15; 20; 51; 93; 355; 427; 431 VI— '07; no „ Vil— '08:84: 140; 231; 356: 425; 489; 555 „ VIII— '09; 23:78; 116:258:309: 343: 390; 528; 543; 593 IX— '10; 38:71 X— 'II;2I Marks on Estate Plantation Rubber Marsdenia tinctoria in dyeing Mascarenhasia elastica Materia Medica— notes on Medical management of coolies by Dr Gerrard Medical Report "Megass" in Paper-making Melastoma polyanthum in dyeing Melon — large Indian Melochia corchorifolia — fibre of Melodinus orientalis Memorandum on "Sesamum" in Krian Meteorological Report ...Vol. I— 02 ; 36: 87; 127; 164:204; 233; 282; 320; 356: 422: 492: 525; 565 11—03; 35; 81 ; 122; 150; 185 ; 237 ; 267 : 300:340:376 „ III— 04; 30 ; 72; 109 ; 148 ; 186 ; 187 ; 240 ; 288; 297; 43 1:342; 393; 470: 498 „ nil— 05; 20; 25; 52; 57; 80; 85; 127; 132; 165; 246: 278: 324; 367; 372; 403; 408; 444; 449; 487; 496 V— 06; 27; 54; 94; 131; 174; 183; 413; 214; 362: 386 „ VIII— 0); 32 X— II; 221 8 April '09 137 OS May '93 50 8 Feb. '09 48 X May 'II 154 6 June '07 161 6 March '07 71 9 March '10 117 9 March 'JO 90 OS Mav '93 50 I Nov. '02 548 4 Tuly '05 268 OS May '00 245 8 Feb. '09 50 8 Feb. '09 109 Methods of prep.^rin^ Sago exterminating Tern.es Gestroi OS Jan. '95 67 8 March '09 99 [ 29 ] Milk, cumposition of (cow and buffalo) Micrandra siphonoides Mikania scandens, by M. Kelway Bamber Minuisops Elengi — seeds of as shade tree Mimosa pudica at Batu Tiga Mining Land — reclaiming Minutes of Meetings of Planters' Association of Malaya, Vol. VIII IX 09; 10: VII— 08 01.. Date. 8 Jan. 8 Feb. 8 June 5 Jan. OS Dec. Nov, Feb. Page. 15 44 262 3 228 416 445 540 63 62; 145; 267; 366; 476; 576 23; 146; 221; 330; 393 269; 395; 482; 615 Minyak Tengkawang ... ... 4 June '05 219 Miquelia cordata OS Dec. '98 209 Missouri Botanic Gardens 9 May 'lO 188 Mistletoes on Nutmegs OS „ '96 94 Mites on Rubber ... 9 Aug. 'lO 296 Monthly returns of Rubber ... ... 9 Aug. 'lO 351 More Rubber producing plants ... ... 9 May 'lo 187 Moringa pterygosperma — Horse radish tree OS Dec. '98 186 Mosquito Plant (Ocimum viride) OS Dec. 2 3 Murva fibre (Sansevieria zeylanica) Musa textilis as a catch crop paradisiaca for paper „ sumatrana (wild plantain) ... OS May Mushrooms ... ... OS Dec. Mussaenda erythrophylla Mnssaendopsis Beccaria Myristica fragrans .Mycologist — Report of, for 1908 Muar Meteorological Reports Vol. 03; 196, 313.165 Jan. '04 24 220, 246 '03: March '09 Nov. '07 '93 105 382 59 198 114 170 9& 419 8 March '09 6 June '07 OS April '97 8 Sept. '09 I— '02, 364; 427 ; 498; 530; 575 ; 616 II— '03, 39; 87; 128; 155; 190; 242, 271; 308; 344; 384; 419 III— '04, 36; 79; 117; 157; 194^ 295; 402; 438; 503. VI— '05, 30; 60; 94; 137; 248; 283; 329; 377; 489; 454; 506 N Native Rubbers of Malay Peninsula Nature of Soils as affecting abundance of Termes Gestroi Natural Indigo Negri Sembilan Planters' Association OS May '00 239 March '09 Sept. '03 — '08 — '02 99 286 552 409 )0 j Negri Sembilan Meteorological Repnrts, Vol. Negri Sembilan, Administration of Land in Negros, Sugar Planting iri Nephopterjx sagittiferella (Pumelo moth) ... Nest of Termes malayanus with many Queens Netherlands Indian Agricultural Association New Literature in Rubber „ Rubber Journal ,, Tool for Tapping Para Rubber „ Fungus pest on Para Rubber „ Use for Jelutong Rubber ... Ngai Camphor Nipa Palm, Fibre of, by Prof. W. R. Dunstan Nitrate of Soda, effect on flow of latex Nitrogen, Fixation of Nitrogenous plants Nonagraria inferens attacking Padi Note on Peat Soil Note on recent fungus literature Notes on Angsana tree in Penang (disease)... cultivation of pot plants cultivation of Hevea Brasiliensis ... Ipecacuanha cultivation Soils and Lallang Grass Sugar cultivation Notice to subscribers of Bulletin Nutmeg beetles (Scolytidae) „ butter „ cultivation in Singapore, by R. Little „ enemies of blight, etc. ... ( I — '02 none II-'03, 413 III-'04. 76; 115; 155; 192 ; 246 IV— '05, 127 ;253;3i9; 367 ; 403 ; 444 ; 487 V— '06, 15; 174:258: 366 426; 473 VI— '07, 124 VII-'oS, 573 ;647 VIII— '09, 36 95: 129: 189; 255 ; 304 : 340; 382; 464; 513; 546: 599 IX-'io, 42 :74; 124: 160; 194; 231 X— '11,24 180 ; 227; 274; 316; 341: Z7i; 398 Vol. Date. Page. 8 May '09 223 9 Nov. '10 465 OS May '00 267 5 9 Jan. '10 13 8 Dec. '09 566 9 Feb. '10 62 9 Jan. '10 4 2 Oct. '03 330 8 July '09 310 8 April '09 139 OS May '93 55 10 Feb. 'II 40 9 June '10 219 6 Oct. '07 334 2 Sept. '03 288 6 '07 306 8 '09 426 9 Jan. '10 I 9 Nov. '10 456 9 Feb. '10 133 OS June '97 150 9 July '10 256 8 Aug. '09 363 OS Jan. '95 7-> OS June '97 141 5 Jan. '06 10 OS —'00 ; 269, 91 OS April '97 III 7 July '08 257 )S— April '97 ; 106, 109 OS April '97 roi 2 Jan. '03 2^2 OS April '97 112 OS „ '9/ 98 OS „ '97 no OS Mnv '96 91 7 D.c. 'o3 581 31 Nutmeg seed, selection of Preserves, by L. It. Bland Nutmegs — beetles injurious to ... History, cultivation, etc. ,, products of tree Report on, by H. N. Ridley Nutrition of Plants, by T. W. Main 0 Obituary notice — Sir H. Low Dr. C. Weber ... Dr. M. Greshoff „ Sir George King Mr. A. D. Machado ^ ... „ Mr. A. B. Stephens Mr. J. B. Carruthers Oriiinim viride — mosquito plant by H. N. Ridley „ basilicum Oil Grasses Oil Palm Oils— Volatile, by H. N. Ridley ... Java Grass Oil Onions and Leeks Opium substitute Orchids — treatment of, by C. Curtis cultivation of, by C. Curtis Ordinance, Pests Ornamental Trees and Shrubs, by T. VV. Main „ Climbers, by J. W. Anderson ... Oryctes rhinoceros in Perak Other Dye Plants „ Malay Poisons „ Diseases of Nutmegs ,, Enemies of Nutmegs Sago producing plants Uses of Sago Palm Ophiusa Melicerte — Castor-oil Pest Packing Durian Seeds for export ... 8 Mar. 'C9 107 Rubber ... ... 5 March '06 83 Padi b.^rer— Chilo sp., ... ... OS May '00 268 „ fields, extermination of rats in ... 7 '08, 92 & 522 „ and its relation to Beri-Beri ... 8 Oct. '09 472 „ Experiments in Krian ... ... 7 Nov. '08 529 bv L. Lewton Brain ... 10 Oct. 'li 322 4 June '05 239 4 April ''^h 123 9 -Marcl '10 109 8 April '09 169 9 Aim. '[■J 328 7 Feb. 'c8 66 9 Aug. '10 329 2 '03; 196 & 3^3 3 Jan. '04 24 OS May '93 54 6 Mav '07 129 6 Feb. '^7 37 I June '02 335 10 Marcl 'ri 71 OS Dec. '98 193 7 Feb. '08 40 OS June '07 157 I Dec. '02 586 7 Dec. 'c8 613 7 Aug. '08 311 10 April 'ri 89 3 Jan. 'U4 18 OS May '91 50 OS Dec. '97 217 OS May '96 93 OS Aprii ■97 )09 OS Jan. '95 70 OS Jan. '95 70 3 Jan. '04 22 [ 32 j Vol. Date. P.agk. Padi pest— Kuang ... ... 6 Sept. '07 304 „ pests, by H. C. Pratt ... ... 8 Sept. '09 426 „ E.xpcrinieiits at Kriaii, 1908 ... 8 Sept. '09 396 Pahang Meteor.- Reports Vol. 3— '04 ; 35 : 77^ n6; 156; 193 ; 245 ; 293 ; 328 ; 398 ; 436 ; 504 I— '02; 42: 94; 133; 170; 208; 244; 287; 325 ; 363 ; 426 ; 497 ; 529 ; 570 & 615 -. IV— '05; 93; 136; 413; 505; 116 V— '06; 100; 128; 18O; 218; 305; 390; ^36; 481 ,. VI-'O/; 155; 120; 195; 324; 327; 371; 377 ; 412 ; 437 .. VII— '08; 2q; 127; 156; 250; 307; 380; 427; .SI3; 577; 648 „ VIII--'oq; 34: 93; 128; 193; 257; 305; in ; 386 ; 465 ; 545 : 602 IX— '10; 43; 75; 122; 195; 232; 288 X— 'II. 59; 137; 177; 198; 226; 343; 375 ; 397 Pahang, Land Administration in ... 8 May '09 228 Pahang Report ... ... 9 July 'lO 288 Papaya culture ... ... lO May 'il 152 Pagar-Anak Tree, use in hardening Jelutong 3 March '04 91 Palaquium — disease of seedlln;^s- of, by Keith Bancroft ... ... 10 April 'ii 108 Palaquium Gutta, Pests of ... ... 6 Aug. '07 244 ,, obovatuiii and others ... 5 March '06 62 Palmetum, Botanic Gardens, Singapore, by T. W. Main ... ... 8 Sept. '09 45s Palms Collection and cultivation of ... 3 July '04 249 List of, culiivated in Bot. Gdi s., i'pore 3 July '04 259 „ ■ new, introduction of ... ... 5 Jan. '06 6 treatment of, by C. Curtis ... OS June '97 158^ Pandan Fibre and M:it Bags ... ... 3 Oct. '04 40S Pandans, by H. N. Ridley ... ... 6 Aug. '07 241 Pandan Hats ... ... 5 „ '06 263 Paper-Making— ''Megass " in ... ... 9 Mar. 'lO ga Paper stuff (Lalang^ ... ... OS Jan. '93 86 Papilio Erithonius-caterpillar ... ... OS May '00 259 Papua, Coconut planting in ... ... 7 Aug. '08 339 Parassa lepida on Coffee ... ... OS May '00 266 Parasitic fungus o!i Roses ... ... 5 March '06 68 Paspalum diiitntu 11 ... ... 5 April '06 I13 „ grass, by B. Harrison... ... 6 June '07 177 Parameria polyneu.a ... ... OS May '97 248 Parthenium argentatu 11 ... ... 6 Jan. '07 29 Palaquium (lUtta, by A. Burn-Murdoc'i ... 4 Feb. '05 34 Passiiora foetid ; ... ... 8 June '09 262 fo2tid;i, at Batu Tiga .. ... 8 '09 -|I5, 447 VOL. Date Page. OS May '93 52 7 June '08 196 4 Oct. '05 394 5 March '06 62 8 Dec. '09 570 8- ■'09; 469, 516, .570 9 June '10 214 9 Jan. '10 1 9 Oct. '10 438 8 May '09 231 9 March 'ro 105 9 ,, '10 97 9 Jan. '10 15 6 April '07 i94 [ 33 ] Patchouli, all about, with prices, etc ,, Oil, Report on, by Prof. W Dunstan Payena-vars. for Gutta Peat formation „ soil „ soil, coconuts in „ soil note „ soils Pekan, Land Administration in ... Peliosanthes violacea var. Clarkei Penang, Abolition og Gardens of „ Agri-Horti. Show, 1909 „ Annual Report, 1906 Meteor. Report, Vol. I— '02, 38:90; 129 ; 166; 204; 240; 283; 321 ; 359 1422; 493; 526; 566; 610 11— '03, 34 ; 82 ; 123 ; 151 ; 186 ; 238 ; 2691 301 ; 341 ; 377 ; 415 III— '04; 31; 73; III ; 150 ; 188; 241 ; 289:324; 331; 394; 432; 505 IV— '05 ; 26 ; 57 ; 87 ; 133 ; 249 ; 279 ; 325 ; 373 ; 409; 450: 498 V— '06 ; 21 ; 56 ; 95 : 124 ; 176 ; 215 : 301 ; 362 ; 387 ; 432 ; 47 VI— '07 ; 152 ; 188 ; 235 ; 367 ; 409 „ vii— '08:25; 32; 123; 153; 372:428; 507; 576; 649 „ VIII— '09; 33; 90; 126; 187:253; 261; 303; 338; 383; 459; 514; 548; 601 IX— '10; 41; 73: 121; 159; 193; 199; 230 X— 'II; 22; 57; 133 Pentaspodon Motley i (oil) Pepper— cultivation of Black ,, enemies of „ in Sarawak, by J. Hewitt „ new disease of „ plants attacked by Caterpillars Trang, by R. Derry ,, variation in flower of black Perak — Agricultural Progress in „ Land Laws for, etc. Meteor. Reports, Vol. I— '02; 40 ; 92; 131; 168; 206:242; 285:323; 361; 424; 495; 527; 568:613 II— '03; 36: 84; 125; 152; 187; 240; 303:380:417 „ III— '04; 33; 112; 153; 190; 243: 291; 326 ; 396 ; 434 ; .^"6 7 May '08 175 OS April '97 118 OS April '97 119 7 June '08 189 10 Oct. '11 320 3 Mar. '04 lOI 8 May '09 240 8 '09 244 9 Jan. '10 5 8 May '09 212 34 Per ak— Meteor. Reports, Vol. IV— '05 ; 28 Voi . Date. Page. 58; 90; 135; 250; 281; 327; 375; 411 1452: 50 V— '06: 23: 57; 98; 126; 178; 216; 303 ; 363 ; 434 ; 479 VI— '07: T53' 190: 238; 321; 325; 370; 376; 411; 435 VII— '08: 27; 126: 154; 248:306:377; 426 ; 508 : 575 : 650 VlII— '09: 32: 91; 127; 188: 302; 385; 461; 511; 547; 596 IX— 'ID : 40 : 126 ; 163 ; 196 ; 233 X— 'II; 25; 63; 87; 135; 179; 202; 229; 275; 3 17; 342; 374: 396 Peristrophe tinctoria as Dye Personal, T. W. Main's Appointment Pests— of Sugar-Cane some insect New Ordinance ,, Legislation against dissemination of Phaseolus kinatus — poisonous ... Philippines— Distilled Spirit Industry Phosphate — Christmas Islands ... Phosphates and Phosphoric Acid, by Mr. Pearson Phytopthora omnivora on Cacao Pine Apples as a catch crop, by Dr. Lim Boon Keng ... ., cultivation & diseases, with plates cultivation in Singapore ... ,, Fibre Fibre fertilization diseases of Pipi-r Beetle, Cubeba, Longum, (Kadoki also P. chaba, P. officinarum (long pepperi ... Piscicides, Notes on Plague Plant diseases ,, sanitation food, value of Incidental increment, by V. K. Mearson ... ... 1-02; „ Houses, by A. W. Stevens ... 6 Oct. „ Life and Disease, by W. G. Gallagher 7 Jan. „ Nutrition of, by T. W. Main ... 7 Dec. Planters' Association. Minutes of Meetings Vol. X — 'll, 43 OS May '93 50 5 '06 156 8 Mar. '09 115 9 Sept. '10 392 OS June '97 142 7 Dec. '08 610 7 .. '08 613 10 Jan. 'II I 3 Mar. '04 87 7 July '08 284 2 Oct. '03 321 I Dec. '01 119 9 Nov. '10 457 '10 584 / OS 4 10 10 OS 7 6 9 Aug. May Jan. Oct. July April Oct. Mar. April July 04 1 '08 '93 '05 'II 'II '97 •08 •07 10 '09 117 '07 '08 '08 115; 351 56 6 222 121 443 84 153 326 195 389 9 581 157; 296 [ 35 ] Planters' Association, Minutes of Meetings Vol. IX— 'lO, 23; 146; 221; 330 ; 393 ; 497 Planters' Association, Kapar District Planters' Association, Kuala Langat Planting — conference ofGambir of trees „ in California ,. in Ceylon, Science of in F.M.S. in 1902 „ in Selangor (Coffee) ... Plants — Acclimatization of, by H. N. Ridley Instructions for drying, by C. Curtis Plumieria, Fruiting of Pogostemon Patchouli Pogostemon (see Patchouli.) Poisonous Fodder Plants „ Plants of Malay Peninsula Poison excreted by Plant Roots Polystichus occidentalis (fungi) Penang „ ,, on Bamboo Ponciana regia as shade tree Porto Rico, Fruits in Pot Plants, soil for, by C. Curtis... Potatoes Powell Wood Process Pratt, H.C., Predisposition to disease in Coffee Preparation of Camphor of fibre from Pineapple „ of Indigo Preventive method for Coffee disease Price of Timber in 1867 Prismatomeris albidiflora (poisonous) Prize list of Agri-Horti, Show 1910 Produce— Adulteration of Produce of Sago VIII— '09. 62 ; 145; 267; 366 476 576 VII— '08, 201 ; 269:395; 412; 482; 614 VI— '07, 206 V— '06 IV-'05 II— '03, 138 I-'02. 394 412 539 IX— '9, 10; 30 VII— '08, 225 351 IX— '10 VIII-'09, 524 Vol. Date. 1 ='AGE, 9 April '10 150 OS Feb. '92 27 8 May '09 239 7 July '08 288 I April '02 271 2 July '03 211 2 Sep. '03 279 7 Jan. '08 I I Jan. '02 151 6 May '07 128 OS May '93 52 3 Mar. '04 87 OS Dec. '98 199 7 July '08 267 9 April '10 136 7 June '08 230 OS Dec. '98 226 7 Aug. •08 33S I Dec. '02 593 OS Dec. '98 195 6 Feb. '07 49 7 Oct. '08 481 OS April '91 6 8 Aug. '09 346 OS Mav '93 57 OS May '93 46 OS April '91 8 5 Feb. '06 38 OS Dec. '98 213 9 Oct. '10 422 10 July 'II 210 OS Jan. '95 71 [ 36 ] Production and cost of Indigo Progress in Uganda Propagation of Plants, by C.Curtis Pseudococcus adoniduni on Coffee Pterocarpus indicus „ „ diseases on ... Pumelo Moth (Nephopteryx sagittiferella) Pupoi (Connaropsis Giiffithii) Pythium palmivorum at Coconuts ^OL. DaT£ .. t>.\C.E. OS May '93 47 9 Nov. '10 458 I Nov. '01 73 OS April '91 17 OS Dec. '98 225 9 April '10 133 OS May '00 267 4 May '05 155 9 May '10 179 Quality of Rubber, by C. E. S. Baxendale ■Quinine factory, Bandang Mar. '00 «i, 4 Nov. '01 83 Rainfall at Rang Nan, Siam 8 April '09 171 Ramie OS April '97 138 „ by E. S. Baxendale I July '02 414 „ by D. E. Radcliffe and C. Baxendale ... 3 April '04 134 „ by Jas. Anderson 3 Oct. '04 420 „ by D. E. Radcliffe 5 May '06 141 a nascent industry 2 Nov. '03 356 again 5 Oct. 'o(') 376 „ cultivation, by C. Curtis & J. Anderson 2 Feb. '03 61 „ cultivation, and produce, by C. S. Baxendale 2— June '03 208, 362 „ cultivation I Oct. '02 518 „ cultivation and treatment... OS April '97 138 „ Fibre, adaptability to Malaya soil 7 Oct. '08 445 „ Malay Company 7 Feb. '08 51 „ Trade of the World 3 Oct. •04 422 Rhea and China Grass I '02 295. 507 „ growing Association 6 Feb. '07 51 „ enemies of, extraction of fibre, uses of OS April '97 139 Rats— destruction of in Cochin-China 5 Oct. '06 2,71 Extermination of, by W.J.Gallagher ... 7 '08 92 & 522 „ in Rice fields 8 Sept. '09 422 „ Virus remedy against 8 Jany. '09 9 Rattans, by H. N. Ridley 2 '03 129 & 157 Raub, Land Administration in ... 8 May '09 229 Ravenala, fruiting of, by H. N. Ridley and C. Curtis 2 '03 291 & 405 Reclaming mining land 2 Feb. '03 63 Reclamation of lalang land, by Dr. Lim Boon Keng 7 Oct. '08 450 Record of Banana cultivation — '05, — '06 5 June '06 187 Red Cotton Bug OS May '00 272 Renantheras — Cultivation of 2 Aug. '03 243 Rengas poison OS Dec. '98 218 Remedies for Snake bites 8 July '09 323 [ 37 ] Remedy for Nutmeg beetle Retirement of Mr. Fox Report of Diseases on Nutmegs in F.M.S. ... „ Director of Agriculture for 1908 ... Entomologist for 1908 ,, Government Mycologist for 1908... „ Welcome Research Laboratory ... ,, Penang Agri-Hort. Show „ on sample of Citronella Oil, by B. J. Eaton „ Chinese Labour Retirement of J. B. Carruthers ... W.J.Gallagher ... S. Arden Rhinoceros beetles in soil, by W. Dell Rice as a catch crop „ cultivation of in Pahang, by D. H. Wise ,, letter on, by Rajah Bot. „ the sapper- Leptocorisa acuta Roots — curious in Albizzia Rose sawfly — Hylotoma victorina Rosellinia radiciperda on Ficus ... Roses in Perak „ treatment of, by C. Curtis... ,, parasitic fungus on Rotation of Crops, by Dr. Lim Boon Keng... Roucheria Griffithiana Royal Horticultural Society s Sago cultivation for Profit „ Description of plant, etc. ... Sagus laevis Sago flour and produce „ history of Salad herbs Sandoricum indicum as shade tree Sansevieria — Cultivation of, in East Africa „ in East Africa „ Zeylanica „ „ growth of in Selangor Sapium vars. of, for rubber Sarawak — Vegetable Fats of, by J. Hewitt . Sarcolobus globosus Sciadopitys verticillata fruiting ... OS May '99 92 9 May '10 176 OS May •96 91 8 Sept. '09 391 8 Sept. '09 422 8 Sept. '09 419 8 .July '09 318 9 Jan. '10 15 8 April '09 142 9 June '10 226 8 March '09 115 9 Aug. '10 328 5 March '06 69 3 Jany. '04 18 I July '02 391 I Oct. '01 13 I Dec. '02 582 OS May '00 272 7 April '08 137 OS May '00 273 OS May '00 285 7 Dec. '08 607 OS June '97 157 5 March '06 68 7 Oct '08 450 I June '02 345 OS Dec. '98 210 5 March '06 82 6 Dec. '07 424 OS Jan. '95 71 „ Jan. '95 62 ,, Jan. '95 69 „ Jan. '95 71 4 Aug. '05 310 OS i Dec. '98 183 „ Dec. '98 228 3 Aug. '04 303 6 Feb. '07 48 4 April '05 123 2 Aug. '03 246 2 July '03 220 8 Feb. '09 44 7 May '08 173 2 July '03 223 7 July '08 290 [ 38 Science and Agriculture Scolytus destructor on nutmegs ... Sechium edule (Chocho) Seed of nutmegs — selection, etc. ... Seeds — Transportation of Vitality of ... „ longevity of ... Selangor — Experimental Gardens Report by S. Arden Selangor — Experimental Gardens Report by S. Arden Selangor Meteorological Reports, Vol. Voi . Date. Page. 10 March 'll 66 OS April '97 io6 „ Dec. '98 191 „ April '97 lOi 2 Jan. '03 5 I Nov. '01 78 10 July 'II 209 May '02 307 Selangor— Administration of Land in Seremban — Administration of Land in Senna, Indian Seremban Meteorological Reports, Vol. 2 July '03 214 I— '02, 41; 93; 132; 169; 207; 243; 286 p 324; 362; 42s; 496; 528; 569; 614 n— '03, 37; 85; 126; 153; 188; 304: 381; 418 III-'04, 34; 75; 114; 154; 191; 244; 292; 327 ; 397 ; 435 ; 507 IV— '05, 29; 59; 91; 165; 251; 282; 328; 376; 412 ; 453 ; 503 V— '06, 24; 58; 99; 127 r 179; 217; 304; 365; 389: 435 VI— '07, 154; 189; 194; 237: 271; 323; 369 ^ 375; 410 VII— '08, 28; 124; 155;. 308; 378; 431; 509; 572; 651 VIII— '09, 92; 124; 192;. 254; 307; 341; 384 IX— '10. 78; 125; 161 ; 197 ; 234 X— 'II, 26; 62; 132; 178; 200; 231; 272;: 314; 339; 371 8 May '09 218 8 May '09 224 I March '03 231 III— '04. 109; 148; 186; 297; 338; 404; 440; 502 IV— '05, 32:62: 96; 139; 254: 331: 379; 421; 456: 508 39 ] Serembaii Meteorological Reports, Vol. -'06, 183; 221; 259; 367; 438; 47 1 VI— '07, 123 VII— '08, 379; 430; 432; 510; 578; 652 VIII— '09, IT, 96; 130; 194 ; 258 ; 308 ; 387 ; 467; 515; 550; 600 IX— '10. 39; 72; 120; 158; 192; 229 X-'ii. 27 Serica, sp. (Lamellicornial Seringueiras — Histor}'^ of or Heveas Sesamun cultivation in Krian, by R. G. Palmer Shade Trees — also treatment of ... Vol. Date. Page. OS May '00 269 2 May '03 166 2 Feb. '03 57 8 March '09 109 OS Dec. '98 221 for Nutmegs (<"anarium commune) OS April '97 lOO by T. W. Main. Shorea glauca (Balau) „ ciliata (Kumus) „ collina „ Ghysbertiana „ ieprosula "Seraya „ mateiialis Show, Agricultural (1910) Shrubs, Ornamental, by T. W. Main Siam Benzoin Significance of Latex in Plants ... Sindora Wallichii Singapore Market Reports Singapore Meteor. Reports Vol June '07 March '05 May Mav 171 63 10 182 08 173 10 Jany. 7 Jan. 9 May Aug. '09 364 May '10 183 Sept. '10 412 Aug. '08 311 'II IS '08 13 '10 181 8 '09 23 I— '02, 37 ; 89 ; 128 ; 165 ; 203 ; 239 282; 320; 358; 421 ; 492; 525; 565; 610 n— '03, 33; 81; 122; 150; 185:237; 268; 300; 340; 376; 414 III— '04, 30 ; 72 ; 1 10; 149; 187; 240 ; 288; 3301393; 431; 508 IV— '05, 25 ; 85 ; 132 ; 252 ; 278 ; 324 ; 372; 408; 449; 496 V— '06;20; 59; 94; 123; 175; 214; 300; 386; 431; 476 VII— '08. Sirih (Piper Beetle) Sitophilus sculpturatus (sugar weevil) Smoked Rubber Snake — bite, remedies for Soil — Analysis „ „ of S'pore Botanic Gardens „ Action of Sun heat on 24 OS April '97 121 OS June '97 144 9 Oct. '10 437 8 July '09 323 I June '02 348 7 Dec. '08 579 9 Mar. '10 83 I 40 ] Soil and plant sanitation on Cocoa & Rubber E, Denudation of „ for Pot Plants, by C. Curtis „ of Mala3a „ Peat i! Tillage of „ Tilled and unfilled „ Treatment of acid for Rubber Planting Solanum Melongena (Egg-plant) Some suggestions Sourabaya — Fibre Congress, at Soursop— a large ... "... „ spangle scale on Sowing Gambir Soy and Bean Cheese „ Beans Soybeans (Glycine hispida) Spathodea campanulata as shade tree Sphaerostilbe repens Spangle scale on Soursop Sphenophorus sordidus (Banana Beetle) Spices— History of— by H. N. Ridley Spores, condition for germination of, in Coffee disease Spraying Weeds Spray diffusers for Coffee Disease . . Statistics in Agriculture (1908) Stephens, A. B., Obituary notice Stephanotis propagation Sterculia alata „ scaphigera Strange growth of Para Rubber Tree cutting Straits Report Sty rax Benzoin Strychnos Tieute Substitute for Weeding, by J. B. Carruthers... Substitute for Rubber Sudu Sudu Sugar-cane borer (Chilo saccharalis) ., „ from seeds in F.M.S. by C. Curtis „ in F.M.S „ „ cultivation, notes on Sugar— History of, by H. N. Ridley „ planting in Negros Rhinoceros beetle (Zylotropes Gideon) weevil (Sitophilus sculpturatus Sulphur Fumes— effect on Vegetation Surinam- New Hevea from Vol. Date Page. 10 June 'II 188 9 Mar. '10 82 I Dec. '02 593 6 Sept. '07 274 9 Oct. '10 438 & I 8 09, 468 ; 516; 570 9 Mar. '10 80 9 Jan. '10 9 8 '09 I OS Dec. '98 196 10 Mar. 'II 69 8 April '09 144 9 Nov. '10 464 10 Mar. 'II 74 OS Feb. '92 29 3 Dec. '04 494 10 Tune 'II 186 4 Feb. '05 49 OS Dec. '98 226 9 Nov. '10 462 10 Mar. 'II 74 OS May '00 271 4 Aug. '05 304 OS April '91 3 7 Nov. '08 542 OS April 91 10 8 Sept. '09 393 7 Feb. '08 66 I — '02 603 OS Dec. '98 226 3 Aug. '04 307 9 Feb. '10 60 9 ., '10 65 & 31 10 Jan. '11 12 OS Dec. '98 211 6 Sept. '07 286 9 April '10 135 I July '02 389 OS June '97 143 OS Dec. •98 219 8 May '09 239 OS June '97 141 4 Aug. '05 310 9 N )v. '10 463 OS June '97 144 9 — '10; 46 , 137 9 Aug. '10 295 [ 41 Swine culture, notes on, by H. N. Ridley Syllapia derogata (cotton roller) Synopsis of Experiments in Bot. Gdns. S'pure Synthetic Rubber Synthetics System of Laying out Estates VOL. D-vrfc Page. 10 May 'II 148 3 July '04 283 9 July '10 239 5 Oct. •o6 369 9 Sept. '10 390 9 May '10 184 6 May '07 13s Tabernaemontana crassa Tabernaemontana malaccensis ... „ dichotoma Taniarindus inclicus (Shade Tree) Tamil Emigration Fund Enactment (1908) ... Tampin, Land Administration in Tan Stuffs and Dyes Tapioca as a catch crop, by H. N. Ridley ... ,, by W. Dunmann ... at Experimental Station in 1907 ... common flour of, by A. L. de Morney cricket attacking diseases of Fungus on „ history of „ ir F.M.S. manuring of, at Batu Tiga Tapping knife— a new Tea, Coffee, and Rubber Shares Vul. VI — 07, Tea and C(>ffee, Wo-ld's Consumption of .. Temerloh, Land Administration in Temu Lawak (Curcuma Zedoaria: Tengah Bark, by R. Scott „ byV. P. Borges ... Tephrosia and Clean Weeding, by F. Ztrnichow „ purpurea ,, yars., at Batu Tiga Termes Gestroi ... ... O drains as affecting Life history ( f, by E. P. Stebbing nature of soil as affecting ... „ ., methods to be employed against 0.1 future clearings Termes Gestroi— by H. C. Robinson nevi? way of dealing with ... ,, Trees attacked by 8 Feb. '09 48 OS Dec. •98 213 9 Feb. '10 53 OS Dec. '98 226 8 Tan. '09 9 8 May '09 226 4 Aug. '05 305 5 May '06 133 5 July '06 223 7 Dec. '08 599 3 April '04 133 8 April '09 139 8 Sept. '09 425 6 July '07 204 4 Aug. '05 310 7 Nov. '08 530 8 Aug. '09 397 8 Sept. '09 438 8 May '09 245 .231; 257: 267; 364 I Dec. '01 115 8 May '09 23a OS April '97 128 3 May '04 176 3 May '04 177 8- April '09, 131 ,247 8 Sept. '09 416 8 Sept. '09 446 S— May 'CO ;277 286 8 March '09 102 5 April '00 107 / May '08 16S 7 May •08 167 8 March '09 lOI 3 Dec. •04 477 8 March 09 97 5 June '06 20S 8 Dec. •09 563 I 42 ] Termes Gestroi -Insecticides for extermina- ting crotolaria and green ma- nures as affecting reward for Extermination... ,, vars. of Termes Malayanus (nest with man> Queens) Terminalia catappa (shade tree) Termites — Acorns calamus for ... ,, Bisulphide of Carbon for „ iNeuroptera) R. Pears H. C. Pratt „ and Rubber „ at Singapore in 1878 ... „ importance of distinguishing the vars. „ Methods of extermination „ on white ants (as humus producing animals) „ Tuba Root for killing ... Thespesia populnea— " Baru " ... Tile pots for Casuarina seedlings Tillage of Soils Tilled and untilled soils Til-seed cultivation in Krian (Sesamum) ... Timber — Annual rings of, b}- A. Burn-Murdoch „ and trees of tlie Malayan Peninsula (review) containing Termitaria of Termes... „ notes „ of Malayan Peninsula... „ price of, in 1867 removing, on Rubber Estate Trade in the Bindings... ,, tree-discovery of a valuable one in Natal Timbers of Malayan Peninsula, Vol. I- Tirucalli Tree Tineid sp. at Afzelia Tinnea cranella (Wolf moth on Rice) Tobacco — caterpillars attacking... Expert wanted water for coffee disease Togoland -Agriculture in Tomato culture 8 March '09 103 8— I\Iar. '09; 104,97 8 June '09 297 9 .Tan. '10 12 7 May '08 159 9 Jan. '10 13 OS Dec. '98 226 3 Mav '04 178 3 July '04 282 OS May '00 277 4 March '05 78 7 May '08 157 3 May '04 171 4 May '05 159 8 March '09 1 03 8 March '09 99 OS Jan. *95 79 I June '01 218 4 June '05 214 4 March 'o.S 67 9 '10 80 9 Jan. '10 9 8 Mar. '09 109 I Feb. '02 181 [0 Tulv 'II 218 8 March '09 98 6 June '07 170 9 May '10 180 5 March '06 60 5 Feb. '06 38 9 Sept. '10 m 4 Feb. '05 41 10 July 'II 215 '02 I ; 43 ; 95 ; 135 ; 171 ; 209 ; 245 ; 289 10 July 'II 215 6 Aug. '07 2^0 OS May 00 267 4 Oct. 'O.S 391 2 Tune '03 209 OS April '91 II 2 Aug. '03 260 OS Dec. •98 192 [ 43 Tomato disease Tomatoes, by J. W. Anderson ... Toxins Trade of Pepper in the Straits Settlements... of Singapore for 1907 and 1908 Transportation of Seeds Treatment of Acid Soils „ of young Coffee Plants Trees attacked by Termes Gestroi „ effect of light on „ effect of grass on „ Ornamental „ planting of ,, Rate of growth of forest, by A. B. Murdoch Trichospoeria sacchari (Red smut fungus) Tuba Root for Killing Termites ... Tuber — Rubber from a, at last ... Turf and fodder Grasses Turmeric (Curcuma longa) „ moth (Dadessa evaxalis) Turnips Two Manicoba Rubbers, by T. W. Main u Uganda — Progress in Ula Selangor, Land Administration in •Uncaria Gambir Upper Perak, Land Administration in Urceole elastica „ lucida and all other vars Urena lobata added to Patchouli Use of Hedges against Coffee Disease „ of Gambir Drug „ of Cloves „ of Ramie Ustilago Maydis-maize fungus ... Uvaria purpurea Vacuum Dryer for Rubber Vanilla sp. — planifolia and Pompona Vanillin (Imperial Institute) Variation in flowering of Black Pepper Varieties or Rubber Various notes ^'OL. Date. P.-VGE. 3 Mar. '04 93 10 Dec. 'II 377 3 Mar. '04 390 OS April '97 120 4 Dec. '05 482 8 Aug. '09 388 2 Jan. '03 5 9 Jan. '09 I OS April '91 9 8 Dec. '09 563 2 '03 352 9 Feb. '10 63 7 Aug. '08 311 8 May '09 239 7 Sept. '08 386 OS June '97 145 9 '10 218 6 Aug. '0; 252 2 Sept. '03 273 OS April '97 127 OS May '00 267 OS Dec. '98 193 8 Jan. '09 5 9 Nov. '10 458 8 May '09 219 OS Feb. '92 21 8 May '09 214 8 Jan. '09 50 OS May '00 246 OS „ '93 54 OS April '91 10 OS May '92 24 OS April '97 115 OS ., '97 140 OS Dec. '98 197 7 Jan. '08 7 5 May '06 142 OS April '97 124 OS Jan. '95 88 3 April '04 137 8 May '09 244 9 '10 169 8 April '09 134 44 VOL. Da FE. Page. Varnish— a Malay 7 Ftb. '08 40 Vegetable Fats of Sarawak 7 Max- '08 175 „ Culture and Treatment OS Dec. '98 180 „ Insect pests of OS ., '98 182 a plea for 7 July '08 258 Vegetables — growing of in Malaya X Nov. 'II 345 Virus remedy against Rats, W. G. Gallagh sr 8 Jan. '09 4 Vitality of Seeds I Nov. '01 79 of Para Rubber Seeds ... 2 July '03 228 Volatile Oils I June '02 335 Vines — Rubber in the Malay Peninsula OS May '00 240 w Walter Fo.x— Retirement of 9 May '10 176 Washed Soils and how to reclaim them 2 Aug. '03 250 Water and its relation to plant life 4 '05 363 & 478 Water Hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes) 5 April '05 117 Weather Reports Vol. VI— '07, 120; 153 ;23^ ; 270; 314 367 ; 433 „ VII-'o8, 24; 83; 123 153; 248; 372; 426; 507; 572 „ VIII— '09 32; 90; 124 187; 253; 302; 337; 382 ; 459; 509 545; 596 IX— '10 39; 72; 120; 158; 192; 229; 288; 352 ; 343; 404 444; 469 Weber— death of 4 April '05 123 Weed Pests 3 Dec. '04 490 Weeding experiments at Batu Tiga 8 Sept. '09 448 Weeds— Keeping Land clear of ... 2 Aug. '03 248 Spraying 7 Nov. '08 542 Welcome Laboratory Report, Khartoum 8 July '09 318 White Ant Reward withdrawn ... 9 April '10 148 White Ant detection and remedy 8 Sept. '10 371 White Nutmegs OS '97 105 & '00, 285 ,, „ '96 94 Wild Cinnamon OS April '97 116 Wild Plantain Fibre OS May '93 59 Willughbias, vars. of 8 Feb. '09 49 firm a, (account ofy ... OS May '00 241 Rubber in Pulau Jerajah 7 Sept. '08 391 coriacea, flavescens, grandiflor a OS May '00 243 & 244 „ tenuiflora OS May '00 244 firma 9 Feb. '10 52 World's future Rubber Supply ... 9 Jan. '10 13 output of Rubber 9 May '10 186 Wounded Rubber Trees 9 Sept. '10 577 Xyleborus in Para Rubber Trees 8 Sept. '09 423 45 Y tuberosiis) OS Dec. '98 19.5 Yuccas z 4 Jan. '05 8 Zalacca conferta .3 May '04 168 Zapupe,— a new fibre... 8 Dec. '^9 569 Zedoary Starch 5 Oct. '06 374 Zingiber officinale, etc. OS April '97 T26 Zyloborus p.rforans at sugar —the shot borer „ June '97 145 Zylotroinis Gideon ... „ June '97 144 RUBBER INDEX Historical Notes on Introduction, etc Various Notes on. History of introduction of into Malay Peninsula 2 Historical notes Introduction of into Straits by H. A. Wickham History of Para Introduction of into Straits Natives of Malay Peninsula Early planting enterprise in Straits Seringueiras — History of Notes on, by C. Curtis „ by C. Curtis Notes on from Ceylon Observer... „ from Consular Reports ;., of Para with /OL. Date Page. 2 '03, 57 ; 61: 2; 12; 166 9 June '10 201 I Sept. '02 474 4 Aug. '05 308 4 Oct. '05 390 OS May '00 239 10 Dec. 'II 391 2 -'03, 57: 166 I Dec. '02 592 OS May '00 279 9 May '10 174 I Sept. '02 481 5 Oct. '06 375 5 May '06 138 Soils. Soil Soil and plant sanitation on Estates Soils, analyses of (Singapore B. Gardens) ... „ of Malaya „ Peat „ Peat „ Peat formation of „ Peat note „ application of Lime to, by B. J. Eaton Reclaiming mining land Suitable for rubber Tillage of Tilled and untilled Treatment of Acid for rubber planting Washed soils and how to reclaim them Water and its relation to plant life, by S. Arden Instructions for taking and collecting samples of soils Reclamation of Lalang Land, by Dr. Lim Boon Keng ... 7 OS Jan. '95 74 10 June 'II 188 7 Dec. '08 579 6 Sept. '07 274 8 '09, 516 1468 9 Oct. '10 4.^8 8 Dec. '09 570 9 Jan. '10 I 10 Sept. 'II 291 2 Feb. '03 63 4 Oct, '05 388 9 Mar. '10 80 9 Jan. '10 9 8 ,, '09 I 2 Aug. '03 250 4 '05 363 :478 10 Dec. 'II 380 Oct. '08 450 Labour. Chinese Planters nn Report on 9 April '10 153 9 Aug. '10 331 9 June '10 226 [ 49 1 Circular to employers Coolie sanitation Coolies, medical management of, by Dr. Gerrard Coolies, Medical report „ returns of sickness in .. Enforcement of Enactments Free meals to coolies, by A. Haviland Immigration Fund Enactment (Tamil) In the Malay Peninsula Locally recruited Labour On supply of Question in the F.M.S. „ (see also Association reports) P.N. I/OL. Date. Pace. I April '02 276 7 Nov. •o8 546 6 March '07 72 9 „ '10 117 9 Aug. '10 335 9 „ '10 339 I Oct. '01 24 8 Jan. '09 9 8 Sept. '09 409 10 Feb. 'II 50 I Nov. '02 544 5 — '06 159; 239 7 Nov. 'o8 545 Cultivation and Growth, with Propagation other than Seed. Abnormalities in stem of Abnormalities of, by Mr. Petch ... Abnormal, tree of .. Advantages of close planting Age of rubber Altitude at which it can be grown At high elevations An Old Rubber Stump Big trees in Botanic Gardens, Singapore with correction "Burrs" ... Bough destroyed by Rot Burrs — occurrence of, on Close planting and manuring of Close planting Conditions in Para ... Cultivation and preparation of by W. H. Johnson (review)... Cultivation as an investment „ on so called Peat Soils „ notes on ... „ notes on by Lieut.-Col. Wyllie ... of Para in F.M.S. ... Distance between trees „ of planting ... Effect of Arsenical and Sulphur Fumes on... „ Gale on Hurricanes on 6 June '07 157 8 July '09 314 10 Nov. 'II 351 6 Jan. '07 II 9 Aug. '10 338 5 March '06 67 2 Jan. '03 21 5 April '06 117 7 —'08 253; 351 6 June '07 157 2 Feb. '03 48 10 May '11 138 5 April '06 105 8 March '09 107 5 April '06 105 4 Feb. '05 46 6 June '07 176 8 Oct. '09 468 OS June '97 135 6 June '07 167 8 May '09 232 8 —'09 411; 534 6 Sept. '07 284 9 July '10 260 9 —'10 ' 46; 137 8 July '09 322 9 Sept. '10 389 [ 50 Excrescences on bark of trees ... Fasciation in From old trees Growing, notes on ... Growth of trees of ... Health of trees in F.M.S. Instructions to manageis on estates Knots on trees Large trees in cultivati-n Layering Rubber Trees (with Plates) In "First Hands "... New Hevea from Surinam Notes on Cultivation of (with yield of crop) Old tree at Penang ... "Peas" ... Planting of Plants from cuttings ... Porcupines damaging plants, by W. H. Barrard Precocity of trees Progress in Cultivation in 1909 ... Pruning ... Recovery of trees injured by fire Removing timber from Estates ... Stump — notes on an old Stumps and transplanting of (with Plate) ... Stumping on Estates... Strange growth of cutting System of laying out Estates, by W. R. Rowland Tree Sanitation Varieties of „ and Cultivation of ... Visit, Report of, to Great Britain, by P.J. Burgess 4 Vitality of Where Para will not grow, by H. Wright . Wind twist in trees ... Wounded rubber trees Tapping, Collecting, and Yield of Latex. Collection of ... ... ... OS June '97 136 at Soebong (Java) by H, C. Dinet 3 Feb. '04 51 „ observations on, by P. J. Burgess I July *02 380 observations on, by M. H. Lecomte I „ '02 381 business of Gathering ... 2 March '03 97 8 Sept. •09 420 9 May. '10 175 9 March '10 95 I Mav '02 301 2 Oct. '03 328 6 Sept. '07 283 7 Nov. '08 543 9 Sept. '10 369 3 Jan. '04 20 5 April '06 119 3 Nov. '04 441 3 May '04 82 9 Aug. '10 295 9 July '10 256 5 May '06 138 8 March '09 107 8 Mav '09 239 7 July '08 259 4 Oct. '05 394 7 Aug. •08 34H 8 April '09 138 9 April '10 130 8 March '09 106 3 March '04 83 I Sept. '01 177 5 April '06 117 I —-'02, 604; 552 10 June 'II 195 9 Feb. '10 60 6 Mav '07 135 9 Sept. '10 371 9 Mav '10 169 OS June '97 132 4 Dec. '05 458 6 Mav '07 132 7 July '08 259 6 June •07 160 9 Sept. "10 m 51 Tapping VOL. Date. PAGg ■ 4 Juns '05 226 l^yW. S. Todd 4 'Feb.:. '05 47 .8 , Sept. '09 402 daily, versus alternate tapping 9 -July '10 249 different methods of 9— July 'IQ 253.383 extraction of, from bark 2 Jan. '03 6 effect of, on seeds 7 July '08 275 experiments in Bot- Garden s, Singapore 3 -'04 339, 442 ,, ,, „ .. 4- -'05 ; 98, 144 285, 424 », » I) ,, 5 — '06 .439 .. ,, 6 — '07 - ',', „ 7 — '08 — ,, >> !• ,, 8 — '09 - „ M 9- -'10 ,239,237 , 289, 249 ,, ,, »I 2-'03 ; 264, 354, I 111,395 „' I June '02 328 experiments in Botanic Gardens, Penang 2 July '03 229 results of (Tromp de Haas) 4 Aug. '05 286" extraction of, from bark " I Sep. '02 479 herring-bone at Singapore, with plate 4 June '05 226 methods 5 ^lay '06 139 methods of, and collecting, by P. J. Burgess 3 Sept. '04 3^0 new knife for 8 May '09 245 new punch for .... 3 Oct. '04-414 new tool for 2 „ '03 330 new instruments for I Mar. '02 230 new knife for I July '02 3«9 Nitrate of Soda, efi'ect of flow on ... 9 June *IG 219 notes on 2 ,, '03 72 „ 4 Oct. '05 391 in the dry season 3 May '04 J 78 Patterns, by C. B. Kloss 6 Nov. '07 -^7 pricking trees for 9 Jan. '10 II peculiar flow of latex . . . 4 Feb. '05 49 Physiological Principles oi method of 9 Mar. '10 108 period in Brazil .^ 8 "Nov. '09 534 seasons 5 n.c. '06 461 scar on old wood ... 4 Oct. '05 391 scars,' with plate, by H. N. Ridley ... 3 INLiy '04 159 at Tenom, by E. Lease ... 7 July. '08 291 at La Zacualpa 6 Jan. '07 22 in Java 5 March '06 65 in Malacca 2-'03 ; 191, 354 in North Borneo I Oct. '02 519 in Penang, by C. Curtis... I July '02 385 [ 52 Tapping in Penang „ in Perak „ in Selangor „ on Penang Hill „ in San Miquel (results)i... Yield of per tree „ in Ceylon ,, amount produced per tree „ dr}' rubber per tree ,» crop, with notes on cultivation „ big crop of „ decline in yield of „ monthly returns of 2 „ '03 229 I Oct. '01 19 I July '02 415 5 Oct. 'o6 381 2 „ '03 19& I Nov. '02 556 2 June '03 194 6 Sept. '07 281 OS- June '97 137 8 Sept. '09 399 9 July '10 256 2 Jan. '03 6 4 April '05 97 9 Aug. '10 351 Coagulation, Preparation and Packing. Acetic Acid in Apparatus for testing unmanufactured Crepe — occurrence of Red patches on, by C. T. Brooks ''.. Crepe Creosoting of Crude „ preparation of, by F. Pears Curing of — Hot and cold methods Cut thread and sheet Experiments in Treatment of Preparation and Packing Smoked Rubber for transport ... Drying of, by P. J. Burgess Estate marks on Plantation, by T. W. Main Latex — Coagulation and curing of — notes on of, by F. Pears „ of, by E. Mathieu of, by C. O. Weber ... of. new process described ,, new method, by W. J. Gallagher Koalatex in— Lehmann and Voss „ " Purub " Function of, remarks on significance of sulphurizing of peculiar flow of treatment of, by M. K. Bamber Mechanical preparation of variation in quality of 3 July '04 275 6 " '07 201 10 Jan. 'II 16 4 Dec. '05 459 5 March '06 395 I Sept. '02 471 3 April '04 119 4 Dec. '05 470 4 Dec. '05 475 10 Oct. 'II 112 4 —'05 ; 121, 465 8 April '09 137 9 July '10 277 I —'02 ; 558, 602 2 Jan. '03 18 I June '02 330 7 July '08 280 8 March '09 no 5 July '06 243 8 -09 no 553 6 Jan. '07 20 7 '08 13 6 „ '07 25 4 Feb. '05 49 7 Aug. '08 347 7 Aug. '08 352 3 May '04 175 [ 53 ] Marks on Estate Plantation Masticating Occurrence and nature of spots on sheet and crepe by Keith Bancroft Preparation of raw by P.J. Burgess ... and improvement (the sumers' view) ... in Trinidad for Market „ in Ceylon „ Botan ic Gardens, Singapore . . . notes on, improvement in Ceylon moisture in, prepared Smoked Rubber Smoking House Tackiness in (of various varieties) Some suggestions Packing, suggestions for „ of, by P. J, Burgess „ boxes for „ Shipment of Spread and sheeted goods of Stamped goods of Washing of ,; machine Washed — adulteration of, etc., by P. J. Burgess Vacuum dryer for Vulcanization tests with plantation Vulcanization, by P.J. Burgess ... l^OL. D.\TE Page. 8 April '09 137 4 Dec. '05 468 10 Oct. 'II 319 3 March '04 102 8 Sept. '09 405 6 Jan. '07 25 4 Dec. '05 464 3 Aug. '04 311 3 Oct. '04 416 I Nov. '01 84 8 Sept. '09 405 7 Nov. 'o8 544 6 Sept. '07 290 2 March '03 108 2 Dec. '03 395 3 Oct. '04 416 3 May '04 175 9 Oct. '10 437 10 Jan. 'II 17 10 March 'II 64 8 Dec. '09 561 10 March 'II 69 5 „ '06 83 8 July '09 325 4 Dec. '05 461 9 May '10 174 I Feb. '02 189 4 Dec. '05 474 4 ,, '05 472 4 „ '05 467 3 Aug. '04 1^7 4 -05; 226, 461 5 May '06 142 7 Feb. '08 54 4 Dec. '06 469 Manuring and Measurement of Trees. Manuring experiments 2 Nov. '03 351 and close planting 5 April '06 105 with plate 3 Oct. '04 405 of 8 --'09. 316; 421 „ . of, by L. Lewton-Brain 10 Nov. 'II 362 Green manuring and 9 Sept. '10 391 Guano for trees of 9 March '10 108 2 Oct. '03 321 0 Dec. 'II 386 I Jan. '02 156 5 Nov. '06 394 6 Dec. '07 420 5 Nov. '06 394 I Jan. '02 157 I June '02 332 5 Dec. '06 465 54 Phosphates, Christmas Island ... Problem of manuring, by B. J. Eaton Measurement of trees Measuring device, by P. J. Burgess of girth, handy method of „ of girth of trees by P. J. Burgess „ standard for Growth of trees Increment of growth in trees Analyses and Quality of Rubber with Reports on Samples. Analyses of „ by P. J. Burgess „ various Ceylon R. Latex ,, in Botanic Gardens, Singapore... Chemistry of, by P. J. Burgess ... Methyl-inosite in Quality of Plantation, by P. J. Burgess by C. E. S. Ba.xendale ,, improvement in „ variability in „ Plantation difference between Amazon and Plantation Sami^les, report on „ notes on Machines. Machines, by J. B. Curruthers .. „ and other improvements „ testing Advert, of Machinery at the International Exhibition— Michies machine ... ... 4 June '05 242 Hand power Creping and Sheeting machine 10 Jan. 'll 18 4 July '05 272 4 Dec. '05 461 5 Mav '06 136 5 Oct. '06 375 3 Oct. '04 417 9 July '10 277 10 May 'II 144 9 Feb. '10 51 2 Dec. '03 385 10 Mav 'II 145 4 Dec. '05 462 5 March '06 81 5 Jan. '06 4 10 Feb. 'II 35 10 Feb. '11 36 10 Oct. 'II 327 10 Oct. 'II 323 2 -'0370; 331; 4 —'05, 160 42; 7 Nov. '08 343 4 June '05 223 8 Nov. '09 533 4 Oct. '05 401 8 Feb. '09 61 [ 55 ] Catch Crops and Weeding. Catch Crops for „ Chillies as a „ Coffee as a, by E. B. Prior Musa textilis as a „ mustard as a i ... - „ Pineapples as a, by Dr. Lim Boon Keng „ l^ipioca as a Tapioca, by W. Dunman Cover plants — Comparison of action of other grasses with Lalang Crotolaria at Batu Tiga attacked by fungus cultivated form of inF.M.S. Desmodium tritiorum Effect of grass on trees Grasses other than Lalang Keeping land clear of weeds Lalang — eradication of „ notes on, and soils Trials with green dressings in Dominica ... Mikania scandens, by M. K. Bamberl Commeline nudiflora as weed eradicator Passiflora foetida, by M. K. Bamber at Batu Tiga Spraying weeds Substitute for weeding by T. B. Carruthers ... Tephrosia and clean weeding, by F. Zirnichow Weeding, by J. B. Carruthers VOL. Date. Page. 8 Mar. '09 105 5 May '06 133 9 Nov. '10 450 8 April '09 170 8 Mar. '09 105 10 „ 'II 74 9 Sept. '10 384 5 -'06, 133; 223 5 July '06 224 8 -'09. 413 ; 448 OS Jan. '95 82 8 Sept. '09 444 8 Mar. '09 105 8 Oct. '09 474 7 Dec. '08 602 7 Nov. '08 540 9 Feb. '10 63 OS Jan. '9.S 82 2 Aug. .'03 248 8 Sept. '09 448 OS Jan. '9-S 73 0 May 'II 156 8 June '09 262 8 Jan. '09 8 8 June '09 262 8 Sept. '09 415 8 Sept. '09 447 7 Nov. '08 542 6 Sept. '07 286 8 -'09, 131; 247 7 —'08, 383; 536 Seeds. Seeds Chemical examination of seeds, by W. R. Dunstan Commercial valuation of composition of, for oil Dissemination of by natural means Disinfection of Early, fruiting of trees Exporting of bv T. W. Main 2 Sept. '03 284 Prof. 3 Feb. '04 44 3 Feb. '04 47 6 Nov. '07 383 I Jan. '02 153 9 Nov. 'in 453 6 June '07 176 5 Jan. '06 I 7 Nov. '08 548 [ 56 Experiments with 7 July '08 275 Extraction and examination of oil from seeds 3 Feb. '04 45 Effect of tapping on seeds 7 July '08 27 S Five-seeded capsule 7 May '08 176 Gathering capsules of, by G. Weli nan 6 May '07 134 Germination of 10 June 'II 192 . .. 4 May '05 159 ft 7 Aug. '08 333 „ OS Dec. '98 229 „ hard ... 9 Jan. '10 5 „ in British Guiana, by J. B." Harrison 10 Feb. 'II 3» Imperial Institute on 3 Feb. '04 43 Influence of maturity of 6 Jan. '07 14 Oil from 2 June '03 iq6 „ purposes 8 Sept. '09 406 ,. 6 June '07 177 ,■> 7 Nov. 'o8 544 Oil and cake, by Prof. W. R. Dunstan 4 Mar. 'OS 77 Packing of 8 May '09 24s Planting of 8 April '09 135 Selection of 6 Jan. '07 13- Sending of 4 June '05 242 Size of 7 Aug. '08 335 Seeds— Theft of seedlings 5 April '06 116 transmission of 6 May '07 13^ transportation of (long distances) ... 2 Jany. '03 5- travelling of 10 June 'II 191 „ utilization of 10 Nov. 'II 352 vitality of 2 July '03 22^ of 6 May '07 132 „ „ and longevity of 10 July 'II 209 weight of 6 Nov. '07 384 weight of 8 Sept. '09 407 vitality of 10 Dec. 'II 379' Exhibitions, etc. At the Agri-Horticultural Show ... 6 Oct. '07 358- „ in Penang ... 8 Aug. '09 375 „ ... ... 9 —'10, 166; 176- Ceylon Exhibition ... ... 5 May '06 139 6 —'07, 34; 40> report of, at ... 5 — '06,383; 393 The International and Allied Trades Exhib. 7 ^'08, 41 ; 180- 290; 138 report of at above, by R. Derry ... ... 8 Feb. '09 39. 57 The International exhibition of 1911 Exhibition lectures on rubber (report^ International R. Exhibition 1911 — Reports Manufactured Rubber at Exhibition, London Vol. Date Page. 9— '10, 176; 180 ; no 10 — 'ir, 165; 12 9 Jan. '10 12 10 Dec. 'II 364 8 „ '09, 39; 61 Pests, Diseases, etc. Acridium sp. (Grasshopper) at ... Age of trees when attacked by Termes Animals associated with Another fungus Ants Ants attacking seedlings, by F. E. Lease An ant killer Application and making Of Bordeaux mixture Astychus chrysochloris attacking by H. C. Robinson Attacus Atlas and (Atlas moth) Bleeding of a tree Badly affected area with Pomes... Bark fungus on Beetles attacking, by R. A. Burgess (boring) Bough destroyed by Rot Brachytrupes achinatus attacking ,, „ attacking Branch disease Brown Root disease, of by Keith Bancroft ... Burrs, occurrence of by Keith Bancroft Bordeaux mixture, recent work on Canker of, by W. J. Gallagher ... „ „ by J. B. Carruthers Canker of, by Keith Bancroft Chief diseases of Rubber in Ceylon and Malaya 10 Caprinia conchy ladis, by E. Green Caterpillars attacking, by F. W. Douglas ... Cicindela sp. (Beetle) attacking, by R. A. Burgess Coffee Jocust on Corticium javanicum on „ „ in Borneo ... „ , ,, on ■ „ „ on ., . prevention experiments 8 Sept. '09 424 3 Dec. '04 481 8 .Tuly '09 316 9 June '10 216 OS 78273 5 Nov. '06 408 3 Aug. '04 306 9 April '10 138 3 -'04, 21; 493 3 July '04 271 •7 March '08 89 5 Nov. '06 401 OS May '00 269 10 Nov. '11 361 9 Sept. '10 375 4 Nov. '05 423 5 March '06 69 3 Oct. '04 419 2 July '03 222 2 Feb. '03 48 5 March '06 69 8 April '09 139 9 Sept. '10 373 10 April 'II 106 10 May 'II 138 10 Dec. 'II 383 7 Jan. '08 15 4 March '05 74 '> Dec. '03 389 10 July 'II 203 10 May 'II 141 3 Feb. '04 52 I Oct. '01 26 3 Oct. '04 419 4 March '05 68 5 June '06 208 9 Feb. '10 59 7 May '08 170 10 — 'H, 142; 247 10 Jan. 'II 6 I 58 ] Crickets at attacking, by H. C. Pratt eating Cyrtanthacris varia eating Damaged by porcupines Diplodia rapax (Black Hevea Fungus) „ „ bv G. Massee ... 8- Uisease — note on the canker of ... Diseases of, by T. Fetch „ of seedlings ... Latest notes on, by T. Fetch „ of, in Ceylon „ of, chief in Malaya and Ceylon „ important notification about Earth Worms Ectatops rubescens at Eumeces squamosus, eating plants of Effect of gale on Eutypa caulivora, by G. Massee „ as a parasite ... Epepscotes luscus, an enemy of ... Excrescences Fomes semitostus „ by W. J. Gallagher „ in Ceylon, by T. Fetch „ badly affected area with Fungi from Fenang „ injurious „ on „ on „ on „ on leaves „ two Fungus on (Syncephalis) „ on bark on roots of Fusicladium on, by W. J. Gallagher „ by H. N. Ridley General diseases of Hemileia vastatrix Hvmenochaete noxia on Insecticides Insect pests, some notes OS May '00 276 '09, 8 April '09 139 5 March '06 68 4 March '05 68 4 Oct. '05 393 9 Aug. '10 290 9 Nov. '10 460 310; 312; 521; 570; 571 10 July 'II 204 5 March '06 396 8 Nov. '09 53S 5 March '06 400 4 Oct. '05 384 10 March 'ii 70 10 May 'II 141 4 Oct. 'OS 392 OS Jan. '95 77 2 '03 5 8 Sept. '09 433 8 July '09 322 9- -'10 ; 217, 460, 295 10 Jan. 'II 6 6 Aug. '07 251 8 Sept. '09 420 10— Aug. 'II; 245, 141 7- -Nov. '08; 518, 588 5 April '06 119 9 Sept. '10 375 3 May '04 174 9 AF^ril '10 13s OS May '00 284 4 Oct. '05 384 3 May '04 173 9 Sept. '10 380 4 —'05 ; 68, 271 2 Nov. '10 461 I June '02 III 5 Mar. '06 69 5 '06 64 7 May '08 172 7 Oct. '08 441 7 Oct. '08 439 10 Aug. 'II 248 8 July '09 312 9 Nov. '10 461 10 —'II 106; 246 2 July '03 229 7 Dec. '08 610 2 Jan. '03 4 [ 59 I Insect pests, all about general treatment of Insects destroyed by luminous snares Leaf fungus (Uredinea;) Latex and its relation to life of parent plant... Liquid fungicides for Light, effect of, on growth of trees, by S. Adren Loranthus as a parasite on Mites in Nurser}--, by S, Arden ... „ on New fungus pest on New ordinance f(.)r pests Notes on recent fungus literature Parasitic fungi on Pests „ of, by H. N. Ridley (Caterpillars) Phytopthora Faberi in Ceylon ... Pink Disease, (see Corticium Javanicum) ... Plant life and disease, by W. J. Gallagher ... ,, diseases Prevention of disease, by J. B. Carruthers ... Piscicides, notes on, by H. N. Ridley Rhinoceros beetle in soil Root disease by W. J. Gallagher Rot — tree destroyed by Root diseases from Singapore (helicobasidium sp) i by W. J. Gallagher Slugs and crickets at Trees diseased by E. Smith (microscopical). from Puak Two enemies of Warts and Peas Wounded trees Xyleborus in Termes Gestroi — H. C. Robinson (reprint) . „ life history of. by G. R- Stebbing crotolaria as affecting „ new way of dealing with „ „ on future clearings ,. „ reward for extermination reported on, by W. W. Bailey „ „ trees attacked by Termes carbonari us „ Malayanus with many Queens Termites- Acoruscalamus — n' 9 Jan. '10 4 in Java 7 July '08 278 " M 9 Sept. '10 389 (Soebangj 3 Feb. '04 51 in Jamaica 9 Nov. '10 459 '» .) a failure 9 Feb. '10 57 " 10 Nov. 'II 356 in Johore, by R. W. Burgess 4 Jan. '05 I .. 2 Dec. '03 393 in Liberia 9 Jan. '10 3 in Madras I Oct. '02 509 .. 8 Nov. '09 520 in Malacca 2 June '03 191 Estate near 3 July '04 267 in Malaya, by H. K. Rutherford ... 3 Oct. '04 414 .. 8 Sept. "09 397 „ in Malaya 4 June '05 241 » 6 May '07 133 M ,. 2 March '03 II3 „ in Manaos 3 March '04 85 in Mexico, by H. Home I Dec. '01 123 „ 2 —'03, 67; 262 ,» „ 6 Jan. '07 6 ,, „ and Central America ... 6 Jan. '07 I in Mj-'sore 2 Sept. '03 282 62 VOL. D.\TE Page uhber in New Guinea 6 May '07 139 in Nortli Borne > I Oct. '02 519 in Penang I —'02, 82; 384. ,, „ (with plate) I July '02 385 ,, „ 8 April '09 134 „ in Perak, by E. V. Carey 3 May •04 171 in Queensland 9 lune '10 215 ,, in Samoa 5 July '06 243 in Sarawak 4 Sept. '05 365 in Selangor 2 -'03, 316 ;279 ; 42 „ in Sierra Leone 3 Oct. '04 413 in South Anam 4 Jan. '05 10 in Southern India 3 May '04 160 ,, ,, „ 5 Feb. '06 43 M ,, 8 Nov. '09 534 in Southern Nigeria 10 Feb. 'II 30 in Straits Settlements, by C. Curtis I Feb. '02 193 in St. Lucia 8 Nov. '09 535 in Surinam 10 Feb. 'II 29 „ in Togoland ... .. 2 Aug. '03 260 in Troi)ical Australia ... 7 Aug. '08 345 in West Indies 7 July '08 261 In Western Siamese States 7 Aug. '08 349 in Uganda S July '06 244 ,. ., 9 —'10 108; 458 )» .. 10 May 'II 155 in Zanzibar 9 Jan. '10 5 at Bukit Timah with Plates I Sept. '02 474 „ at high elevations 2 Jan. '03 21 at Kuala Kangsar 5 Aug. •06 263 6 Oct. '07 117 „ at St. Louis Exhibition 3 Oct. '04 413 from the East I July '02 392 ,, in the Amazons (working estates) 2 March '03 99 in the Amazonas I Dec. '01 109 on Penang Hill (1906) 5 -'06 138 381 on European Continent 4 Oct. '05 389 Reports, Statistics, etc. Acreage of, in the Colony Amazon versus plantation Areas and proriuction Castilloa versus plantation Ceylon*s place in the Industry ... Ceylon from the manufacturers point if view „ future^ if in versus F.M.S. 10 Feb. 'II 28 8 Dec. '09 568 8 Oct. '09 475 8 Julv '09 327 5 May '06 169 4 April '05 122 3 „ '04 131 6 June '07 171 f 63 Ceylon beats Para 4 March '05 72 Chronological table of industry 1873-1899 9 June '10 213 Comparative rubber exp irt table, 8 April '09 172 Tables of crops in Malaya 10 Aug. 'II 267 Congress at Manaos 9 April '10 148 Companies in the East 6 Dec. '07 439 Comparative tables of acreages in Malaya ... 8 -'09 399 400 Development of 8 Nov. '09 532 Demand for I Sept. '02 467 Dealers Bill 9 April '10 147 Directory of india rubber industries 8 Jidy '09 324 Exports— from Brazil in 1907 7 Sept. '08 392 Africa 8 Feb. '09 41 British Indian 8 „ '09 41 F.M.S., comparative table ■7 / -'08 117 414 „ ,, Mozambique ... T Oct. '02 516 Para and Manaos in 1906 6 July '07 333 S. S. in 1905 5 ,, '06 229 South American 8 Feb. '09 41 output of '05— '06— '07 8 '09 55 Falling off in quality of 6 Feb. '07 53 Factory in Singapore 6 June '07 174 Future of, by W. E. G. 3 July '04 280 of in Ceylon 3 April '04 131 ,, of plantation 6 Sept. '07 282 „ of 8 ,, '09 416 ,, supply of World 9 Jan. '10 13 Industry 6 June '07 171 Industry, Report on, by P. J. Burgess 4 Dec. '05 458 Growth of trade with reply 5 April '06 114 Imports of into U.S.A., in 1907 ... 7 Aug. '08 338 Malacca Plantations, by P. J. Burgess 6 June '07 158 Malay still leading in 6 May '07 132 Manufacturers view of Plantation 4—05 222, 460 Market, Position of in 1901 I March '02 231 in 1905 5 Feb. '06 40 in 1906 6 Nov. '07 389 Prices and their effects ... 7 ^^ '08 534 Report of 4 Dec. '05 484 review of for 1901 2 Jan. '03 7 Mexican Plantations 6 ,, '07 8 Position of among cultivated plants 4 Oct. '05 381 Producing companies 7 Jan. '08 39 Prospects of 3-04; 281, 386 Progress in cultivation of (1909) ... 9 April '10 130 Price of— for 12^ cents 7 S.pt. '08 349 „ „ high 5 Jan. '06 8 „ „ high 3 Dec. '04 494 ,, 4 March '05 69 64 VOL. Date. P.\ge. Price of 8 Sept. 'oq 402 by H. N. Ridley ... 3 July '04 272 ,, ,, OS June '97 ^57 „ ,, fluctuation in price of 3 July '04 275 Profits on a small scale 4 June '05 218 Prospect s 8 Feb. '09 56 Report o f the Belgian Rubber Expert. M. 0. Collet 3 May '04 178 ,, , , sample 11 om S.S., by Prof W. R. Dunstan 3 April '04 130 ,, . theConsulof Rubber in Brazil in 'oq 10 March 'II 76 ]] , State of Amazonas for 1899 1—02 ; 122 189 ,, , Straits 9-10; 31 ,65 Report on -) May '03 179 „ , by R. Derry (first sale of ru ober) I Jan. '02 19 „ , brief review, by R. Derry 3 Mar. '04 82 Reports, Ceylon. Straits and F.M.S. 8 April '09 184 on, bv S. Arden 2 Feb. '03 42 Report i n F.M.S. 9 —'10 307; 320 Sales of 4— '05 122; 273; 392 Share Market 6- '07 231 ; 256; 264 Shortage of supply 8 Nov. '09 523 Sources of supply 9 May '10 171 Sources 8 Feb. '09 40 Statistics, F.M.S. and Malayan (1908) 8 —'09 398; 399 ,, companies 8 Dec. •09 572 Some remarks on Plantation I June '02 330 Trade of Brazil I Oct. '02 509 Valuation of from Singapore 2— '03 I 92; 331; 355- 396 " from other places in Mai ay a 2— '03 2 4: 354; 393; 193; 70; 355 „ Malacca R., by R. N. Bland ... 3 Sept. '04 385 Synthetic. Artificial Rubber Synthetics and its substitutes Overproduction and Synthetic 3 Oct. '04 413 9- -'10; 184. 390 5 Oct. '06 369 8 Sept. '09 408 7- -'08; 40, 5.^5 9 April 'io 135 7 Nov. '08 535 Uses. Dipped goods of ... •••4 Dec. '05 476 Electrical uses of ... ... 4 .. '05 477 Goloshes ... ... 9 May '10 172 [ 65 ] Motor tyres of 9 May '10 172 Other manufactures with Q „ '10 173 Principal uses of q ,, '10 171 Solution making 4 Dec. '05 471 Literature. A Brief Rubber Review 3 March '04 81 "Cultivation in the British Empire" (review^ 6 July '07 205 " Dollar Share Values" 'review .. 10 July 'II 217 " The rubber country of the Amazons " (review) 10 June 'II 190 H. Wrights' Lectures on 5 Oct. '06 m Review on 5 April 'o6 103 Literature on (new) ... 9 —'10, 4 & 62 New pamphlets on, by G. O Ahern 5 May '06 139 New Rubber Journal ... 8 April '09 143 „ „ 9 Jan. '10 4 Notes from the India Rubber Journal 3 April '04 140 on rubber growing I May '02 301 Rubber, Gutta Percha and Balata, by F. Clout 3 March '04 104 Recent Publication on Rubber and its cultivatior 1 3 Feb. '04 50 Other Rubber Producing Plants. Actinella Richardsonii (Colarado) African Vines Afzelia palembanica Alstonia scholaris Bleekrodia tonkinensis Carpodinus lanceolatus Chilocarpus enervis Chonemorpha macrophylla Cryptostegia grandifiora Dichopsis Gutta, etc. Forsteronia gracilis Funtumia elastica Guayale (Parthenium argentatum) Hancornia speciosa Jatropha urens Kicksia africana Landolphias in variety Leuconotis eugenaefolius and vars. Mascarenhasia elastica Manihot Glaziovii, etc. Melodinus orientalis Micrandra siphonoides Palaquium oblongifolium, etc. [ 66 1 Parameria glandulifera Partheniuin argentatuin (Guayale) Payena vais. for Gutta Raphionacme ulilis (Encanda Rubber) Sapiuni Vars. for rubber Sphaerostilbe repens Tabernaemontana crassa Tuber-from a Urceole elastica and vars. ^'o'- date. page. Rubber producing Plants ... ... 8 Feb. 'og 40 Articles on "Other Rubber Producixg Plants" ivill be found under their respective licadings. I — Estate Printing Account Books. Report Forms. Company Reports and Balance Sheets. Registers. Pay Books. Charts. Pamphlets. Circulars. Catalogues. &c., &c., &c. Bookbinding in all Styles Paper Ruling, &c. Jhe \f\l^ desire to call the at- tention of planters and others to the fact that we can furnish them with all kinds of estate printing. The quality of work we produce is not to be surpassed any^A/here in the Straits. We give prompt de- livery and pay special attention to those far removed from, a reliable printing centre. Our printing department, which is kept always up-to-date, is spe- cially laid out for carrying on all branches of printing and bookbinding whilst the adoption of the most modern methods enables as to quote at very reasonable charges. Write us at once for quotations. Sfraifs Cimes press Xtd. Printers, Publishers 6- Bookbinders QecU ^ Stanley S^f^^^s, Singapore, Telephone : Printing Dept. No. 348. Telegrams. "Times," Singapore. Agricultural Bulletin OF THE — 5TRAIT5 — AND FEDERATED MALAY 5TATE5. Founded by H.N. RIDLEY, C.P1.0..P1.A.. P.K.S., fie, in 1891, and edited by him up to 191 1. AND CONTINUED BY The Botanic Gardens Department, Singapore. No. 2. FEBRUARY, 1912. Vol. I. CONTENTS. Page. 2. Vitality of Rubber Seeds— F. G. SPRING - I 3. " Gogo Vine (Encada Scandens) " - - 4 4. Factories on Plantations - - - 5 5. Potatoes and Jerusalem Artichoke for Pigs — J. W. Anderson . _ . _ s 6. Horticultural Notes— J. W. ANDERSON - 12 7. Export Telegrams - - - - 13 8. Singapore Market Report - - - 14 9. Meteorological Readings - - - 15 10. Minutes of the Planters' Association of Malaya 23 To be purchased at the Botanic Gardens, Singapore, from Messrs. Kblly AND Walsh, Ltd., No. 32 Raffles Place, and 194 Orchard Road, and Thh Steaits Timks Officb, Cecil Street, Singapore. X THIRD SERIES Agricultural bulletin STRAITS FEDERATED MALAY STATES. Founded by H. N. RIDLEY, c.m.g., m.a., f.r.s., &c., in 1891 an 1 edited by him up to 1911. LIBRARY NEW YORK BOTANICAL OAROeN. The Price of the Bulletin will be as follows: Annual Subscription for Straits Settlemenls and Federated Malay States $5 00 Annual Subscription for other places in Malaya .. $5.50 Annual Subscription for India and Ceylon .. .. . . Rs 9-8-0 Annual Subscription for Europe (Thirteen Shillings) .. .. .. £0-13-0 Single Copy . . . . . . . . . . 50 cts. or iB. 2d. Whole Volume $5.00 All Subscriptions are payable strictly in advance. SINGAPORE : THE STRAITS TIMES PRESS, LIMITED. NOTE. No further copies of the Bulletin will be forwarded except to those subscribers whose subscription for the year has been received. CM cn rr AOmCULTUKAL BULLETIN 5TRAIT5 PEDERATED MALA/ 5TATE5. No. 2.] FEBRUARY, 1912. [Vol. 1 VITALITY OF RUBBER SEEDS. By F. G. Spring, Superintendent, Government Plantations, F.M.S. Seeds of Hevea braziliensis do not retain their vitality for a long period and the consequent difficulty of forwarding them successfully to distant comitries is well known. This year several hundred thou- sand Para seeds from tapped trees were packed in Venesta chests with charcoal and forwarded to Trinidad. The results obtained were far from satisfactory although the seeds were most carefully selected and packed. There is no doubt that seeds picked immediately on falling, and carefully packed, give the best results. If they are allowed to be on the ground, or if badly packed, a smaller percentage of germination will be obtained. It must be borne in mind however, that no matter how the packing has been done, the vitality of Para seeds cannot be retained for any length of time if they are not gathered immedi- ately. The seeds must not be packed too many in a box, otherwise fermentation starts and the whole mass heats and loses its vitality; the packing material must be just sufficiently moist to prevent the seeds from drying out and not moist enough to encourage the growth of moulds and bacteria. For the same reason the packing must be fairly tight and yet not quite air-tight. Small boxes seem better than larger cases. Experiments have been carried out as mentioned in a previous article* at the suggestion of the Director of Agriculture to compare the germinating power of seeds from tapped and untapped trees (Expt. I.) and to see if by coating the surfaces of the seeds with various substances (Expt. II.) the germinating power could be re- tained for a longer period. The tapped and untapped trees selected for the experiments are 12 j-ears old ; the first mentioned have been tapped for the past 2 years, the seeds were collected fresh each morning and treated as mentioned in the following list. Experiment I. The Vitality of Seeds from Tapped and Untapped Trees. All seeds were packed with burnt padi husk in biscuit tins, each containing 200 seeds. The tins were wrapped in brown paper and sealed. Boxes Nos. I, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 were kept 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, and 10 weeks respectively then opened, and the seeds planted in well prepared nursery beds. It v,'ill be seen from the tables that seeds from un- tapped trees gave on an average 50 per cent, higher germination than those from tapped trees reckoned on the absolute percentage. In each test the former showed from two to three times as many ger- minations as the latter. A record of similar experiments is published in the Circulars and Agricultural Journal of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Ceylon, Volume IV., No. II, May 1908. This circular states that "seeds from tapped trees kept for five weeks did not germinate but those kept for four weeks showed 28 per cent, germination while seeds from untapped trees kept for four weeks did not germinate and those kept for three weeks showed only 3 per cent, germination. Both in percentage, ger- mination, and time of germination the seeds from tapped trees are better throughout." No information is given regarding the manner in which the seeds were kept previous to planting. It will be seen that the Ceylon figures are at variance with those obtained here, but it is difficult to say why this should be. The Ceylon Circular also states that seeds from tapped trees are smaller, weigh less per looo seeds than those from untapped trees. This agrees with the figures obtained here, namely, seeds from untapped trees were found to be on an average 10.7 per cent, heavier than those from tapped trees of similar ages. The figures in Experiment I. are of interest nut only as regards the suitability of exporting seeds from untapped trees but they also tend to show the effect tapping has on the vitality of the seed. Tapping lessens the weight and size of the seeds, and according to the present experiments reduces the germinating power. * Agricultural Bulletin of the Straits and Federated Malay States Vol. X. No. II, p. 345. Novembrl^ll. It is evident that seeds which are tj be exported are best selected from untapped trees. Experiments are to be conducted to compare the growth of pkints resulting from seeds of ^apped and untapped trees. Table I. Percentage of Seed Germination obtained from Tapped and Untapped Trees. No of No. of \ Length of time the No. of plants obtained. Percentage of seed Germination. box. seeds in box. in boxes. Tapped. Untapped. Tapped. Untapped. I 200 3 weeks 67 156 33 78 2 200 5 „ 46 133 23 66 3 200 7 „ 48 103 24 50 4 200 8 ,. 40 167 20 83 5 200 9 ,. 40 I64 20 82 6 200 10 „ 49 165 24 82 Experiment II. The Preserving of Rubber Seeds from Tapped Trees. The seeds in these experiments were collected and packed in a similar way to those in the first experiment but they were coated respectively with bees wax, hard paraffin, and vaseline. The bees wax and hard paraffin were melted and the seeds dipped into their respective liquids, allowed to solidify and then packed. Previous to planting the seeds, the hard paraffin, bees wax, and vaseline were removed. The percentage of germination of untreated seeds from tapped trees can be seen by referring to experiment I. On comparing this with the seeds coated with bees wax it will be seen that the latter showed an increased germination to the extent of ap- proximately 30 per cent. The seeds coated with (hard paraffin gave better results than untreated seeds from tapped trees but not as good as those coated with bees wax. The seeds treated with vaseline did not germinate. The coating of rubber seeds with any substance is undoubtedly an expensive treatment but if seeds have to be sent to countries which take from l^i to 2>2 months to reach and seeds from untapped trees cannot be obtained, then, I think that the extra percentage of germination resulting from seeds being coaled with bees wax would more than repay the extra expense entailed by this system of treatment. 4 Table II. Percentage of Germination of Seeds from Tapped Trees coated with Bees Wax and Paraffin. No of No. of seeds in box. Length of time the seeds were in boxes. No. OF PLANTS OBTAINED. Percentage of seed germination. box. 1 Bees Wax.! Paraffin. [ Bees Wax. Paraf- fin. Untrea- ted.' I80 3 weeks 107 ■ 62 59 34 33 180 5 .. 108 71 63 40 23 180 7 „ 94 i 74 52 41 24 i8o 8 „ 82 66 45 37 20 ]8o 9 „ 100 61 55 34 20 6 180 10 „ 86 58 47 32 24 * Untreated seeds from tapped trees (see Expt. I.) In no case was there apparent a large falling off in germin- ating power from the third to the tenth week. It is hoped to repeat both experiments in 1912. GOGO VINE iSntada seandens, Bcnth). In the "Board of Trade Journal," September 14th last, reference is made to samples of "soap bark," the prepared bark of the Gogo Vine recently received from H. M. Consul at Manila, with the in- formation that the material is suitable for the manufacture of soap and hair-washes. From small specimens of the stem and prepared bark obtained from the Board of Trade, it has been possible to determine the material as the produce of Entada seandens. This is an immense climber cosmopolitan in the tropics, and may be readily recognised by its spirally twisted stems and huge pods which are from two to- four feet long, containing hard polished fl.t circular seeds of a chest- nut colour. So long ago as May, 1855, the late Mr. T. C. Archer presented to the Museum a siniilarly prepared sample of the bark under the same vernacular name, with a note to the effect that it contains saponaceous properties, forms a lather with water, and is much used by Manila ladies ior cleaning the hair. The following particulars as to the mode of preparing the bark and its local appli- ations are gathered from "The Medicinal Plants of the Philippines," by T. H. Pardo de Tavera, p.io6 : -"The use made of the mashed bark of this tree is well known throughout the Philippines. Cut in strips and beaten thoroughly between stones it is sold under the name of 'Gogo,' it is macerated in water to which it imparts a reddish colour, and forms a substitute for soap. The Filipinos use this preparation for bathing especially the hair, for which purpose there is no more useful or simple preparation. It cures pityriasis, and tenders the hair very soft, without drying it too much as is usually the case with soap. The natives use it in treating the itch, washing the affected parts with the maceration and at the same time briskly rubbing them with the bark ; in this way they remove the crusts that shield the acari. The treatment is successful in direct proportion to the energy of rubbing. . . The maceration of gogo is emetic and purgative ; it is used in the treatment of asthma; it is exceedingly irritating, the slightest quantity that enters the eye causing severe smarting and a slight conjunctivitis for one or two days." The seeds, which contain saponin, are stated to be used by the Nepalese in the preparation of a hairwash. According to Watt (Diet. Econ. Prod., India,) the most general use to which the seeds are applied in India is for crimping linen. The Dhobis cut one side of the seed and scoop out the kernel then they introduce two fingers into the cavity, and quickly stroke the damp linen forwards with its polished su-face. This crimps it beautifully crossways. The seeds are made occasionally into snuff-boxes and other articles, and are often carried long distances by ocean currents. — (Keiv Bulletin, page 474— No. 10 191 1) J. M. H. The subject of the preceding note {Eiitnda scamiens) is a fairly common plant throughout the Malay Peninsula where it is known under the native name of " Akar Beluru." The flowers are borne on spikes 6-10 inches long but are not attractive. The pod which is said to be 1-3 feet long is spirally curved into a mass in the Malay plants, and has the appearance of being far too heavy for so slender a clim- ber, which however, depends on its tendrils for support. There is a model of the fruit in the collection at Raffles Museum. R. DERRY. FACTORIES ON PLANTATIONS. The Selection of a Site. The selection of a suitable factory site requires, in some countries, considerable thought. On hilly estates, it is customary to select some area as low, while as central, as possible. This generally enables the manager to economise in transport and sometimes to use water power. On such properties, sites which are swampis liable to flood, or un- healthy, should be avoided. It is often much cheaper to select a site at some altitude, and pump water up to the factory, than to choose a place convenient only for water and transport. In considering the site in relation to transport, it should be borne in mind that carrying the latex — which may contain more than 50 per cent, of water — to the factory is more expensive than subsequent transport of dry rubber to the nearest cart road. The selection of a site is also partly deter- mined by the accessibility of the area for passengers and cart traffic, proximity to a good, clean supply of water, exposure to wind, and the character of the subsoil. One difficulty frequently experienced, especially when artificial heating apparatus is not employed, is that ot getting a good supply of cool air through the building. This defect is often due to the site not being at a sufficient altitude and to the building being closely surrounded by forest trees of the Hevea type. Types of Factories Required. The type of factory to be erected depends upon many conditions, sucTi as the amount of the crop and the methods ot curing and washing. In order to meet crop requirements, care should be taken to ensure that extensions can be easily and economically made from time to time. This is particularly the case where small and similar acreages come into bearing regularly each year for many years in succession. Where the whole of the area is in bearing, the building need not provide for extensions to the same degree, though an annual increase in yield rer acre must be allowed for. The meth(;d of curing also has a bearing on the type of factory required. If vacuum driers are used, the size of the factory can be reduced. If artificial heating apparatus is provided the rubber is dried more quickly, and less space is therefore required in the curing section. The installation of heating apparatus, fans, etc., generally necessitate the erection of a two-storey building. Smoking must also be considered, though in many cases a separate building is erected for this phase of the curing process. Frequently, however, the rub- ber is smoked, while being cured, in a part of the factory permanently set aside for this work. The kind of washing machine and position of shafting must also be considered in the erection of the walls and floor of a factory. There are some washing machines which have double or treble the working capacity of other?, and which demand comparatively less space. Shafting, if overhead, may require wall brackets, which fre- quently necessitate an entirely different construction. Floor shafting, on the other han I, may be erected more or less irrespective of the materials used in the construction of the building. Type Now Used on Plantations. Though in the types of factories now used on plantations there is considerable variation, there is some ground for hoping that stan- dardisation will ultimately be recognised. If rubber plantation fac- tories were standardised, the cost would be appreciably lessened, and additions more easily made. A width of forty feet, with bays ten feet, has been suggested (Davidson, Souvenir, I, R.J.) as the standard to adopt. On Eastern estates the factories are either : (I) entirely on ground floor, (2) two-storeyed (or more) throughout, or (3) two-storeyed only in the curing section. They are provided with a space for the engines inside the factory, or a separate building adjoining the factory is reserved as the power station. Materials Used in Construction. Most factories are steel-framed and covered with galvanized corrugated-iron sheets. Where the roof is not provided with a timber ceiling, the air is apt to get very warm in the tropics. The sides, or walls, are usually made of corrugated-iron sheets, similar to those used for the roof. On some estates timber is sometimes favoured, in which case it is advisable to use wood which has been impregnated with creosote, in order to preserve it against the attacks of white ants. Brick walls, between the iron columns, are not often erected, though they are always cool, durable, and neat. Ventilation of Factories. Apart from health reasons, there are many others why rubber factories should be well ventilated. Rubber contains a proportion of putrescible matter, and if the air is not kept pure, bacteria may appear in large numbers and lead to deterioration of the rubber during curing. Furthermore, drying is, even in dry weather, expedited if a good draught of fresh air is maintained through the building. The majority of factories rely upon open windows and doors, together with a fan, for their supplies of fresh air; expanded metal, which is so constructed as to allow of air currents, is now used, near the eaves or floor level. Floors of Factories. The ground-floor is, for durability and cleanliness, usually made of cement. It is, however, not unconmion to find white ants boring their way through thin layers of cement, and it is therefore necessary to see that this work is properly executed. In order that water may be carried rapidly away from the washing machines and drip racks, channels should be freely provided. The floor requires washing at regular intervals (preferably with water containing some cheap disinfectant) and it is therefore necessary to construct it with a slope of, say, one in eighty, to hasten drying. • 8 Where one-storey buildings are installed with artificial heating apparatus, a timbered floor is often necessary. This may be provided with spaces for the passage of air, and be raised above the level of the ground to enable steam or hot-air pipes to be laid and to create a hot-air chamber in this region. Light and Windows in Factories. The bad effect of light on rubber, and the necessity of having abundance of light in the machinery sections, necessitate the adoption of a different arrangement in various parts of the factory. There can hardly be too many windows near the engines and washing mills. These should therefore be provided and constructed so as to open inwards for draught purposes. In the curing room, however, windows must either be supplied with red glass, or curtains, to stop the chemical rays from reaching the rubber, or with wooden or corrugated iron doors — which can be opened from the inside to allow light to enter during inspection of the rubber. It is necessary that the rubber in the curing room be fre- quently inspected in oi-der that the development of moulds and tackiness may be arrested in the initial stages; hence the desirability of having even the curing room well supplied with light under control. Doors and windows should, whenever possible, be made to close on the inside in order that draughts of fresh air can enter the building without check. — [India Ruhher Journal.) POTATOES AND JERUSALEM ARTICHOKES FOR PIGS. " In his valuable work on "Pigs and their Management," Mr. H.W. Potts, Principal of the Hawkesbury College and Experiment Farm, Richmond, New South Wales, gives a chapter on " Crops for Pigs." Amongst the roots and tubers he considers Jerusalem artichokes as a most valuable food. Why this crop has been so much neglected by Queensland pigbreeders is hard to understand, seeing that its cultivation is simple and the yield of tubers considerable. Concerning roots and tubers generally as pig-food, Mr. Potts says that : — "All these, when fed continuously and exclusively to pigs, have a lowering tendency on the digestive functions, but that this is a matter which, in intelligent hands, can be controlled. The value and importance, he says, of root crops for pigs, particularly in our warm climate, are now widely recognised, in so far as they are used only as a succulent and rtlishable adjunct to other classes of food, richer in protein, and containing less moisture. A normal nutritive ratio must be maintained, and the success of feeding largely depends on the ri^ht interpretation of the balanced ration. We find that many root crops form excellent aids to the standard feeds. "Amongst the domestic animals, none respond so readily to root crops as pigs. We have to admit that, under some conditions of climate, they are costly crops to raise, as they require large quanti- ties of water. All things being equal, however, they provide a high percentage of digestible dry matter. Their value is chiefly emphasis- ed in making available, during the hot, dry months of summer, and the cold months of winter, a succulent, relishable fodder, when our natural pastures and herbage are dry and scarce. " Seeing they contain high percentages of water, starches, and sugars, it is essential, in the maintenance of a maximum growth in fattening swine, that they be combined judiciously with cereals, maize, flesh food, lucerne, pollard, skim milk, cowpeas, peas, beans, and other similar foods. " A too wide nutritive value may create waste and check good growth by preventing the complete digestion of the protein, as well as permitting some of the starches to pass from the body as manure." On the subject of Potatoes as pig food, the author says : " When fed to pigs, potatoes appear to agree with them better than other root crops, particularly when the ration is balanced with barley, maize, or oats and skim milk. The Danes secure very high returns with this class of food. The starchy matter of the potatoes is combined with the protein of the skim milk and cereals to formulate a well-arranged diet. The bacon made from pigs fed on these rations has a notable reputation. " At the Wisconsin Experiment Station it was ascertained that I bushel of maize is equal in food value to 4H bushels of cooked potatoes. In numerous experiments it was found that pigs always secured better flesh gains by being fed on cooked potatoes in com- parison with those given raw. " The use of potatoes as pig-feed can only be determined by the current market values. When potatoes are low in price, their use as a pig-food is justified ; but, where potatoes are grown as a staple crop on the farm, there is always an unmarketable residue, and these can be fed to pigs with advantage. Pork raised solely from potatoes has a tendency to be very fat, and wasteful in cooking. In every instance they must be fed with other foods in which the percentage -of protein is prominently high." Artichokes. " This is a flowering, perennial plant which has, in the past, been overlooked as a valuable food for pigs. It grows from 6 to 9 feet high, and when in bloom, seen from a distance, the crop looks like one of miniature sunflowers. "The stalks are frequently used for feeding sheep or conversion into silage, and the tubers afford a palatable and succulent food for pigs. The plant is very persistent in growth, and, if raised, in suit- 10 able soil, is difficult to eradicate. Enough tubers, as a rule, are left each year to continue the crop ; hence it is wise to set apart a per- manent paddock for it, or the odd corners of a farm, or waste places of little value for other crops may be used for growing artichokes. " The plant is extremely hardy ; it resists frost and drought. Whilst the best crops are raised on good mellow loam, profitable yields are secured on stiff clay lands, light sandy or gravelly soils. The land is best suited where the drainage is good ; in fact, any soil suitaole for potatoes will answer for artichokes. It is a crop that re- quires little attention when it is established. "The soil needs thorough cultivation. It should be deeply ploughed about May or June. Dining the winter it may be harrowed occasionally, lightly reploughed about September, and well manured as if for sweet potatoes. The tubers are then planted by dropping them into furrows 3 ft. apart, with a space of 2 ft. between the tubers. If the sets are small, plant whole, while large ones may be cut. Cover by turning a furrow over them. About 4 cwt. of tubers will plant an acre. " The crop matures in five months. Should rain fall immediate- ly after planting, the haiTow may be run over the land to fine the surface. This should be repeated when the plants are about 4 in. high. It checks evaporation, destroys, weeds, and will not injure the crop. Later on, the cultivator should be kept moving between the rows about once a month. " When the crop flowers and the tops droop and die, about April or May, it is ready for harvesting. The average yield will be from 7 to 8 tons per acre." "Two varieties were tested at Hawkesbuiy College, and gave the following results : — Jerusalem White ... ... 9 tons I cwt. per acre. Jerusalem Pink ... 6 tons 16 cwt. per acre. " For feeding pigs it is best to turn them into the crop to root out the tubers. It must be remembered that, where it is desired to continue the crop, the pigs should be removed before all the tubers are eaten. " Few foods are more relished by pigs. The tuber in the raw state is very nutritious, more especially for pregnant sows, and also sows reduced in weight and condition after suckling and weaning big litters. "This class of food acts as a diuretic, or promotes a healthy action of the kidneys in secreting urine; it relieves constipation and stimulates liver function. One acre will support twenty sows from four to six months. Young growing pigs evidence considerable growth on being fed with them for a short period. The exercise obtained in harvesting or rooting up the tubers has a beneficial influence. It is especially notable that artichokes are very digestible. II "The outcome of a number of tests goes to show that, for fatten- ing purposes, these tubers must be given with grain, and have a similar result to feeding with ordinary potatoes ; 325 lbs. of wheat fed with 820 lbs. of artichokes gave 100 lbs. increase. The average com- position of the artichokes is shown here in contrast with the potato": — Water. Ash. Protein. Carbo hydrates. c-,t ' Nutritive Fat. 1 Yai^g Artichoke Potato U-9 I.O 1.0 2.4 2.1 16.7 17-9 0.2 O.I 1:7 1:8.6 JERUSALEM ARTICHOKE. The culture of Jerusalem Artichokes (Helia)ithus tuberosum) has long been neglected in the Malay Peninsula. It is difficult to imagine why this should be so as their cultivation is of the easiest. Beyond deep changkoling of the soil and the keeping down of weeds, little further attention is required. The tubers are used as a vegetable, sometimes as a dish but more usually for flavouring purposes. They are very popular with many Europeans, and as good vegetables are difficult to obtain, this plant ought to be more widely cultivated than it is at present. Plants will grow in almost any situation but the best results and largest tubers are obtained when they receive plenty of room and liberal treatment. Deeply changkol the soil and add to it a little well decayed cow manure about a fortnight before planting. Avoid using horse manure for various reasons. The roots or tubers are planted in rows 2 feet apart and it is often as well to shade the plants when the leafshoots first appear. The stems do not grow to the height they do in Europe but they usually produce flowers, which is the exception in England. When the plants are about four feet high (usually their full height) the leaves wither and die. It is then that the tubers are in an edible condition. When artichokes are grown as a vegetable for European consumption, it is not advisable to plant up a large area at once as the resultant tubers soon become discoloured and uneatable if lifted and stored, and if left in the ground for very long they would commence to sprout again. If a small bed is planted with tubers at the above mentioned distances and three weeks are allowed to elapse between each successive planting, a continuous supply of fresh tubers can be obtained. It usually takes from three months from the time the tubers are planted until the next crop is available. The plant is really a Canadian sun flower. J. W. A. 12 HORTICULTURAL NOTES. Euphorbia pukherrima or, as it is commonly called, Poinsettia pulcherrima is a plant frequently met with in the East. Its beauty does not so much reside in the flowers as in the bracts with which they are surrounded. It may be successfully grown in tubs or large pots, and small plants are admirably adapted for table decoration. Owing to the amount of latex which exudes when a shoot is cut, the propagation of this plant is attended with considerable difficulty. It is practically useless to attempt to strike newly made cuttings, as the greater percentage will shrivel and die. Cuttings of Poinsettia, and this applies to many other lacticiferous plants, require to be slightly dried before they are inserted. Remove the shoots which can be spared from a plant and allow them to lie for about a fort- night in a shady, dry situation. The soft, sappy, useless shoots will immediately shrivel but the firmer wood at the base of the shoots remains sound. At the end of about a fortnight cuttings can be made and inserted in pots. The size of the cuttings should be about four inches and it is essential that the base of the cutting be cut slightly below a node or bud, i.e., where the stem is solid. The internodes or other parts of the stem are hollow and the shoot has generally to rot away until a solid piece of stem is reached. As may readily be imagined it is a matter of considerable difficulty to arrest the growth of this rot. Insert the cuttings in six inch pots using a sandy compost. Cuttings root much more readily when placed round the side of a pot so that only four or five should be inserted round the side of the above mentioned size of pot. Until the cuttings are rooted, the soil requires to be kept slightly drier than is usually the case with other plants. Pot off singly into small pots and iirovide the same treat- ment afforded other plants of a like nature. J, W. A. 13 EXPORTS TELEGRAM TO EUROPE AMERICA. AND ^__Wired^____^ Jan. 15 Jan. 31 Stea MERS. Tons. Tons. Tin Singapore & Penang to U. Kingdom A/or 1,276 1,192 Do. do. U. S. A. 385 81& Do. do Continent 250 123 Gambier Singapore Glasgow ... Do. do. London 3.5 la Do. do. Liverpool 300 Do. do. U. K. &/or Continent 125 27& Cube Gambier do. United Kingdom 30 10- Black Pepper do. do. 10 ... Do. Penang do. White Pepper Singapore do. 10 95- Do. Penang do. Pearl Sago Singapore do. 5 15 Sago Flour do. London 150 175 Do. do. Liverpool 975 Do. do. Glasgow 50 Tapioca Flake Singapore United Kingdom 83 85 Tapioca Pearl A Bullet do. do. 190 75 Para Rubber Straits & Malaya do. 550 625 Gutta Percba Singapore do. 35 40 Buffalo hides do. do. 290 Pineapples do. do. 14.500 8,000 Gambier do. U. S. A. 225 85 Cube Gambier do. do. 30 80 Black Pepper do. do. 45' To. Penang do. ... 20 White Pepper Singapore do. 85 70 Do. Penang do. & Tapioca Pearl Singapore do. Nutmegs Singapore & Penan, ^ do. 9 22 Sago Flour Singapore do. 125 100 Pineapples do. do. 2,750 1,000 Do. do. Continent 2,750 2,500 Gambier do. South Continent 160 .., Do. do. North Continent 250 80 Cube Gambier do. Continent 45 80 Black Pepper do. South Continent 80 25 Do. do. North do. 15 2& Do. Penang South do. 10 20 Do do. Nf rth do. Wbite Pepper Singapore S.uth do. 10 Do. do. Noith do. 50 20 Do. Penang Soutli do. 10 5 Do. do. North d \ ... s 14 Stea MKRS. Jan. 15 Tons. Jan. 31 Tons. Copra Singapore & Penaug Marseilles 400 800 Do. do. Odessa mo 280 Do. do. Other South Continenl ; 600 Do. do North Continent 830 1,275 Sago Flojr Singapore Continent 1,500 825 Tapioca Flake do. do 95 55 Do. Pearl do. do. 35 15 Do. Flake do. U. S. A. Do. do. Penaug U. K. 50 Do. Pearl &. Bullet do. do. 150 85 Do. Flake do. U. S. A. Do. Pearl do. do. 25 350 Do. Fake do. Continent 10 Do. Pearl do. do. 75 270 Copra Siugaj)ore & Penang Eugland 150 Cutta Percha Singapore Continent 75 50 Tour G anibior "( ( 100 1.050 „ B. Pepper * 270 Para Hubber Straits and Malaya U. S. A. 25 30 Do. do. Contiueut 55 55 SINGAPORE MARKET REPORT. January, I9I2. Copra Gambier Bale ,, Cube No. 1 & 2 Gutta Percha Isfc quality ,. medium „ lowtr Gutta Jelotoug Nutmegs 110s. eos. Black Pepper White „ Sago Peail. small ... „ Flour No. 1 ., No. 2 ... Tapioca Flake, small Pearl .. ni.d>ium Tin Tons. 4,237 1,153 270 149 181 5,173 979 578 129 267 2.410 Highest Lowest. 810.85 eio.oo 10.50 10.10 16.00 13.50 275.00 200.00 140.00 90.00 70.00 17.00 9.87i 8.25 25.00 24 00 27.00 26.00 23.00 21.00 34.00 S0.50 5.40 5.30 4.30 4.^5 1.60 1.35 9.10 8.90 ll.CO 7.60 9.10 8.50 95.45 92 00 •s.xnoq 1 corHwois. -^ ^ =^^. <^ 9 ^: '-! "-"^ ^ -1 ■'spa.'AV 1 JO noic^oajtQ ! •• j • i j :::::::::::: • -.t^jipitnnjj ooxaoooxxcDooaoxxooxx ^ ^ '• '• a u S 1 v}urojM8(i| : i i i : i : : : : ! 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(N : : d X Tji i CO • C3i •nt?jni^H F^OX (£) t- CO ^ •* i iri CD CO : : : t- L- t- C- L- Ed ■< ft- g H •a^n^^ 05 K> r-( W. « . -2 •tnncaix'Bj\[ X 05 CO (M CO .-H »« . •qing ifaQ mj9iv[ t>; X Cvl CO ^. . . . X ^H O 05 X '■ '■ '• C- X X C~ L- J •ung ni ranmixT3i\[ •1 §5 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 ig 1 - = =1! CO CO 23 MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE PLAN- TERS' ASSOCIATION OF MALAYA. Held at 10.15 a.m. on January 7th, I9I2, at the Sclangor Club, Kuala Lumpur. Present Mr. E. B. Skinner, Chairman. Mr. H. C. E. Zacharias, Secretary. Mr. W. G. Dobson, Legal Adviser. and the following delegates : — From Kuala Lumpur District Planters' Association : — Messrs. F. G. Harvey, H. F. Dupuis, A. J. Fox. „ Klang District Planters' Association : — Messrs. J. Gibson, E. B. Prior, C. A. Buxton. „ Kuala Langat District Planters' Association : — Messrs. E. Mac- fadyen, F. J. Dupuis. „ Johore Planters' Association: — Mr. H. E. Burgess. ,, Taiping Planters* Association : — Mr. E. R. Saliabury. Batu Tiga District Planters' Association :— Mr. H. L Jarvis. „ Negri Sembilan Planters' Association :— Mr. A. Dupuis Brown. „ Kapar District Planters' Association : — Mr. E. D. King Harman and the following visitors : — Messrs. L. Lewton-Brain, Director of Agriculture, J. Rea, C. K. Harrison, L. Morecambe. I, The Notice convening the meeting having been read, the minutes of the previous meeting are taken as read, and on the motion of Mr. Gibson, seconded by Mr. Fox, confirmed. 2. Quarantine. The Secretary reads the following letter : — Kuala Lumpur, 23rd November, 1911. Sir, — I have the honour to inform you that plans are being prepar- ed for a quarantine station to supplement the accomodation at Pulau Jerejak which has been found to be quite inadequate. It is suggested that the site of the new Station should be at Port Swettenham but be- fore coming to a final decision on the subject I should like to a'^certain the views of the Planting Community who are directly interested in this matter, and I would suggest that a small Committee of the Planters' Association of Malaya should meet me in consultation with 24 the Principal Medical Officer and Director of Public Works with a view to discussing the plans and site. I have, etc., (Sd.) E. L. Brookman, Chief Secretary, F.M.S. The Secretary, Planters' Association of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur. The Secretary reports that on December 3rd a deputation, con- sisting of Messrs. E. B. Skinner, E. B. Prior, F. G. Harvey, Dr. Watson, Macfadyen and H. C. E. Zacharias, met the Chief Secretary at Car- cosa. Dr. Sansom, Mr. E. G. Broadrick and Mr. J. Trump being also present; that the site and plans of the prepared Quarantine Camp at Port Swettenham were discussed; and that a unanimous agreement on all points was arrived at. Mr. E. B. Prior says the permanent quarantine camp, the Government had decided to construct at Port Swettenham, would be under the control of the Principal Medical Officer, Dr. Sansom, who had a large experience of quarantine camps in other parts of the world. He would therefore suggest that H. E. the High Commis- sioner be asked that the control of the quarantine camp at Pulaujere- jak be also under the control of the F.M.S. The Chairman agrees with Mr. Prior regarding the quarantine camp at Penang, but said the great difficulty was that Pulau Jerejak belonged to the Colony, but he had already suggested that the F.M.S., should take a lease of the land, to get over the difficulty. Mr. Macfadyen says the Port Swettenham camp was really the outcome of a sort of compromise; the Association asked that the Pulau Jerejak camp be placed under F.M.S. control ; the Govern- ment could not see their way to do so and as an alternative consen- ted to the Port Swettenham camp being built. Mr. Prior : Hardly an alternative. Port Swettenham camp was an absolute necessity. The Chairman's suggestion is embodied in Mr. Prior's motion, which is carried. The Secretary reads the following correspondence, which is noted with satisfaction : Kuala Lumpur, 6th December, 1911. Principal Medical Officer, Kuala Lumpur. Sir, — I have the honour to enclose for your information copy of minutes of this Association, held on October 29th and would draw your atttntion to the last but two paragraphs on page 5. I have etc., (Sd.) A. C. E. Zacharias, Secretarv. 25 llSlfigil Kuala Lumpur, 7th December, 1911, Sir,— I have the honour to acknowledge your letter of December 6th, l9ll,enclosingcopy of the minutes of a meeting of your Associa- tion held on October 29th, 19IT. I have noted the suggestion made by the Chairman in the paragraph on page 5 and I shall have much pleasure in meeting with the wishes of your Association. I have, etc. (Sd.) C. L. Sansom, Principal Medical Officer, F.M.S. The Secretary, The Planters' Association of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur. 3. Chinese Labour. The Secretary reports that since the last meeting the Govern- ment had issued a notification that all Indentured Chinese Sinkeh labour would have to cease on July 1st, 1914. The Sub-Committee had not yet been convened and he was trying to arrange for them to meet the Protector of Labour and the Secr.tary of Chinese Affairs. Mr. Jarvis would take this opportunity to bring to the notice of the meeting the exhorbitant wages paid at present to Chinese tappers, who in his district made as much as $1.20 a day, if he tapped 400 trees. He would propose— "That all Constituent Associations be circularized, to find out the rates paid to Chinese tappers with the object of endeavouring to standardize rates." Mr. Gibson seconds the proposition. Mr. Skinner considers the matter a purely local one and points out that conditions differ on different estates even in one and the same district. Mr. Harvey thinks it more tJ the purpose if the employers of Chinese tappers were to meet and arrange these matters amongst themselves. The motion is then put to the meeting and declared carried. 4. Javanese Labour. The Secretary reads the following report, as received from Mr, H. J. Cooper on behalf of the Sub-Committee appointed. The Secretary. Planters' Association of Malaya. Sir, — We, the members of the Sub-Committee appointed to enquire into the question of recruiting Javanese coolies have the honour to report: — 26 We wfie unable to arrange a meeting till th*" 3rd of December, when we met in Singapore and the same day had an interview with the Consul General for the Netherlands Indies and the Vice Consul. We explained to the Consul at some length that our objects were to facilitate the importation of Javanese coolies, to reduce the cost by doing away with the middle-man's profit and also to secure a better class of labourer than many supplied by the present agents. The Consul General received us very favourably and enquired from us the details of the present system for the recruiting of Indian labourers and the regulations of the Immigration Department. He advised us to see the authorities in Java as soon as possible and to take with us a detailed statement of the Indian Immigration system and copies of the enactments in force. It was possible that a similar system might be approved by the Dutch Government, but this could not be for sonie considerable lime as it would mean the revision of all the existing enactments. He then referred to the present system in Java by which certain firms were allowed to recruit coolies from the agricultural districts and said that he had no doubt that if we were to open an agency of our own in Java, in charge of approved persons, his Government would grant a licence, and we could then send out our own recruiters who would be registered at this agency and work under its supervision, more or less on the lines of the Madura Co. in India, but of course the coolies would be under the present system of indenture The Consul General further advised that it would help us very much if we went to Java accredited by the Government of the Federated Malay States, in the same way as a similar mission under Mr. Carey some years ago. We thanked the Consul General for his advice and suggestions, and on the 4th saw the Colonial Secretary who said that the High Commissioner would probably have no objection to giving us a letter to the Governor General if he first received an official letter from the Planters' Association of Malaya, appointing us as their delegates and mentioning the object of our mission, and we, therefore, suggest that this letter should be sent at once and that we should go over to Java at the beginning of February. We need hardly point out that the establishment of some system of free recruiting in Java would be of incalculable benefit to the planters of Malaya, and now that we have received so much encouragement it behoves us to go ahead as quickly as possible and in connection with this the Consul General mentioned to us that the Sumatra planters were already moving in the matter and had sent a deputation. We have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servants, H. J. Cooper and ^for Messrs. Maude and Pears,) Members of Sub-Committee. 2/ The Chairman draws attention to the fact that no mention is made of the incidence of the expenses of the suggested visit to Java ; and that the P.A.M. had no funds to meet this expenditure. Mr. Gibson thinks every effort should be made to broaden the base of their labour force. Mr. Macfadyen proposes that the letter referred to by Mr. Cooper be obtained from Government, provided the expenses of the Sub-Committee's visit to Java do not fall on this Association. Mr. Fox seconds the proposal which is carried unanimousl.^ . 5. H. N. Ridley Fund. The Secretary reports that $300 had been received to date. The Chairman suggests that sufficient should be collected, enabling them to present a really valuable piece of plate to Mr. Ridley. The Secretary is instructed to circularize again the various District Associations and to bring up the matter at the subsequent meeting. 6. London Exhibition, I9II. The Secretary submits the following accounts received rom the Under Secretary : MALAY STATES DEVELOPMENT AGENCY. Statement of Receipts and Disbursements on Account of THE International Rubber Exhibition. Receipts. £ s d Payments. £ s d Received from Crown Actual Disburse- Agents for the Colonies 138 16 0 ments as per Contributed by Rubber Schedule B ... 984 3 6 Companies 845 7 6 984 36 984 3 6 I certify that the above is a correct statement of actual Receipts and Disbursements. (Sd.) W. T. Taylor, i8th August, 191 L I certify this is a true copy. (Sd.) H. Vane, Treasurer, F. M. S. 28th December, 1911. 28 INTERNATIONAL RUBBER EXHIBITION EXPENSES FUND CONTRIBUTIONS. Name of Contributors. Bukit Rajah Rubber Company Ltd. The Selangor Rubber Company Ltd. Bukit Mertajam Rubber Company Ltd The Rembia Rubber Estates Ltd. ... Shelford Rubber Estate Ltd. Straits Settlements (Bertam) Rubber Company Ltd. Batu Caves Rubber Company Ltd. The Klanang Produce Company Ltd. The Sungei Salak Rubber Company Ltd. The Johore Rubber Lands (Malaya) Ltd. The Penang Sugar Estates Company Ltd. The Rubana Sugar Estates Ltd. The Straits Rubber Company Ltd. Seafield Rubber Company Ltd. The Carey United Rubber Estates Ltd. The Damansara (Selangor) Rubber Company Ltd. Harpenden (Selangor) Rubber Company Ltd. Linggi Plantations Ltd. The Kapar Para Estates Company Ltd. The UIu Rantau Rubber Estates Company Ltd. The Federated (Selangor) Rubber Company Ltd. The North Hummock (Selangor) Rubber Company Ltd. The Kuala Selangor Rubber Company Ltd. ... The Edinburgh Rubber Estates Selangor Ltd. The Scottish Malay Rubber Company Ltd. ... Riverside (Selangor) Rubber Company Ltd. ... The Strathmore Rubber Company Ltd. The Sungei Kapar Rubber Company Ltd. The Tremelbye (Selangor) Rubber Company Ltd. The Batu Tiga (Selangor) Rubber Company Ltd. The Vallambrosa Rubber Company Ltd. Total ... Amount. £ s d . 26 13 4 . 50 0 0 10 10 0 . 10 10 0 25 0 0 . 25 0 0 . 25 0 0 . 25 0 0 . 20 0 0 . 25 0 0 20 0 0 10 0 0 . 20 0 0 50 0 0 25 0 0 50 0 0 . 25 0 0 • 117 14 2 . 25 0 0 , 10 0 0 . 25 0 0 . 25 0 0 . 25 0 0 . 25 0 0 , 10 0 0 10 0 0 5 0 0 25 0 0 25 0 0 25 0 0 50 0 0 845 7 6 certify this is a true copy. (Sd.) H. Vane, Treasurer, F. M. S. 28th December, 191 1. 29 B Payments made by the Malay States Development Agency on account of the representation of British Mahiya at the International Rubber Exhibition, Islington. No. Date. Service. Amount. Total. £ s d £ s d 9 June 13. L. H. Taylor, Petty Expenses 0 2 10 10 15. Do. do. 0 I 9y2 15 20. Post Office— Postage 4 0 0 15 L. H. Taylor— Tea for Special Typist 0 2 6 i6 L. Wray— Sundry Expenses I 5 8 17 21. T. H. Reid— Postage I 0 0 17 Post Office do. 4 0 0 i8 C. S. S. A. Visitors' book for Exhibition 0 6 0 19 M. R. Peacock— Postage 2 0 0 20 Do. do. I 0 0 21 F. J. B. Dykes, Petty Expenses 0 2 0 25 28. L. H. Taylor do. 0 13 9 26 Commissionaires employed at Exhibition June 19th to 25th 5 14 0 27 Gratuity to Messrs. Pollitzer's men 0 15 0 28 30. Gratuities to Waiters at recep- tion I 12 0 29 Refreshments provided at re- ception 21 5 II 30 Payment on account to Cine- matograph operator 2 2 0 31 F. J. B. Dyke's Sundry expenses June 2 9 .0 T -, 01/ 40 12 QYz 8 July I. Puddicombe and Kay, cleaning standJune24thto July 1st ... I 10 0 9 3- Commissionaires employed at exhibition, June 26th to July 2nd 7 4 0 II 6. H. J. Badcock, mounting exhi- bits I 18 6 12 J. D. Hevvett & Co., charges on railway frames 2 4 8 13 Oliver Tvpewriter Co., Special Typists 5 0 0 14 Raines & Co.. enlarging photo- graphs 35 5 0 15 Townson and Mercer— Glass jars I 8 0 Carried forward 54 10 12 Wz 30 No. Date. Setrvice. Brought forward 1 8 July 6. Post Office rent of Telephone 24 10. L. H. Taylor, Petty Expenses 26 Hill Siffken & Co., Invitation cards ... ... 7 10 0 27 Piggott Bros. & Co. Ltd., on account ... ... 300 0 0 32 Pathe Freres Cinematograph Film ... ... 18 6 4 33 Commissionaires employed at exhibition, July 3rd to 9th... 740 34 Puddicombe and Kay, cleaning stand to July /th ... I 10 0 35 Lewis and Peat Transport ... 0 2 6 38 15. Commissionaires employed at exhibition to July 15th ... 740 39 Cinematograph operator, bal- ance of account ... 440 40 Puddicombe and Kay, cleaning stand to July 14th ... 1 10 0 43 17- T. Cox & Son — Carpentering work ... ... 480 44 International Rubber Exhibi- tion Tickets ... ... 6 8 0 45 Gratuities to Commissionaires and others 46 19. Union Bros., Printing 47 Stroud and Co., Foliage plants 48 Lanadron Rubber Estates Ltd. Refund insurance 50 L. H. Taylor Petty Expenses 53 21. L. VVray do. 54 F.J. B. Dykes do. 56 26. Agricultural Hall Coy. Elec- tric power Cinematograph... 4 15 0 57 L. Wray, Hotel Expenses, etc. 15 19 10 A.MOUNT. Total. £ s d £ s d 54 10 2 48 12 8H 400 0 10 10 I 6 0 25 10 0 18 0 0 I 0 0 0 9 4 0 6 6 0 17 4 8 Aug. 12. The Telia Camera Coy., photo- graphs .. ... I I 0 9 14. International Rubber Exhibi- tion, Banquet Guarantee ... 487 10 Piggott Bros. & Co. Ltd., balance of account ... ... 182 17 6 11 W. T. Taylor, Stamps ... 0 2 7 13 Lanadron Rubber Estates Ltd. Mitchell's Expenses ... 72 0 0 485 6 10 Carried forward 260 9 8 533 19 6^^ 31 No. Date. Service. Amount. Total. £ s d £ s d Brought forward 260 9 8 534 4 6^ 25 18. Executor of Thomas Drew, rent of store ... ... 7 10 0 26 Beck & PoUitzer, accounts ... 113 3 8 381 3 4 tiE^ Cost of Pamphlets and post-cards distributed by the F. M. S. Infor- mation Agency ... 69 0 /H Total ... 984 3 6 I certify this is a true copy (Sd.) H. Vane, Treasurer, F. M. S. 28th Dec. 191 1. The Secretary further reports that the total cost of this exhibition had been $14,501.66, as compared with $9,031.92, the cost of the 1909 Exhibition. The following contributions had been made : The Government of the Straits Settlements ... $ 2,000.00 F. M. S. ... 4,000.00 Rubber Companies : collected in London, £845 /s. 6d. 7,246.07 ,. ,, K. Lumpur ... 1,010.64 $14,256.71 leaving a deficiency of $244.95, which had been defrayed by the P. A. M. This sum included $98.35 due by various exhibitors for duty ; but the various apounts were so small that he considered it impracticable to recover same. Mr. Gibson proposes, Mr. Harvey seconds, and it is resolved unanimously, to pass the accounts as above set out and to pay the deficiency of $244.95 out of the funds of the Association. 7. Standing Committee. Mr. A Diipuis Brown proposes: " That in view of the rapid ex- pansion of the rubber industry and the great importance of Iceeping the planting community informed of all legislative or other measures which may in any way affect its interests, the P. A. M. appoint a Standing Committee of five from amongst its members in addition to the Chairman and Secretary, to consider such measures and com- municate its opinions to the district associations, also to act as a consultative body for dealing with the current work of the P. A. M." and submits the following elaboration of the scheme: 32 REASONS FOR ITS PROPOSED CREATION. 1. The Meetings of the P. A. M. are h^ld at irregular intervals and in the interim the Secretary has no opportunity of consulting the representatives of the Association. 2. He is, therefore, unable to proceed with negotiations on a given subject until he has received fresh instructions from a sub- sequent meeting. For this reason such negotiations are likely to be unduly protracted. 3. Under present arrangements the delegates to the P. A. M. are expected to pass very important resolutions, affecting the entire planting community, without any opportunity for mature reflection or for consultation with their respective district associations. CONSTITUTION. 1. I think the first and chief consideration is to get men who are willing and able to attend the meetings of the standing committee. 2. For this reason I should advocate the appointment of those who live within a fairly easy distance of Kuala Lumpur. 3. At the commencement the standing committee could be formed of 5 of the delegates with power to add to their number, the Chairman and the Secretary of the P. A. M. being ex-officio members- 4. The standing committee should meet at least once every month. Addition al meetings to be convened on the requisitions of the Secretary of the P. A.M. or of two members (jf the standing committee. FUNCTIONS. 1. To consider all draft enactments of the F.M-S. Government and to take steps to call the attention of the P.A.M. delegates to any proposed legislation which is likely to affect the interests of the planting community. 2. To authorise the Secretary of the P.A.M. to continue negotia- tions and correspondence if in accordance with the policy determined at the meeting of the P.A.M. 3. To sift and prepare the matter intended for discussion at the meetings of the P.A.M. Mr. Macfadyen is afraid that the creation of this committee would emphasize still further the preponderance of Kuala Lumpur. He would therefore suggest that members from other States be eli- gible, and if that was agreed to, he had much pleasure in seconding the proposition Mr. Burgess thinks that Johore would certainly like to be represented. 33 Mr. Skinner suggests one member for each State- Mr. Gibson considers, that if the Association found the intervals between meetings too long, a better plan than appointing a com- mittee, which would in a way usurp the rights of delegates, would be to hold meetings of the Association oftener. Mr. Dupuis Brown says even if the Assoiation did meet twice every month he still thought a standing committee should be formed to boil everything down and prepare it for the Association meetings. The motion is then put to the meeting and carried by 8 — 2. Mr. Dupuis Brown proposes that the Committee be forthwith appointed. Mr. Gibson is in favour of leaving this over until the Annual General Meeting. The Meeting decides in favour of Mr. Gibson's suggestion by 9 votes to 5. 8. New York Exposition. The Secretary submits the following correspondence : — Malay States Information Agency, London, E.G., 3rd November, 1911. Dear Sir, — I beg to forward for the consideration of your Association copy of a letter received from Mr. A. Staines Manders, regarding a Rubber Exhibition to be held in New York in September and October, 1912. Mr. Staines Manders calls attention to the fact that the charge for space will be 8/4J. a square foot as against 4'- a square foot which was charged at the Agricultural Hall, Islington. Other expenses al- so would probably be higher than in London. Mr. Staines Manders is very insistent as to the benefits likely to result from Plantation Rubber being made better known in the U.S.A. I have communicated Mr. Staines Manders' letter to the F.M.S. and to the Straits Governments. The Secretary, I am. Dear Sir, Planters' Association of Malaya, Yours faithfully, Kuala Lumpur. (Sd.) W. T. Taylor. London, W. C., 2nd November, 1911. The Secretary, Malay States Development Agency, 88, Cannon Street, E.G. Dear Sir, — I have recently returned from New York, U.S.A., which I visited by invitation of several gentleman, for the purpose o ^ m discussing the matter of a Rubber Exposition in New York. After numerous meetings and on the advice of Mi". Henry C. Pearson, Editor of the " India Rubber World," New York, it was decided to hold an Exhibition under the above title in Sept. of 1912, Mr. Pearson being the active Vice-President, and under the auspices of the International Exposition Company, an incorporate body of New York. All necessary finances for the organisation have been provided and the Exposition will comprise the following sections, and will be one of considerable importance. 1. Crude Rubber — indigenous and plantation. 2. Manufacturers, and Machinery Makers. 3. Kindred Trades. Mr. Pearson is of opinion that it is a unique opportunity (see his remarks re Brazilian rubber) for the producers of plantation rub- ber to come forward and secure a much larger proportion of the trade of A merica. From enquiries I made, and conversations I had with experts I found the one opinion general, via., that the manufacturers are eager for more knowledge than they now possess regarding plantation rub- ber. Further, my experience was that they were thirsting for infor- mation, and as the " India Rubber Journal " says, the opportunity will not occur again for a while. My advice is that planting countries should take part, though there will be no necessity to make the ex- pensive display they did in London this year. What they require is a good, comprehensive exhibit of plantation rubber, plenty of litera- ture, and above all, a good Representative able to give full informa- tion, and to be able to write up a report on the details he received as to the requirements of manufacturers, etc. The Exposition will be open for ten days ; Conferences will be held under the Presidency of Mr. Henry C. Pearson, but no Confer- ence book will be published though full reports will appear in the " India Rubber World," New York. Indigenous rubber countries will be well represented, and planta- tion should also. There is no doubt in my mind, and I should not say so unless I believed it, that the prospects for plantation rubber in the States are enormous if it is shown to the manufacturer in a proper way. We shall have the American manufacturers at the Ex- position, and those who do not exhibit will be there to seek informa- tion regarding plantation rubber as they know all that is possible re Brazilian. The rates for space will be slightly higher than in London but this is counterbalanced by the fact that we lay down the platforms and cover them for exhibitors, so that they only have the fitting up of the stands to do. 35 I shall be glad if you will kindly take up the matter with your Colony and hoping they will exhibit, I am, etc., (Sd.) A. Staines Manders. Organising Manager. Rate for space =$2 (8/4d) per square foot which includes covered platform specially laid for each exhibitor. H. C. E. Zacharias Esq., New York, November 6th, 1911. Secy., Planters' Assn. of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, F.M.S. Third International Rubber and Allied Trades Exposition. Dear Sin—I take pleasure in informing you that the Third International Rubber and Allied Trades Exposition will be held at the New Grand Central Palace, 46th to 47th Street and Lexington Avenue, New York City, from the 23rd day of September, 1912, to October 3rd, 1912. You will probably remember my name as the organizer of the successful rubber expositions in London in 1908 and 191 1. Further particulars will be sent you in due course, and I trust that you will give the exposition your kind support. Yours very truly, (Sd.) A. Staines Manders, Organising Manager. P. S.— My friend, Mr. Henry C. Pearson, Editor of the " India Rubber World" has very kindly consented to become the Vice- President of the exposition. No. 3 in 7950/1911. Kuala Lumpur, I2th December, 1911. Sir,— I am directed to inform you that a Rubber Exhibition will be held in New York in October next and that the Government has under consideration the advisability of arranging for the Federated Malay States to be officially represented. I enclose a copy of a letter which has been received from Mr. A Staines Manders, Organizing Secretary, and I am to enquire what prospect there is of Planters in the Federated Malay States taking part in the Exhibition and what financial support may be expected from them towards defraying the necessary expenses. 2. A letter has been received from Sir. W. Taylor stating that he has been making enquiries as to how the proposal is regarded by the Rubber Growers' Association and others in Great Britain connected with the industry, and he is informed that the proposal has been received with favour generally and that the impression appears to be ^hat Plantation Rubber interests might be benefited. 3. The expenses are likely to be greater than the expense in- curred in connection with the recent exhibition in London. 36 4. If it is decided to take part it is hoped that a good displaj^ of exhibits from the Federated Malay States will be guaranteed. The Secretary, I have etc., Planters' Association of Malaya, (Sd.) F. E. Taylor, Kuala Lumpur. Ag. Under-Secretary, F.M.S. 13th December, 1911. Under-Secretary, F.M.S. Kuala Lumpur. Sir, — I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter 3/7950 dated yesterdaj% contents of which. I will place on the agenda of our next meeting to be held on the /th proximo. I have etc., H. C. E. Zacharias, Secretary. Mr Harvey : May I suggest the Association be not represented in New York. Mr. Macfadyen : seconds. Mr. Gibson : I think the New York Exposition will be fruitful of good results and it will be foolish indeed not to be represented. We know perfectly well that America is a big consumer and is likely to increase, and I think if we made a good show in America it would be to our own benefit. I feel confident of the fact that we have only to get the Yankee to take to using our rubber in real earnest, to see another rubber boom. We have only to show him we can produce goods as good as are produced in other parts of the world. It would be wanting in energy and enterprise if we were not represented. Mr. Dupuis Brown supports Mr. Gibson's contention. The Chairman thinks it would be a great pity to decide that the Association be not represented and suggests circularizing the various Planting Companies, to get their views on the subject. Mr. Macfadyen explains that he had seconded the proposition, not because he thought it undesirable that the Malay Peninsula should be represented, but because he had misgivings that it would be well represented. The last Exhibition in London had strained their resources and he was afraid that contributions might not come forward as readily as was necessary, to get their industry adequately represented. Mr. Harvey's motion is put to the Meeting and declared lost by by 8—4. Mr. Gibson then proposes and Mr. Fox seconds that the Secretary communicate with the Government of the F.M.S and S.S. and with the Rubber Growers' Association and solicit their co- operation in the matter. The motion is^carried by 10 — 2, 37 9. The Labour Enactment, 1911. The Secretary informs the meeting that at a meeting of the Taiping Planters Association held on the 8th ultimo the following resolution was passed: "That the Labour Enactment, 1911, be cancelled or at least considerably modified." He explains that previous to this he had received notice of a motion from Mr. Macfadyen on the same subject and had con- st qutntjy plfxtd Mr. Macfc.d)tn's n:otkn on the Agenda Mr. E. Macfadyen, proposing " that this Association strongly deprecates the precipitancy with which the Labourer's Enactment, 191 1, was passed through the Federal Council, said that for a law conferring such wide and far reaching powers upon the executive, the Labour Enactment, 1911, appears to have been passed after only the most perfunctory deliberation. No one would suggest that Govern- ment resorted to secrecy in order to faciliate its passage. We are under no delusion as to the real powers of Government in regard to legislation whatever fictions may be maintained about their sharing such powers with Councils or Committees. There may be limits to the powers of Government in administering some of their laws; but in the making of them they are absolute. The burden of my complaint is that Government has no moral right to pass a law such as this, whatever its actual power, without giving members of Council an opportunity to consider its nature and probable effects. The official apology for a degree of haste admitted to require apology was that the law would only be applied in one instance. Surely this is an aggravation rather than an extenuation of the circumstances. If Government may take an employer into court when they see their way to a conviction ; and when they did not, may make a new law to meet his special case, it must be patent that there ceases to be any guarantee for commercial enterprise at all. The whole proceeding appears to be against any right principle. This very instance might be so handled as to do infinite damage to the reputation of our government for fair play; which is one of the chief commercial assets of this country. I am not concerned to argue that the powers conferred should not, in the peculiar conditions of the labour situtation here, be in existence. My contention is that such powers ought not to be exercised by government officers on the advice of other government officers alone. To remove the labour force from an estate, by a stroke of the pen, is to annihilate that estate as a profit-earning concern; and I urge upon the members of Council to secure the provision of adequate safeguards against the possible misuse of such extreme powers. Whether the necessary safeguard should take the form of a reference to the council itself or to a Committee of the council or to somebody appointed ad hoc — is not for me to say : but I do say emphatically that without such a reference, the perpetuation of this enactment would be highly dangerous. If unofficial opinion 38 had to be consulted in some form or other the position of govern- ment would be strengthened; the public would be given the security it has a right to demand and it is more than probable that in most cases a resort to extreme measures would be rendered unnecessary by the pressure which might in this way be brought to bear. Some such machinery would have been elaborated, I feel sure, had even 48 hours been allowed on deliberation: and that this could not have been granted, it is impossible to believe, seeing that eight days were allowed to elapse before the powers conferred were made use of I move "that this Association strongly deprecates the precipitancy with wliich the Labour Enactment, 1911, was passed through Federal Council." The Chairman thinks every member of that Association would have voted for the Bill after having heard the guarantee ol the Government, who were about to redraft the Bill. The conditions of the Tamil labour force on the estate referred to were an absolute disgrace. All the unofficial members of the council objected to the procedure, but it was felt it was not right to vote against the measure after receiving the Government's guarantee that the enact- ment would only be applied to one group of estates, and that a fresh Bill would be submitted to them at the next Federal Council. He felt confident from what Sir Arthur Young and the Chief Secretary to Government had said that they had every intention of consulting the planting community on the steps they proposed to take in this direction in future. Mr. Gibson regarded the Government's actions from another standpoint. If this Enactment went home, the man in the street, who had invested his money and did not know exactly the position or conditions of the country where his investmen was, but got to know the Government of that country could turn round and take away the labour of the estates he had invested his money in, it might be the means of bringing about a panic and doing tremendous harm to the rubber industry. Those were the far reaching effects of such an action on the part of the Government and it was ihe bounden duty of the Association to impress on the Government that such high- handed legislation was intolerable. He had great pleasure in seconding Mr. Macfadyen's motion. Mr. Macfadyen's motion is then put to the meeting and carried unanimously. 10. Honorary Members. The Secretary reports that Mr. A. C. Corbetta has applied for Honorary Membership and explains that the present rules do not provide for this. Mr. F. G. Harvey proposes. Mr. A. J. Fox seconds, and it is agreed to, that a new rule to that effect be drafted and submitted to the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. 39 II. Medical Staff on Estates. The Chairman informs the Meeting that the Government had under consideration a scheme, whereby they would provide all the necessary staff and second same for service on the various estates, as required. This would do away with all the present difficulties the planters were labouring under. The Secretary might write in and find out, how far this matter had progressed. The Secretary is instructed accordingly. Mr. Burgess asks for details of the Bailey Memorial Fund. The Secretary, being unable to give these particulars without reference to his books, is instructed to submit these at the next meeting. 12. Absconding. Mr. Jarvis asks whether the Enactment making absconding a criminal offence has yet come in force. The Chairman understands that the Enactment, as originally gazetted, did not meet the views of the Secretary of State for the Colonies, and that another Bill is in preparation. 13. Indian Labour. Mr. Harvey enquires whether it is legal for the Indian Immigra- tion Department to demand the discharge of a coolie on tendering themselves a month's wages in lieu of notice. The Legal Adviser is requested to look into this point and to give his opinion thereon. Mr. Gibson enquires whether a coolie recruited for an estate from India, but who has worked previously on another estate, is considered to belong to the former or to the latter estate. The Chairman says that undoubtedly the cooHe belonged to the estate who recruited him. 14. Recruiting Commission. Mr. Gibson suggests that something be done to remove the discrepancy between the amounts paid to kanganies by the various estates for recruiting purposes. Some estates paid their kanganies as much as three and four times as much as others, and it was found these well-paid kanganies stayed at the depots in India and waited the arrival of other kanganies bringing coolies forward from up country. An equal rate should be authorized by the Immigration Committee and thus prevent this anomaly. The Chairman recommends that the amount be stated on the licence, and that the Indian Immigration Committee be asked to fix a maximum commission. 40 15. Sitiawan and Dindings Planters' Association. The Secretary places on the table the first Annual Report of this Association and is instructed to inform the said Association, in response to private enquiries, that the P.A.M. will greatly welcome the application of this new body. 16. Brussels Exhibition. The Secretary submits account from Messrs. Lewis and Peat, showing balance still due of $499.37. 17. General. The Secretary lays on the table copy of By-laws and Regulations of the Selangor Chamber of Commerce Rubber Association. The Meeting terminates at 12-30 p. m. H. C. E. Zacharias, Secretary. The Planters' Association of Malaya. In Account with The Planters' Stores & Agency Co., Ltd. 1910. Aug. 19 To samples of Rubber for Brussels Exhibition (by our London Office) Dec. 31 Antwerp charges 1911. Jan. 31 By Proceeds of Rubber sent to Exhibition By Balance Dr. Cr. % cts. % cts. 703 39 75 17 2/9 19 499 Z7 77^ 56 778 56 To balance 499 2>7 NOTE OF SALE. Per s's "Cormorant" from Antwerp, 49 lbs. Block 15 „ Sheet 10 „ Sheet 20 ,, Crepe 20 „ Crepe 9 ,, Crepe 123 lbs. at 5/7 -M 14 Dec. II. Exhibition Samples fiom Brussels. The Planters' Stores & Agency Co., Ltd. m flgricullural Bulletin OF THE — 5TKAIT5 — AND FEDERATED MALAY 5TATE5. Edited by the Botanic Gardens Department, Singapore. No. 3. MARCH. 1912. Vol. I. CONTENTS. Page. II. The Third International Rubber Exhibition - 43 12. Ipecacuanha (Cephaelis Ipecacuanha) - 45 13. Calabar Bean (Physostigma Vetienosum) 47 14. Cocaine ( Erythroxylon Coca) - - _ 48 15. Indigo (Indigofera Tinctoria) - - - 50 16. Pruning _ . _ _ . 55 17. In Unknown Papua - _ - . 57 18. Lewis & Peat's Rubber Report 67 IQ. Gow, Wilson & Stanton, Ltd., India Rubber Market Report 68 20. Exports Telegram _ . . _ 69 21. Singapore Market Report _ . . 70 22. Meteorological Readings 71 To be purchased at the Botauic Gardens, Singapore, from Messrs. Kelly AND Walsh, Ltd., No. 32 Raffles Place, and 194 Orchard Road, and The Straits Times Office, Cecil Street, Singapore. THIRD SERIES Agricultural bulletin STRAITS FEDERATED MALAY STATES. EDITED BY THE BOTANIC GARDENS DEPARTMENT, SINGAPORE. The Pr ice of the Bulletin will be as follows: Annua Subscription for Straits Settlements and Federated Malay States . . $5 00 Annua Subscription for other places n Malaya .. $5.50 Annual Subscription for India and Ceylon .. Rs. 9-8-0 Annua Subscription for Europe (Thirteen Shillings) .. £0-13-0 Single Copy .. 50cts. or Is. 2d. Whole Volume $5.00 All Subscriptions are payable strictly in advance. SINGAPORE : THE STRAITS TIMES PRESS, LIMITED. NOTE. No further copies of the Bulletin will be forwarded except to those subscribers whose subscription for the year has been received. All remittances should be in favour of the Editor, and not personal. AGRICULTURAL BULLETIN 5TKAIT5 FEDERATED riALAY 5TATE5. '-' No. 3.] MARCH, 1912. [Vol. 1 THE THIRD INTERNATIONAL RUBBER EXHIBITION. There is much to commend the proposal of holding the Third International Rubber Exhibition in New Yorl< during the current year and it is gratifying 'to learn that what appeared to be lukewarm interest in London and the East is being replaced by active support. The India Rubber Journal of February \J states that "at a special meeting of the Rubber Growers' Association held at the London Chamber of Commerce this week, it was resolved to present to the New York Rubber Exposition, which opens in September next, a series of gold, silver and bronze medals for free competition open at all the rubber plantation countries in the world exhibiting at the exposition." "The condition of the competition is that at least one hundred- weight of rubber — to be a commercial, not an exhibition, sample — mustbe shown for each entry marie, and planters are to have the privilege of making more than one entry if they wish." Every one will be aware that of all industries those pertaining ta agriculture are the slowest to mature, although th^ rapid develop- ment of plantation rubber has been amazing, and where events have moved so quickly it cannot be complained that the industry is suffering from a plethn-a of exhibitions; while tlie stimulus of the preceding exhibitions have materially assisted development. Writing on the scope and utility of the proposed exhibition Mr. Pearson, Editor of Th3 India Rubber World, says : — "Steps have been taken to secure exhibits of crude rubber froni every rubber producing country in the world. 44 There is also in process of formation an advisory committee, made up of the most influential manufacturers, chemists, importers, and scientists in every way connected with the trade. There will be notable loan exhibits, European and American, exhibits of laboratory and factory appliances, etc., etc. There will be a series of conferences at which essays on various subjects of interest to the trade will be read. When one considers that the United States not only uses one half of the world's crude rubber, but manufactures much more than one half of the world's rubber goods ; when one further considers the very general interest that the press and the people of the country are to- day evincing in rubber, it would appear that the exhibition was timely. That it can be made broadly informing to every trade and profession, to business organizations and to schools, goes without saying, and Mr. Manders' past record furnishes no reason to doubt his complete grasp of the possibilities as well as his ability to carry his plans through to a successful finish." A Rubber Exhibition in New York offers an opportunity to planters to emphasise the real position of the present and prospec- tive magnitude of plantation rubber in the East, which financial statements showing the area under cultivation and the output of rubber fail to convey, as is evidenced by the American manufacturers, and delegates from Brazil, who have visited Singapore and the Federated Malay States during the past few months. Hitherto manufacturers (the real masters of the rubber market) held large stocks of crude rubber, and this policy is slowly changing in favour of forward contracts with estates. It only remains to convince all manufacturers that the plantation industry is an estab- lished one, and that the output of over 10,000 tons for Malaya during 191 1 will be largely exceeded year by year. It would therefore be of direct advantage to estates to earn a good name on the market. Another advantage is offered, which should not be lost sight of, by displaying plantation rubber in bulk, it furnishes an opportunity of conveying to all concerned the improbability of synthetic rubber replacing raw rubber. Synthetic rubber is a scientific fact so far as the laboratory is concerned, and it may not be long before the commercial proposition is before the world. Rubber displayed in bulk would be more convincing than figures. It could be seen what the substitute would have to replace in both wild and cultivated raw rubber, and also, what is usually forgotten, reclaimed rubber. Both, governments and financiers, might pause to think that rubber trees can be brought into bearing in a few years, while turpentine, the base of synthetic rubber and the product of fir trees, approach a century. Two results are apparent, the gradual destruction of forests w^iich could not be replaced ; the consequent increased price of turpentine, and the improbability of producing synthetic cheaper than raw rubber. The converse of synthetic rubber is overproduction of plantation rubber — also a possibility. Outside Malaya there is more real acti- vity in planting rubbers at the present time than at any previous 45 period; Brazil is both planting and fostering" natural reproducliun; the West Indies have embarked on a strong rubber planting policy; all tropical Africa is actively engaged in planting Para and Ceara ; from India Ceara is expected to be largely exported ; Mexico expects to increase her output in the near future. Where so many countries are engaged different systems of culti- vation and methods of preparation naturally follow, and the oppor- tunity presents itself at the forthcoming exhibition of studying the real position in all its latest developments. "Eiitries for the competition close on August I,' and are to be made direct to Mr. A. Staines Manders, c.'o the Grand Central Palace, 46th to 47th Streets, Lexington Avenue, New York city." It is inferred that exhibits not intended for competition would be received later, as the exhibition opens during the last week in September 1912. The following suggestions are made from experience and to avoid errors and save delay: 1. All cases of exhibits should be fastened by screws and not nails. Nailed cases frequently split and are spoiled for returning. 2. The name of the estates, settlement or state, should be stencilled or printed on 2 or 3 faces of the case. Con- signee's address on top of case. 3. Cases to be returned should have the addresses printed on a board and screwed face downwards on top of the case when consigned to New York. 4. Full instructions; if for competition; description of contents; number of cases; weight of rubber; whether offered for sale or to be returned; address for returning; bhjulJ hj communicated to the local secretary, or direct to the Commissioner. 5. Instructions should not be enclosed in the cases of rubber. 6. Instructions, part to local secretary or Commissioner, and part to agent or friend, should be avoided. 7. Cases should bs numbered anJ contents described on case, as well as mentioned with instructions. The matter is receiving the attention of Government, anl it only remains for plantations to come forward with rubber in bulk to place Malaya in the front of rubber producing countries. R. DERRY. IPECACUANHA. (Cephaeii^ Ipecacuanha. > The superior claims of rubber have so absorbed the attention of planters during recent years that only occasional enquiry is made of other plants. With many economic plants, particularly drugs, the •demand is temporary only and a fascinating price is best measured 46 by the possible demand for the product and the probable extent of its cultivation. At the present time enquiry is again being made respecting Ipecacuanha, and considering the consumption and consequent demand for the drug, the limited sources of supply, its slow reproduc- tion and cultivation, there does appear a prospect for further development. In most instances, however, enquiry is based on the suitability of the plant for a Catch-crop, and the object of this note is t'> indicate its inadaptability for cultivation under such conditions. Cephaelis Ipecacuanha is a dwarf, half shrubby, shade loving plant indigenous to many parts of Brazil, and sparsely in New Granada and probably Bolivia. It was first introduced to Europe about 1830 and to India 30-40 years later. Ipecacuanha is prepared from the dried roots of the plant which are exported from Brazil, Cartagena, Selangor and Johore, and India (mi aimlysis slimving the relative imJuc of the commercial drug from the first three cotoitries metitioned is published in the Agricultural Bulletin p. 364, Vol. 8.) Its cultivation — owing to its special requirements — is still limited while the demand for the drug is increasing. Bentley and Trimen describe the process of collection in Brazil as f >llo\vs: — " The roots of the Ipecacuanha plant are collected more or less all the year round, but less during the rainy season from the difficulty then experienced in drying them properly. The collectors are called Poayeros from the Brazilian name Poaya by which this plant is known. A Poayero collects the roots by grasping in one hand as many stems as he is able, and with the other he pushes a pointed stick obliquely with a see-saw motion in the ground beneath the plants, by which he is able to pull up a lump of earth with the inclosed nK)ts in an almost unbroken state. The earth is then shaken from the roots which are placed in a bag brought for that purpose, and the same process is repeated with other plants. When the Poayera |)ulls up the roots, he l)reaks them at certain points, and froni th.'se broken parts of the roots which are left in the soil, young plants are subsequently produced, anJ tiius the total destruction of the plant is avoided." In the East the plant is reproduced by root cuttings (so far as I know it does not seed locally, but where well matured plants are available old enough to flower, seeds could be produced by artificial fertilization) but such cuttings are not easy to establish, and if the root is subdivided into numerous cuttin:4s due protection to prevent loss from excessive damp is necessary. Oa virgin soils, or where there is a depth of vegetable humus and the situation is moist and shady, the plant grows well when establishe I but the properties of the root deteriorate with continued cultivation. Such deterioration might be minimised, if not avoi led, by mulchin:^; with leaf-soil and burnt-earth, especially burnt-humus, as the lime ontained in burnt- earth and applied in tliii fv)rm, alth )ugh the proportion is small, is easy of absorption. Careful cultivation is necessary as the alkaloid cr active principal of the drug, only amounts to about I per cent, of the loot. 47 The Brazilian plant is variable in habit, and the Cartagena or Colombian vai-iety is distinct and of less commercial value. R. DERRY. Mr. R. H. True (Bureau of Plant Industry of the U. S. Depart- ment of Agriculture) has been supplied with the following informa- tion from the American Consul at Cartagena regarding the cultivation of Ipecacuanha, and this we publish from the "Oil Paint and Drug Reporter" Ipecac, a trailing plant thrives best in clay soil along the banks of rivers. While it requires a great deal of moisture, it cannot live under water, and consequently in Colombia it is found in its best development in regions where the rainfall is abundant, but where the rivers do not overflow. The Sinu River is the ideal region for ipecac. The plant is found in abundance from near the head-waters of this river . . . The growth extends to a distance of several miles on each side of the river and also to the more important tributaries of the Sinu, the Esmeralds, Verde and Manso rivers. In regions where the water is excessive, such as the valleys of the Atrato, the plant though found, has a poor growth and is of an inferioi quality. In gathering ipecac the whole plant is up-rooted and the thin and soft rootlets are thrown away, and these discarded rcx^tlets serve as a means of reproduction, becoming in a year well-developed plants having valuable roots of their own. The present demand for ipecac is good, for the average price in Cartagena is about $l.8o per lb. and $2.20 per lb. can be obtained in some of the foreign markets for the dry roots. The European demand is especially strong. France paying from i^. to 20c. more than can be obtained in the United States. The.4Wl shipment of ipecac from this port during the calendar year IQI^ amounted to 14,181 kilos. The area from which Cartagena ipecac is derived is very extensive and somewhat scattered, though by far the most important region is that of the Sinu River and its tributaries. It is thought that the land actually covered by the plant must embrace several hundr.^d square miles, though any attempt at an accurate estimate would be useless. A relatively small amount of Cartagena ipecac comes from the Atrato, and it is of inferior quality. In addition to the two regions mentioned, there is still another, nearer than either of them to Cartagena, called San Onafre. Ipecac is not an object of cultivation in Columbia, though there is no reason why it should not be, except the fact that it is found wild in such abundance." {The Chemist and Druggist, Feb. 24, 1912, p. 78'. CALABAR BEAN. (Physostigma Vcnenosum). A plant allied to the runner-beans (Phaseolus) and native of Nigeria and the Congo where it is used as an ordeal, but owing to its poisonous properties the production has been discouraged. 48 The drug, which is obtained from the ripe seed, has been recog- nized in different Pharmacopasias for many years as a valuable poison and for external use in cases of Myopia. Quite recently a further chemical examination by the Wellcome Chemical Research Labora- tories has resulted in the isolation of a new alkaloid which will doubtless add to the value of the plant although the demand may be limited. R. D. COCAINE. (Erythroxylon Coca.) In the Agricultural Bulletin of the Straits Settlements and Federated Malay States page 336 vol. VII. there is an account of this plant as grown in the Botanic Gardens Singapore and a report from the Imperial Institute on a sample of dried leaves submitted by the late Mr. Machado for analysis and valuation. The colour of the leaves was not quite good but "the percentage of alkaloids present was equal to the average amount found in commercial supplies of Coca leaves from other sources." Planters are also cautioned that the demand is small and that leaves would be over-iToduced if extensively cultivated. At the present time the price is high and leaves from the East appear to be exported from Java only. The plant is exceptionally hardy and is grown as a hedge-plant in the Singapore Gardens. There would be a great saving in ihandling and freight if anyone cared to try the production of Cocaine instead of exporting leaves. R. D. The Production of Cocaine in Peru. This subject receives attention in a recent number of The Engineer, in an article which is reproduced in Peru To-day for Septem- ber 191 1: In introducing the article, the latter publication points out the importance of the cocaine industry in Peru; this is shown by the circumstance that the value of the annual production of the drug is £2,500,000. A great part of this is exported, while most of the rest is consumed b.y the native Indians. The account in The Engineer states that the processes employed in Peru for the extraction of cocaine from the leaves of the coca plant ( Erythroxyhim Coca) are crude, owing to the fact that the treat- ment takes place in the interior, on account of the expense of trans- port of the leaves; the extent of this expense is illustrated by the fact that 200lb. of coca leaves are required for the manufacture of lib. of cocaine. Doubtless, improved means of communication will bring the manufacture nearer the coast, and then better methods will be employed. 49 For the extraction of the drug" from the leaves, three operations are employed : (l) maceration, (2) intermediate precipitation, and (3) final precipitation. For maceration, the leaves are placed in four tanks, in the first of which they are treated with a 0.5 per cent, solution of sulphuric acid. After twenty-four hours, the liquid is allowed to flow into the second tank and the first is again filled with new leaves and the acid solution. After another interval of 24 hours, the contents of the second tank are run off into the third while the former is filled from the first as before, the first again receiving a new charge. The fourth tank, after another period of twenty-four hours, is filled from the third, and the preceding processes with the other tanks are repeated. In this way, leaves in a state for further treatment, namely, those originally put into the first tank, are obtained at the end of four days. The tincture thus obtained is next placed in a strainer, for the purpose of filtration, after which the processes of maceration is complete- For the intermediate precipitation, the tincture is subjected to the action of sodium carbonate in cylindrical vessels. At this stage, in order to test if precipitation is complete, a small quantity of the tincture is removed, filtered from the cocaine, and the filtrate tested with ammonia, when there should be no precipitate formed. The obtaining of a precipitate indicates the necessity for the addition of sodium carbonate to the tincture in the cylindrical vessels. The first operation for the final precipitation is the addition of petroleum, the mixture being stirred carefully for three to four hours at a very slow rate. At the end of this period the oil, which now contains the cocaine, is washed with acid-free water, and then treated with acidulated water, the proper amount being determined by the testing for precipitation of an aliquot part. Daring this process, the mixture is stirred vigorously for half an hour to forty minutes, with the result that the cocaine is transferred from the oil to the acidulate water, which can be separated from the former after the mixture has been allowed to stand for about a quarter of an hour. At this stage, the extract is ready for final precipitation, which as before is effected with sodium carbonate, the amount required being determined by a test with : n aliquot part of the solution. The mixture is then allowed to settle for twelve hours and, filtered while being washed with distilled water, to remove any excess of sodium carbonate. The wet residue of cocaine is finally subjected to pressure, when the drug is obtained as a white paste containing 87 to 93 per cent. The usual yield is about 2%^). of cocaine per day of twenty-four hours. When inferior leaves are u^ed, the product is brownish in colour and has to be subjected to further treatment, similar to the above ; this results, however, in the loss of some of the cocaine. A last matter of interest is that the approximate cost of producing I ft. of cocaine is about ^5 — an amount which naturally varies with the price that has to Ije given for the leaves. — AgricidtHral News, JVest Indies. 50 INDIGO. (Indigofera tinctoria.) The ft)llowing paper read before the Ceylon Agricultural Society •on the possibility of producing natural Indigo to compete with the synthetic dye is of especial interest for its latent possibilities. Synthetic Indigo is a bye-product of coal-tar and although extensively used it has not entirely replaced the natural indigo. For silks and high class textile goods the natural dye is still pre- ferred for its durability as a fast dye. As the indigotine, or blue colouring matter, varies with culti- vation and preparation from 20 to 90% there does appear an oppor- tunity for producing an improved standard dye. It is very probable too, that in preparing the Indigo in the form of paste there is con- siderable saving over solid or cube Indigo which is the result of sterilizing. (Singularly, some years ago, great efforts were made in Singapore to produce solid or stick Indigo which failed). Locally, the plant is grown from cuttings and not seeds, so that it may improve the cultivated product if seeds were tried instead of -cuttin;is. Formerly the cultivation was extensive but has gradually dwind- led to almost nil, possibly due to a combination of causes. When Indigo was extensively cultivated in Java and Sumatra it was known that its cultivation improved the soil for tobacco, sugar and other crops. It certainly deserves careful experimental trials for green soiling with rubber, but if intended as a Catch-crop, a good water supply is essential and prospective crops assured before embarking on the apparatus necessary for its preparations- R. D. Ceylon as an Indigo Country. Interesting Paper. Baron Schrottky— then read an excellent paper entitled, "The cultivation of Indigo in Ceylon," in which he said : — The object of the paper on Indigo, which you have permitted me to read to you to-day, is to arouse interest in an industry which, for some time past, has been considered moribund, if not dead. The natutal indigo industry, at one time one of the most pros- perous industries in the East, has been practically^ ruined by the competition of a synthetic dye. Adolf von Bayer discovered in 1880 a method of producing from coal tar products a substance identical in every respect with indigo- tine, the chief dyeing principle in the indigo of commerce, in which it is found to the extent of about 60 per cent. The Badische Soda and aniline Fabrick acquired Bayer's patents, and in 1897 brought into the maiket a synthetic indigotine at a price 5T low enough to compete with the natural dye. The Badische Com- pany was able to sell their product at a profit at the cost price of natural indigo, which was then about Rs. 120 to Rs. 150 per maund of 74 lb. This competition naturally resulted in the closing of most indigo factories in Bengal and Northern India which were dependent for financial assistance on Calcutta houses and only those iManters who had land of their own, on which they could very profitably utilize the excellent manure which indigo refuse yields, were able to keep their heads above water. The export of indigo, which in 1896 was 187,337 cwt, valued at nearly 4 million pounds sterling, had fallen in 1910 to l8,o6l cwt. valued at a little over 200,000 pounds sterling. Indigo continued to be grown in Behar and elsewhere in India, but chiefly for the sake of manure it yields, the dye coming to be looked upon almost as a by-product. It v/as at the darkest period of the Indian indigo industry that Sir Edward Law, Finance Member of the Indian Council, in his Budget speech, March, 1904, spoke hope- fully of a possible revival of the industry, if planters would only put their factories on a sounder financial basis, practise economy in the management of their estates, select the best yielding variety of the indigo plant, and adopt more scientific methods of manufacture. It is due to a few of the more enterprising planters of Behar that pro- gress has been made in these directions. The great increase in the yield of dye obtained by the latest developments of the industry will be more fully realised by compa- ring a maximum outturn of ^ lb. of dry from 100 lb. green plant in 1887, which was then spoken of as " marvellous," with the H lb, of dry dye which lOO lb. of green plant can be made to yield now, an increased outturn which, 20 years ago, would have been regarded as impossible. But quite as important has been the advance in the marketing of the dye in the more convenient form of a paste of such qualities and of such an atomically fine division of the dye that — speaking from practical experience — as much yarn can be dyed a certain shade with one pound of Indigotine in the Standard Natural Indigo paste than can be dyed with l^ lb. of Indigotine in the synthetic dye. We arrive now at the question of how this development of the indigo industry affects Ceylon, where it has never been considered profitable to grow the plant, even at the flood tide of prosperity in that industry. In those days the yearly outlay of an indigo factory — for supervision, rent of land, cultivation, manufacture, and the marketing of the dye — used to be in Behar about Rs. 36 per acre, and the outturn was 24 lb. of the dye per acre, selling at Rs. 3 per lb. This gave a cent, per cent, profit. Cheapness of labour and cheapness of land were then the essen- tial elements in the profitable cultivation of indigo, and on this basis •Ceylon could not hope to compete with India. But now these items iire not of such importance, since the industry has developed on lines 52 whicli make it necessary to treble the outlaj-, so that the cost of labour and land is now proportionately much smaller. It is this change which enables Ceylon planters to take up indigo cultivation with ever)' chance of success and profit. The increased outlay is chiefly due to the cost of scientific methods of manufacture, and the very large additional outturn of dye obtained thereby has reduced the cost of natural indigo of average quality (6o per cent, indigotine) to Is. per lb. whereas the synthetic dye costs is. 6d. to manufacturer and is sold at present at 8d. per lb. of 20 per cent paste equal to 2s. per lb. of 6o per cent, indigotine. The way is, therefore, open for a revival of the natural indigo industry on a better basis than ever before, for it is well-knovn that the cost of the synthetic dye cannot be further reduced. It is gene- rally acknowledged that natural indigo has better dyeing properties than the synthetic product, and dyers will give preference to the natural dye if they can get it at the same price of a standard quality and in the more convenient form of a paste. Such a standard natural indigo paste of keeping qualities has now been produced ; it has been tested by practical dyers, it has met with the approval of Mincing Lane brokers, and it finds a ready demand and sale at a remunerative price. It will, of course, take some time before an indigo industry on these up-to-date lines is established even in Behar. But a beginning has been made there and it is to be hoped Ceylon will follow suit, for here there is no lack of enterprising men with a command of credit and ready money, which is essential. The climate is favourable, the soil is suitable, and, in short, we have here all thj eUmjnts that should en- sure success. The indigo plant grows better in Ceylon than in Behar. It grows wild in the low-country and at high altitudes, it is found up to 5,000 feet, it grows in the dry districts and in the wet districts, and there are some sixteen varieties of Iiidigofera indigenous to the Island. The plant grows in Ceylon for the greater part of the year (excepting the ver>' dry districts), and will yield three to four cuttings in the twelve months ; whereas in Northern India, where there are four months of cold weather and three months of drought, only one good cutting can be obtained, the second cutting depending much on the season, and, at the best, yielding only a half crop. Mr. Teixeira de Mottos, General Secretary of the Midden Java Planters' Association, has given me the crop outturn of Indigofera arrecta in Java as amounting per acre to 32,000 lb. per year for three cuttings, the yearly outlay being Rs. 100 per acre. This crop outturn of green could, I feel certain, be reached here also in Ceylon, where- ever the rainfall is over 60 inches for the year, and where the fall is well divided between the south-west and north-east monsoons. In the dry districts of the Island, with only one monsoon, and a rainfall of only about 40 inches spread over four to five months of the year, we can only expect two cuttings, which might be estimated to vield about 20,000 lb. of crop per acre, for in Behar I have the 53 statistics of a crop of Indigofcra arrecta sown on Marcl; 20, and yield- ing before the middle of September, within a period of six months two cuttings amounting to 2I,600 lb. per acre. If we take for Ceylon a rather higher outlay per acre than in Java, say Rs. I20 per acre, and add to this the expenditure in work- ing according to scientific methods of manufacture (say Re. I for eveiy 400 lb. of crop treated) we arrive at a total outlay, for a yield of 32,000 lb. per acre of Rs. 200 per acre, and for a yield of 20,000 lb. crop Rs. 170 per acre. The outturn of dye for Ceylon may be safely estimated at about the same as that obtained in Behar by scientific methods of manufacture, i.e., 2^ lb. of standard indigo paste per 100 lb. of green plant, though actual manufacture from plants grown in Ceylon has shown that the yield of dye is higher than in Behar. Arrangements have been made with a Mincing Lane firm to take over this standard paste at the rate of 50 cents per lb. c.i.f. Colombo. The outturn of standard paste per acre yielding 32,000 lb. green plant may therefore be estimated at 800 lb. of paste, value Rs. 400, plus Rs. 148, the estimated value of the residual manure which the decomposed plant yields after the dye has been extracted, making a total of Rs. 548 against an expenditure of Rs. 200. In the districts where only 20,000 lb. of green plant cnn be cut per acre, the outturn of standard paste will be 500 lb., value Rs. 250, plus Rs. TOO, the value of the manure, or a total of Rs. 350, against an expenditure of Rs. 170, There must further be deducted rent of the land (or interest on the capital represented by it) and also the interest on the capital invested in the building of a factory and depreciation. With the assistance of a few enterprising men in Colombo, this question of the possibility^ of successfully pioneering" in Ceylon an in- digo industry on up-to-date lines has been brought nearer torealisation. Indigofcra arrecta and Indigofera sumatrana have been experimentally cultivaed during the last six months in gardens wathin Colombo city, as well as at higher elevations on coconut and rubber estates. The plants have grown satisfactorily, as could not otherwise have been expected, for indigo is a weed which will flourish well with ordinary cultivation in all tropical and semi-tropical countries. Even where it was sown broadcast on totally unprepared hard laterite soil a crop has been obtained, though the growth is irregular. What was sown in Colombo in July last has already yielded two cuttings (the second cutting at the rate of 14,500 lb. per acre), and the plants are shooting out well for a third cutting. Plant grown in the Kalatara district has been manufactured in a miniature factory according to scientific methods and has yielded well, the outturn of dye being much greater than the Behar plant yields, and was equal to 3% lb. of standard paste for 100 lb. of green leaf. You will have noted that I have added to the value of the dye the estimated value of the manure, which is a by-product of indigo manufacture. This is a most valuable asset, especially for Ceylon, where the soil cries out for manure more and more every year. The 54 fact that indigo cultivation and maniifactui-e will yie^ld as a by- product one of the most vahiable of natural manures is one pregnant ■with the greatest possibility for this Colony. We know from the experience gained in India and Java that this manurial matter trebles the outurn of tobacco; that it doubles the outurn of paddy, in grain as well as in straw; and it will also be found very suitable for coconut cultivation, for cacao, and for tea. The manure, consisting of the fermented green leaves and stalks, is put into heaps and kept in pits, and can be further improved in value by running the waste liquid after fermentation over it. The bacterial life, set going by the fermentation, helps to decompose the plant, and turns the whole mass into a brown friable mould. Sir George Watt, in his Dictionary of the Economic Products of India, -specially refers to the great value of this manure, and you will find the fact mentioned there that experience has shown that land cutlti- vated in indigo is greatly benefited thereby. Indigo is one of the few plants which enrich the soil on which it is grown, (l) by the exudation into the soil of nitrogenous matter from peculiar root-nodules in which through bacterial action the inert nitrogen of the air is worked up into assimilable nitrogenous products; (2) by the fall ofileaf; and (3) by the droppings of the millions of insect life which an Indigo field harbours, while the long tap roots of the plant draw nourishment from strata of soil not reached by ordinary crops. This Indigo refuse is called " seet," and closely approximates in its general composition good English Farmyard manure, though it is decidedly richer in its chief constituent — nitrogen. From 100 maunds of green plant about 80 maunds, or about 3 tons, of well-rotted ^' seet "are obtained. Mr. Pawson, from whose report to the Behar Planters' Association, pages q-l2, I quote, says that without taking into consideration the very vaUnl^le manurial qualities of the decom- posed organic matter in the "seet," its principal plant food consti- tuents per ton would be equivalent to 103 lb. sulphate of ammonia, 36 lb., sulphate of potash and 13 lbs., tribasic phosphate of lime. Compared with oil cake, which contains only 14 percent, of mois- ture, while "seet" contains 70 per cent., one ton of "seet" is equivalent in manurial value to about 5 cwt, of castor cake. The actual results are, however, even greater in the case of "seet," as the plant food there is in a more assimilable and subdivided form than in either farmyard manure or oil cake. Composition of Indigo refuse or "seet ": — Per cent Water ... 72-56 Organic matter ... 22"88 Mineral matter ... 4'56t ^v-> Cc'iitaining nitrogen 0-98 Equal to ammonia ri9 Containing ^ Silica 1-04 Lime roQ Magnesia 021 Potash o-8g Piiosphoric acid 0-27 Phosphoric acid equal to tr 1- basic phosphate of lime 0-38 1 Rawson) ives the actual money value of the ' seet " from lOC maunds ( = 8,000 lb.) of green plant as amounting to Rs. 37. Fron an outurn of 32,000 lb. of green plant per acre we may therefore expect, in addition to the dye, a residual manure worth Rs. 148. The amelioration of the soil, as a concomitant of indigo- cultivation, has been recognised as one of the most important elements of the industry in Indin, and should receive the same recognition in Ceylon. I trust that the data I have given will draw the attention of Ceylf)n planters to the cultivation of a product which, even grown as a subsidiary crop, opens such large possibilities for the more success- ful cultivation of the present stable products of the Island. — Ceyloit Observer, March 7. 191 2. PRUNING. Pruning consists in removing any part of a tree, either stem., branches or root with a view to repressing its growth in one direction, and directing the course of sap towards other parts of the tree or shrub, etc, which are better situated and constituted for performing the natural functions. In this country, trees and shrubs generally, produce an over- abundance of branches, half of which are sufficient for all purposes required, decorative or otherwise. It is therefore essential that pruning be resorted to. By pruning I do not mean to infer that m the case of such trees as Cassia fistula, etc., wholesale, ruthless cutting out of branches is required, far from it, but if a few of the weaker branches were removed, the sap which would have been utilised by the removed branches, is directed into the remaining branches, strengthening" and enlarging them so that they are better able t ) continue the satisfactory growth of the tree. In fruit trees generally, pruning has a most beneficial effe t on th-' yield of crop, enlargement of the fruit, general productiveness of branches hitherto barren, and admission of more light and air to the remaining branches are some of the immediate results attained. Praning may be performed with a pruning knite, secateurs, parang, or small hand-saw, but in all cases the branch should be removed as close to its base as possible leaving a clean, slightly sloping cut. Cover the scar completely over with coaltar, taking care that no tar is allowed to trickle down the bark of the tree. As any unprotected wound or scar is liable to introduce fungi to the tree, it is better to apply the tar two times, i.e., once immediately the branch has been removed and again about a fortnight later. Never leave scars or cuts unprotected for any length of time. If it is decided to remove some of the branches say ol a Mangos- teen tree, then immediately the fruit has been gathered is the best time to do so. This allows the remaining branches to enjoy, during the whole of the following growing period, the additional supply of sap thus caused, and consequently the tree produces larger and better fruits the ensuing season. When one sees the numerous inferior Mangosteens placed on the market, it is surprising that some such method of thinning out of the branches has not been practised. Neglecting to thin out the weaker branches is one of the causes by which we get an enormous crop of medium-sized fruits one season fol- lowed by a more or less dearth during the next season. Even in this country where growth is extrem^^ly rapid, a tree cannot be expected to yield large crops of first class fruits regularly each season, unless some such method of thinning out of branches is adopted. The Chiku (Achras sapota) is another fruit which would be immensely improved by the judicious removal of many of the weak branches The first thing to be done when pruning trees, shrubs or any sort of plant is commenced is the removal of all dead and dying branches {even if nothing else is done, all such branches should be removed as soon as they appear.) All the weak and useless shoots should then be removed. In pruning ornamental trees or shrubs one must endeavour to preserve the natural symmetry of the plant, but if as is often the case, one branch has a tendency to outgrow its neighbours, then it may be pruned about two feet lower than the tips of the others. If, however, on branching again it still has the same tendency, it should be removed altogether as this excess of growth is probably due to its being in direct contact with a large and strong root. Shade trees and roadside trees in particular require frequent prunings to obtain the necessary amount of shade with the minimum amount of waste branches. To do this, one must commence pruning shortly after they are removed to their permanent quarters. In many instances, young trees are lifted from the nurser}' beds and planted without the least care and forethought. Prepari:tions shou'd be made some time beforehand so that the roots are exposed to as few drying influences as possible. Seedling trees have usually one main shoot which varies in length according to the vigour of each particular variety. If such a tree as this be lifted and p'.anted, in all probability the leaves shrivel and die, causing the death of the shaot two th-ee feet from the tip. It takes some con^^iderable time for the tree to recover fr )m such a check and also produces an unnecessary amount of lateral 57 branches. If, however, the tip of such a tree be removed until tirm wood is obtained (usually about 6 inches) some ten days before planting, the axillary buds will have become plump and active. Planting" may then be carried out with much less danger of checking the growth of the tree and almost immediately continue its growth. The subsequent lateral branches must be pruned or removed according to the purposes the tree is desired to fulfil, but in order that there be as little waste of sap as possible, they should be removed when quite young. Ornamental and flowering shrubs require frequent pruning. In the case of the former, sufficient only should be removed to preserve the shape of the shrub unless it has become scraggy, when severe pruning is necessary. For the latter the secateurs may be used fre- quently and more drastic treatment may be given them. The pruning of flowering shrubs can be done immediately the flowers have faded but the best and most favourable time to do so is is at the commencement of the rainy season. They may then receive a severe pruning without causing so great a check as when done at any other time of the year. When a shrub or tree has been pruned, it should immediately receive a liberal dressing of manure, either by mulching or by digging it lightly into the soil. Well decayed leaves and old cow-manure mixed together is the most suitable manure for this purpose. The following list comprises a few Ornamental and flowering plants which require such pruning: — Acalyphas ; Aiigelonia salicarae- foUa : Arisiolochia^ (a few); Beloperone oblongata; Bougainvilleas ; Brunfelsia ; Clerodendrons ; Congeas ; Crossandra ; Daedalacanthus ; Dura Ufa; Era>itfieiiiiun (except E. Malacce/isis); Cryptostegia ; Excae- caria bicolor ; Galphimia glaiica ; Graptophyllum (Caricature plant); Hibiscus (all); Holmskioldia ; Ipomoea carnea ; Ixoras ; Jasminum (slight); Jatropha; Latitanas ; Murraya (slight); Mussaendas ; Quisqualis in- diga (Drunken sailor); Nerium ; Palicourea gardenioides ; Petraea v&lubilis ; Plumbago rosea (frequently); Rondoletia odorata (slight) Russelias ; Sanchezia nobilis ; Panax fruticosusiaW vavs.); Strobilantlies Dyerianus ; Tecoma stans ; Thunbergia erecta;and Wormias. J. W. ANDERSON. IN UNKNOWN PAPUA. Mr. Staniforth Smith's Tour. London, Feb. l6. Mr. Staniforth Smith, Administrator of the Territory of Papua, lectured this week before the Royal Geographical Society on his recent adventurous journey through the Western District of Papua. Here are some notable results of his adventures which prove that the terra incognita consisting of huge up-raised coral be Is has a larger area of elevated land than any other discovered in the ttrritory. 58 The Natives. The description of the country given p).>tiilates a somewhat sparse population over this elevated portion of the Western Division, At Sambregi, immediately to the north-west of Mount Murray, are a cluster of villages with an aggregate population of about 1,000 people. Through')Ut our trip we saw onlv one other village of any size, which we reached on December 27th. This was on a large tributary of the Kikor flowing south of east. In every other in-tance the tribe or clan lived in one communal dwelling, varying in dimensions according to the size of the community, and capable of housing from ten to seventy people. These dwellings, especially the sniiiller ones, are generally hidden away or perched on steep ridges, that are not easy of access, probably from motives of defence. The popu- lation of this area of elevated land is estimated at 15,000 inhabitants, or about one and a quarter persons to every square mile. The native inhabitants of the interior do not appear to be a homogeneous people; racial distinctions are apparent that seem to indicate a mingling of Papuans and Papuo-Melanesians, to use the terminology of Dr. Seligmann. Some of the inhabitants of a village were dark-skinned, dolichocephalic men, with wiry frames and somewhat slender limbs, and, in disposition, rather morose and unemotional. In not a few instances the somewhat prominent nose was arched, presenting the appearance of the so-called Semitic type. Other villagers again were unusually light skinned — more the colour of a Samoan. The high altitude might accen- tuate this. I was unable to obtain the cephalic indices of any of the natives, as they were very shy, and we could not afford to make a long stay anywhere. The faces of the light-skinned men were broader and shorter than their darker neighbours, their limbs stouter, and they appear to be more vivacious and intelligent, and also to be fonder of ostentation in the shape of ornaments and paint. The Melunesian migration into New Guinea i-; believed U> have advanced along the north-east coast as far as Cape Nelson, where their progress was stopped l)y the warlike Binandili tribes ; and along the southern coast till they reached the populous villages of the Gulf country. It is, however, not yet known how far the im- migrant race penetrated inland. Certain of the inhabitants of the main range near the Gap, at Mount Albert Edward, and on the Chiiima, as well as in the neighbourhood of Mount Yule, are lighter skinned and broader headed than the Papuan, and it is possibible that the Melanesians have gradually diffused themselves inland along the southern slop.s of the main range, where the origin.'d inhabitants were few in number, and therefore less able to successfully resist the advance. The greatest obstacle would be the natural features of the country, which would necesitate ver}' slow pro- gress. This might account for the marked distinction in physical chaiMCteristics which have not yet been obliterated by uMScegenation. The light skinned people w^re nearly always in a minority. Mr. J. P. Thompson, in his book, ' British New Guinea,' speaks of the 59 "remarkably light bronze colour," of some of the natives of the up- per Flj' river. I obtained a small vobabulary— principally substantive nouns — from the Sambregi tribes, immediately to the northwest of Mount Murray, in the hope that it would contain sufficient information to enable philologists to determine if the language was Papuan or Mela- nesian; unfortunately, this was lost with all other papers in the Kikor river. By exercising great forbearar.ee and patience, we were fortu- nately successful in making friends with these bushmen everywhere. As they had never seen white men before, our arrival caused great excitement. At the first small communal dwellings we reached they all turned out with their bows and arrows, and stood shouting their war cries. They naturally thought we were a marauding party, and naturall}', and rightly they were prepared to defend their wives and children and homes. While they were in this condition of extreme excitement our party sat down, and, although our arms were ready for any emergency, appeared to take no notice of them, except to hold up some red cloth. They then retired, and, when some presents were sent up to the house, we found that they had all fled, the hostile demonstration being probably to allow the women and children time to get away into the jungle. Great care was taken that nothing was touched, and a tomahawk, a knife, and some red cloth were left in the house. Not seeing them return, we started on our march next morning, and in the afternoon were overtaken by the natives, who, when they found that we had no desire to hurt them, evinced the greatest joy, and made us presents of food. After that for some days we experienced little trouble in establishing friendly relations with the natives we met. Possibly, by some bush telegraphy they had notified the other tribes that we had no desire of injuring them. In many instances the friendship of the natives was of great service to us. Not only were we able to buy food, but they showed us native tracks, and, in one instance, took the whole party over a wide river in their canoes. The inhabitants of the Sambregi villages were particularly interesting as they live at an elevation of 6,000 feet above the sea- level, the highest elevation, I believe, of any Papuans so far visited. The physique of some of the young men was magnificent, the Kagi men of the main range approaching most closely to them in this respect. While the tracks between the villages of Sambregi were in wretched repair, and the houses below the standard of native dwellings in Papua, these people excelled in drainage schemes. The gardens in the rich low-lying portions of the valley are drained into the Sam- bregi creek by water channels varying in depth with the contour of land. In some cases the drains are as much as 8 feet in depth ; na water lodges in them, and they are kept in excellent repair. With the exception of the native irrigation channels near Dogura in the Eastern Division, in no other part of the territory do the natives show such knowledge of channel construction. Although it is most 60 improbable that any of these bushnien have ever seen the sea, it is evident that they are able to carry on some trade with the coastal men, probably through many intermediate tribes, as we found them wtai ins sea-shell ornaments, and possessed, in some instances, of iron implements, such as a much used axe blade and plane irons. They also knew the names of the Kikor, Turama, and Bamu rivers, but their ideas as to the directions of same were sometimes far from correct. While these far-inland bushmen are probably cannibals, we were unable to find any direct evidence. At Sambregi, one youth had a skull hung round his neck, and one man a pair of human jawbones; these, however, many have been the remains of relatives. In their dubus, or communal dwellings we saw no skulls or other human bones, although the jaws of pigs and other trophies of the chase were in evidence. It appears that the natives bury their dead, and, at any rate in some instances, dig up the bones at a later period and put them on platforms. In one instance we saw a tiny house like a small dove- cot built on piles about 6 feet from the ground. In this was a skull painted with red ochre, and some bones. We also saw a platform recently erected, and the natives indicated that it was for human bones. In a rock shelter we saw two skulls and bones placed side by side in a circle of stones ; close by were evidences of a grave having been opened and bodies exhumed. For clothing the natives wear a piece of netted cloth hung down from the waist in front from a wide girdle of bark ; at the back dried ^rass or the bright coloured leaves of a plant. In other instances, tapa cloth was hung from the waistband. As a head-dress they wore the black plumes of the cassowary, or the feathers of the white cockatoo ; very occasionally we saw the plumes of the raggiana bird of Paradise. Their hair was usually worn short in front and long behind, clotted into tags and rolls, either with oil or honey and wax of the little black stingless bees. The hair is not bleached with the lime as in other parts of the territory. They wore cane armlets, anklets, and waistbands. These canes were used for fire making. The septem of the nose is pierced and the lubes of the ear, and various things hung thereon from a pencil of bone to circular pieces of cane and the claws of birds. It is remarkable that during our whole trip we saw no evidence of tattooing nor any cicatrices or mutilation of the body. Skin disease was exceedingly rare, and only seen in one or two instances in the adults, and rather more frequently amongst the children. In fact, the natives generally were a remark- ably healthy lot of people. In time of war. and probably on festive occasions, they paint themselves either wholly or in part with yellow or red clay, or with ground charcoal and oil. The women wore a tapa cloth rami frcm waist to knee. They also have tapa cloth cloaks which cover the head and reach to the ground ; this I have seen nowhere else in the territ .ly. In their dubus or communal dwellings they keep rolls of tapa cloth blankets as the nights are cold on the great plateau. 6l They have no pots or cooking vessels and consequently all their food is roasted over the fire ; the only exception I saw was in the case of the leaves of an oleaginous plant which they boil as a vegetable in bamboos. We saw no evidence of pc^lygamy, and the probability is that it is not largely practised. From the inhabitants we saw, the women folk seemed less numerous than the men but this may have been owing to the warriors keeping them in the background. Children seemed fairly plentiful. The time of the men is principally occupied in clearing ground for gardens, hunting the pig, cassowary, and flying fox, building houses, making weapons, and cutting down sago trees. The women make all the sago — a continuous and exacting occupation — look after the gardens, do the cooking, and carry water required for household [)urpo3es in bamboos. They also hammer out the tapa cloth from the bark of a tree, and look after the rising generation. These bushmen are certainly not a nomadic people. Their buildings are substantial, and, in every instance, they had a consider- able garden and a number of village pigs. Their weapons consist of the bow and arrow, a heavy pig spear which is not used for throwing, and a man-killing club. Very rarely we saw stone clubs; these had probably oeen introduced from the coastal districts. The bow and arrow men wore plaited gauntlets from wrist to elbow on the right arm. The stone axe and adze are largely used. The natives do little carving except on their arrows (which are made of bamboos often tipped with bone or a cassowary's claw), spears, and wooden clubs. They also carve out wooden bowls to hold water ; these have no ornamentation. The tribes on the western portion of the plateau seemed to be at war with each other during our visit; they were frequently met in full war paint; with bundles of arrows and killing clubs; in one instance they informed us by signs that they were on their way to tight a neighbouring tribe. Possibly, constant inter- necine strife keeps their numbers down, and accounts for the com- paratively sparse population, as the climate is bracing and healthy and the natives singularly free from disease and full of vigour. Their method of making fire is superior to the usual Papuan system. They get a piece of dry soft wood, split one end and insert a piece of tapa cloth, then taking a piece of cane, which they carry twisted round their waists, they place it under the wood on which they stand. Grasping each end of the cane, they pull it backwards vigorously; when it has eaten halfway through the wood to the tapa cloth the haat generated is so great that the cloth smoulders and is blown into flame. The whole process is accom- plished in ten or fifteen seconds. I am informed that certain natives on the main range about Kagi adopt this system also; if so, it is interesting as possibly shewing some connection between them. With the exception of two large villages, all the natives we saw were split up into small tribes, and each community has one com- munal dwelling, varying in siz.% according to their numbers, whiili -would probab'y range from te.i or fifteen up to s.'venty or ei.uhty. 62 The dwelling is erected on 'a fwrest (.f piles composed of thin but durable wood, and is elevated from lO to 12 feet above the ground. The sides of the great living room are only about 4 feet high, and the pitch of the roof is low. The roof is made of the fronds of the sago palm, each separate leaf being doubled round the rafters (which are only about 6 inches apart), and sown with native fibre to keep it in its place. At one side of the entrance is a partition, which does not reach as high as the roof; this divides the house lengthways into the men's quarters on the one side, and the women's and children's on the other. In each subdivision there is a gangway the whole length, and on one side of each a raised floor which is sub-divided alternately into sleeping plat- forms and fireplaces, each about a yard in width : above the fireplace is a platform filled with wood, and above each sleeping place another platform on which the men keep their weapons and other effects, and the women their tapa cloth, bamboo drinking vessels, and food supply. The dogs share the buildings with the natives. The house is generally surrounded by a garden. Variations of the above were seen. Near Mount Murray there were two additional rows of sleeping platforms and fireplaces on the ground level, one on each side with a separate entrance for each. Again, about 300 miles up the Kikor at the largest dubu we had seen (which we estimated was 70 yards in length) the partition, instead of running lengthways, was across the centre of the building dividing the men's and women's quarters. We have travelled down the Kikor about 1 16 miles to this point before we came upon the first coconut traes we had seen on our journey, nor did we see any more until we reached the mouth of the Kik )r. We found that the langu- age or dialect of the people was continually changing as we advanced. At the Sambregi a vocabulary of the most useful words, principally substantive nouns, was compiled; this, bei-ides being of philological interest, we hope 1 would be of use to us in communicating with the natives we subsequently met; we found, however, that after advan- cing about 20 miles, the dialect changed, and very few of the vv'«rds could be understco 1. Further oa the language was quite diffeit nt. While the many tribes of natives we met on our exploration showed no suspicion and absoLite confidence in us, aftu" we had succeeded in establishing friendly relations, frequently coming to our camp and sitting round the fire at night, and bringing thtir women and children to see the "palefaces" during the daytime, they all without exception, refused even to taste any food we offered them, although they w )uld take it and wrap it up in leaves, probably as a curiosity. Thi - refusal may indicate that they possessed a know- ledge of poise n (we saw a fish-poison tree in one of their gardens), it may, on the other hand, h ive risen from a fear of "pouri-pouri"' or witchcraft, i r again, it may be that they were conservative in their commissariat and did not care lo eat new foods they were net accustomed to. 63 Climate. The climate of the plateau was cool and i)racinj4. the nights being sharp and cold. This doubtless accounts for the healthy- appearance of the people who also gave evidence of greater activity than the coastal races. The rainfall on the eastern portion of the plateau was heavy and of almost daily occurrence, generally com- mencing about four o'clock in the afternoon. As we advanced west the rainfall became less frequent and torrential, only falling on an average about three or four times a week. This might be accounted for by the great distance we were from the sea. Coal. There is every probability of beds of good coal being found on the borders of the great plateau, although I do not think that any minerals of value will be found in the elevated region caused by the upheaval of the coral beds. Coal has been found on the upper waters of the Purari by the Mackay expedition, and it was found by us both on the lower and upper waters of the Kikor river. On the upper waters of the Kikor there is undoubtedly a very extensive field of excellent coal. Unfortunately, the large number of specimens we were bringing down were lost when the rafts capsized. We followed down a creek for some days that brought us to the Kikor. Every- where the beds were strewn with lumps of good-looking, bright, hard coal, and for about 15 miles down the Kikor coal was seen in almost every little creek and waterway, as well as on the banks of the river. The attempt to develop this field by the Kikor waterway is evidently impossible, as for 120 miles the river is one succession of rapids, whirlpools, and gorges. There is no reason why this coal- field should not extend further west, in fact a seam of coal was seen on the western side of the river, and, if so, it might be worked from the Strickland river, which it was estimated could not be more than 20 miles distant. The coal we found on the lower Kikor was one isolated lump considerably weathered. However, as the creek was a very small one, running northward for only a few miles, it is evident that the seam from which it came could not be far off, and, when a magisterial station is established on that river, a fuller investigation might be made. If a large bed of good coal could be found here, I believe barges might be brought up the river to within 6 or 7 miles of it, although two very small rapids occur on the route. These run swiftly when the river is high, but are barely noticeable when the river is not in flood. Flora. The whole of the country traversed was covered by dense jungle and scrub, and we literally had to cut our way through the 374 miles traversed on foot, except where we occasionally met a native track going in the desired direction. It was surprising that over rough coral ranges and valleys, trees of considerable size and dense scrub could find a roothold and sufficient nourishment. The roots spread all over the surface of the rocks, constituting steps rnd ladders up 64 the steep mountain-sides, without which their ascent would have been most difficult. A remarkable fact was that we saw no grass whatever, except a little reedv grass near the rivers during our whole trip. Of the economic flora, by far the most important was sago (Sagus Rumphii). We found these useful storehouses of nourishing food growing as far north as we penetrated, and up to an elevation of 3,500 feet. It had previously been considered that sago only grew along the coast and in the alluvial mud of riverbanks near the sea- level. This constitutes the staple food of all the inland natives we met, except the inhabitants of the Sambregi villages, who live princi- pally on sweet potatoes, the elevation (6000 feet) being too great for sago. Wild breadfruit trees are fairly numerous. The fruit, unlike the Samoan breadfruit, is full of large seeds nearly the size of wal- nuts. These, when roasted, aie palatable and make a good sub- stitute fir potatoes. The natives when hungry eat the pith of a small palm' that grows plentifully over a large area of the country traversed by us. In time of scarcity our police and carriers consumed a good deal of this. To our palates it had a watery and woody taste that was far from agreeable ; in fact, when hungry I tried to eat it, but in each instance it made me sick. I collected the seeds of several indigenous fruits, which, while not palatable, might have been im- proved by cultivation, but these were lost with other things. Cultivated in the native gardens we found sweet potatoes, taro, yams, sugarcane, bananas, betel-nuts and ginger, the last-named cul- tivated as a medicine. Maize is unknown. No coconut trees were seen on the whole trip until we reached the lower waters of the Kikor river, nor are there any mango trees or tapioca. The natives grow a green vegetable, the leaves of which they boil In bamboos. It makes a very good substitute for cabbage and appears to contain a lot of vegetable oil. Tobacco is cultivated in every naUve garden, which might lead one to suppose it was indigenous; the name, however, tends to show that it is an introduced plant. It is univ^ersally called "Saku " by the bushmen, which is evidently dv-rived from "Kuku." the coastal name. In one of the gardens on the headwaters of the Kikor I found a Kava plane (Macro-piper methysticum) although I saw no evidence of the manufacture of the beverage. Fauna. The wild pig, judging by the amount of ground that is rooted up, is plentiful everywhere. It is the chief source of meat-supply for the natives, and is continualli^ being hunted with dogs, the killing wea- pons being bow and arrow and spear. The only animals domesticated are the pig and the d.)g. The wallaby is very scarce, owing to the absence of grass. Cassowaries are fairly plentiful, their back plumes formia^ a favourite head-dress. Flying foxes are very numerous. Their flesh is much relished by the bushmen. Tree-rats were occa- sionally seen, and the streams abound in fish of excellent qualit\^ Two or three were shot with a rifle, but as we had neither fisb.ing lines 65 nor nets, this luxury was usually denied us. The natives catch the fish by spearing them and by fish-traps composed of stones or pickets across the streams. The little black stingless bee is common every- whei-e, and the honey and comb is much prized for food and as a dressing for the hair. Cockatoos, both black and white, and pigeons were plentiful. Those wonders of avian architecture, the play grounds of the bower bird (Amblyornis subalaris), were seen on Mount Murray, at an ele- vation of 7000 feet. Of insect pests, the land leeches were very troublesome. The feet of the police and carriers were often red with blood from their bites. We tried painting their feet with sulphur ointment, but it proved quite useless. Scrub itch was very bad, except in the valley of the upper Kikor. The scrub itch is caused by a minute red insect that buries itself under the skin. Mosquitoes did not trouble us while on the highlands, but both they and sand- flies were very troublesome on the Kikor river. The "leaf" or "stick" insects were fairly plentiful, and in some instances their resemblance to the plant life in their immediate environment was wonderfully accurate. One insect resembled a stick covered with green moss ; the green colouring appeared so exactly like moss, that a member of our party refused to believe it was not actually moss until he had examined it with a magnifying glass. On the map accompanying this report the course of that portion of the Kikor river lying to the west of the 114th meridian of east longitude is only approximate, as, while descending this river, most of our instruments were lost, and the compass-bearings and estimated speed could not be checked by observations for latitude. In addition to which the great difficulties that beset us on our return journey did not permit of the careful mapping previously undertaken. The most important results of the exploration were: — ( 1 ) We went practically right across the centre of the unexplor- ed portion of the territory of Papua, travelling approximately 524 miles through totally unexplored country (374 miles on foot and 150 by river.) (2) We ascertained that instead of the Western Division of Papua being low-lying recent alluvial country, as previously sup- posed, it is (except along the coast and in the vicinity of its navigable rivers) an upraised plateau having an area of approximately 12,000 square miles, the lowest valley being over 2,000 feet above sea-level. (3) The upper waters and watersheds of the great rivers empty- ing into the Papuan Gulf are now roughly defined, thus completing our knowledge of the river system of the territory. (4) We have now data for estimating the population of the whole territory with some accuracy, the hinterland of the Western Division being formerly an unknown quantity. (5) We found coal deposits in two places along the watershed of the Kikor river, the coal c(aintry along its upper waters being very extensive. (6) Wo found sago growing inland as far as we penetrated and at an elevation up to 3,500 feet. 66 (7) We established friendly relations with the natives every- Avhere, and were successful in avoiding all fighting. Singapore Free Press, 15th and i6th March, 1912. Before proceeding to Papua as Administrator Mr. Staniforth Smith spent some time in Ceylon and Singapore, studying the agriculture and Economic Botany. From Singapore many cases of usefid plants were Jaken for introduction to Papua and seeds are periodically communicated. 67 LEWIS AND PEAT'S RUBBER REPORT. February 15th, 1912. The market since our last report has been very steady and a fair business done. Hard Fine done up to 4/7!/^ for March/ April, delivery and 4/7M for April/Miiy. At the close, however, prices are a little easier and there are sellers of these positions at a farthing per lb. less. Soft Fine— very quiet with nothing offering under 4/7 per lb. Peruvian Fine— value to-day 4/6. Ball— sellers of spot 4/-, March/ April 3/11, buyers 3/10^ per lb. Medium grades are in good demand, but there is very little -offering. Plantation Grown Para— a fair business done privately at very -steady prices. Feb./March done up to SiSVi, Feb./July 5/3, April/ June 5/2 and 5/2>^, July/Sept. 5/- and 5/0^/^ per lb. Particulars of the Auction as follows :— INAMBARL— 26 Pkgs. offered and sold. Fair average unsorted 4/3 H, fair scrappy part sticky 3/6^/2 pei' lb. MANGABEIRA.— 88 Pkgs. offered and 16 sold. Pressed sheet fair 2/9^ per lb. MOZAMBIQUE.— 253 Pkgs. offered and 153 sold. Rough Nyassa. NYASSALAND, etc.— Biscuits 4/8M and 4/9^/i red and whitish pressed ball 4/3 and 4/4, washed rooty 3/6 and 3/9^, washed crepe 4/5, thin rather rough Ceara sheet 4/5^2 per lb. CENTRAL AMERICAN.— 32 Pkgs. offered and 16 sold. Dark Brown rather barky scrap 3/8^ and 3/8% per lb. MANIHOT.— 85 Pkgs. offered and sold. Good clean pressed -crepe 4/8 ^^ and 41%, dark pressed mixed whitish 4/3, pressed whitish smoked 3/9/4 per lb. CONGO.— 30 Pkgs. offered and sold. Pressed red and whitish ■ball, part heated 3/634 per lb. The following were offered and bought in : — MANICOBA 200, MADAGASCAR 18, AFRICAN 35, PER- NAMBUCO 20, & MALAYSIAN 28 Pkgs. PLANTATION. At the sales held on the 13th and 14th inst., about Grown Para, 9241 Pkgs. comprising about 400 tons Malay, 1 10 tons Ceylon and 5 tons Java were offered. Prices opened about a penny under those prevailing at the last Auctions; later however, rates hardened and the decline was fully regained, although at the close prices were again slightly easier. 68 CREPE.— Fine blanket Sl^H and sIaU, pale and palish 5/2^^ and 5/4/4, light 5/1% and 5'3M, light brown and mottled 5/I/2 and 5/3H, brown and dark brown 5/^ and 5/3, dark and black 4/10H and SiH, specky and barky 4/9% and 5/-, smoked 411% and 5 2^4 per lb. BISCUITS & SHEET.— Fair smoked sheet 5/2^ and 5 4%. fair average 5/2 and 5/3, rather rough 5/H and 5/2, per lb. SCRAP.— Fair 4/5M and 4 6H P^^' lb. RAMBONG.— Crepe 4 534 and 4jH per lb. L AN ADRON.— Block 54 and SUH P^'i" Tb. CASTILLO A. -Sheet 4 i^z I^er lb. GOW, WILSON & STANTION, LTD. India Rubber Market Report. February 15th, 1912. Since the last auction the niirket has assumed a rather quieter- tone, but prices have only sh\)wn very slight variations. At the sale h^ld this week, thj amount aivertised was about 120 tons less thnn a fortnight ago. In sympathy with the private market, the sales opened witli rather quiet competition, but all through the auction the tone steadily improved, and while at the beginning quotations were id. to i/^d. below those of a fortnight ago, by the end of the sale the whole of this discount was made up, and rates, especially for Crepe, often marked a slight improvement on those of the end January sale. The highest figure was 5/4% f )r one parcel of Highlands sheet,. 5/4^ being frequently paid for lii^ht Crepe on the second day of the sale. As will ht seen from the fi:(ures published overleaf, the total exports of Plantation Rubber from the East during 1911 amounted to nearly 14,000 tons. i Malaya Etc. No. Ceylon. Total. Pkgs. Sold. .Average Price Plantation Rubber. Fine Hard Para. Fine Plantation. No, Pkgs. 1 7124 : 2150 9274 9080 98 509 SliVs Tues. Wed. 5/2i to5'4i • „ Tons 411 4/7 4/7H as No. Pkgs. 4994 1086 6o8o ' 5150 6/l'8 6!2li 6 2-4 6/1 to 6;ii! 69 EXPORTS TELEGRAM TO EUROPE AND AMERICA. Month of February. Feb. 15 Feb. 21 Steamers. Tons. Tons. Tin .Str. Singapore k Peuang to U. Kingdom & or l.G.'JO 1.'55 Do. do. U. S. A. 1,0.: 6 405 Do. do Continent mr> 285 Gambler Singapore Gl,as:().\- 10 Do. do. London U) Do. .k). Liverpool :20 Do. do. U. K. A or Continent 20 12.5- Cube Gambier do. United Kingdom ]0 irp Black Pepper do. do. Do. Penang do. ... 15- White Pepper Siogapore do. 125 5 Do. Penang do. 30 5 Pearl Sago Singapore do. 50 15 Sago Flour do. Londou 75 200 Do. do. Liverpool 1,300 ... Do. do. Glasgow 125 Tapioca Flake Singapore United Kingdom 260 ..- Tapioca Pearl & B uUet do. do. 120 Para Rubber Straits & Malaya do. 725 625- Gutta Percba Singapore do. 110 20- Buff-.lo hides do. do. 180 5 Pineapples do. do. 17.500 3,15a Gambier do. U. S. A. 275 150 Cube Gambier do. do. la Black Pepper do. do. 5 5- J 0. Penang do. 25 White Pepper Singapore do. 20 15 Do. Penang do. ir> Tapioca Pearl Singapore do. 110 45 Nutmegs Singapore & Peuang do. 40 4 Sago Flour Singapore do. 50 25- Pineapples do. do. 4.500 300' Do. do. Continent 8,750 2,250 Gambier do. South Continent 225 60 Do. do. North Continent 340 50 Cube Gambier do. Continent 30 35 Black Pepper do. South Continent 55 85 Do. do. North do. 20 35. Do. Penang South do 75 3a Do do. North do. ... White Pepper Singapore S.uth do. 5 ... Do. do. North do. 15 5 Do. Penang South do. 5 la Do. do. North do. 15 ... 70 Steamers. Feb. 15 Tons. Feb. 29 Tons. Copra Singapore & Penang Marseilles 400 150 Do. do. Odessa 50 Do. do. Other South Continen t 540 150 Do. do. North Continent 30n 580 Sago Flonr Singapore Continent 1,700 550 Tapioca Flake do. do. 210 55 Do. Pearl do. do. 40 6 Do. Flake do. U. S. A. Do. do. Penang U.K. ... Do. Pearl & Bullet do. do. 170 250 Do. Flake do. U. S. A. Do. Pearl do. do. 30 290 Do. Fiake do. Continent ... 10 Do. Pearl do. do. 225 110 Copra Singapore & Penang England 50 Gutta Percha Singapore Continent 15 40 Tons Gambler ^ f 250 1280 200 ,. B Pepper ' 230 ParaR ibber Straits and Malaya U. S. A. 50 10 Do do. Continent 50 40 SINGAPORE MARKET REPORT. February, I9I2. Copra Oambier Bale ,, Cube No. 1 & 2 i c ko r-i 1.1 sii cc CO ec 03 JO nopoa.TiQ nniiiVAajj Calm. H 1 X •iCijipunnjj c- ::::::::: : •!JUTO^^[ A\8a so oi : i i i : i ; 1 : : •notsnax .xnod'BA^ T-( d •qi«a 18 AV «^3K 76.7 p a- •agni;}! t» rH Tt< C- O O CO -H li : : oi !m' d CO or ^' oi : •iunrainii\[ Oi CO t>; X ec 05 ^_ o CO : : 05 CO -^ --I d d <>i : t- ■ • CO t- t- c- t- t- t- • ■ranraix'Bj\[ CO _ _ l>; rH O so Tt; C CO 00 ■ •aoQOOoxxosos • ■qi^a ^ ta uieoK 00 ••••••••• • •niig ni innnux'B|\[ in t^ ••••••••• • •* ■flM T-r; ^« ains.sa.ij S i ; i : : i i ; i 1 1 Q General Hospital. Kuala Lunii nr Prisons „ „ District Hospital Klang „ Kuala Tjangat Kajang Kua'a Selangor „ Kuala Knbn Serendah ,. 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Oh ■J •* CD O •aotsaajj iRodu^^ t '$, C» ,; - ; t a 1 • -=> O O - i^ -qina ^s.W n^are to «5 ^ ■: ?~ . t- CCi •a3aej£ •o ■* • •■ xanniin?|;\r - 05 , ^ -S H £~ t- ■" C5 m t •eiura;ix'Bi\[ £ t ^ : ^ ^ c. ■qi«a ^-^tt a«3i\[ 1X> i ^-'^ t- o :^ ts3 ~- :z 1 •ang HI ranraix-ej^ i 'qM egg r^ , ^ 3jnSS8JJ reoii^arao-iBg utJ3p;[ ^ . -5 • - ' • tt Q 3 3 O o. ^ 1 1 " " " *■ s o £ ^ ~ :: - ^. r 1 78 ^ < ^ z i •smoii fz Saranp n^jniBa !»s8!)B9a9 X CO CO CO OC o o 00 t- «5 00 C^ CO TH d d d d ^ d d •}]V}uve^ rsqej, « -H t- — 1 C~ Tj< i-t (M .-H Oi CO ^ 0> 00 eii c>i ?^ en eo •sp^IAt ^' : ; : : : : JO uopoaatQ §uiiit?aojj ^ OS u 2 5 •ATPiranH 1 ^§ i ? : i i 1 •:)UI0(I M9a 22 M..; •noTsnax anodiBA. .820 .783 -qii^a ?»Av n«ar£ 75.7 74.6 74 2 ■A X < •aaoBg^ 18.3 17.5 13.6 •mnrainii\[ 70.7 70.3 73.0 i •TOmnxxTsjij 89.0 87.8 86.6 •q]na A^a «isaj\[ 80.0 78.9 80.2 •ntis ni tonrarxBHj 00 ^ I I •: I : I District Hospital, Sereraban Kuala Pilah ... „ „ Mantin „ „ Tampia „ „ Jelebn Port Dickson ... Beri-bori Hospital :£ O 5 S 2Q S. 2 CJ Agricultural Bulletin OF THE — 5TRAIT5 — AND fEDERATED MALAY 5TATE5. Edited by the Botanic Gardens Department, Singapore. No. 4. APRIL. 1912. Vol. I. CONTENTS. Page. Notes for a Demonstration of an Invention Concerning the Improvements in, or Relat- ing to, the Coagulation and Curing of Para Rubber - . _ . . 8i Exports Telegram - - - - 92 Singapore Market Report - - - 93 Meteorological Readings - - - 94 Minutes of a Meeting of the Planters' Associa- tion of Malaya - . _ . 107 Planters' Association of Malaya (Fifth Annual Report) - - - - - 137 To be purchased at the Botanic Gardens, Singapore, from Messes. Eblly AND Walsh, Ltd., No. 82 Raffles Place, and 194 Orchard Road, and The Straits Times Office, Cecil Steeet, Singapore. THIRD SERIES Agricultural bulletin STRAITS FEDERATED MALAY STATES. EDITED BY THE BOTANIC GARDENS DEPARTMENT, SINGAPORE. The Price of the Bulletin will be as follows: Annual Subscription for Straits Settlements and Federated Malay States . . $5.00 Annual Subscription for other places in Malaya . . .. .. .. $5.50 Annual Subscription for India and Ceylon .. .. .. Rs. 9-8-0 Annual Subscription for Europe (Thirteen Shillings) .. .. .. £0-13-0 Single Copy .. .. 50 cts, or 1«. 2d Whole Volume .. .. •• .. .. $5.00 All Subscriptions are payable strictly In advance. SINGAPORE: THE STRAITS TIMES PRESS, LIMITED. AGKICULTUKAL BULLCTIFS OF THE 5TKAiT5 AND rERERATED HIALAy 5TATE5. LIBRARY NEW YORK BOTANICAl GARDEN. No. 4.1 APRIL, 1912. I Vol. 1 NOTES FOR A DEMONSTRATION CONCERN- ING THE IMPROVEMENTS IN, OR RELATING TO, THE CURING OF PARA RUBBER. (PATENTED). 1. This invention relates to improvements in the curing of Para Rubber and refers more paitii ularly to apparatus fcjr calculating and curing the latex of Para Rubber knov/n as Hevea Braziliensis. 2. It is an anti-metal process and as will be apparent, the appa- ratus has been designed to accommodate the process of coagulating latex as it is brought from trees, without the addition of chemicals. In this first respect the process differs from all others that obtain, viz : — the machinery or apparatus has been riiodified so as to coagulate latex direct and not latex treated or tnanipulated to suit the machine. 3. At the time of the first Rubber Exhibition held at Olympia,. London, I inquired of some of the leading manufacturers (the real masters of the rubber market) what they wanted from Plantation rubber and wherein it differed from fine hard Para. Plantation rubber was considered softer ; the addition of chemicals was disliked; and there was serious objection to variation in the character of the rubber. Not only did the rubber from different estates vary from one another but even from any one estate there was considerable want of uni- formity. What manufacturers retiuired was "latex as it came from the tree, cured by smoke as was done in Brazil, without the aid of chemicals." 4. It is not asserted by manufacturers that fine hard Pa;ra is always of an uniform character — indeed, I was informed that different results has been obtained from the same ball of such rubber when treated in Hamburg, Harburg, and Vienna — but it is' claimed that the variation with Brazilian is far less than with Plantation rubber. It is obvious that climatic differences have to be considered — and due allowance should be made for the much shorter period of tapping in Brazil (April to September) as compared with the almcst-all-the-year- round seasons in Malaya — this difference is all the more important if it is remembered that the dry season in Brazil, April to September 82 (although occasional showers and storms occur) is more pronounced and the rainfall less equable than the driest months in Malaya. Thus, the latex during this period in Brazil would contain the mini- mum quantity of water and in the more rarified air, or, air containing less water-vapour tlian in the rainy months, there would be less tendency for latex coalescing too rapidly through atmospheric condi- tions. 5. The more material advantage, however, lies in the circumstance that trees in tropical * countries conform to their natural periodicities with most regularity where the dry season is sufficiently marked to represent a true resting period. Here in Malaya, between mid-Janu- ary and March on the western coast of the Peninsula — the season of rice harvest — there occurs a short dry season when most of the deci- duous trees shed their leaves and produce flowers. It is so with Hevea braziliensis when the conditions are normal, but when, after heavy rains from September to mid-January the rains still continue, then the rubber trees may not, or only partially defoliate and the floral periodicity may be scant or suppressed. The flowers too, through heavy rains may be poorly pollinated only, and such trees, whether partially defoliated or lightly pollinated, may perform their foliar and floral function during the following August or September t thus providing what is called the Spring crop of seeds, but the result is an irregular and uncertain crop of latex ; as a matter of fact, a wet season at the time of year under review is represented by the trees in every physiological phase common to the species at diff"erent periods instead •of the real season (February). I believe every planter is aware that there is a fall off in the yield of latex at the time of trees wintering, and the diversity of yield in the following tabulated statements will be more apparent when it is reflected that every gradation of differ- ence may have been exhibited by the trees at the time of tapping. 6. In table l the diversity of yield within the same group of 200 Irees during a period of 5 years is shown. The diversity of resulting rubber is more variable than the yield of latex. Table 1 Experi- ment. No. of trees tapped. No. of times tapped. Season. Fluid ozs. c/c obtain- ed. Weight of dry rubber. Comparative yield of fluid ozs. to ozs. dry rubber advoirdupois. 1905 1906 1909 200 200 200 25 25 32 Oct.-Nov. Mar.-Apr. Aug.-Sept. 1 1746 10943 II323 lbs. ozs. 199 0 154 0 181 15 3^ ozs. c/c 4^ .. J3it » * In all countries when the dry season is not an absolute drought. t It is so with other trees. J Reduced to 25 lappings the result would be much less. favourable. 83 7. The diversity that may occur within one year is represented in the following table 2, but it should be mentioned that Experiment 7 were overcrowded inside trees in which the increment of growth was fractional only and the bark poor as a consequence. No. of Total Tot al dry Jber dupois Comparative yield of fluid ozs. to ozs. Experiment. fluid. avoii of dry rubber advoirdupois. Season 1 909. ozs. c/c. lbs. ozs. ozs. c/c. 7 2826 21 IQi/i 81/^ February— March Oldtrses) I 1 3^23 75 4 234 April— May 2 1 7718 128 / IVa May, June— July 3 1 7861 115 7 ZH May, June—July 4 (ist)li323 181 15 3% August— Sept. 4 (2nd)5575 75 12 4tk Dec. — January 6 18748 251 8 M Nov. -December (Young trees) 9 t 3433 43 0 4^ Oct. — November Young trees) 8 t 3981 48 0 5-ik Septem'-er 5 1 1957 175 8 5^ Sept.—October Young trees) 10 t 35 1 1 37 0 sn Nov. — December 8. This diversity is further disclosed in table 3, viz:— Not only s the yield of latex variable but the latex is variable per se. From the same group of trees 30 fluid ozs. of latex was taken from the bulk daily, coagulated and weighed separately, with the following result:— Table 3. Dry weight of 1 Date Rainfall inches parts. Total latex obtained Daily. Sheet of 30 ozs. laiex after Coagulation. Remarks. 1909. Ozs. C/C. (0/.S. avoird tpois). Dec. 29 60 114 6 S -^^ „ 30 187 6 ^ ?- „ 31 145 7 cj ui 1910 0 'o 0 3 Jan. 3 38 210 7 ., 4 85 200 6 ° T,' » 5 43 252 7% ro UJ 6 47 270 V'^ _>. ~^ ,. 7 291 8 •5 •= 8 304 7\;. ^ f>> „ 10 338 ^'6 "S -5 .E t; ,, II 272 iVz "^ ^ ,. 12 276 654 ., 13 36 268 7V2 S'i „ 14 340 74 d ^ ., 15 30 304 64 t5 TJ „ 16 288 8 98r 37 lbs. 43 „ 48 „ Nov.-Dec. Oct.-Nov. Sept. 3.0 774' 2i" , 26 (average) 1 10,925 128 lbs. Total small trees. LARGE TREES. 150 713' 4r 30 18,748 251 8 4^ Nov.-Dec. It may be noted that the diversity is greater in the resulting rubber than in the volume of latex from young and old trees 10. Considering the variability of latex which has been referred to, and the objection of manufacturers to the same cause in the re- sulting rubber, such results are not astonishing when the system of treatment is examined. In Malaya all the latex obtained is coagu- lated by some chemical re-agent, usually Acetic acid, and as will be evident by glancing at Table 4 different results were obtained from approximate volumes of latex in three experiments, while almost -double the weight of rubber was obtained from a less area of bark in another experiment. If therefore, in one instance a given quantity of Acetic acid is necessary to precipitate one pound of dry rubber from one gallon of latex, in another instance the same quantity of acid would be used to precipitate double the weight of resulting rubber. The most that could be claimed for such a system is that it is an empirical one. 11. It should be observed too, that Acetic acid is far from being a perfect re-agent — unless an inordinate quantity of acid is used — there is always some water left, which, if again treated with Acetic acid will precipitate more coagulated latex 12. As a matter of fact, under the system which obtains on nearly- all estates, very little latex is coagulated, the process only amounts to coalescing. The globules of caoutchouc suspended in the latex have partially clotted without separating or disposing of much water and that such coalesced latex is fitted to pass through heavy machines is no more rational than milling unripened wheat — except that it would be more evident in the latter instance. 13. The time however is fast approaching when Plantation rub- ber will have to stand a severer test than has yet been applied. Once the supply of raw material reaches demand and stocks accumulate the value and test of raw rubber, must as with tea, depend on its keeping qualities. It is true a fair proportion of Plantation rubber is super- ficially smoked, but in effect there is no comparision between smoke- cured and smoke-dried rubber. Superficial smoking is an antidote against most fungi if commenced in good time, and the life of rubber kept free from mould is preserved, but such smoking cannot re- cure raw material of which the constituent elements are already fixed 14. If the practice of using chemical re-agents was discontinued and all possible care taken over latex from trees of different ages, there is little doubt that Plantation rubber could be brought up to the stan dard of fine hard Para, which it may be remarked represents only a small part of the bulk of rubber which reaches the markets by way of Brazil. Smoke-cured Rubber from Malaya has been declared comparable with fine hard Para and a small sample sent to the recent Exhibition in London cured by myself 14 years ago was perfectly sound. A sample submitted to the Imperial Institute (really as a test for packing smoked rubber) was analaysed and furnished the following result: — "The results of the chemical examination were as follows: — Per cent. Moisture ... ... ... 04 Caoutchouc ... ... ... 95-01 * Resin ... ... ... 2.2 Proteid .. ... ■ ... 2.2 Ash ... ... ... 0.6 15. As an instance of the keeping qualities of smoked rubber it may be interesting to remark that, at one time a large manufacturer reported on a sample sent for his opinion as a retrogressive step and subsequently — after keeping the same rubber twelve months — that he had tried it again and obtained much better results and considered it equal to fine hard Para for all practical purposes. 16. In the use of smoke there are already several misconceptions but in the method of application as adopted nothing could be more primitive. Let it be remembered from the outset that smoke is a result of imperfect combustion; that it is not the elementary consti- ' Ir.cluding 1. 3 per cent, of insoluble Caoutchouc." 86 tuents contained in the fuel but th^ compound which is formed with sufficient heat in the process of combustion that acts as the real re-agent and coagulates latex ; that volumes or clouds of smoke are not only unnecessary but are* positively harmful ; that a smoke house should be well ventilated and the temperature kept as low as possible; that the furnace or heat should always be generated outside the smoke house; that smoke from a furnace should never go direct on latex or rubber; that fuel (wood or coconut husk) be always dry in view of furnishing comparatively dry smoke; that all smoke be passed through the furnace chimney until the fire is established or burnt through and the temperature very high ; that the fire is well stoked and not choked with too much fuel or allowed to fall too low. 17. How these various items are arranged in the apparatus I am exhibiting will be explained, but I wish to pause here to emphasise the importance of maintaining a regular supply of smoke from a well consumed fire. Of all the constituents contained in wood-fuel water is the most troublesome. However perfect the combustion water- vapour has to be disposed of, and excess smoke-vapour results in condensation within the house and a steamy atmosphere which is fatal to good coagulation. (The fat and oil ever present on superfi- cially smoked biscuits and sheets is really a deposit of wood naptha- line and other impurities conveyed by excess vapour in smoke due to wet fuel and the smoke passing direct on to the rubber — an error easily avoided). In the process of coagulation it is essential that the evaporation of water within the thin layers of latex shall be commen- surate with the heat supplied (not a high temperature at which caoutchouc perishes), and this cannot occur in an atmosphere sur- charged with steam or vapour, and the result is, the water and caout-chouc coalesce and the resulting rubber is uncured. l8- The real problem of the treatment of Hevea latex is one of separation between the water and caoutchouc. With Castilloa and some other latices which contain an acid reaction this can be done by centrifugal motion at high speed, the caoutchouc separates into a mass and can be skinned off. With Hevea latex however, although remarkably flocculent — perhaps more so in Malaya than in South America — such methods are futile. Hevea latex is alkaline to litmus and the process of coagulation, whether with or without a re-agent, is really one of coalescing into an agglutinated mass and the variable water residuum, is I suspect, more the result of pressure than separa- tion or precipitation of caoutchouc. (Under normal conditions Hevea latex coalesces by natural means satisfactorily if placed in a cylinder of which the height is three or four times that of the diameter and the water residuum is about the same as ivhen treated with a re-agent such as acetic acid. In certain phases of the Hevea tree, at the time of this writing, 29-1-1912, all the latex in a cylinder 7 ins. by 2% ins. coalesced in fifteen hours without leaving a drop of fluid. Such re-agents as acetic-acid * It is paradoxical. Volumes or clouds of smoke imply excess water-vapour. 87 merely expedite the process of coalescence). Both by volume and weight water is the larger and heavier body in the composition of latex, from 55" — -/s", and even more at certain seasons. Iftoo, itis remembered that the specific gravity of water is heavier than latex, the refinement of the arrangement of partial separation between the water and caoutchouc contained in latex by mechanical means in the process of coagulation by heat and smoke, now to be described, will be apparent. 19. Heat is generated in a furnace supplied with wood, coconut husk, or similar fuel and should ht quite dry. The furnace is placed outside the smoke-house and a large pipe is led from, the furnace along the ground of the house into a smoke-box, a row of smaller pipes is led from the smoke-box back to the funnel of the furnace, the rate of combustion and also the passage of smoke being ctm- trolled by separate dampers. The pipes are perforated underneath so that the smoke in passing through the perforations strike a re- covery trough placed beneath which acts, like the smoke-box, as a filter, as the water vapour in the smoke condenses in the trough and deposits various impurities and this liquid is drained away. 20. Latex is exposed to the action of heat and smoke by the em- ployment of an endless flexible band or belt which passes through an adjustable receptacle containing latex placed outside the smoke chamber and continually removes the surface layer of latex out of this supply vessel into which the band dips. 21. The arrangement of belts is such that one or any number can be carried on the same machine, and the belt is carried on pulleys. One pulley (or more) supported by brackets is inside the chamber, and one attached to the driving gear outside the chamber. 22. These brackets are adjustable in two directions, vertically, lo allow of lowering or lifting the belts independently, horizontally, to allow of any sagging being taken up, or, if necessary, the removal of same; automatic belt adjusting gear is also attached, which can be easily put in or out of action. 23. The driving macliine carries one, or as may be desired, any number of pulley-. These are driven by a worm and worm wheel, and this worm shaft can be driven by either hand or motor power as required. This machine is also adjustable vertically so that the distance between the belts and smoke pipes can be controlled. 24. The supply vessels below the belts are su implied from cylindrical reservoirs carried by movable supports. The supports are controlled vertically by a wheel and screw so that the flow of latex into the supply vessel can be regulated. The reservoirs and support is easily detached from the supply vessel and can be readily removed for the purpose of stripping the belt after coagulation. 25. Smoke and heat is concentrated on the belts by the receiving trough and the temperature of the smoke chamber is regulated by ventilation. 88 26. Before commencing to coagulate, it is essential that the necessaiy heat and smoke has been raised and that the furnace fire is burning briskly. The rate of combustion is then controlled by dampers and the requisite heat can be maintained by a slow fire, which, with a heated furnace, dries up most of the moisture in the fuel while affording sufficient smoke on the belt in its passage over the pipes. The smoke chamber is constructed with a raised or lantern roof providing sufficient ventilation for the air and smoke surcharged with vapour from evaporation of moisture in the latex on the belt, thus excluding condensation within the smoke chamber. (It is best to admit ai^- at the bottom of the chamber too, and blanket the smoke. Free circulation of air allows induced draught and the ready escape of smoke from the supply pipes, such dry filtered smoke is then retained sufficiently long to take up all the moisture 'evaporated during the chamber. When these factors are all in harmony perfect coagulation is assured.) 27. For the process of coagulation the supply vessel, through which the travelling belt passes, is made shallow and to contain very little latex so as to preclude the possibility of coalescence from a smok}- belt. This supply vessel is supplied from a reservoir at about the same rate that the latex is removed by the belt, and both vessels are specified to be placed outside the smoke chamber in view of preventing coalescence from tlie proximity of smoke. 28. The belts may be made of canvas, or other similar mattrial, dipped in rubber solution and vulcanized so as to obtain a smooth outside surface, which is necessary for the easy stripping of the belt after coagulating. The length of the belts is estimated at forty-two feet overall, and the width may vary from a few inches to two feet a greater width is considered unwieldy. 2g. As the belt passes through the supply or feeding vessel a thin layer of latex adheres to the belt in its most expanded form and is then exposed to the action of smoke and this re-agent immediately separates much of the water in the latex on the outside of the belt. The pulleys, too, which support the weight of the belt — if maintained at slight tension, — afford sufficient pressure on the belt to express out most of the remaining water left in the latex on the outside of the belt, from where some drops off as clear water, while the the remaining moisture is evaporated by heat and smoke and the resulting caout- chouc is coagulated into a concentric film of rubber. Smoke is there- fore the host in three different functions of the' process ; (a) it is the host which carries the compound re-agent which separates the water from the caoutchouc in the latex ; (b) it is the host which absorbs and carries off excess moisture within the chamber ; (c) it is the host which fixes the re-agent in the coagulated latex and thus resists oxidization. The process, therefore, consists of coagulation by separation of water from the caoutchouc in the latex by heat and smoke in concentric layers between films of smoke on a travelling belt in which every 89 component particle, even the molecule, is exposed to the action of smoke and is so polymerised, and thus the keeping quality of the resulting rubber is assured, and the subsequent vulcanizing test satis- factory for years afterwards. 30. It will be evident that the process differs from all others that obtain, and it is asserted that perfect coagulation and curing of Hevea latex can only be effected when the water within the latex is separated and disposed of at the same time. Whatever the re-agent may be, when Hevea latex is treated in volume, the process is one of coales- cing (smoke applied to latex in volume furnishes the same result). In volume the re-agent diffuses too slowly, and the particles of caout- chouc flock into an agglutinated mass, leaving a residuum of caout- chouc in the mother liquor. Such coalesced rubber not only oxidises and moulds after preparation, but is also faulty in the vulcanizing process. Smoke coagulated rubber on a belt, where the particles and globules of caoutchouc are expanded, so that even the molecule is exposed and polymerised, improves in keeping, while coalesced rub- ber wliich has not been cured but merely agglutinated, deteriorates. 31. The process differs too from the Brazilian method in the application of dry filtered smoke as compared with the water vapour- ish smoke used in Brazil. In Brazilian smoke the three elements of Hydrogen, Oxygen and Carbon are excessively high, while other ele- ments are only partially generated. The more material difference however, lies in the separation of water by this process against its absorption in the Brazilian one. 32. Mention has already been made of vertical adjusting gear to accommodate the sag of the belt as it becomes loaded, the weight however, is in inverse ratio to the latex supplied, as owing to the separation of water and caoutchouc there is considerable drip and evaporation of muisture. 23. It is estimated that a belt one foot wide would coagulate 7^ gallons of latex in 3 to 4 hours. Before removal from the belt the rubber should be surface dry or slightly hardened for stripping. It can then be readily removed and passed through rollers in the same operation of stripping, when the remaining water is expressed out, and complete drying is effected in a few days, if the rubber is smoked daily, fc;r which purpose the smoke chamber could be utilized. (A sample of such rubber analysed at the Imperial Institute was reported to contain O.04 ' moisture and arrived in excellent condition free from mould). On estates where there is washing and preparing machinery the process would be considerably ex- pedited if the belt w-as stripped at intervals, as the water separates and evaporates quicker the less the belt is loaded. It is esti- mated that a belt one foot wide and stripped at intervals would coagulate from 4 or 5 gallons of latex per hour. An adjustable rubber brush is attached to the driving gear which scrapes off the freshly coagulated rubber and leaves the surface of the belt compa- ratively dry. The rubber is brushed into a funnel and drops into a 90 collecting basin. It can be immediately treated by washing, and pre- pared in any desired grade. Such smoke coagulated rubber would surpass any plantation rubber that has yet reached the market. In this latter instance a belt two feet wide would be practicable, in the former instance an one foot belt is considered more serviceable. 34. Whether it is better to add some water in the collecting cups, as is done for latex intended to be acid-coagulated, I am not able to say without further observation, but I am inclined to think that the addi- tion of water helps to eliminate resin. The best fine hard Para contains 15% of moisture on arrival in European markets when it is probably one year old, so that the addition of some water, which is expressed wilhin a few hours, is not abnormal. It is very important, however, that the density of latex be taken into consideration. In the dormant or wintering season, mid-January to mid-March, latex reaches its greatest density. With the appearance of flowers, and, as the leaves mature, all the functions of the tree are most active and the cou'^istency of latex changes with the higher percentage of water. At such a time additional water may be superfluous, and also on rainy days or following continuous rain storms when the ground is saturated. Supposing the wintering season to have been normal and the trees to have conformed to their period of defoliation, the best tapping months are from May to November during which time (exclusive of excep- tional weather) latex may be of a fair average density and vice versa when the seasons have not been favourable. 35. The value, too, of commencing tapping at break of daj — with the first streak of dawn should not be overlooked. It cannot be too well known that on warm dry days, Hevea trees contract, through exhala- tion of moisture, as the day advances, and the tension pressure which sustains the flow of latex is partial only, and the loss of f.rst latex from coalescence increases. 36. It should not be overlooked that latex travels best when strained. Lumps or clot left in latex produce natural coalescence, even the smallest particle of clot or foreign matter furnishes a tendency for latex to flock, some days more than others. It is suggested : — (1) That additional drying houses could be supplied with smoke from the smoke-chamber furnaces and that the smoke be applied by piping perforated underneath which should be received in a filter trough before dispersing, care being taken that the fuel is dry. By this system of applying smoke uniform results can be obtained. The drying house would only require slight ventilation during smoking and additional ventilation at other times. A few days' smoking would suffice. (2) That the process under review could be carried out in existing or central factories, and is also adapted for decentralised factories with hand or motor power, or portable buildings. 91 It is claimed : — (1) That tlie weight of the resulting rubber of a given volume of latex is increased by this process as there is no loss of caoutchouc which occurs when latex is treated in volume. (2) That it is a perfect system of coagulation, and by the thin accumulation of films of latex and separation of v^rater in the process, coalescing is avoided, and the minutest component particles down to the molecule are exposed to the action of smoke and smoke-curing, thus precluding the possibility of subsequent oxidisation. (3)- That the inherent characteristic of Hevea latex to foul when in contact with another body (a spout, a funnel, or when flowing or dripping) has been overcome in the method adopted in supplying the belt by dipping outside the smoke area. <4) That the process disposes of the whole difficulty of fungoid attacks whether in the latex; in drying; in store; or in transit. '(5) The keeping quality is assured, a fair sized sample one year old was reported by a large manufacturer "to be equal to fine hard Para for all practical purposes," and the specimens of smoked spindles prepared by myself and analysed at the recent Rubber Exhibition in London and reported comparable to fine hard Para, were three years old. <6) In the arrangement of combustion, draft, filtration, and ventilation, wood napthaline and other impurities in the smoke injurious to latex are disposed of; the excessive water and the resulting water vapour in wood fuel is exhausted, and a concentrated smoke containing the necessary elements in a compound form is produced. <7) That the variation in latex, already referred to, is largely overcome by the method of supplying latex on a travell- ing belt from outside the smoke chamber, where the amount of latex taken up by the belt can be regulated by the adjustable feed pans so as to ensure consistent separation of water and the action of smoke. The variable consistency of latex is disposed of and the resul- ting rubber is of a standard form. <8) Finally a standard rubber which will keep for years and prove superior in the vulcanizing process, the real test, to any other Plantation Rubber. R. DERRY, Botanic Gardens, Singapore 92 EXPORTS TELEGRAM TO EUROPE AND AMERICA. Month of March. ^^_jmred. Mar. 15 Mar. 3 Steamers. Tons. Tons. Tin Str Singapore & Penang to U. Kingdoiii lc oi 1,501 1,698 Do. do. U. S. A. 506 730 Do. do Continent 3S0 330 Gambier Singapore Glasgow ... Do. do. London Do. do. Liverpool 70 Do. do. U.K. i*c,or (-'ootiiien t 125 25 Cube Gambier do. United Kingdom •25 20' Black Pepper do. do. 5 ... Do. Penang do. 45 Wliitc Pepper Si' gapore <1 •. 4.5 Do. Penang do. 5 5 Pearl Sago biogapore do. ino 10 Sago Flour do. London 50 26a Do. do. Liverpool 1,700 Do. do. Glasgow 25 25 Tapioca Flake Singapore United Kingdom 130 ... Tapioca Pearl & Bullet do. do. 200 65 Para Rubber Straits & Malaya do. 350 700 Gutta Percba Singapore do. 35 60 Buffalo hides do. do. 150 Pineapples do. do. 25.000 8,500 Gambier do. U. S. A. 875 190 Cube Gambier do. do. 110 35 Black Pepper do. do. 110 10 ] o. Penang do. 10 30 White Pepper Singapore do. 90 ... Do. Penang do. 25 Tapioca Pearl Singapore do. 15 40 Nutmegs Singapore & Penang do. 6 29 Sago Flour Singapore do. 100 125 Pineapples do. do. 5,750 8oa Do. do. Continent 6,750 1,250 Gambier do. South Continent 80 75 Do. do. North Continent 140 80 Cube Gambier do. Continent 40 10 Black Pepper do. South Continent 180 70 - Do. do. North do. 75 Do, Penang South do 15 Do do. North do. 5 White Pepper Singapore Smth do. 10 10 Do. do Noith do. 10 Do. Penang South do. 10 ... D.'. do. North do. 20 & 93 Sing; ipoYc & Pe ; C CO t-; . . . 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O iM •qpa ^9Ai n^9K j f^ g^ \ \ \ \ \ I ' \ : I 5 •aSaBji niB9i\[ 1-1 X !N (M %• OS 00 cr. t- L~ ^^ooco^- ::::::: •ranraiuijii UB9pi r.- So:5;;5S '~*(Mo5c6-^s4::::::: ° c- c- c- t- c~ •mnuitx^Hn^aM ^ S BS S Jg S = = = = = i = •qing ^jq n'B9i\[ ^ oicD ! i i i I i i i i : -• o •nng ui mnrafX'Bi\: uBa^ ^ g :::::::::: : •^ 0^8 !JB 8jns -saad I'Boij^aoioa'Ba n'B8j\[ ^ ! : : : : i i : i : i i 1 KotaBh^ru Kuala Lebir Kuala Kelantan Kuala Pahi Kuala Va' Estate Semerah Estate Pasir Jin tf,u Chaning Estate Pasir Gajah Estate Taku Plantation Pasir Bcsar Sok' r Kenneth Estate -^ I a" S 103 < -t ft? ■sjnoq ^j; Snunp u'BjniTjjj (jsa^juaji^ (-( — r-l ^ C -< O ^ "IFjai-BH mo^. I-! s- T)* eo : : : 00 00 ^ CO CO : : : fc, OS « : : : o oc; 00 . : : (NO... ^ odco : : : o t- c^ fv" 1-H 00 lO C~ O ^ n? 00 r-H TT CO CO C~ (M O fe- =^r 9 L-^ -! ^ ^ 01 CO -^ CO ^ ° t- c~ t- t~ t- O »0 O CO fv o 00 CO 05 o . t-^ Oi CD C-^ CO • 00 q fz, Sni i s^s -inp li«jaiBy[ ^^B^vdjr) 1 ^ § 1 a? 5S •ii^'jni^a mo J. a CO •spni.w ^2^ JO noi'^oaarQ; 3ni|tVAaj-5 ffl > t-; ^ •qpa !j9Av n^^w "s o CO t of your letter 517 dated the 27th instant and to thank H. E. The High Commissioner for his letter to the Governor General of the Netherlands Indies. I have etc.. (Sd.) H. C. E. ZACHARIAS, Secretary. H C. E. ZACHARIAS Esq., Telok Anson. ' Secretary, lOth January, 1912. Planters' Association of Malaya, Kulala Lumpur. JAVANESE IMMIGRATION. Dear Sir, — I shall be much obliged if you will let me know what action was taken by the P. A. M. on our preliminary report on the question of Javanese recruiting. It is of course most important that we should go straight ahead with the matter now but neither Mr. Maude nor myself are prepared to pay all the cost of the visit to Java. I have so far only seen the newspaper reports of the Meeting. Yours faithfully, (Sd.) ' H.J. COOPER, H.J. COOPER, Esq., Kuala Lumpur, Telok Anson. 15th January, 1912. Dear Sir, — I thank you for your favour of the lOth instant;-^ Javanese Immigration. The Association at their last Meeting received your preliminary report and instructed me to thank the Sub-Committee for the pains taken and to address H. E. The High Commissioner in accordance with your wishes regarding a letter from himself to the Governor General of the Netherlands Indies; and I have since written to H. E. accordingly. As regards your visit to Javj, the Meeting was unanimous as to its desirability, but as this Association has no funds available for any but current expenditure, they are unfortunately precluded from offering to bear its cost. Believe me, dear sir, Yours faithfully, (Sd.) H. C. E. ZACHARIAS, Secretary. 113 The Secretary, Telok Anson, Planters' Association of Malaya, 19th January, 1912, Kuala Lumpur. Dear Sir,— Your letter of the 15th addressed to Mr. H. J. Cooper has been brought before my Committee, and I am instructed to ex- press their regret that the parent Association is unable to finance the proposed visit to Java, and that not having themselves the necessary funds. They did not see their way to initiate an appeal for the raising of the money amongst the estates of the F. M. S. My Committee are so impreescd with the general benefit which will accrue by the completion of the work your Sub-Committee have so far advanced that they propose to circularize the estates, and at a Meeting held here yesterday nearly one half of the necessary funds were provided. It is hoped however that there will be such a ready response to a general appeal that the subscription for each estate will be very- small. I am. dear sir. Yours faithfully. The Lower Perak Planters' Association. (Sd.) F. S. PHYSIC, Secretary. F. S. PHYSIC, Esq., Kuala Lumpur, Lower Perak Planters' Association, 22nd January, 1912. Telok Anson. Dear Sir, — I have your favour of the 19th instant re Sub-Com- mittee's visit to Java. In the absence of any information to the contrary the Meeting did not feel justified in assuming, that the three gentlemen in question did not propose defraying themselves the cost of this visit to Java, any more than e.g., in the case of Mr. Pears' visit to Hong- kong re Chinese labour. As already intimated, this Association has no funds available, except for current expenditure; but had there been any question of the immediate necessity for further funds, an appeal to that effect would no doubt have been decided upon. It is therefore much to be regretted, that neither of the three gentlemen appointed could make it convenient to be present at our last Meeting and lay their case personally before the members present. Am I correct in saying, that it is now proposed to defray the total cost of the proposed visit out of the funds of the Lower Perak District Planters' Associatian, or do you propose to circularize all other Associations likewise; and what do you estimate is the total sum required t Believe me, dear sir. Yours faithfully, (Sd.) H. C. E. ZACHARIAS, Secretary, 114 H. C. E. ZACHARIAS, Esq., ' Telok Anson, Kuala Lumpur. 27th January, 1912. Dear Sir,— I thank you for your letter of the 15th instant re Javanese Immigration, which has been laid before the District Association. I shall be greatly obliged if you will inform me as soon as possible whether H. E. the High Commissioner has addressed the Government of the Netherlands Indies or whether he will give to us the letter for presentation to the Governor General. We propose to leave for Java about the Ilth February. Yours faithfull3% (Sd.) H. J. COOPER. Kuala Lumpur, H. J. Cooper, Esq., 29th January, 1912. Dear Sir, — I thank you for your favour of the 27th instant and now beg to enclose letter, just received from H. E. The High Com- missioner on your mission to Java addressed to the Governor General of the Netherlands Indies. Trusting that your visit will be highly successful. I remain, Yours faithfullv, (Sd.) H. C. E. ZACHARIAS. Mr. Skinner remarks that nothing further could be done at present and that they must await the return of the sub-committee. 6. H. N. Ridley Fund. The Secretary reports having received to date the following contributions : from The Malay Pen. Agr. Ass : $1,305.00 „ Johore Planters' Ass : 470.OO Kuala Lumpur D. P. Ass : 300.OO Batang Padang PI. Ass : 200.00 „ Batu Tiga D. PL Ass : 170.OO „ Klang Dist. PI. Ass : 25.00 Total $2,470.00 From further promises received, he hopes that a total of 500 guineas will be collected. The Secretary is instructed to inform all Constituent Associ- ations, that the fund will be closed on the day of the Annual Meeting, and to express a hope that the expected total of 500 guineas will be reached. 115 7. St&nding Committee. The Secretary reports that the creation of a Standing Committee, decided upon at their last Meeting, constituted an addition to the Rules and would therefore have to be dealt with under Rule 15 at the ensuing General Meeting. The Legal Adviser had suggested as follows : "That the following rules be added to the Rules of the Planters' Association of Malaya, viz., 1. The Association shall at every Annual Meeting ek-ct five of its members as a Standing Committee with power for such Standing Committee to add to its number. 2. The duties of such Committee shall be the following : A. To consider all measures (legislative or otherwise) which may be of interest or affect the Planting Com- munity in the iMalay Peninsula. B. To inform the District Associations of such measures and give them its opinion thereon. C. To act as a consultative body for dealing with the cur- rent work of the Planters' Association of Malaya. 3. The President and Secretary of the Planters' Association of Malaya shall be ex-ofificio members of the Standing Com- mittee in addition to the five before-mentioned elected members. The Secretary is instructed accordingly^ to place these draft rules on the Agenda of the General Annual Meeting. 8. New York Exposiiio:>i. The Secretary reads the f.>llowing correspondence : C. Taylor, Esq., Kuala Lumpur, Secretary, I2th January, 1912.- Rubber Growers' Association, I, Oxford Court, Cannon Street, London, E.C. NEW YORK EXPOSITION, 1912. Dear Sir,— The question of being represented at this Exhibition has been considered by this Association at their last Meeting held on the 7th instant, when the general consensus seemed to be that it would be very impolitic for this Peninsula not to be adequately represented. We have asked the Government for an indication of the extent of their support, but before going any further, should be glad to have the views of your Association on the subject. ii6 If any action is eventually decided upon, we trust that we may count on the same hearty co-operation, that your Association was kind enough to render us at the London Exhibition of last year. Believe me, dear sir, Yours faithfully, (Sd.) H. C. E. ZACHARIAS, Secretary, Sir William Tajlor, Kuala Lumpur, Malay States Information Agency, I2th January, 1912. 88, Cannon Street, London, E.C. NEW YORK EXPOSITION. Dear Sir, — I thank you for your favour of November 3rd and en- closures, all of which have been submitted to the members of this Association at their last Meeting on the 7th instant, when it was decided that this Association should take part in the said Exposition, provided the adequate co-operation of the Governments of the Peninsula could be secured. Believe me, dear sir. Yours faithfully, (Sd.) H. C. E. ZACHARIAS, Secretary. Undfr Secretary, F.M.S Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur. 29th January 1912. Sir, — I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter 3 in 7950 of the I2th ihstant, which has been submitted to the members of my Association. In reply I am directed to inform you, that this Association is pre- pared to give its support to the New York Exposition but before going any further, would like to know, whether and to what extent the various Governments of the Malay Peninsula would co-operate. I have etc., (Sd.) H. C. E. ZACHARIAS, Secretary. The Secretary, London, Planters' Association of Malaya, 5th January, 1912. Kuala Lumpur, F.M.S. Dear Sir, — I am sending for your information a copy of a letter, and particulars and plan of suggested spaces that I have sent to-day to Sir William Taylor, as he will probably send his letter on to the Colonial Secretary, who will forward it again to you, thus causing a slight delay-and it will save time for you to have the letter in advance. The letter is, of course, to be regarded as private, and is sent you so that you may receive some additional information. 117 Ceylon are making a very fine show, and BritishlMalaya will do the same, I hope. It will be greatly to their advantage, if they wish to get the trade with America. So far we have received favourable responses from nearly every rubber country, including Trinidad and British Guiana. As you will know from particulars previously sent you, other tropical products may be exhibited at this Exposition, for the purpose of trade and commerce, that are cultivated in rubbers growing coun- tries. By this means your Colony will have a chance of obtaining trade for its other products in addition to rubber. Hoping to receive your support, I am, Yours truly, (Sd.) A. STAINES M ANDERS, Organising Manager. (ENCLOSURE.) SIR WILLIAM TAYLOR, k.c.m.g. London, Malay States Advertisement Agency, 4th January 1912] 88, Cannon Street, London, E.C. PRIVATE. Dear Sir, — I beg to send yon herewith plan of the Crude Rubber Section of the International Ruober & Allied Trades Exposition, to be held in New York next September. You will see that I have marked two blocks, one of which I would suggest for British Malaya in case they should decide to ex- hibit. I hope they will do so, as in my opinion it would be a suicidal policy if this important opportunity of bringing before the Manufac- turers and Investors of the United States of America the vast resour- ces of Malaya as a Rubber producing country were neglected and the chance of displaying the quality and the quantity of rubber they can produce as suitable for the American market. I may mention that Ceylon will be making a fine show, likewise most of the other rubber producing countries of the world. I also attach for your information, the exact cost of space, in case British Malaya should prefer to arrange for the building of their own Stand in New York, and I also quote on inclusive price for stands, stand-fittings, both for showing photographs and other products, as well as rubber, and for generally furnishing the stand. iThis inclusive charge consists of everything which would be necessary for the credit of the Colony with the exception of freight and cartage to the Exposi- tion. I may add that the price includes the unpacking and repacking of the exhibits that may require to be returned. I understand that exhibits from British Malaya can be shipped by Ceylon direct to New York. It is possible that there may be direct steamers from your Colony to New York. ii8 As arranged at a Meeting recently held in New York, and at the request of several countries exhibiting, it will be permissible to show for the purposes of Trade and Commerce, other products cultivated in rubber growing countries. I am taking the liberty of sending this letter in duplicate, to save you time in having it copied, and in the hope that you may be able to forward it by this mail, and I should be glad if it could be arranged to have a reply before the end of February as to the space required, as I am leaving for New York, at the date. I return again to London in the early part of April, leave for New York about the middle of May, and remain there until the close of the Exposition. At the same time any matters that require attention will be promptly dealt with at the London Office during my absence. I am. Yours truly, (Sd.) A. STAINES MANDERS, Organising Manager. NEW YORK EXPOSITION. COST OF SPACE ONLY. No. I. 67iX 27feet=l809 sq. feet total cost includ- ing covered platform the whole length ... £ 723.12.0 No. 2. 1,179 sq. feet total cost including covered platform ... ... ... ... £ 468. 0.0 No. I. Stand complete-will fit up necessary stand, tables, screens for pictures, artisticsigns and all that may be necessary to give British Malaya a bold display. Unpack exhibit, supply attendant for distributing literature and repack exhibit at the close for a total sum of ... ... ... ... £1,200. 0.0 No. 2. Fit up as described in No. I repack and sup- ply attendant for a total sum of ... £ 855. 0.0 Stands guaranteed to be in good style with special screens for photos etc. These prices have been cut down very fine, and if more money can be allowed it will be used for special fitting up, and for the benefit of British Malaya. The Secretary reports that he is still without a reply from the Under Secretary and is instructed to press for an answer. 119 9. Labour Enactment I9II. The Secretary reads the following correspondence : Kuala Lumpur, 6th February, 1912. H. E. Sir Arthur Young, K.C.M.c, High Comm., F.M.S. Singapore. Your Excellency, I have the honour to inform Your Excellency that at a Meeting of this Association held on January 7th the following resolution was unanimously passed : " That this Association strongly deprecates the precipitancy with which the Labour Enactment 1911 was passed through the Federal Council". I have the honour to enclose copy of our Minutes and to refer Your Excellency to Section 9. I have etc., (Sd.) H. C. E. ZACHARL\S, Secretary. Misc. 179-1912. Singapore, The Secretary, 2nd March, 1912. Planters' Association of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur. Sir, — I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of 6th February and to inform you that the delay in replying thereto is due to His Excellency the High Commissioner's desire to send you a copy of the Minutes of the Federal Council. This copy has only just been received and is forwarded herewith, ^v. Appendix.) 2. I am to say that His Excellency is confident that on a peru- sal of these Minutes those members who considered that the Govern- ment passed this bill after pecfunctory deliberation or who thought that the provisions of the bill were too drastic will agree that the measure was one which in the circumstances it was necessary to carry out not only in the interests of the coolies themselves but also in the interests of the whole planting community. 3. I am to add that it is the firm conviction of His Excellency that if the condition of the labourers on this estate had been brought to the notice of the Indian Government and if no efficient action had been taken by the Federated Malay States Government to remedy the state of affairs it might have led to the Indian Government seri- ously considering whether restrictions should not be placed on the immigration of coolies into the Federated Malay States. I have etc., (Sd.) H. MARRIOTT, Secretary to Hiuh Commissioner for the Malay States. 120 The Secretary reports that he had addressed similarly all other members of the Federal Coimcil, and that he had received the follow- ing further replies: The Secretary, Kuala Lumpur, Planters' Association of Malaya, 8th February, 1912. Kuala Lumpur. Sir, — I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated the 6th February informing me that at a Meeting of the Planters' Association of Malaya held on the 7th January a resolution was unanimously passed to the effect that the Association strongly deprecated the precipitancy with which the Labour Enactment 1911 was passed through the Federal Council, The resolution is one with which I think I may say generally that I am entirely in accord. Nothing but the most urgent necessity could justify the passing of such an important measure in the manner in which it was passed Such necessity did, in the opinion of the Government, exist, and subsequent events showed that opinion to be well founded. I have etc., (Sd.) E. L. BROCKMAN, Chief Secretary, F.M.S. The Secretary, Planters' Association of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur. I2th February, 1912. Dear Sir, — Your letter of the 6th instant duly received, and the contents are noted. Yours faithfully, (Sd.) E. B. SKINNER. The Secretary, Planters' Association of Malaya, Tronoh, Kuala Lumpur. 14th February, 1912. Dear Sir, — I beg to acknowledge with thanks your favour of the 6th instant covering Minutes of the Association's Meeting. I am in accord wilh the resolution regarding the passing of the Labour Enactment. As you may remember I strongly protested against its passing at the Federal Council, and was the only one who would not vote for it. Yours faithfully, (Sd.) H. D. GRIFFITHS. 121 No. 2 in 923/1912. The Secretary, Taiping, Planters' Association of Malaya, 13th February, 1912. Kuala Lumpur. Dear Sir,— I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 6th February current, forwarding a resolution passed at a Meeting of the Planters' Association of Malaya held on January 7th. I have etc., (Sd.) W. E. PEPYS, for Ag. Secretary to Resident, Perak. The Secretary, Kuala Lumpur, Planters' A.ssociation of Malaya, 22nd February, 1912. Kuala Lumpur. Dear Sir, — I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of February 6th referring to section 9 of the minutes of yOur Meeting held on January 7th 1912. 2. I quite agree that the precipitancy with which this Labour Enactment was passed through the Council is to be deprecated. Another member and myself expressed this opinion in Council. I asked if there was no existing legal power to enable the Government to deal with what was obviously, on humanitarian grounds, a matter of urgency. The reply given was that the Legal Adviser had been consulted and that the answer was in the negative. 3. Li view of all the circumstances and the fact that your own representative on the Council offered no opposition, I did not feel justified in voting against the Enactment. 4. Your letter raises rather an interesting point. It may be read as an expression of disapproval on the part of your Association that I did not vote against this particular Enactment. Had I voted against a proposal, affecting planting interests, endorsed by your own repre- sentative on the council, I could not complain if your Association thought fit to express disapproval. But so long as the selected re- presentative of the Planting Community, who is your own elected chairman, is present at a Council Meeting, you can hardly in fair- ness blame the other un-official members for taking any sort of action which meets with the planting member's approval. 5. It is so (>bviously to the interests of the general public that the small unofficial minority on the Council should be united that I think you will find the other un-official members supporting the planting representative even when not altogether in favour of some specific detail. For instance, personally I objected to two sections in a recent enactment which compel employers of labour to keep a check roll showing names, days worked and rate of pay drawn by 122 coolies employed by an outside contractor, but the planting represen- tative on the Council was satisfied, so I did not vote against the enactment. I have etc., (Sd.) J. H. M. ROBSON. 10 Honorary Members. The legal adviser submits that the following be the new rules for HONORARY MEMBERS. The Association shall be empowered to elect as Honorary Mem- bers such persons as it shall think fit, but such person shall not be entitled to vote at any Meeting of the Association. Notice of any proposal for the admission of an Honorary Member, together with the names of the proposer and seconder of such Honorary Member shall be given to the Secretary of the Association at least a fortnight previous to the Meeting at which the election of sijch Honorary Member shall take place and the Secretary shall put on the Agenda for such meeting the name and address of such person and the names of the proposer and seconder. The Secretary is instructed accordingly, to place this draft rule on the Agenda of the Annual General Meeting. II. Bailey Memorial. The Secretcry reports that 5^1629.28 have been collected to date as follows : — BAILEY MEMORIAL FUND. $' c. 15-00 200.00 2(4.28 50.00 250.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 100.00 50.00 50.00 200,00 50.00 150.00 100.00 Date paid. 1910 Dec. 2 Harpenden Estate 23 Johore Rubber lands I 911 Jan. 10 Petaling Estate 17 H. Irving ... Feb. 6 Anglo Malay Rubber Co. Seaport (Selangor) 15 Selaba Rubber Estate Ltd. Golden Hope Rubber Estate Ltd. Sungkai Chumor Mar. I Bugit Rajah Estate 9 London Asiatic Bikani 20 Selangors Rubbers Co. Ltd. Apl. I Johore P. A. May 8 Bukit Khjang Aug 19 Sungei Way iSelangor) R. Co. Ltd Total $1,629.28 123 The Secretary is instructed to write to the Principal of the Straits Medical School at Singapore and ask his opinion as to how the money could best the expended in connection with the school, the final allocation of the tund being left to the next Meeting. 12. Medical Staff on Estates. The Secretary reads the following letter : Principal Medical Officer, Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur. 29th January, 1912. Sir, — I understand that a scheme is under consideration, pro- viding for the seconding of Medical Officers and Subordinates for service in estate hospitals. As the present position of affairs is very acute, the members of my Association trust that the necessary steps will be expedited as much as possible. Will it be possible for me to submit something definite to our next Meeting early in March ? I have etc., (Sd.) H. C. E. ZACHARIAS, Secretary. and reports that he had an interview with Dr. Sansom, whom he had asked to be present to-day. The Meeting goes into Committee and is addressed by Dr. Sansom. Open Meeting having been resumed, it is resolved after some discussion, that a Sub-Committee of members of the P. A. M. be appointed to go into the question of the supply of dressers for estates and to report as early as possible thereon. Mr. Skinner proposes, Mr. Farquharson seconds and it is passed unanimously that the Sub-Committee consist of Messrs. F. G. Harvey, H. Dupuis Brown, J. G. Cruickshank, H. E. Burgess, F. J. Ayris, H. R. Quartley, W. H. Trotter, A. Irving and W. Dell. 15. Indian Labour. RECRUITING COMMISSION. The Secretary says that at the last Meeting Mr. Gibson suggest- ed a fixed maximum rate should be authorised by the Immigration Committee to do away with the evils resulting from the discrepant and excessive amounts paid to the kanganies by various estates for recruiting purposes. This opend up a very wide question and after correspondence with the Chairman and Mr. Gibson he had deferred communicating with the Indian Immigration Department. 124 Mr. Gibson says he was convinced that the question he had raised was one of great importance. Coolies that were being re- cruited by kanganies for estates paying small advances were not reaching these estates. Some planters had been trying to keep down advances to the ordinary rate of about Rs. 10, but other Superinten- dents were giving their kanganies Rs. 20, Rs. 30 and even Rs. 40. The result was that when the coolies recruited up country on the low advances were brought to the depots in India they were simply bought up by the kanganies who were paid bigger advances and who stuck at the depot doing no real recruiting on their own account. There were many evils arising out of this Coolies came down from the villages believing that they were going to rejoin friends on par- ticular estates, but, being transferred to another kangany, not the original recruiter, found themselves on different and often remotely situated estates. That conduced to a great amount of dissatisfaction. If the Immigration Department fixed a uniform rate, some of the represent anomalies would be removed. He recognised that there were objections to extended powers being given to the Department but this course was the lesser evil and would tend to improve the conditions of recruiting. The present system did not add an addi- tional coolie to the labour forces of the Country, but it demoralised the kanganies and put money in their hands wnich miglit be better devoted to other purposes. The time had come for controlling the advances in some way. Mr. Skinner agrees that advances should be kept down, but he thought it rather early to ask for legislation. Latterly a certain number of recruiters' licences had been stopped in India because the kanganies had been discovered buying coolies from others. Power was given to the Immigration Committee, on finding such a thing going on, to caneel the licence. But the kangany thus treated often did not care: he simply went to another licensed kangany and work- ed the business through him, the coolies coming over under the latter's protection. Further steps had been taken to deal with this move on the part of the kanganies and it was advisable to see how the new system operated to stop the buyers of coolies before advocating fresh legislation. Mr. Gibson was glad to get this information and was quite pre- pared to leave the matter in abeyance for a time, seeing that the Immigration Committee were awake to the evils to which he had drawn attention. 14. Indian Labour. DISCHARGE OF COOLIES. Mr. W. G. Dobson reads the following opinion given by him on the point raised at the last Meeting: "As wc understand it, the point on which our opinion is des- ired is as to whether the Superintendents of Immigrants can require an employer to discharge a coolie provided a month's 125 wages is deposited in his (the Superintendent's) hands. It is quite clear that a coolie on himself paying a month's wages to the employer can determine the contract without. notice. If the cooly is anxious to stay on the estate and has not personally given t-he employer notice we think the Superintendent of Immigrants would be exceeding his functions in demanding that a coolie should be given up and we therefore think that the employer is not bound to deliver up the coolie in these cir- cumstances. In the event of a coolie under 15 we think that the parents will probably have the right to demand the custody of the child and that therefore the employer could not retain him. (Sd.) HEWGILL & DAY. 15. Constituent Associations. The Secretary rearis the following letters : Bagan Datoh Coconut Planters' Association, The Secretary, Lower Perak, The Planters' Association of Malaya, 29th February, 1912. Kuala Lumpur. Dear Sir,— The Planters of this District have formed themselves into an association under the above title and I have been instructed by the Committee to write to you and ask for details of subscriptions, delegates etc. to the Planters's Association of Malaya. They also asked me to point out that as it is a new and small association in such case perhaps a reduced subscription could be arranged. I am, dear sir. Yours faithfully, (Sd.) A. J. GILLESPIE, Hon. Secretary. The Secretary, The Malacca Planters' Association. Planters' Association of Malaya, Malacca, Kuala Lumpur. 21st February 1912. Dear Sir,— We have pleasure in advising that at a Meeting of this Association held on llth instant it was unanimously agreed to rejoin your Association and we shall be glad if you will advise us what the annual subscription per delegate now is. Kindly also send us say 6 copies of your rules. Yours faithfully, (Sd.) SIME, DARBY & CO., LTD., Secretaries. 126 S. Arden E>q., Kuala Lumpur, Chairman. I2th January, 1912. Sitiawan & Dindings PL Association, Sitiawan. Dear Sir, — Tlie question of affiliating your Association was con sidered at the last Meeting of this Association held on the 7th instant, when I was instructed to inform you that this Association would greatly welcome such affiliation. As our financial year closes on the 31st of March, I presume that this matter in any case had better stand over until our Annual General Meeting, which this year will be held on April i8th. We trust Ihtit yourself and as many of your members as possible, will personally attend on that occasion, when I hope some definite steps will be taken. Believe me, dear sir, Yours faithfully, (Sd.) H. C. E. ZACHARIAS, Secretary. Mr. Hickley proposes and Mr. Quartley seconds that the Malacca Planters' Association be not re-affiliated for one year. This motion having been lost, the Malacca Planters' Association is declared re-affiliated amidst applause. The Chairman remarks that apparently their Rules made no reference whatever to the affiliation of constituent Associations and suggests that a rule be drawn up by their Lagal Adviser and be placed on the Agenda of the General Meeting. 16. Agricultural Bulletin. The Secretary reads the following correspondence: — No. 7 in 1021/1911. The Secretary, Planters' Association of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur. l6th January, 1912. Sir, — I have the honour the enquire whether in the event of the monthly Agricutural Bulletin of the S. S. and F. M. S. being continued by this Department the Planters' Association of Malya is prepared to continue its present annual subscription. 2. I should be glad if you would send me a reply at your earliest convenience. I have etc., (Sd.) B J. EATON, for Director. 127 Director of Agriculture Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, 17th Januarj', 1912. Sir, — I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter 7/1021 dated the l6th instant. I am unable to reply to y)ur query without submitting same to the Annual Meeting (to he held this year on April 28th) which passes the budget of our financial year (April 1st to March 31st). Perhaps you could make it convenient to be present at this. Meeting and place personally your views before the members. I have etc., (Sd.) H. C. E. ZACHARIAS, Secretary. Mr. Cruickshank proposes, Mr. Gibson seconds and it is carried unanimously that the sum of $1,000 appear again under this heading in the estimates for the ensuing year. 17. Imperial College of Technology. The Secretary places the following letters on the Table: The Secretary, Planters' Association of Malaya, Muar, Kuala Lumpur. i8th January, 1912. Dear Sir, — I enclose copy of a circular received from the Rector -of the Lnperial College of Science and Technology, South Kensing- ton, which I think should be brought to the notice of your members and I should be much obliged if you could further the objects of the scheme outlined in the circular. For some years past the Botanical Division of the College has endeavoured to meet the demands for men, who, by special training, are fitted to deal with the problems involved in agriculture both at Home and more particularly in the Tropics. With the rapid growth of tropical agriculture, and the increasing complexity of the many problems associated with the cultivation and the sanitation of plants (rubber, cocoa, colfee, cotton, etc.), an extension of the Department has become a matter of necessity. The College has been impressed by the magnitude of the issues at stake in connection with the modern developments of Agriculture in the Tropics and it has resolved to meet the need for a thorough training of those who are to undertake the duties of advisors and sanitation officers, by founding a new Department of Plant Physio- logy and Pathology, under the immediate charge of a man specially selected for his eminence in the branches of science more directly •concerned. Trusting you will give this matter attention. I remain, Yours faithfully, (Sd.) J. MITCHELL. 128 (ENCLOSURE". " The Imperial College of Science and Technology desires to- increase the facilities for the training of young nien for plant sanitaton work especially in the Tropics. The Department of Botany in the College, of which Plant Pathology forms a part, is overcrowded, and it has not been found possibe Uiaving regard to the commitments in respect of other departments of the College Work) to provide out of existing capital the full amount of the funds necessary to place Plant Pathology on a footing commensurate with the industrial importance of the subject. The College has already made arrangements for the maintenance of a teaching staff to deal with the subject, and to vestigate the problems which are continually arising to confront those who are directly concerned with plant sanitation. But the work is seriously hampered by the inadequate; space and equipment which can be placed at the disposal of th.^ Department. A sum of £18,000 is required for building and equipping the laboratories, and of this sum the college is piepared to tind £lO,000, while a further sum of about £i,000 has been given or promised, leaving about £6,000 still to be raised. The College therefore appeals to those who are interested in the great plant industries of the Tropics to enable it to obtain this £6,000 and thus to provide the means for proceeding with the work here in- dicated. Furthermore, it is believed that the existence in London of a trained and active laboratory staif will prove of use in helping to solve in the laboratory many problems that are, for various reasons (e. g. absence of suitable equipment, books etc.,) difficult to attack with much hope in the field. In this, as well as in other ways, the Depart- ment will continue to be of direct use to, and in direct contact with, the industries aboard. Advisory Board : It is also anticipated that it may be possible to form an Advisory Body, largely drawn from those who are directly concerned in the Plant Inoustriee. This would serve as a further means of ensuring that the Pathological Department was placed in immediate contact with the current needs of research, and would add to its usefulness. Nomination of Students : In view of the influx of students which has now rendered immediate expansion necessary, it is evident that a selection must be made for admission, and it is recognised as reasonable that qualified students nominated by those who may have contributed towards the defraying of the expenses that must be in- curred, should have prior claims to attend the courses of training they wish to join. Donations or subscriptions to the funJ for the Plant Pathological Department may be sent to. The Rector of the Imperial College, Souih Kensington^ 18. R. G. A. R2search Fund. The Secretary reads the following letter : The Secretary, Kuala Lumpur, Planters' Association of Malavn, l8th February, 1912, Kuala Lumpur. MALAYA RESEARCH FUND. Dear Sir, — Acting on instructions from the Local Committee of the Malaya Research Fund, and confirming my recent interviews with you on the question of your Association co-operating with the Malaya Research Fund to assist in continuing and extending the work carried on by Mr. Morgan, the Resident Chemist of the above Fund, I shall be glad if you will kindly place the undernoted resolu- tion of the Trustees (in London) of the Research Fund and let me know what support your Association would be prepared to give to the Research Fund financially or otherwise. RESOLUTION. " That the Planters 'Association of Malaya be invited to support the Rubber Growers' Association scheme with a view to obtaining additional subscriptons in the Federated Malay States." I remain, dear sir. Yours faithfully, (Sd.) J. MORTION, (ENCLOSURE.) Rubber Growers' Association, (Malay Section.) I, Oxford Court, Cannon Street, London, E. C, 6th January, 1912. MALAY RESEARCH FUND. Dear Sir, — I am instructed by this Association to refer to the arrangements made in June, iq09,by which rubber-producing companies possessing estates in the F. M. S. co-operated in the expense of employing research chemists to conduct experiments with regard to the curing and preparation of plantation rubber for the market, for the guidance of those subscribing to the scheme. Many companies who were producing rubber at the time guaranteed sums of S50 and S25 per annum for the three periods of twelve months ending respectively June 30th, 1910 ; June 30th, 191 1 ; and June 30th 1912. These guarantees will therefore expire on June 30th next, and the work of the chemists in London and their assistant in the F. M. S, terminates, under the present agreement, six months later, viz., December 31st, 1912, 130 In these circumstances the Council of the Association have dis- cussed whether it would be advisable for these research schemes to be continued and extended, and referred the matter to the Trustees of the Research Fund, who adopted the following" resolutions : — "That it would be desirable to ask the guarantors to continue their subscriptions for a further space of three years, and further- more, to issue an invitation to all other members of the Rubber Growers' Association with estates in the F- M. S. to become guaran- tors. "That the guarantors should not be recommended to allow the reports to be issued to all members of the Rubber Growers' Associa- tion, but to continue the existing system of issuing reports only to guaranteeing Companies, their Directors, Agents, etc. "That the Planters' Association of Malaya be invited to support the Rubber Growers' Association scheme, with a view to obtaining additional subscriptions in the Federated Malay States. "That existing and potential guarantors be asked to express an opinion as to whether it would be desirable, should the renewed funds permit, to develop the research work by employing Mycologists and additional scientists in other branches. "That it would be desirable to exchange information with other Associations or Companies who were employing scientific investiga- tors, with a view to obtaining interchange of information." It will be seen from the foregoing resolutions that the existing guarantors are invited to continue their subscriptions for another period of three years and that companies and other proprietors of estates in the F. M. S. who are now producing rubber should be invited also to guarantee. It is hoped that this will result in a considerably larger sum be- ing subscribed for the purpose of research work, and should this anticipation be realized, the Trustees will place a revised scheme before the guarantors. During the past two years the work has been carried out by Messrs. Clayton Beadle & Stevens in London who, under agreement with the Trustees, have employed an Assistant Chemist working in the F. M. S., and have themselves conducted standard tests on manu- facturing lines of the samples prepared and sent home by the Assist- tant Chemist. The Assistant Chemist has also personally visited Estates and rendered advice and assistance. The Trustees feel that it would be desirable, should increased funds allow, to consider, before the present agreement expires, in what manner the research work can be extended in the future. For instance, it has been suggested that a Mycologist and an Entomolo- gist should be engaged and that the question of soils and manuring should receive expert attention. 131 The Laboratory at the Agricultural Station at Kuala Lumpur has been available for the use of the Assistant Chemist by the kind permission of the Government up to the present time, but the Government now require it for their own use and the Trustees have therefore to build a Laboratory— the arragements for this are already- made. I have written, by instructions, to the Secretary of the Local Committee in Kuala Lumpur asking to be favoured with their opinion regarding the manner in which the research work should be continu- ed and extended. In the meantime I am instructed to ask that you will consider this matter, and that you will guarantee up to a maxi- mum of £50 for each of the three periods ending respectively June 30th. 1913, June 30th, 1914, and June 30th, 1915, in order that the Trustees may be able to submit a scheme to all the guarantors when local opinion in the F. M. S. has been ascertained. I enclose form of guarantee. Yours faithfully, C. TAYLOR, Secretary. Mr. Gilison and Mr. F. G. Harvey having spoken in support of the letter, it is resolved, "that this association heartily endorses the scheme and recommends all estates to join it." 19. Land Legisiation. The Secretary reads the following letter: No. (12) in 909/1912. The Secretary, Kuala Lumpur, Planters' Association of Malaya, 27th February, 1912^ Kuala Lumpur. Sir, — I have the honour to inform you that a Committee has been appointed to consider the existing Land Enactment with a view to deciding what amendments may be necessary and desirable and to state that the Committee will be obliged if the Committee of the Planters' Association of Malaya will appoint a member of the Associ- ation to draw up a memorandum in regard to any points in the Enactment which deserve consideration. I have etc., (Sd.) E. G. BROADRICK, Acting British Resident, Selangor, Chairman of Committee. After a short discussion, Mr. E. Macfadyen is appointed to serve on the Committee as representative of the P. A. M. 132 20. Education on Estates. The Secretary reads the following letter : No. 2 in 1516/1912, Kuala Lumpur, The Chairman, 2;th February, 1912. The Planters' Association of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur. Sir, — With the increase in the number of Tamil Immigrants many of whom bring their children with them it has become necessary to consider the question of affording such children facilities for acquir- ing in this country the rudiments of education in their own vernacular. That the absence of such provision is likely to have some effect in keeping out of the country desirable immigrants can hardly be doubted apart from the consideration of the welfare of the children themselves and the main point to be considered seems to be the best method of making such provision. The better course would appear to be for the schools to be pro- vided and maintained by the employers of Tamil Labour the Govern- ment undertaking the necessary supervision and rendering such assistance in the way of contributions to the cost of the schools as may be considered fair and reasonable but the matter is one upon which the Government would be glad to have the views of the planters generally and I am to ask you to be good enough to bring it before your Association. I have, etc., (Sd.) A. H. LEMON, Under-Secretary, F.M.S. Mr. Cruickshank explains at length the existing system of night schools in Ceylon. Mr. Skinner bears out the usefulness of having the children on estates taught the three R's in the vernacular; but feels strongly that both English and Religion should be severely left alone. Resolved that this Association is in favour of Night Schools, as already existing on several estates, that Reading, Writing and Arith- metic be taught in Tamil, and that the estates should provide the teacher and building ; and the Secretary is instructed to reply accord- ingly to the Under Secretary, F.M.S. The Meeting terminates at 1. 15 p.m. (Sd.) H. C. E. ZACHARIAS. Secretary. 133 APPENDIX. Federal Council, Tuesday, 14th November, iqil. PRESENT: H. E. the High Commissioner, Sir Arthur Henderson Young, K.C.M.G. The Chief Secretary, Mr. Edward Lewis Brockman, C.M.G. H. H. the Sultan of Selangor, Alaedin Suleiman Shah, C.M.G. H. H. the YaaiTuan of Negri Sembilan, Tunku Muhammed, C.M.G. The Acting Resident of Perak, Mr. Reginald George Watson, C.M.G. The Acting Resident of Selangor, Mr. Edward George Broadrick. The Acting Resident of N. Sembilan, Mr. Cecil William Chase Parr. The Resident of Pahang, Mr. Edward John Brewster. Mr. John Henry Matthews Robson, Mr. Edmund Becher Skinner, Mr. Harry Denis Griffiths, Towkay Foo Choo Choon. ABSENT: H. H. the Sultan of Perak, Sir Idris Mersid-el Aazam Shah G.C.M.G. H. H. the Regent of Pahang, Tuagku Mahmud bin Sultan Ahmad, C.M.G. The Acting Legal Adviser, Mr. Hastings Rhodhs, was present. THE LABOUR ENACTMENT, 1912. READING The Chief Secretary addressed the Council, and moved that a Bill entitled "An Enactment to make provision for the proper super- vision and treatment of Labourers " be read. He said : This Bill will necessarily be only a temporary measure because the new Labour Code is now in course of preparation and the provi- sions of this Bill will be corporated in it. We asked the Council to pass this Bill as special circumstances have arisen which make it a matter of urgency. The first part of the Bill follows on the lines of the Bill recently introduced in the Legislative Council in the Colony and which has now been read a second time. I believe, as a matter of fact, the second reading was taken without opposition. Necessity for the second part of the Bill has arisen in the Federated Malay States. Shortly, the facts are as follows : On a certain estate in the Federated Malay States matters have reached a stage at which the manager is unable to control the labour force there. There has been terrible mortality on the estate, the labour force of which consists of 1,100 men. On a recent visit of in- spection, about 500 were found sick about the estate. The hospital accommodation is absolutely insufficient and the medical staff is quite unable to look after the coolies. The manager has been directed to carry out certain works but has failed to carry out promises which have been made. He states that matters have been reported to the Directors but that they have objected to the expenditure necessary to 134 remedy the state of affairs. He admits that matters have got be3^ond his control and he has also informed me that he has sent in his resignation. He has been frequently absent from the estate on other business and no one is left in charge who has power to deal with emergencies. In these circumstances it is necessary to ask the Council to confer powers on the Government to see that this state of things shall exist no longer. This is the only the possible way to deal with such a case. As I stated before this is only a temporary measure, because the Labour Bill will soon be before the Council. The Acting Resident of Perak seconded the motion. Mr. Parr translated the Bill into the Malay language. Mr. H. D. Griffiths: I do not see m.y way clear to support this Bill, and in saying so I think I have quite sufficient reason. The Chief Secretary has given us the outline of the Bill, pointing out the necessity there is for the Bill to go through. I did not hear the whole of his speech, but I gathered enough to understand that the Govern- ment consider the proposed measure absolutely necessary. My first point of objection to the reading of the Bill is that it has never been submitted to us before this meeting. As a rule a Bill is submitted to the Unofficial Members and then published in the Gazette. By that means a Bill becomes generally known and an opportu- nity is given to the people it affects to discuss it. In the present circumstances we have not been given the slightest inkling. It has been sprung upon us. The Government cannot expect an Unofficial Member to study such a Bill as this one in five minutes and pass it. It is asking too much. As far as I can see from its working the Bill is likely to have far-reaching effects on all employers of labour and will affect them, to my mind, in a detrimental manner. It is only fair that the people interested — people who employ large forces of labour in this country — should be given an opportunity to see the Bill. Why are we compelled to make a special Bill ? Would not the Government make rules under the present Enactments to deal with this particular estate without framing a special Enactment ? 1 understand the Government have instituted a special Labour Department, and I suggest this department miglit deal with the case. The difficulty I see if this Bill is passed into law is, that it will be difficult to upset it again when we find it does not work properly. I think it would be a gracious act on the part of the Government to give us time to consider it. If there is danger, as the Chief Secretary states, will the Government give us time to bring this Bill to the highest pitch of perfection. Mr. J. H. M. Robson said : I sympathise with the remarks made by Mr. Griffiths. It is very hard for us to be suddenly presented with this Bill and be asked to pass it right away. We have not had lime to consider it in all its bearings. On the other hand, I quite sympathise with the Government and should not like to do anything 135 to prolong the present state of affairs. I happen to know something about the estate, I think something ought to be done, and that the Government should take steps to do everything necessary. Mr. Foo Choo Choon was of opinio:! that the existing law was quite good. If a towkay misbehaved himself the coolies could go ta the Protector of Chinese. Mr. E. B. Skinner: I quite agree with what the Unofficial Mem- bers have said about the short notice given. In such a case as the present it is very difficult to express an opinion ; but in view of the urgency of the case I, personally, think this Bill should be passed provided we have the assurance of the Government that only very- urgent cases will be dealt with until the new measure is ready. The Chief secretary : It is only because the Government is ad- vised that there is nothing in the existing laws to enable us to deal with the present case that this measure has been introduced. It has necessitated our coming to the Council and applying for this measure which has been considered purely as a temporary one. The labour Code is now in course of preparation. If hon. members give their votes in favour of it to-day we shall not take them as an unqualified approval of the measure we are going to pass. Its provisions will only be applied to cases of a very serious nature and of great emer- gency. I am perfectly willing to give an assurance that I will only enforce it in cases of great emergency. The High Commissioner: When I arrived at Kuala Lumpur for this meeting I had no idea this Bill was to be brought before the Council to-day. I did not know there would be any question of emergency. It was only when I arrived that the Chief Secretary showed me the reports that he had about this particular estate. I agreed with him that it was a question of emergency, and Members who have seen the report agree. I am sure that as regards that particular estate it is a question of emergency. I agree with what the Chief Secretary has said, as regards the provisions of the Bill being enforced against any other estate; and I will go further and given an assurance that its provisions will not be enforced against any other estate until the Unc;fficial Members of the Council have seen the report upon which we pro- pose to act, that is until we pass a permanent Bill. I consider further this Bill will strengthen the hands of managers of estates. I believe managers are quite willing to help in every way if they see that the Government rules and laws are necessary. But when you get men thousands of miles away they do not see eye to eye with the Government and with the manager. It will strengthen the hands of the managers and lead to Directors at home carrying out what they advise. The Chief Secretary said with regard to clause 2 of the Bill that it was practically similar to the one that had been read a second time in the Legislative Council in the Colony. That is so. 136 At the second reading of any Bill in the Colony the UnofiEicial Members express their views on the principles of the Bill; but in this case not a single Unofificial Member spoke. The Bill conies into Committee on Friday. Clause 3 has not been brought before the Council in any way. I hope the hon. member will withdraw his op- position after we have told him there are no rules in the Enactment in force to secure for the Government what is required by the pre- sent Bill and also after I have told him that we will not apply clause 3 to any estate, except in the case of this particular estate, until the Unofficial Members have seen the report upon which the Government propose to act. The Bill will reniain in force until it is repealed by ageneral consolidating law which will be prepared. Mr. Griffiths : I do not want to take a division in the least, but the Bill seems rather ambiguous and I cannot quite grasp the mean- ing of it. It seems by the Bill it will be possible to move away a certain kind of labour that does not get on well on a particular estate, and in cases of trouble that the Government can step in, send the labourers away, and prohibit their return. This is giving an enormous amount of power to the Government and will have great consequences to employers of labour. I will withdraw my opposition by not voting if it is absolutely necessary and will not press for a division. The motion was agreed to. COMMITTEE. On the motion of the Chief Secretary the Council went into Committee to consider further the provisions of "The Labour Enact- ment, 191 1." PASSING. The Bill having been settled in C^ommittee, was reported to the Council without amendments, and passed. On the montion of the Chief Secretary the Council adjourned at 12.30 p.m., sine die. 137 PLANTERS' ASSOCIATION OF MALAYA. Fifth Annual Report for the year ending 3Ist March, I9I2. To THE Members of the PLANTERS' ASSOCIATION OF MALAYA. Gentlemen, Five meetings of the Association were held during the pabt year, four in Kuala Lumpur and one in Ipoh. I am glad to be able to report that the Malacca Planters' Associ- ation has rejoined us, bringing up the number represented to 14 again, as before. The affiliation of four further Associations also appears to be imminent, viz: — The Ulu Selangor District Planters' Association. The Bagan Datoh Coconut Planters' Association. The Bindings Planters' Association. The Ulu Langat District Planters' Association. If these Associations join, as it is sincerely hoped they will, the only planting districts not represented will be Kinta and Kedah. It is felt by members living in the North and South of the Peninsula, that meetings of this Association should sometimes be held in Perak, Negri Sembilan, and Johore. Although there is no doubt that Kuala Lumpur is the most central place for both Northern and Southern members, it might be advisable, in order to induce all parties to shew greater interest in the working of the Association, to hold one meeting in the North, and one in the South, each year. Indian Labour.— The figures for the past year shew a great increase on those for the previous two years, and are as follows: — ^ Percentage IinilGliANTS. EmIGKAXTS. of C0LU5IN 2 TO COLUMN 1. 1908 ... 54.522 30,920 5671% 1909 ... 49,817 .Si,374 6298% I9I0 ... 83,723 39,080 46-66% I9II ... 108,471 48,103 44-35% These figures are very satisfactory, and it is expected that those for 1912 will be equally as good. The number of Immigrants in January, 1912 was about 12% more than in January, 1911. Chinese Labour.— Large numbers of this class of labour came into the country during the past year. The question of recruiting Chinese was gone into b}^ a Sub-Committee, which came to the conclusion that no combined system of recruiting could be resorted to at present, and that it must be done by private enterprise. The Labour Enactment, No. 12 of 1910.— The Association has felt the want of this Enactment greatly, and they regret that 138 there should have been such a delay in bringins it into force. Owing to there being one or two points in it which did not meet with the approval of the Secretary of State, a new Enactment is beine drafted, which it is hoped will be published shortly. Labour Enactment of 191 i.— A special Enactment was passed on November 14th, 191 1, giving the Government certain powers to remove any class of labour from an Estate, if it were thought necessary. The Association deprecated the hasty passing of this Enactment, and forwarded a resolution to this effect to the Govern- ment. A new Enactment is being drafted now, which will replace that of 191 1, and we understand the draft will be submitted to the Planting Community to consider, before it becomes law. Medical Staff on Estates.— The present conditions of obtaining Dressers for Estates are obviously and hopelessly unsatis- factory. A scheme is now being prepared and considered by a Sub- Committee, appointed to go into the matter, and it is hoped that Government will see their way to co-operate with us on the lines to be suggested. Coconuts. — The interest in this cultivation is continued, and the public at Home is beginning to realize the soundness of the invest- ment. It is to be hoped that during the coming year, no artificial boom will spoil the present satisfactory condition of this industry, and that considerable areas will be put under cultivation on the same sound financial lines as has been the case in the past. Pests and Diseases of Rubber. — There are still people in the country w^ho do not realise the importance of dealing with out- breaks of these when they occur, and the remarks made in the last year's report, viz: — that too much stress cannot be laid on the importance of all planters seeking the advise of the mycologist and entomologist, and generally keeping up to date with regard to precautionary measures to deal with any outbreaks v/hich may occur, still hold good to-day. Prevention of Plant Diseases. — In order to avoid running any risk of the cultivation of rubber suffering from the neglect of diseases or pests on any particular area, it is advisable that Govern- ment be approached, with a wiew to protecting the rubber industry in the same way as they have already protected the coconut industry. It is hoped that the Association wilt take this matter up during the coming year. Quarantine Camp.— During the past year a very serious out- break of cholera occurred in the Penang Camp, which greatly affected the health of the labour on the Estates. A deputation was appointed to meet the Government and discuss the Quarantine question, and, thanks to the immediate efforts of the Government, the planters in the Coast Districts of Selangor and to Dr. Watson, a temporary Camp was erected at Port Swettenham, and all chance of recruiting being stopped, was avoided thereby. It is very satisfactory to be able to record that a large sum of money has been passed in this year's 1S9 Estimates by Government, for the construction of a permanent camp at Port Swettenham. Since the outbreak of cholera, the Penang Camp has been improved very considerably, and is now in a satisfac- tory position to deal with any outbreaks. From the beginning of 1912, quarantine expenses will be paid out of the funds at the disposal of the Immigration Committee. Local Labour. — An effort was made during the year to induce the Government to introduce a Registration Fee of $i per Tamil cooly engaged locally. This scheme was, however, deferred, as the Govern- ment first desired to see what will be the effect of the present local labour tax of $4 her head per annum, and if it induces employers to recruit freely from India. Mr. Ridley. — This gentleman, who was truly the Father of the Rubber Industry in this Peninsula, has retired and left the East, after having devoted many years of his life to benefitting the planting industry. The Association wishes to put on record its great appreci- ation of the services which he has rendered, and hopes to be able to forward him shortly some permanent and useful token of their sentiments. WicKHAM Testimonial.— A sum of £135-1-4 was forwarded to London to be presented to this gentleman, in appreciation of the services which he rendered in the past to the Rubber Planting Industry. Rubber Exports.— The following are the figures for the past three years: — EXPORTS IN PARA RUBBER IN TONS AND DECIMALS OF A TON. To From U.K. J^"^' /okeign Total POSS. COUNTKIES. ioNS. Singapore ... 961 67.4 48.6 1,077 Port Swettenham 1,285.7 190.8* 307.5 1,784 Penang ... 762.3 67.4 104 933.7 Total 1909 ... 3,009 325.6 460.1 3.794-7 Singapore 1,219.5 83.9 183.9 1,487.3 Port Swettenham 2,815.7 314-5* 471 3,601.2 Penang 1,109.8 111.9 5-9 1,227.6 Total 1910 ... 5,145 510.3 660.8 6,316.1 Singapore ... 2,005.4 I03.2 703.5 2,8l2.l Port Swettenham 4,139.4 380.7* 553.5 5,073.6 Penang ... 2,176.5 164.6 5 2,346.1 Total 1911 ... 8,32.13 648.5 1,262 10,231.8 * Exclusive of exports to Straits Settlemeuts. 140 Estate Population.— At the census taken in March, 191 1, the Estate Population as such of the F.M.S. and Kedah was taken accord- ing to race. In the Colony and Johore, however, no such census was taken according to race; on the other hand occupation was distin- guished, and the figures compiled under the headings "Betel Nuts," "Coconuts," "Rubber," "Tapioca" and "Gambler" have therefore been taken as the equivalent of the " Estate Population " in the other States. The totals thus arrived at are as follows : M.\I,ES. Fe.m.^les. T0T.\L. Selangor 52,128 14,887 68,015 Perak 48,607 14,271 62,878 Negri Sembilan ... 23.537 3,151 26,688 Kedah and Perils ... 9.536 631 10,167 Malacca 5.426 612 6,038 P. Wellesley 3.877 285 4.172 Johore 3,619 12 3.771 Pahang 1.872 185 2,057 Penang Island ,1914 I 1,915 Bindings 785 38 823 Singapore Island ... 628 26 655 152,929 34.250 187,179 Standing Committee. — After due consideration, it was decided to appoint a Committee who would be able to consider thoroughly all matters which crop up from time to time, affecting this Association, in order to avoid any risk of resolutions being passed before matters have been considered on all their merits. It is hoped that this Committee will be of great use to the Association. Agricultural Bulletin. — It is a great satisfaction to hear that arrangements have been made for this paper to be edited and published in Kuala Lumpur, as it is one of great use to the Planting Community. Exhibitions. — During the year,, a successful Rubber Exhibition took place in London. Another Exhibition is shortly to take place in New York, to which it is hoped that members of this Association will give their fullest support, in order to shew America the value of this country as a rubber producer. Kuala Lumpur, April 17 th, 191 2. E. B. SKINNER, Chairman. - MI ANNUAL MEETING OF APRIL 28TH, 1912. ACCOUNTS AND ESTIMATES. Revenue Account for the yeau ending 31st March, 1912. To General Charges Secretary Library-written off . . Furniture Brussels Exhibition . . London Exhibition . . Postages and Cables . . Subscription to Wick- ham Fund £50 Printing & Stationery Legal Adviser . . »4, 944-84 $ 111.88 By Subscriptions : 2,400.00 ,, BatangPadangD.P.A. $ 170.00 16.48 ,, Batu Tiga D.P.A. .. 255.00 50.00 ,, Johore P. A 340.00 499.:-; 7 ,, Kapar D.P.A. 170.00 275.95 ,, Kelantan P. A. 170.00 175.88 „ Klang D.P.A. 340.00 „ Kuala Langat D.P.A. 170.00 428.:-i3 ,, Kuala Lumpur D.P.A. 425.00 487.00 ,, Kuala Selangor D.P.A. 170.00 500.00 ,, Lower PerakD.t^.A. ,, Malay Pen. Agr. Asso- 255.00 ciation 170-55 ,, Negri Sembilan P. A. 340.00 ,, TaipingP.A 255.00 ,, Last Year's subscrip- Kapar D.P.A. .. 400.00 ,, Excess of expenditure over income 1,314.84 $4,944.48 Balance Sheet 31st March, 191'.^ To Bailey Memo- rial Fund . . ,, Ridley Testi- monial Fund ,, Revenue Ac- count ,, Balance from last year . . $3,693.08 ,, Less Deficit 1,314.84 $1,629.2S 2,984.62 2,378.24 $6,992.14 By Library : As per last ac- count . . . . $100.00 Additions Less W/A Furniture as per last account . . Less W/A Cash at Bank 16.48 116.48 16.48 100.00 50.00 $ 100.00 50.00 5,842.14 $6,992.14 Kuala Lumpur, nth April, 1912. E. ZACHARIAS, Secretary. We have examined the accounts of the Planters' Association of Malaya for year ended 31st March, 1912 and found same in order. We hereby certify that the foregoing Statement shows a true and correct view of the Association's affairs at 31st March, 1912, as shown by "the books. NULL & BELL, Chartered Accountants, 142 BENEVOLENT FUND. Rkvenue AccorNT roit the year ending 31st March, 1912. To Grants : By Balance from last yeai »5,.S93.85 .€25 « 213.33 ,, Donations : £26 213.10 P. S. Mnn-av 25.00 £60 126.19 E. B. Skinner .50.00 ,, Discount on cheques .50 Sungei Kapar Rub , , Balance in hand 5,462.89 ber Co., Ltd. . Sungei Salak Rub 169.91 ber Co., Ltd. . 75.00 $6,316. 01 Bank Interest 102.25 ^6,316.01 H. C. j;. ZACHARIAS, Secrctiinj. We have examined the above statement with the Bank Pass Book and vouchers and certify same to be in order and in accordance therewith. NEILL & BELfi, V Chortered Accoutitants. ESTIMATES FOR 1912-3. Dr. Ce. To Bulletin ,, Charges ,, Secretary §1,000.00 1-50.00 2,400.00 By Subscription at $112.50 per delegate : 2 Bagan Datoh Coco. PL ,, Legal Adviser 500.00 ■ Ass $ 225.00 ,, Printing and Stationery ,, Postages 500.00 100.00 2 BatangPadangPl.Ass. 3 Batu Tiga D.P.A. . . 225.00 337.50 ,, Depreciations 50.00 4 Johore PI. Ass. 450.00 ,, Contingencies 700.00 2 Kapar D.P.A. 2 Kelantan PL Ass. . . 225.00 225.00 4 Klang D.P.A. 450.00 2 Kuala Langat D.P.A. 3 Kuala Lumpur D.P.A. 225.00 337.50 2 KualaSelangorD.F.A. 3 Lower Perak PI. Ass. 225.00 337.50 3 Malacca PI. Ass. 337.50 2 Malay Pen. Agr. Ass. 225.00 4 Negri Sembilan PL Ass. 450.00 2 Stiawan and Dindings PL Ass 225-00 3 Taiping PL Ass. 337-50 3 Ulu Langat D.P.A. . . 3.37.50 2 Ulu Selangor D.P.A. 48 delegates 225.00 ?5, 400.00 ft5,400-00 Agricultural Bulletin OF THE — 5TKAIT5 — AND FEDERATED MALAY 5TATE5. Edited by the Botanic Gardens Department, Singapore. No. 5. MAY, 1912. Vol. I. CONTENTS. Page. The Eucalyptus _ _ . . i^^ A Saccharine Constiutent of Para Rubber - 150 Para Rubber in St. Lucia - . _ 152 Rubber in the Seychelles - - - 153 A New Coconut Pest - . _ 155 The Castor Oil Plant - - - 157 M,'. H. A. Wickham, coming out to Ceylon with a Curing Machine - - - 159 Clearing with Explosives - _ _ 160 Notice - - - - - 162 Exports Telegram - - - - 163 Singapore Market Report . _ _ 166 Meteorological Readings - _ . 167 To be purchased at the Botanic Gardens, Singapore, from Messbs. Kblly AND Walsh, Ltd., No. 32 Raflaes Place, and 194 Orchard Road, and The Straits Times Office, Cecil Stebet, Singapore. THIRD SERIES AaRICULTORAL BULLETIN STRAITS FEDERATED MALAY STATES. EDITED BY THE BOTANIC GARDENS DEPARTMENT, SINGAPORE. The Price of the Bulletin will be as follows: Annual Subscription for Straits Settlements and Federated Malay States $50O Annual Subscription for other places in Malaya .. $5.50 Annual Subscription for India and Ceylon .. Rs 9-8-0 Annual Subscription for Europe (Thirteen Shillings) .. £0-13-0 Single Copy 50 cts. or Is. 2d. Whole Volume $5.0O All Subscriptions are payable strictly in advance. SINGAPORE: THE STRAITS TIMES PRESS, LIMITED. AOmCULTURAL BULLETIN 5TRAIT5 FEDERATED riALA/ 5TATE5. No. 5.] MAY, 1912. [Vol. 1 THE EUCALYPTUS. From time to time a considerable number of letters appear in the local papers commenting on the desirability of planting varieties of the Eucalyptus as suitable roadside trees, and also, on account of their supposed value in purifying localities where severe fevers are prevalent. We have received many letters asking for advice on the same subjects, and in order to give a general answer to all such correspon- dents, I shall endeavour to outline the success which has attended the efforts of this Department, to introduce any of the Eucalyptus family. A Few General Characteristics of Eucalypts. As is probably well known, the Eucalyptus or Eucalypts are natives of Australia and a few of the adjacent Islands. The genus is a large one, comprising over 1 50 species. Many of the species are trees varying in height — some of them being amongst the largest in the World, while others are small shrubs which thrive in desert and alpine regions. A number of ^the species are vigorous growers. The Blue Gum ( Eucalyptus globulus) is one of the fastest growing of the genus. From the middle of the last century, the Eucalypts have been dis- tributed all over the World with various degrees of success. As is only to be expected, the mijst marked success ha*; been attained in coun- tries having a somewhat similar climate to Australia. Eucalypts have been successfully established in Algeria, South Africa, on the Nilghiri and Palui Hills and in North and South America. It is interesting to note that during the last few years, the chief product of the Eucalvjits i.e., Eucalyi^tus Oil has largely been produced in California. 146 In Australia, the Eucalypts grow in a great variety of soils and olimates, varying from deserts or dry mountainous regions to low swamps and moist mountainous ones. It would therefore seem possible to select species which would be suitable to a great variety of situa- tions. All the larger arboreal forms delight in a warm climate but other conditions must also exist to enable them to become successfully established. Prof. Charles Naudin in his memoir on the genus says: — "The first condition of success in the culture of Eucalypts is a climate appropriate to their nature ; that is to say, for a great majority of the species, warm summers, a vioderate amount of ram, a certain amount of atmospheric dryness, plenty of sunlight and very temperate winters." I have placed in italics the portion of the quotation from Prof. Naudin's memoir which particularly applies to the Straits and Feflerated Malay States. It cannot be said that with an average annual rainfall of 96 inches we enjoy a moderate supply of rain, nor for the same reason can we lay claim to the certain amount of atmospheric dryness in our climate necessary to their successful culture. Most Eucalypts are benefited by occasional heavy rainfalls which thoroughly saturate the soil, as indeed most arboreal plants are,, but frequent heavy rains and the subsequent very humid atmosphere are not conducive to their healthful growth. As has already been mentioned, a few of the species grow in swampy, humid regions,, but the majority, though able to absorb large quantities of water by means of their roots, prefer for their aboveground parts a dry atmosphere, at least for a considerable portion of the year. In Australia, the Eucalypts are generally found forming large forests and indeed many of them do not form very desirable shade trees when planted for that purpose. As I shall endeavour to show, the raising of Eucalypts is attended with no little difficulty • and in view of the fact that the soils anci conditions our present roadside trees are subject to, would destroy any chance the Eucalypts might have (provided climatic conditions were suitable) it would seem that we must be content for the present at any rate, with the large and excellent variety of other trees that are available. It is generally believed that Eucalypts h.ive a most benefiting influence on the climate of those regions in which they are planted to any large extent. There seems to be a great diversity of opinion on this point, however, as the following quotations will show. The American Consul at Florence, in 1894, writes in his Consular Reports, "It is this latter quality (the property of distributing a balsamic atmosphere) which has brought the Eucalyptus into such prominence in Italy, and has been the cause, not only of the planting of thousands of trees by private individuals and public corporations, but of its receiving the indorsement of the Italian Government as well" 147 It seems strange that the American Consul at Rome, shc^uld take an altogether different view of the subject. In his Consular Report for 1894, he says : " In Italy, although the newspapers had persuaded everyone that the farm of the Tres Fontane, near Rome, had become healthful by means of the Eucalypti, it proved a disagree- able surprise to learn of a sudden outbreak of malaria in 1882 that caused much sickness among the farm hands, while the rest of the Campagna remained perfectly healthy .... Dr. Montechiare, a practising physician of Rome, who for many years was physician to the penal colony at Tres Fontane, tells me that his experience justifies him in declaring that no beneficial results against malaria has been derived from the planting of the Eucalypts." Mr. A. J. McClatchie. M.A., in a Bulletin published by the Bureau of Forestry of the United States Department of Agriculture gives a few reasons why such a property has been attributed to the Eucalypts and though it does not decide the question one way or the other it may be worth while to repeat them here. " It is probable that a great part of the change in the sanitary condition of those places, said to have been benefited by Eucalypts, has been due to other causes, such as the making of drainage ditches, etc., and this will partially account for the conflicting opinions on the subject. When, however, the nature and habit of the trees are considered, it is entire- ly reasonable to believe that, to a certain extent, they beneficially affect the atmosphere in the region of their growth. The grounds for this belief are: First, their great capacity for absorbing moisture from the soil, and thus reducing the quantity of stagnant water in the ground at their roots ; second, their corresponding power of giving off fresh from their foliage, the water thus taken up by their roots; third, exhalation from their leaves and other parts, of volatile oils, which affect the climate not only directly but by changing the oxygen of the atmosphere to ozone; fourth, the purification of germ-infested matter by the foliage dropped upon the ground or in pools of standing water. From the combined action of these four characteris- tics it seems reasonable to believe that the trees would be beneficial to many climates." Mr. Ridley did not believe for an instant that, in so far as the Straits and Federated Malay States were concerned, the Eucalypts would influence climatic conditions in any way whatever. We may take it, however, that, unless the Eucalypts thrive exceedingly well and are planted in the form of large forests, no benefits can possibly be derived therefrom. It is not to be expected that a few Eucalyptus trees planted in a swamp, would change the whole climatic condi- tions of that swamp just as a few nodules on a leguminous plant cannot be expected to have the effect of enriching a large area in nitrogen, to any appreciable extent. Eucalypts in the Botanic Gardens. The earliest record of the introduction of Eucalypts to the Botanic Gardens, Singapore was on January 4th, 1876, or practically 148 12 months after the founding of the Gardens. They were presented by Dr. Schomburg of Adelaide and consisted of packets of seed of the following varieties: — E. alpina; E. amygdalina ; E. cnlophylla ; E. coriacea ; E. empetrifolia ; E. ficifolia ; E. globulus ; E. Lehmanni ; E. marginata; E. oblique; E. piperita; E. unifera and an unnamed species from Tasmania. Seed of E. tereticoniis\\ere received in June, 1 8/6, from the Botanic Gardens of Re khampton and at the same time plants were received of £. eugenoides from the same Gardens. In addition to the already mentioned varieties, the following were received from time to time : — E. citriodora. goniocalyx, rostrata, siderophloia and viminalis from the Gardens, Brisbane in July, 1877. E. Baileyii from the Queensland Arboricultural Society in 1878; plants of E. longifolia and cornuta in 1878. from the Botanic Gardens, Brisbane ; E. callosa, haematostomar pilularis and paniculata, from the Botanic Gardens, Adelaide, in 1879 and so on, practically every year, in ever increasing variety down to the present year. (I have enumerated a few of the many varieties received in order that there may be no doubt about all or nearly all the varieties, which had any likelihood of success in this climate, being tried.) It would seem quite permissable therefore, to imagine that there ought to be a considerable number of large trees in the Gardens at the present time, but such is indeed far from being the case. Out of the many hundreds of packets of seed which must have been pre- sented to the Gardens during their existence, only one specimen of any dimension is to be found in the Upper Garden i.e., E. intermedia.!^ was planted on rising ground adjacent to the bandstand. It is now a tree of about sixty feet tall and has a circumference of six feet at a distance of three feet from the ground. The situation must be described as being dry and favourable to the growth of plants requiring such an one (I have been unable to trace "intermedia" in any of the treatises on the genus but as this tree has lately flowered, specimens have been prepared .in order that the correct determination may be arrived at). In -the Economic Garden, eleven treas are to be found. Seven of those were planted adjacent to Bukit Timah Road. It is probably well known that this land is frequently covered with water and at no time is the water deeper than about eighteen inches from the surface. The trees do not look healthy and all that can be said of them is that they have merely existed. They are about forty feet in height un- branched and with extremely few leaves on the crowns. The other four were planted adjacent to the Subordinates Quarters i.e. on rising ground. They are practically in asimilarstate to the other seven and all are slowly dying. No particulars can be obtained as to when those II trees were planted nor have I been able to identify them (specimens have also been prepared for identification). 149 None of those twelve trees can be said to be suitable shade trees as they do not possess one of the essential requirements of a first class shade tree i.e., a good spreading head of branches. Some six or seven years ago, Mr. Ridley selected the driest part of the Garden for Australian plants ; Callistemons, Grevilleas, Acacias and three Eucalypts were planted therein. The present condition of those Eucalypts is as follows ; — E. citriodora is now about fifteen feet high, of slender growth, the lower branches continually dying off and altogether not in a very healthful condition; E. gomphucephala is now about eight feet high and in a similar condition to last; E. robusta on the other hand, as the name implies, is of more robust growth. The specimen is now about eighteen feet high and in this case, the lower branches remain on the plant for a much longer period than on any of the other two. It is the most healthy specimen of the three and it will be interesting to note its future growth. It will be seen therefore, that little or no success has resulted in the endeavour to establish Eucalypts in Singapore. Why? Eucalypts are only and can only be propagated from seed, and it is to the inability of the seedling to withstand our humid climate^ that the failure of establishing Eucalypts must be attributed. I have personally sown the seeds and attended them in every way possible and after the seedlings have produced their second leaf they suddenly die, damping off at the neck. This happened to all varieties with but one exception i.e., E. citriodora. We have now seven or eight fairly healthy plants in small pots and it is intended ta try those at a later date in a variety of situations and note results. In support of my experience with seed and seedlings I may quote from one of our correspondents. He says: — " I may say that the Eucalyptus has so far shewn no sign of being a success. The seeds were bedded out in the same manner as Tobacco seeds — in "tempat bibits ". Only one variety {E. hemiphloia) germinated at all in numbers, but these, with a doubtful one here and there in other beds, seemed to be eaten away rapidly and completely. No broken leaves were seen — they simply vanished!" It may not be amiss to repeat what the late Mr, Murton said in his Report of Botanic Gardens in 1878. He said: — I have been very successful during the first year in raising the various species of Eucalyptus, which hitherto have proved very difficult to raise from seed in this climate. A number of plants of Eucalypts as well as other plants have been supplied to the Public Works Department for planting in the reservoir grounds near Govern ment Hill and also for the reservoir grounds at Thompson Road. 150 In his Report for 1878, he said:— Eucalypts — My anticipation about the Eucalypti when I wrote my last Annual Report, have not been verified ; for, although they germinated freely enough, the majority of these species die as they get a few inches high. E. globulus appears to be the worst species for this climate, E. £itriodora, E. amygdalinus, E. goniocalyx, E. pilularis and E. calophylla do best. 1 attach very little importance, however, to this, as the belief in their prophylactic virtues is now considerably weakened and they are quite unsuited, owing to their straggling, ragged appearance, for garden ornaments. In his report for 1880, he said : — When sown in situ they seem to thrive fairly well in Singapore' but do not appear to stand transplanting. E. siderophloia, E. Baileyii and one or two other species are growing well in the nursery, (none of those are now to be found). One must perforce come to the conclusion that the Eucalypts (with rare exceptions) are not suited to our climate, and taken for granted that all the useful and healthful effects which are attributed to the Eucalypts, in so far as influence on climate is concerned, be perfectly true, I think it has been proved conclusively that the tree will not grow in sufficient quantities to warrant further trials. J. W. Anderson. NOTE. Since writing the above note on the Eucalypts, I have been able to obtain the correct determinations of the eleven large Eucalypts mentioned therein. Specimens were sent to Mr. Maiden, Director of the Botanic Gardens, Sydney and Government Botanist, who most kindly identified them for me. The one adjacent to the bandstand and under the name of intermedia has been identified as E. corymbosa, Sm., while those in the Economic Gardens are probable specimens of E. terminalis, F. & M., but owing to incomplete specimens being sent (no seed being available), Mr. Maiden was unable to say for certain as to whether this was correct or not. A SACCHARINE CONSTIUTENT OF PARA RUBBER. In October, 1909, two smnll specimens of smoked Para rubber from the Botanic Gardens at Singapore, representing a consignment offered for sale in the United Kingdom, were forwarded for examina- tion to the Imperial Institue by brokers in London, who stated that the rubber had been prepared experimentally by the Brazilian method 151 ■of smoking. On examination in the usual manner, it was found that the rubber contained a very high percentage of " resin" (i.e., matter soluble in acetone), amounting to 5.2 per ce«t on the dry material. This proportion of resin is very much higher than is usually present in Para rubber from the East, but owing to the smallness of the samples supplied to the Imperial Institute it was not possible to investigate the matter in detail. Subsequently, however, a large speci- men of smoked rubber, carefully prepared from the latex of a single tree by the same process as that employed for the earlier specimens, was forwarded for further examination to the Imperial Institute by the Director of the Botanic Gardens at Singapore. The specimen consisted of a spindle-shaped piece of smoked rubber, weighing 6 lbs., which was almost black externally but whitish within when cut. The rubber was rather moist, and a quantity of brown viscous liquid was present between the concentric layers. An analysis of the rubber gave the following results: — Moisture (Caoutchouc ... • " Resin " Proteid Ash The percentage of "resin " present in the dry rubber was a little lower than that found in the previous samples ^4.8 per cent, compared with 5.2 per cent.), but was still very much higher than the amount usually present in plantation rubber from the East. An examination was made of the portion of the rubber dissolved by hot acetone, and it was found that a large quantity of a solid cry- stalline substance, which was soluble in hot water, was included with the resin. The substance amounted to no less than 2.7 per cent, of the dry rubber, so that the true figure for the percentage of resin in dry rubber was only 2.1 per cent, instead of 4.8 per cent. The crystalline substance was submitted to a detailed examina- tion and proved to be a carbohydrate, which was identified-as laevo- methylinosite. The presence of this substance in the aqueous portion of the latex of Hevea brasiliensis remainimi after the coagulation of the rubber has been previously recorded by de Jong, and closely allied carbohydrates are known to occur in other Jatices. The presence of such a large amount ui the /-methylinosite in this specimen of Para rubber is no doubt to be attributed to the method of preparation employed, whereby the whole of the solid constituents of the latex remain in the rubber, whereas in the usual method of coagulation adopted in the East, the rubber separates from the aqueous portion of the latex, which retains the soluble constituents in solution. Rubber as Composition of RECEIVED. DRY RUBBER. per cent. per cent. 7A 84.6 914 4.4 4.8 2.9 3.1 0.7 ' 0.7 152 In order to complete the investij^ation, a supply of the latex of the same tree from which the rubber had been prepared was obtained from Singapore. The aqueous portion of this latex, after separating the rubber, was found to contain a Iquantity of the /-methylinosite, amounting to O.46 per cent, of the total latex. The presence of this carbohydrate has also been proved in fine hard Para rubber from South America. The results of this investigation are of considerable practical interest ss showing that in the analysis of rubber prepared by the Brazilian method (or by any method which leads to the inclusion in the rubber of all the solid constituents of the latex) it will be neces- sary to take into account the possibility of other substances besides resin being extracted from the rubber on treatment with hot acetone. A fireliminary note on the results of this investigation has been communicated to the Chemical Society of London, by Dr. S. S. Pickles and Mr. B. W. Whitefeild, of the Scientific and Technical Department of the Imperial Institute. — {Bulletin of the Imperial Institute, April, 1912.) PARA RUBBER IN ST. LUCIA. Ten thousand seeds of Para Rubber f Hevea brasiliensis) were obtained from Ce\ Ion and arrived in October. Some of them were distributed to purchasers and the remainder were sown at the Experimental Station nursery. Only 10 per cent, of the whole consignment germinated. At the station 780 plants were raised and some of the number will be reserved for planting in a plot. About 600 will be available for distribution. Para rubber planting in St. Lucia is at present only on experi- mental lines, but the trees planted in 1908-O9 appear to be making very satisfactory growth, and some interest in the cultivation is developing. A more extended trial is desirable, to test the suit- ability of different soils and localities for the successful cultivation of this tree. Experiments have been carried out to test the hardiness of Para rubber plants for distribution in the Island, when they are packed, with the view of reducing the bulk in and therefore the cost of transporting parcels of them, at the same time ensuring that they shall arrive at the various estates in sound condition. The trial was carried out as follows : Twelve plants were lifted from the seed beds, the tops cut back leaving the plants a little over a foot in length and all the leaves were removed. The soil was then shaken from the roots leaving them quite bare. The plants were then divided into two bundles and wrapped up in banana trash, which had previously been thoroughly soaked in water ; each bundle containing six plants. One bundle was placed in a dry close potting shed, the temperature of which often reached 95' P., and the other bundle was placed in the Office. 153 After eight days the plants were examined and found to be in a fresh and healthy condition. The plants placed in the potting shed had been badly gnawed by rats, but were otherwise healthy. The whole twelve were then planted out in the ordinary way, and no special attention or treatment given to them. The plants commenced to grow readily with one exception, and this was the plant that had almost been denuded of bark by rats. The results are very satisfactory, inasmuch as they prove that Para plants can be sent to any estate in the Island, packed in the way described, without fear of permanent injury, or loss, provided that they receive proper attention upon arrival at their destination. (Report on the Botanic Station and Experiment Plots, St. Lucia, IQIO-Il) RUBBER IN THE SEYCHELLES. The following extracts are taken from the Report of the Gurator (M. Dupont) on the Botanic Station, Seychelles, for IQII. The total number of treess now in Seychelles is estimated at 70,585, of which 4,511 have reached tappable size. The tapping experiments on Hevea trees were continued. Several kinds of tapping knives were tried, but it was found that successful tapping depended more on the skill of the operator than on the instrument employed. The Barrydo kni;e proved a less dangerous implement in the hands of inexperienced tappers than either the Bowman — North- way or the Eagle knife, tioth of which produce deep wounds. The "half-herring-bone" method of tapping was used in most cases on the " opposite quarters " system, i. e., one-quarter of the surface of the bark of the tree is tapped during one year, and it takes four years to tap the whole tree before beginning on renewed bark. The full spiral system was adopted in one set of experiments where trees were overcrowded, and although the death of few trees may follow this drastic method, the Gurator considers that the greater yield obtained when prices are high fully compensates for this loss. He also suggests that in Seychelles it may be better to tap by this method for three months during the rainy season, when young trees can withstand the effects of serious wounds, than to employ any other method which would necessitate extending the tapping period into the dry season to obtain the same q-.:antity of rubber. Five-and-six-years-old trees were in one instance tapped by the full spiral method for five or six months, without any apparent check to the growth of the trees or to the fulfilment of their natural functions. 154 The following table shows the daily yield of latex obtained in one experiment designed to compare the two methods. Half-heuuing-bone Method. Fill Spiral Method. Girth of tree at 3 ft. 1 ^q . ^ from ground I ^^ '"^• 18 ins. 16 ins. 18 in. 18 in. 16 in. Date 16.3. II 17.3-11 16.3.II 16.3.11 17.3.II ]6.3.ii Latex collected 660 cc. 730 cc. 515 cc. 1075CC. 1045CC 650 cc. Number of trees 41 41 60 34 34 60 Latex per tree 16 cc. 18 cc. 8cc. 32 cc. 31 cc. 10 cc. The latex was coagulated with acetic acid, ammonia solution having been previously added to prevent coagulation on the cuts and in the collecting cups. One cubic centimetre of glacial acetic acid diluted with 250 cubic centimetres of water, was used to each litre of diluted latex. The rubber was dried slowly in a cool chamber and exported in biscuit form. The slow drying tends to induce the growth of mould, and to prevent this, steps are being taken to effect the drying in a special drying room, after using a smoking machine. Experiments carried out on a small estate near the Botanic Station serve to indicate to what extent and in- what time a Para rubber estate comes into bearing in the hilly districts of Seychelles The estate in question contains l,8oo trees planted in 1905 and 600 trees planted in 1907 and 1908. The soil is rocky and inferior, the trees overcrowded and irregularly planted 10 or 12 feet apart ; yet in spite of these adverse conditions about 10 per cent, of the five-year-old trees have reached tappable size, j6 in. and over in girth at 3 feet from the ground. On marshy land about 50 per cent, reach tappable size in five years. The average yield of latex, on the twenty^ third day of tapping, from trees 18 in. in girth was 16 cc. per tree by the half-herring-bone method and 24 cc. by the full spiral method The best tree, 23 in. in girth, yielded nearly 100 cc. of latex daily during forty-two days, and this large yield had not decreased at the time the report was drawn up. No fungoid disease has yet appeared on the Hevea in Seychelles, but as several diseases of other plants, which have spread to Hevea in Ceylon and other countries are present, precautions are being taken against infection. An attempt was made to introduce rubber stumps from Ceylon, but the experiment was not very successful. The proportion of plants raised from stumps in two consignments received was 30 per cent, and 50 per cent, respectively. The number of plants raised from local seeds is steadily increasing, and it is anticipated that in two or three years it will Le unnecessary to import Hevea seed for planting purposes 155 A NEW COCONUT PEST. Yet another pest of the Coconut has been discovered in the Philippines and from all accounts it will prove a serious menSce'to plantations in the Colony and Federated Malay States unless suffi- cient precautions are taken immediately. So far, it seems to be restricted to certain areas in the Philippines, and the Department of Agriculture are fully aware of the danger arising from this insect, and we may be sure that they will use every means in their power, to prevent its spreading throughout the Philippines and ultimately to the Straits Settlements. It has been considered advisable to prohibit the importation of palms, etc., from the Philippines. We reprint the description, etc., of this pest as it has appeared in The Philippine Agricultural Review, together with the copy of the Ordinance as it appeared in the S. S. Gazette, May .^Ist, 1912. "A parasite of the coconut palm, which may prove to be the most serious pest of this crop in the Philippine Islands, was discover- ed in May, iqil. This insect is related to the White Fly of the citrus orchards of Florida, and this fact alone is sufficient to cause the coconut planters considerable anxiety. For the present, however, it appears that this insect, which may be termed the Coconut White Fly, is confined to a district in Negros Oriental, extending from the barrio of Tabon on the north and the barrio of Zamora on the south,, range of some 35 kilometers in length. Most of the coconut groves in this area, which extends from the sea-coast back to a range of hiUs to the west, are infested with the parasite. The first specimens were collected on the hacienda of Mr. Henry- Gardner in the vicinity of Guijulgant. It appears that this is the first occurence of any insect of this genus in the Philippine Islands, and, further more, the species itself is new to science. It has been described by Mr. Quainstance of the Bureau of Entomology, United States Department of Agriculture, D, C, as Aleyrodiais destnicto a similar species [A. cocois, Westw.) occurs in the West Indies and has caused immense damage there to the coconut groves, some dis- tricts having even been abandoned largely on account of it attacks. Like all of the so-called " White Flies " (which are, of course, not flies) and the related "scales," the individuals are very small and not readily noticeable except when present in large colonies. The general color of the older individuals is white or grayish ; at first the larvae are nearly naked and of a pale brownish shade, but when about half grown they develop a fringe of white waxy material around the edge of the body. This waxy substance, as the insect grows, gradually coveis the entrie body with a mass of cottony thread-like appendages- and waxy flakes. 156 The minute eggs are laid on the under surface of the leaflets, usually on the young leaves of the palm. Thus far it appears the insect is attacking by preference only the young palms, that is, those under 6 or 8 years of age, but unless checked it will probably soon spread to all the palms in the vicinity. Soon after the eggs are hatched the young insect begins walking about on the underside of the leaf in the endeavour to find a suitable position for its attack, satisfying itself as to location, it inserts its beak through the epidermis of the leaf and begins to suck the sap from the soft inside tissue; after becoming thus attached, the young insect seldom moves, unless disturbed, until it attains its full size. Shortly before emerging as a winged insect it stops feeding, but remains attached to the leaf. Though comparatively weak fliers, the danger of their passing through the air from one tree to another is greatly increased by the action of winds, since when the insect may only wish to fly from one leaf to another, it may be accidently borne by the wind to a considerable distance. Some of the colonies contain scarcely more than a dozen indi- viduals, while others contain many thousands and form an irregular white area over the underside of the leaf. This feature of their colour is exceedingly valuable to the coconut planter, since it allows him to readily determine the presence of a colony in his grove. Although a hymenopterous insect, evidently a parasite of this coconut pest, was observed in the act of laying eggs in or upon the immature White Flies, it is not likely that any natural parasites will be of much avail in checking the spread of this pest. Therefore the coconut planters in the infested district should immediately go through their groves, cutting off and burning all attacked leaves, or portion thereof, and by the same token, .it would be well for all coconut planters to carefully look over their young groves, and if any white insects are discovered, they should report the fact at once to the Director of Agriculture and should remove and burn all traces of the parasite. In certain cases it might be advisable to treat the pest with kerosine emulsion, or some similar spray, but unless the grower has had experience with such remedies, the use thereof would probably be in vain, if not actually injurious to the tree itself. Fumigation could be recommended only for extreme cases and then only for young trees. If this pest is taken in hand immediately, there is very little chance of its spreading to other districts of the Philippines ; and it is earnestly hoped that coconut planters throughout the Visayas and Tayabas will make a strenuous effort to prevent the spread of this pest, which, although apparently new to these Islands may within a few years become an exceedingly important factor in the coconut in- dustry of the Far East. (By D. B. Mackie, in The Philippine Agricultural Review, Vol. V. p. 142) 157 "Whereas it is provided by "The Destructive Pests Ordinance 1908" that the Governor in Council may from time to time make such Orders as may to the Governor in Council appear expedient for preventing the introduction into the Colony of any insect, fungus or other pest destructive to agricultural or horticultural crops, or to trees, or plants and for preventing the spreading in the Colony of any such insect, fungus, or other pest" "AND WHEREAS information has been received to the effect that a disease of the coconut palm, believed to be the disease known as "WHITE FLY" (Aleyrodicus destructor) has apppeared among coconuts in the Philippines Islands." "NOW, THEREFORE the Governor in Council in exercise of the powers conferred on him by the aforesaid Ordinance prohibits until further notice the landing in the Colony of any palmi;, alive or dead, or any stems or foocs or parts of stems or roots of palms or of any products of palms other than such as are expressly exempted from the operation of this Order, from the Philippine Islands, and authorizes the destruction of any such article, if lanrled in the Colony from the Philippine Island. This Order does not apply to dried copra or to oil expressed from coconuts." (Sd.) M. S. H. McArthur, Clerk of Councils. Council Chamber, Singapore, 28th May, 1912. THE CASTOR OIL PLANT. Having received enquiries from Planters as to the suitability or otherwise of the Castor Oil Plant as a " Catch Crop " for Rubber, it may be helpful to others with like ideas, if a few of the details of this plant are enumerated for their guidance. The Castor Plant {Riciniis communis) is probably well known to many Planters in the Peninsula, as scattered plants are generally to be found growing round Tamil Coolie Lines, the coolies sowing a few seeds in order to obtain the oil from the plants thus sown. Belonging to the Natural Order Euphorbiaceae, it is thus related Hevea brasiliensis and many other plants yielding valuable oil seeds. It is generally believed to have been originally a native of North Africa, but the plant is now largely cultivated throughout the world, in Tropical and sub-tropical and occasionally in Temperate regions. It is said to occasionally attain a height of from 20 to 30 feet, but it rarely if ever attains a larger size than from 5 to 7 feet in the Peninsula. 158 As a purely decorative plant it appeals to many and is largely cultivated in temperate countries for this quality alone, but the chief product derived from this plant, as perhaps every one knows, is the valuable oil obtained from the seeds. There are many varieties of this plant — the seeds varying in size and shape, but for all practical purposes, the numerous forms may be grouped into two classes, i.e., the large-seeded and small-seeded kinds. The former are more prolific in yield of seeds and the oil obtained from them is largely used as a lubricating oil, and in India it is used as an illuminant and is commercially called " Lamp Oil ". The latter, i.e., the small seeded kinds, yield a much finer oil and this is preferred for use in medicine. The soil best suited to the Castor Plant is, a rich well-drained sandy or clayey loam. Owing to its well developed root system the Castor plant demands a deep rooting medium. The Castor plant soon exhausts the soil and if virgin land is not available for the crop, natural or artificial manures are necessary. It will be readily seen that round coolie lines is an ideal situation for this plant, in so far as food is concferned as decaying matter of all kinds is e\^er to be found in such places. One of the most valuable manures for this plant is the residual cake left after the expression of the oil from the seeds. In the tropics the cultivation of this plant seems to be restricted by excessive rainfall, while in Malaya it is attacked and often denud- ed of leaves by a Caterpillar (Ophiusa sp.). Before sowing the seeds it is advisable to steep them in slightly warmed water for about 24 hours. This treatment soften the hard seed coat and tends to ensure quick and uniform germination. The large seeded kinds are generally planted in rows from 5 to 5 feet apart with a similar distance between the plants in the row. The small seeded kinds are planted closer, i.e., about 3 feet between the rows and 18 inches from plant to plant. It is advisable, to secure an event crop, that 2 or 3 seeds be planted at the distance mentioned above. After germination, the weaklings one be removed and the strongest one in each case allowed to continue its growth. In India the Castor Plant is seldom grown as a pure crop, it being usually interplanted with cereals or some leguminous crop. It is often planted as a border to cotton or sugar fields, when planted as a pure crop, about lO lbs. of seeds 'of the large seeded varieties are required to plant an acre and about 14 lbs. in the case of the small seeded kinds. After thinning, it is advisable to slightly mould up the plants by drawing the soil up round the stem, this preventing moisture from collecting at the base. 159 The capsules of the small seeded varieties commence to ripen in from 4 to 6 months from the time of sowing and those of the large seeded varieties from 7 to 10 months according to variety and the prevailing climate conditions. Owing to the irregular ripening of this crop, the harvesting is a somewhat tedious process, but as the work involved is not laborious, it could be done by women and children. As the capsule dehisces and scatters the seed immediately they are ripe, it is necessary to look over the plants at least once a week, collecting those sufficiently ripened. The seeds after collecting require drying and may then be stored in bags in a dry place until sold or pressed for oil. The average yield per acre (pure crop) is given as 4 to 6 cwt. of seeds average good crop. From the foregoing it would seem that it is not altogether a suitable Catch Crop for rubber owing to its habit of exhausting the soil. When practical, however, this plant could be planted as a border to rubber, but this is largely a question of the quality of soil in individual Estates. J. W. A. MR. H. A. WICKHAM COMING OUT TO CEYLON WITH A CURING MACHINE. The father of the plantation rubber industry, Mr. H. A. Wickham, is due in Colombo towards the end of the month, the chief purpose of his visit being to introduce a machine which embodies his ideas, acquired in the home of Hard Fine Para, as ta the curing of rubber. Mr. Wickham has every hope that his machine will have a great effect upon the plantation rubber industry. During his stay in England, Mr. Wickham has been making arrangements with regard to the machine, but owing to the time it has taken to- settle matters, has been delayed longer than he expected, otherwise he would have been in the Island now. We understand that Mr. Wickham claims that his machine imitates the well-known smoking process employed by the natives on the Amazon, each layer of rubber being smoked and the article consequently thoroughly permeated by the disinfectant fumes. It is Mr.Wickham's contention that under the present processes some of the best qualities of the rubber are lost, carried away in the washing,, and it will be interesting to watch how far he will be able to substantiate his claim by the production of samples of superior resiliency and tensile strength than the present first quality rubber turned out on estates. It is also claimed that the machine will turn out a perfectly uniform quality, whereas at present the rubber from the same estate varies considerably. (Times of Ceylon 6th June, 1912), i6o CLEARING WITH EXPLOSIVES. The Value of Explosives in Clearing. It will be found that the chief uses to which explosives can be put with economy iii clearing land, are in the removal of stumps, and in so shattering logs or standing trees that they burn more readily. Trees can be blown right out of the ground; but, owing to their greater weight they take more explosive than stumps. I therefore consider it more economical to put sufficient explosive under them to blow the earth out from around the roots, at the same time cracking and breaking the roots and butt of the tree. The cracks will extend from 4 to 15 feet up the trunk of the tree; and after a week's exposure to the air in dry weather, even bad burning timber will then burn readily. I have burnt down trees 7 feet in diameter at the ground in six to twenty four hours having used 5s. worth of explosive on some. These trees would have taken a week to burn down in the ordinary way, that is, digging the earth away from them, and drawing timber around them with horses or bullocks. The economy of the method will be realised when I state that I have cleared 12 acres of land at a cost of £3 per acre, whereas an adjoining block of similar land cost me about £6 per acre to clear in the old way. This was on light red volcanic soil, overlying light clayey loam. The method cannot be recommended in cases where timbei' burns right out of the ground, leaving no roots. But in this district 1 liave found the saving in cost to vary from 25 to 50 per cent, on the usual methods of grubbing and burning. With practice, much better work can be done at less co^t with explosives. The procedure should be varied to suit difft-rent timbers and different soils; the exercise of a little judgement will be found profitable. Sound timber, whether trees, stumps, or logs, will be shattered with better effect than hollow or rotten timber, as it offers more resistance to the explosives. Condition of the Soil. To obtain best results I find that the ground requires to be fairly dry. If it is very dry, the explosion is not quite so effective ; whilst if it is too wet, the force seems to act too deeply in the earth, instead of near and above the surface. In some districts, I am informed, best results are obtained when the ground is wet ; but that is not my ex- perience and I do not know to what degree it holds good. Explosives Recommended. For firing, a battery guaranteed to fire five or more shots is absolutely necessary for best results. It is possible to work in small timber with fuse and caps, but the method is not so satisfactory as the use of ir battery. - ■ i6i The explosives which I have used are rackarock and rendrock. I consider the latter the better for earth holes, as it seems to take more roots with the stump ; but I can recommend both. I have used a little gelignite, and it seems very good ; I intend to give it further trials. Other explosives are worthy of trials, but I should not advise farmers to use dynamite, as it is more subject to chemical changes, particularly in hot climates. If rackarock is used, insert the detonator in half a plug of gelignite for earth holes. Much better combustion will result if this is done. Bursting the Timber. When it is desired to burn trees or stumps level with the ground, or to burn 'sound logs, bore holes I to 2 feet deep into the soundest part of the timber, with I inch to I ^ inch auger, and charge same with Yi lb. to I lb. of explosive. A number of shots fired simul- taneously with the battery will do very much better work than when they are fired singly with fuse. This method is suitable for Yankee grubbing, as it uses less explosive ; but is not as good as the next method for getting rid of trees and stumps. Clearing for the Plough. To remove trees and stumps for the plough, put holes under the heaviest and soundest parts of same, 12 inches or more in depth, with a 3-inch earth auger or small bar and scraper. When placing the charges, take into consideration the lay of the main spur roots. Best results are obtained by using three charges or more according to the size of the tree. Place each ciiarge up against a big strong root, or better still in the fork of two roots. If it is not easy to get the charge against a root, ram small stones into the bottom of the hole, so as to make a sound bottom for the charge, as the more resistance obtained the better the results of the explosion. Do this before any explosive is put in the hole, or there would be great danger. In some cases it is better to use both earth and wood holes, placing the latter in big spur roots ; but I rarely do so, as it snaps the roots and leaves portion in the ground. The charges should be carefully tamped with damp clay or earth observing the proper rules, as there is considerable danger if they are neglected. Water tamping is not at all effective in wood, though it is in rock. In earth holes I find I lb. of explosive about the minimum effec- tive charge for large trees and stumps; but I have blown out small stumps with as little as 34 lb. With well-placed charges stumps frequently come out, shattered into many pieces, leaving few if any rojts. When any remain they are so shattered that they burn easily 1 62 A Warning. A beginner will require 50 lbs. of explosive to give the method a thorough trial. He should start on medium-sized sound stumps, as they are easier to operate on. Necessary case should be observed when handling explosives, and he should be extremely careful of the detonators. He should also bear in mind that large bits of wood will sometimes fly 1 50 yards. Detonators should never be stored and kept with explosives in the same receptacle. (H. B. Faviell, Bo)iviUe, in the Agricultural Gazette of New South Wales, May 2. jgiJ.) NOTICE. A CATALOGUE of all the plants in the Botanic Gardens, Singapore, has been compiled and is ready for issue. It contains plants of Economic, Decorative and Botanical Interest. Copies may be obtained direct from the Botanic Gardens or from Messrs. Kelly & Walsh, Singapore, post free on receipt of one dollar. Early application is essential as only a limited number of copies have been printed. -@XK@- 163 EXPORTS TELEGRAM TO EUROPE AND AMERICA. Month of April. Apl. 15. Apl. 30. Steamers. Tons. Tons. Tin Str. Singapore & Penang to U. Kingdom &/or 725 1,758 Do. do. U. S. A. 380 825 Do. do. Continent 120 427 Gambier Singapore Glasgow Do. do. London 25 Do. do. Liverpool 10 Do. do. U. K. &/or Continent 50 Cube Gambier do. United Kingdom 5 10 Black Pepper do. do. 5 Do. Penang do. 10 Wliite Pepper Singapore do. 40 10 Do. Penang do. Pearl Sago Singapore do. 10 40 Sago Flour do. London 100 375 Do. do. Liverpool 1,200 160 Do. do. Glasgow 50 75 Tapioca Flake Singapore United Kingdom 75 10 Tapioca Pearl & B ullet do. do. 150 120 Para Rubber Straits & Malaya do. 550 800 Gutta Percba Singapore do. 60 95 Buffdlo hides do. do. 110 60 Pineapples do. do. 17.50017,500 Gambier do. U. S. A. 140 175 Cube Gambier do. do. 40 110 Black Pepper do. do. 160 45 i'o. Penang do. White Pepper Singapore do. 80 25 Do. Penang do. 15 Tapioca Pearl Singapore do. Nutmegs Singapore & Penang do. 9 27 Sago Flour Singapore do. 550 650 Pineapples do. do. 4,500 2,750 Do. do. Continent 1,500 2,750 Gambier do. South Continent 50 75 Do. do. North Continent 125 190 Cube Gambier do. Continent 45 10 Black Pepper do. South Continent 60 95 Do. do. North do. ... Do. Penang South do. Do. do. North do. White Pepper Singapore South do. 10 Do. do. North do. Do. Penang South do. 5 10 Do. do. North do. 1 64 Apl. IS. Apl. 30. Steam KKS. Tons. Tons. Copra Singapore & Penang Marseilles 50) 400 Do. do. Odessa 780 780 Do. do. Other South Continent 100 240 Do. do. \orth Continent 480 1,700 Sagd^Flonr \ Singapore Continent 1,500 1,100 Tapioca Flake do. do 75 35 Do. Pparl do. do. 10 30 Do. Flake do. U. S. A. ... Do. do. Penang U.K. Do. Pearl & Bullet do. do. 80 50 Do. Flake do. U. S. A. Do. Pearl do. do. 10 420 , Do. Fiake do. Continent .Do. Pearl do. do. 180 25 Copra Singapore & Penang England 50 Gutta Percha Singapore Continent 5 35- Para Rubber Straits and Malaya U. S. A. 85 40 Do. do. Continent 45 55 Tons Gambier !••• 400 1150 700 „ B. P^^pper 320 Month of May. May.15. May.3I Steamers. Tons. Tons., Tin Str Singapore & Penang to U. Kingdom &/or 1,840 1893' Do. do. U. S. A. 645 960 Do. do. Continent 120 295: Gambier . Singapore Glasgow Do. , do. London 60 .... Do. do. Liverpool 70 ... Do. do. U - K. &/or Continent Cube Gambier do. United Kingdom 10 15 Black Pepper do. do. Do. Penang do. White Pepper Singapore do. 10 Do. Penang do. Pearl Sago Singapore do. 10 5 Sav 0 Flour do. London 175 200 Do. do. Liverpool 1,400 Do. do. Glasgow 100 Tapioca Flake Singapore United Kincdom 35 170 Tapioca Pearl & Bullet do. do. 160 30 Para Rubber Straits & Malaya do. 525 540 Gutta Percha Singapore do. 20 75 Buffalo hides do. do. 100 50- Pineapples do. do. 25,000 L6,250 i65 Steamers. May 15. May 31 Tons. Tons. Gambier United Kingdon U. S. A. 25 450 Cube Gambier do. do. ... 50 Black Pepper do do. 30 230 Do. Pen an J do. 55 White Pepper Singapore do. 5 50 Do. Penang do. 45 Tapioca Pearl Singapore do. 30 Nutme-.s Singapore & Penang do. 6 40 Sago Flour Singapore do. ... 40O Pineapples do. do. 2,250 7,500 Do. do. Continent 1,500 2,250 Gambier do. South Continent 100 Do. do. North Continent 325 210 Cube Gambier do. Con tinent 15 40 Black Pepper do. South Continent 75 190 Do. do. North do. Do. Penang South do. 15 Do. do. North do. White Pepper Singapore South do. 10 5' Do. do. North do. 5 ... Do. Penang South do. Do. do. North do. ... Copra Singapore & Penang Marseilles 100 50 Do. do. Odessa 900 Do. do. Other South Continer it 100 150 Do. do. North Continent 3,100 2,200 Sago Flour Singapore Continent 700 875 Tapioca Flake do. do. 60 55 Do. Pearl do. do. 20 Do. Flake do. U. S. A. ... Do. do. Penang U.K. 100 Do. Pearl & Bullet do. do. . 85 225 Do. Flake do. U. S. A. ... Do. Pearl do. do. 120 550 Do. Flake do. Continent Do. Pearl do. do. 370 85 Copra Singapore & Penang England 100 150 Gatta Percha Singapore Continent 40 35 Tons Gambier ) (700 700 „ B. Pepper ) I 340 225 Para Rubber Straits & Malaya U. S. A. 30 85 Do. do. Continent 55 25 I66 SINGAPORE MARKET REPORT. April, I9I2. Tons. Highest Lowest. Copra 3,736 11.20 10.60 -Gambier Bale 1,126 10.45 10.00 Cube No, 1 & 2 169 16.00 13.62^ Gutta Percha 1st quality .. 275.00 200.00 medium .. 140.00 90.00 „ lower 70.00 17.00 -Gutta JelotoDg .. 11.60 925 Nutmegs 110s. 25.00 28 00 80s. .. 27.00 25.00 Black Pepper 518 22.121 20.75 White „ 119 32.50 30.50 Sago Pearl, small ... 6.00 5.30 „ Flour No. 1 ... 3,179 4.75 4.35 „ No. 2 ... 251 1.70 1.60 Tapioca Flake, small 186 9.40 8.90 „ Pearl „ 140 9.00 7.80 ., medium 178 9.40 9.00 Tin 1,960 100.62i 9537i » lay, 191 2. Tons. Highest. Lowest. Coffee Bali 10 ... Copra 4,752 11.80 10.50 Gambler Bale 1,465 10.20 9.85 Cube No. 1 & 2 307 15.85 13.60 Gutta Percha Ist quality . 275.00 200.00 „ medium . 140.00 90.00 „ lowest . 70.00 17.00 Gutta JelotoDg 11.25 8.50 Nutmegs IIOp. . 25.00 80s. 27.00 Black Pepper 468 22.00 21.121 White „ 144 33.00 31.00 Sago Pearl, small ... 25 6.75 5.75 „ Flour No. 1 ... . 4,403 5.07i 4.40 „ ., 2 ... 2.10 2.00 Tapioca Flake, small 684 9.70 8.90 Pearl „ 199 8.50 7.90 „ „ medium 221 9.85 9.00 Tin 2,295 105.00 100.75 167 •SJtnoq ^5 8ni 1 i -.mp iiBjniis^ !jsa(}B8J0 t5 "^ i •ntJjnreH F^OX 03 00 -spuiAi --2 • oj JO uopo8JiQ sni^iBAajj §1'^ > •jt!}iptninjj s ■ ^ ^ ^ •:jUTOJ AV8(J 5 r;g g s o »o I ^ > •U0ISU8X JnodB^ ® to ffi riS ■* ,6 ■qing ?9AV tii39K s s^ 1 •aSuBg 1l^' fe H 2 f^ « 's •ninTninij\[ •< ■"? So* c A ^ 3 &] •uinniix'Bjv[ ^ o H "S •qrng ^Cjq n'Bapi[ S 1 ! •1 VO §. •ung ut ranniix'Bj\[ id 8 ^ e •q«J oS8 ^« 9.Tnssajj 00 ^ {■BoiiijaraoaBa n^aw ^ s 'I o NO P o Q tan ate bate lera Est tion ate Bharu a Lebir a Kelan a Pahi a Val ing Est Jinggi rah Es Ayer I\ Gajah Planta Besar eth Est MMMIimU o ^ I/O 1 o •3 q 1 1 1 '1 o c Ik •sanoq [I^jniBa ib:jox 14.50 11.18 15.80 13.31 10 77 13.16 7.94 21.59 4.23 7.33 19.19 5.48 13.08 11.02 C5 -<*' O LI CO CO >o tc c4 oi •spurvv JO uoi'^oajiQ SaiJIBA8lj a § •if^jipicanH rH 0505 t- OS ^ I005 05 -H CO O ^ O I l l -. ■ 00 1- t- t~ t- 00 00 t- C- 00 X L~ X C- uaioj M.aQ •noisnax anodBA. iiiiiiiiiiiiis:-- aiB9pi CC05t-i>J00'#CD>-i'NC0(MO'*(M 00 t>: 00 ?D t^ t^ t-' t-' X OJ' 00 C-' 00 CO ai H •98n'Bjj g5^^^?55^^2S§5«g^25 1 i i : : •ranraimpj ^.H o 0(M X c5Xco(M ^ cooooo : : : : : t-e-C-L-C-CD^COC-t-t-COCDCD < •caninix'Bi^ g§§^§s^ggSJ^^gg : i : i i •qing ^CaQ UB9H xaoxxxxxxxxxxoooo UI •nns ramnix'B |i\[ 8 i : i i i i i i i : : i i i : i i : •q 9a n -90] SS9JJ inJia:^ DISTKICT. 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Editor's Note - - - - - 175 The Coconut Beetles, — Oryctes rhinoceros and Rhynchophorus ferrugineus - - 176 Clerome gracilis, — a butterfly destructive to Palms 188 Notes on plants of interest in the Botanic Gardens, Singapore ----- 189 The extreme hardness of the seeds of Caesalpinia digyna - - - - - 193 A disease of Agaves - - - - 193 The fertilisation of the flowers of Cacao - - 195 Caprification in Malaya - - - - 195 Record of a few orchids and other interesting plants found in Setol and on Kedah Peak - - 197 Rainfall at the Botanic Gardens, Singapore, from February 12 to June 30, 1913 - - - 198 Lists of plants which may be obtained generally from the Botanic Gardens - - - - 199 Forthcoming Congresses - - - 206 To be purchased at the Botanic Gardens. Singapore; from Messrs. Kelly and Walsh, Ltd.. No. 32 Raffles Place and 194 Orchard Road; and the Straits Times Office, Cecil Street, Singapore. THE GARDENS' BULLETIN, STRAITS SETTLEMENTS. INTO WHICH IS INCORPORATED ALL THAT HAS BEEN PUBLISHED AS THE THIRD SERIES OF THE AGRICULTURAL BULLETIN OF STRAITS AND FEDERATED MALAY STATES. The Gardens' Bulletin will be published as material becomes available. Its price is fifty cents a copy, post free, or in advance for a volume of twelve numbers, post free„ Five dollars in the Straits and Federated Malay States Nine and a half rupees in India and Ceylon, Thirteen shillings in Europe. Subscriptions paid to the third series of the Agricultural Bulletin, Straits and F. M. S. are counted as subscriptions to it. SINGAPORE: THE STRAITS TIMES PRESS, LIMITED THE GARDENS' BULLETIN, LIBRAR STRAITS SETTLEMENTS. new yoe 'BOtANIC/ GARDEN Vol. I. Issued December 15, 1913. No. 6. EDITOR'S NOTE. Since 1891 the Botanic Gardens have had a publication ; at first it was an occasional publication, then in 1902 it became a monthly, by a joint agreement with the Governments of the Straits Settle- ments, and Federated Malay States and the United Planters' Asso- ciation of Malaya. Now, again, the period of the agreement having terminated, it will be occasional. The price for each ibsue and for each volume remains as hither- to; but the title has been changed in order to avoid confusion with the Agricultural Bulletin of the Federated Malay States. It is thought that the title " Gardens' Bullelin, Straits Settlements " is satisfactorily descriptive, distinctive and conveniently short. The five^paits published as the third series of the Agricultural Bulletin, Straits and Federated Malay States, become the first five parts of the Gardens' Bulletin. As to our aims and the scope of the publication, ihis number gives a fair representation. There will be more original matter with- in the cover than formerly, but no market reports and no procecrdings of meetings. Illustrations will be inserted where required. Our read.;rs will understand that, if for each f fly cents we j^ive more original wo.k than fwrmerly, we cannot go to press with the same frequency, as we did. Subscriptions irAd to the first volume of the Tliiril Series of the Agricultural Bulletin, entitle the leavers to this and six more parts of the Gardens' Bulletin. 176 THE COCONUT BEETLES. Oryctes rhiaoceros and RKynchophorus ferrugiiveus. The Coconut Trees Preservation Ordinance. No. IV of l89(V declares that it is the duty of the owner or person is charge of a. coconut trv.e, dead or attacked by either of the two common coconut beetles to uproot the tree, to burn or to bury it in the ground at a depth of not less than three feet or to submerge it. The Ordinance and the Amendment, Ordinance No. IX of 1895, give powers to certain inspecting officers to order that this duty be carried out. A great improvement in the condition of the coconut trees of Singapore was recorded as the result of the enforcing of the Act But now, time having obscured the difference between the former state of the beetle-attacked plantations and their improved condition,, it has become a not uncommon thing for plantation-owners to claim that the stumps are not dangerous, and sometimes the order to re- move them is met by a grumble that the cost is heavy. In conse- quence of this, a little reminder of the necessity of removing the- stumps appears desirable ; and in the following paragraphs with a view to removing misapprehensions it is shown what part they play in furnishing a breeding ground for the common Rhinoceros beetle, and how this beetle prepares the breeding ground for the more destructive Palm-weevil. The cheapest way of removing accumulations of stumps known to the writer is by the use of explosives. Before recommending it, expe- riments were tried in Singapore which may be at once briefly des- cribed: the experiments were done by Mr. MacQueen, Agent for Messrs. Nobel's Explosives Company, Ltd., in the presence of the writer. For the purpose in the first instance a row of living stumps was chosen, — stumps of trees newly felled under the Municipal Act: the wood was hard and healthy, and the utmost possible resistance was- to be expected. To prepare a place for the explosive, a hole was drilled into each stump on the ground level passing a little beyond the centi-e, and into this hole the charge was put, and exploded. In the second instance standing dead trees were taken and similarly prepar- ed, charged :\iv\ the charge exploded. These were the results :— four cartridges of blasting gelatine, properly placed in the base of a stump, and exploded, blew it so much to pieces that it was not necessary even to pick up the piece'--, four cartridges of blasting gelatine similarly placed in the base of a standing dead tree, and exploded, brought it down leaving in the grc^und insufficient to serve as a breeding place for the Rhinoceros beetle, and freeing the trunk so- that it could be removed easily. 177 four cartridges of gelignite did not sullfice to do the work thoroughly, three cartridges of blasting gelatine were not quite sutificient. The cost of thus disposing of coconut trees that have to be re- moved, amounts to about half of what it costs to fell and subsequent- ly to remove the stump by tediously digging it out. The two operations can be done in one, for the hole for the charge should be drilled in the standing tree and the trunk brought down by the destruction of the butt end. The two beetles legislated against in the Straits Settlements are Oryctes rhinoceros— Vat Rhinoceros beetle and Rhynchophorus ferru- £meus, the Palm-weevil. The first is the commoner but individually the less destructive. It feeds as an adult insect in the stems of living palms, generally coconut palms, tunnelling into the softer parts of the stem ; and it sometimes lays its eggs in these tunnels, but for the most part it deposits them in decaying vegetable matter, sawdust, rotting grass, old rotting thatch, wood which is soft enough, ■especially the central parts of dead palm trunks, and as decay loosen-s the bark, in the layer of tissue along the line where it and the wood unite. It has been recorded as breeding even in rich vegetable mould. It demands besides the decaying vegetable food, a considerable amount of moisture. As it may happen that the tunnel made by the mature insect in the apex of a palm tree collects rain water and rot is set up, so even if these tunnels are not at first suitable places for egg- laying, they are liable to become so after a short time. The Palm-weevil lays its eggs on the coconut trees, making for ■each egg a small hole with its long characteristic snout, then turning round and depositing it to the best of its ability in the hole. The burrows of the Rhinoceros beetle give the Palm-weevil access to the inside of the palm, and full advantage is taken of them, eggs being ■deposited in or on their walls in preference to any other spot about the palm tree. The eggs give rise to greedy fat white grubs, which eat out galleries through the softest tissue, thereby doing the maxi- mum amount of damage, for they destroy the heart of the palm- cabbage. On the other hand without the aid of the Rhinoceros beetle, they start life in superficial rather hard tissue, at a disadvantage and somewhat exposed to enemies. The Rhinoceros beetle is a common insect from India to the Philippine Islands wherever large palms abound. In Africa its place is taken l)y Oryctes monoceros and O. boas, which attack palms in exactly the same way as O. rhinoceros. In Madagascar six other species of palm-attacking Oryctes live. In the Island of Reunion there are two species. Tropical America has a closely allied genus — Strutegus — which furnishes at least one species of similar habits. .Allied genera — Piinelopus and Scapanes in New Guinea, Camelouotus in America— attack young palms burrowing into their stems from the ground. 178 The Palm-weevil of Asia (jccurs in India, Ceylon and east- ward to the Philippine Island^. It is replaced hy Rhynchophonts phoeuicis in tropical Africa, by the allied R. palmarum in Tropical America and also by the smaller R. cnicntatus. The latter seems to have a predilection for certain palms of small growth, less perhaps on account of their physical nature than its habit of flying low in the moistest air near the ground. Ari6ther similar weevil — Rhabdocnemis ohscura — destructive to sugar cane in the Pacific islands has been found there in coconut palms. In 1910 or perhaps one year earlier, a mischance took the Rhinoceros beetle to Samoa. It is believed that a consignment of rubber stumps from Ceylon actually carried it thither. Its presence was first noticed on November 4th, 1910, by reason of damage done to coconut palms growing close to the Customs House of Apia. From Apia it spread widely, chiefly in the direction of the prevailing w^nd, crossing the island of Upolu, from Apia on the north and passing westwards, but not passing so much eastwards. From the island of Upolu the beetle has flown across the strait dividing Upolu from the island of Savaii. Fears that it might reach Fiji have caused legisla- tion to be brought in preventing the importation from the Samoan ■islands of anything which might carry its eggs or grubs or pupae. Xgainst the pest in the Samoan islands the Government has taken energetic measures, a knowledge of which may be useful to us. Much may be learned from the two papers on it, which have appeared in Der Tropenpflanzer and from one in the Bulletin of the Department of Agriculture, Fiji.* The first paper was by Dr. Gehrmann, an officer of the Govern- ment of Samoa, then in charge of measures against the coconut crab. He described how the mature beetle tunnels for the sake of food into the cabbage of the palm and may kill it : " the loss of palms, attri- bute to Heart-rot and to lightning " had in his opinion, he said, "during the preceeding year been due in chief measure to the beetle." The second paper was by Mr. F- J. Jepson, Government Entomologist in Fiji, who was sent to Samoa in April, 1912, to ascer- tain the seriousness of the pest, lest it should be introduced into Fiji. The third paper is by Dr. K. Friederichs, the Government Officer who now has charge of the operations against the beetle, and like the first was published in the Tropenpflanzer. Jepson gave a map showing the area in Upolu, over which the beetle had spread in April, 1912. Friederichs has published an- other map bringing our information up to date and graphically showing that in spite of the strenuous measures which have been taken the pest is spreading. Since Jepson wrote it has passed over to- the island of Savaii ; this required the crossing of nine miles of sea ; but *Gehrniann, in Der Tropenpflanzer, xv. (I9n) pp. 92. Friederichs, K., in the same, xvii. (igi3) P-P- 538. Jepson, F.J., Bulletin, No. 3, Department of Agriculture, Fiji, (1912). 179 the strait hr.s two islets in it, whereby the widest interspace is reduced to five miles ; yet as on Savaii the 'beetle appeared in three villages, it is just to infer thai more than one female insect had crossed the strait, and that with the wind helping, the flight can be at least five miles. However, abundant evidence shows that it is generally much less, the insect seeking a palm tree to feed in, and finding it usually near to its birth place. As to the extent of the damage done by the beetle about the beginning of 1912, an official statement was made that one hundred and fifty trees had then been destroyed and six to eight thousand, or one-fifth of the others in the affected districts had received damage enough to put their yielding back one or two years. In April of that year, Jepson stated that about Apia and Saleimoa — the worst localities — 75 per cent, of the coconut palms showed signs of attack, 30 per cent, had had their yield reduced to a great or small extent, and I to 2 per cent, had been killed (some doubtless by the excessive zeal of the natives in their cutting out of the beetles from the crowns). In other districts 25 per cent, of the trees had been attacked and 10 per cent, had had their yield set back. The measures taken to cope with the beetle have been as fol- lows. On the eighth of November, 1910, the Government of Samoa issued a proclamation in vernacular to the effect that the beetles and their grubs should be collected and, promising a reward of one mark (36 cents) for every twenty beetles and the same for every fifty grubs. Seventeen days later a law was promulgated stopping coconut planting, ordering the cleaning up of all existing plantations, for- bidding the using of coconut trunks for bridges and pig-styes, and arranging for inspections. About £2,000 was the cost of this method of dealing with the pest up to the end of January, 1912, and yet no satisfactory impression had been made on its numbers. Therefore on the first of February, 1912, it was made compulsory to search for and destroy the insect. Following this there was issued on April 19th, 1912, a decree calling into being a commission with powers to inspect and compel owners of coconuts to keep their estates clean, and to remove structures made of coconut trunks, or standing dead trees at the owner's expense. Then on the lOth of May, 1912, appeared an order requiring all able-bodied persons in the affected districts to turn out at six o'clock on every Wednesday to search for beetles and grubs which were to be brought to the village headmen, counted and destroyed by fire or hot water. Into this great holocaust passed the grubs of beetles which happen to be similar to those of Oryctes. Friederichs names them specifically ; but their number is a matter for estimation. From the 1st of April, 1912, to the 31st of March, 1913, roughly, ten million grubs and a quarter of a million beetles were collected and killed on the island of Upolu ; allowing for the grubs of the similar beetles, Friederichs puts down the Oryctes larvae destroyed as six million and the beetles as two hundred thou- sand— a nice little family originating in a few grubs imported in 1910 or possibly 1909. 1 80 To this figure has yet to be added the number of the grubs and beetles collected on the European Plantations. On the estate of the Deutsche Handels- und Plantagen- Gesellschaft der Sudsee-Inseln zu Hamburg over the same period were collected and destroyed about 350,000 grubs and 23,200 beetles. Further the number of insects trapped by the Commission over the same period was 180,000 eggs, 776,000 grubs, 220 pupee and 11,300 beetles. The traps will be des- cribed next. For the making of a trap a hole is dug in the ground from nine to twelve feet square, and about two and a half feet deep. Rotten coconut stumps, plantain stems, and soil are put into it ; and over the top large leaves such as coconut leaves, breadfruit leaves, and plantain leaves are placed rising perhaps a foot above the surface of the soil. Into these pits the female beetles penetrate to lay eggs and the male beetles to find the females. What beyond digging the traps is necessary is that they should be opened at regular and a not too distant periods, or that the beetles in them may be in some way killed. At distances of about one hundred yards along some of the roads in Samoa these traps have made in series, and on the plantation" of the Deutsche Handels- und Plantagen- Gesellschaft there is one trap to every hundred standing trees. On the latter estate the traps are opened every six weeks or two months. Jepson states that it takes six men about two and a half hours to open and remake one trap; therefore six men can attend to four traps only per diem, or in rotation 160 to 200. He suggested that the traps might b^ treated with bi-sulphide of carbon and not unpacked at all. Six ounces of carbon bi-sulphide were accordingly injected into a full sized trap, which after an interval of twenty-four hours was opened. Then all the larvae in the trap— 450 in number — were found dead ; three mature beetles were partially asphyxiated, but recovered ; rats and mice were found dead. The trap was remade, and re-examined eighteen days later, when to that officer's satisfaction it was found to be again full of beetles, showing that the treatment did not destroy its usefullness, but rather increased it, as a record catch was made. A second trap treated with nine ounces of carbon bi-sulphide at the same time, but opened thirty six hours later, contained 249 dead grubs and one dead beetle. Unfortunately the German officers discovered that the cost of carbon bi-sulphide in Samoa is too high to make the method v^rorth adopting. The building of traps, however, is a useful proceeding so long as the organisation for inspecting them is efficient ; for as we saw above by their means in 1912 the Commission collected i8o,000 eggs, 776,000 grubs, 220 pupae and 11,300 beetles. i8i Friederichs further gives the following figures to show that the traps are efficient for catching the male insects as well as the female : — out of 1,000 insects taken. 566 were females and 434 males. Of the lessons to be learned from this Samoa outbreak, the outstanding one is that the beetle is enormously prolific when un- checked. Regretfully we learn too that man cannot keep it down, for it has gained ground in spite of strenuous direct efforts against it ; it ought probably to be attacked through its natural enemies — parasitic ichneumon flies and Tachinid flies. These, however, will never serve instead of cleanliness about the plantations and the removal of that in which the grubs prefer to mature. In German East Africa the method of collecting the grubs and beetles by paying so much for them was adopted some years ago. It seems that there planters had put out coconuts on virgin forest soil which was full of grubs living in rotten wood in or on the soil, and so they had courted the beetle. At any rate its abundance alarmed them and rewards were offered for the collection of the grubs and beetles. Preuss (Der Troiienpflanzer, xv. 1911, p. 7i), says that in October, 1899, on the Muea Plantation of the German East Africa Company 140,000 were taken from the ground at a fixed sum ; ... in Dar-es-Salam in June, 1907, as the result of an offer of a sum for each grub . . . there was a grub-fever among the natives and within a few days 25,000 to 30,000 were collected and destroyed. In the region of the natural distribution of the Rhinoceros beetle, viz , India to the Philippine islands, a not inconsiderable amount of attention has lately been directed to the damage done by it in various quarters, not so much because of any outbreaks as because Economic Entomology has come to the front. Messrs. J. McKenna and K. D. Shroff do indeed claim that it has lately invaded Tenasserim (Bulletin No. 4 of the Department of Agriculture, Burma, 1910, p. 3), but it is hard to believe that this should have been the case ; rather is it more likely that the inert ase of industries which leave vegetable refuse about, such as saw milling, are responsible for an increase in the numbers of the insect. This might particularly be the case about Rangoon, where it was said that so abundant had the beetle become in, and from 1907 that the very existence of palms in the neighbourhood was threatened. The laying out of new coconut plantations in Ceylon by European planters brought the beetle to notice through the colony, but espe- cially in the Batticaloa District, where the new plantations chiefiy were : and 1903 saw an agitation for legislation against those who allow it to mature. I82 In the Philippine islands at the other end of the insects limit American enterprise brought to bear on the backward agriculture, turned the light on to it ; and of the coconut groves, heavily grassed over and full of fruitless trees, Mr. C. S. Banks said, in 1906, that he found scarcely a tree not marked by its ravages. From the latter's pen and from that of Mr. C. C. Ghosh, Assis- tant to the Imperial Entomologist, A,gricultural Research Institute, Pusa, India, have come new studies of the life history and manner of working of the insect. The insect is too familiar to need any description, but there are still several points in its life history, whose obscurity will be brought out by the following paragraphs. The mature beetle is noctural, generally shunning light and very anxious to hide when exposed to daylight. Ridley (Report on the Destruction of Coconut Palms by Beetles, Journ. Asiatic Society, Straits Branch, No. 20, 1889) says that the insects may be attracted to fires lit in the plantations by night ; and Ghose states that they fly to light in Behar, in the Ganges valley, and suggests that they may be trapped by light traps ; but others have concluded that lights have not influence enough on the beetle to be worth using. At night both sexes fly abroad in search of food and in search of each other. By preference they do not fly far. Both sexes for the purpose of feeding alight in the tops of coconut palms and other palmsl ; there they seek the softest spots and commence to burrow with their powerful mandibles. After half an hour's work they are about one quarter of an inch into the tissues ; at dawn they have penetrated at least more than their own considerable body-length. Young palms, which are growing fast and so expose a greater length of rather soft tissue than do the old palms are on this account more exposed to attack ; per- haps also, they are more attacked because their soft parts lie in the still damp air near the ground, whence the beetle may have emerged and whither, if female, it probably will go to lay eggs. The beetle chews the tissues as it burrows swallowing the juice but ejecting from its jaws the fibrous parts. At first it burrows chiefly for the sake of a lair, but as it wants fresh food throughout its life, it continues its tunnel to feed. It is a matter of chance in what direction the tunnel goes ; if by chance it reaches to the centre of the growing apex of the stem, the tree is killed ; again if the hole so lies open that rain water gets into it rot sets in and again the tree is killed. But fortunately for the most part the beetle finds food enough in the young leaves enwrapping the apical bud, and by boring transversely through these, tangentially to the apical bud, cuts them while folded so that on emerging from the bud they appear as trimmed, t The following palms are recorded as attacked by the Rhinoceros beetle :— Cocos tiiicifera—the Coconut, Cocos plumosa, Martinezia caryotirfolia, Phoenix dactylifera— the Date palm, Phceiiix syhestn's, Livistona chinensis, Verschaffcltia spleiidida, Dictyosperma album. Hyophorhe amaricauUs, Etaeis gnhicriisis—the African oil palm, Corypha umbraailifera — the Talipot palm, Corypha Gchanga. Borassus flabcUiformis. i83 topped, or belted. The damage .>o done can be measured in the pro- portion of leaf tissue cut off; in severe cases it amounts to a set back of one year. Rarely does the insect directly kill the tree; but we do not know how often. In Malaya it is certainly common to ascribe to lightning the work of the Rhinoceros beetle.'^ The beetle must be attracted to the trees by some chemical sub- stance ; and it has been suggested that this is to be found in the odour of the sap, but Friederichs experimented with palm toddy fermented and fresh, and did not take a single beetle thereby. The observation is curious, for it is known that attacked trees may become favourite trees and one boring is followed by another. However, as Friederichs found that the sex odour of the beetles is attractive, we perhaps find an explanation for the repeated attentions of the beetles to one tree in the attraction of a beetle for more individuals of the other sex than one, and the surplus insects being unwelcome in the mating burrow, excavate one of their own in the same tree top. The beetles of course find some attraction in the decayed material which they seek for egg-laying. Friederichs combining the attraction of rotten cocoa husks with the smell of a large number of imprisoned beetles of both sexes, and placing a light over the cage caught in eight nights ten females and twelve males which were attracted. The catch seems small, and as he remarks hardly worth making. It is certainly no odour of the flowers, which attracts the beetles, for long before flowering they are attacked ; and a writer in the Tropi- cal Agriculturist (Beven, on p. Ill of N.S. vol. xxiv.. May, 1905) says that the king coconut is particularly liable to attack in the alternate years between flowering. The beetles mate in the holes that they make, but rarely lay eggs in them. The eggs are deposited in decayed vegetation wherever that may be ; and it is possible that the undoubted cases of egg-laying within the burrow have been induced by some decay within it. Perhaps the burrower has struck an old hole with decay in its sides ; but events which take place in the tops of palms'are rather hidden from the eye of man. Let it suffice to say that undoubt- edly the female rhinoceros beetle does sometimes lay eggs within the burrows, and that then destruction of the tree follows. The writer knows well that the very first signs of decay in a felled palm top are signals for the appearance of young larvee from eggs there deposited. Into the holes penetrate the Palm-weevils to lay eggs, and in giving them access to the soft tissues is the unpardonable crime of the Rhinoceros beetle. *Cf Koningsberger, J. C, Mededcelingen van 'Slands Plantentuin, xxii. (1898) p. 42. l84 The Rhini")ceros beetle probablj' lives long as a mature insect; but observations are wanting. Without food Ghosh found it to live for three weeks. If dissected, very few eggs can be found in the female at any one time, and Ghosh observed that they are laid, say, three on one day, two on the next, two on the following day, and so on, each ■egg apart from any other. But unless this slow egg-laying continues over a long period how could one get the millions of grubs which were collected in Samoa.' The eggs, Ghosh found, were laid at night. The grubs hatched out after ten to twelve days, at the beginning of June. On the twentieth of October, grubs from these same eggs appeared to him to be full grown. Where Ghosh worked, a cold dry weather sets-in, in October, and is followed by a hot dry weather lasting until June. Ghosh's beetles made no progress during the cold dry season, though they were not dormant. One beetle only survived it and emerged on the fifth of May, having taken nearly twelve months to complete its cycle. Yet it seems probable that in warmer damper countries such as the Malay Peninsula, growth is continuous and the life-cycle short- ■ened to fewer moths ; if this were not so we should find a greater proportion of large full grown grubs than we do, and the writer has some reason for thinking that six to seven months are enough fur the beetle to pass from one generation to another : and again supposing that four grubs were introduced into Samoa in 1909, two of each sex, and that they matured and laid eggs, so large a supply as was present in 1913 requires that each female should have deposited considerably more than two hundred eggs, if the period of one generation be twelve months; but if the period of one generation be six months, fifty-four millions might be reared from two females laying fifty eggs apiece. The grubs are blind, and very soft-skinned behind the head. Five minutes exposure to sunlight kills them at maturity. They have a breathing apparatus capable of being closed, which is an adaptation for living in almost liquid decaying matter. Their demand for moisture is very great. We can kill them easily by letting them dry, and conversely w-e can greatly encourage them by supply- ing to them damp coconut stems. Tliere is a no more mischievous practice than that of lining the banks of a ditch or stream with •coconut logs and every such place must be ruthlessly destroyed. The practise of using coconut logs for bridges is only a little less obnoxious, and should be stopped. The leaving of stumps in the ground in dry places through dry weather is not obnoxious; but the leaving of stumps in the ground in wet places and in wet weather is ; and as sooner or later wet weather comes on the once dry stump becomes damp enough for the beetle-grubs to grow in it. The necessity for removing such stumps depends on the length of time that they are likely to remain damp enough for the grubs — whether it may be a period approaching their (apparently) six months <:ourse of growth or less. i85 Upriglit tall dead trunks commonly harbour grubs, for the v\ooci! decays faster than the bark and a cup which catches rain is formed just suitable to the beetle. Now it is not to be thought that the cconut stump is the only one to be removed ; the beetle can live in many palms apparently as well as in saw-dust of soft woods of trees that have no relationship to the palms. It can live in manure heaps, and old tan heaps ; all such heaps should be turned over (if it is necessary to keep them) at least once within the period of the life time of a grub, viz., six months /'which period it were better to reduce to three for safety). In turning over the heaps, grubs exposed to the sun will be killed. Old decaying thatch in which it can live, should not be left to breed the beetle. When full fed the grub makes for itself a case in varying fashion ; it seems as if it took to rotation and when lying in fil)rous material thereby arranged the fibres more or less concentrirally, or if lying in earthy material compacted for itself a wall. In this case it turns to a pupa and from it emerges a matuie insect, ready to attack the living: palms. The Palm-weevil — Rhyticlwphorus ferrugineus — also has been stu- died by Ghosh, at Pusa in the Gangetic plain. He bred it in March,. April and May and he found that it passed through a life cycle in about two months. As well as from its more destructive habits as from so rapid a course it is more dangerous as a pest than the Rhino- ceros beetle; and when, as there has been recently in Singapore, an outbreak of it occurs, we cannot afford to let three months go by as in the case of the Rhinoceros beetle, but must pay constant attention to the infected spot. It breeds at all seasons, and there is no evidence that the cold weather of the Gangetic plain retards its growth, through there is some evidence that egg-laying may be retarded as is the case with the American Palmetto weevil Rhyuchophonis crucntatus* The mature beetle seeks the tops of the palms chiefly by night, but also by day, and with its long snout makes a small puncture, into which to the best of its ability it places an egg. If entry is to be had to the inside of the palm by a ready-made hole so much the better for the weevil and the worse for the palm ; full advantage is taken of all such holes. In a hole, according to Banks, it does without making any appreciable puncture, but push.s the egg into the tissue a little way. The eggs are laid several up mi one tree, near together hut not in contact, and if laid from the outside, not within one of the Rhinoceros beetle's borings, -are placed H to 54 inch deep in the tissue, right at the bottom of the puncture. Eggs were laid in Ghosh's laboratory by day as well as by night. One insect deposited 276 eggs in a life time of 49 davs, another 127 in 46 days and four kept together 213 in 24 days. The greatest number of eggs laid ^Summers in Canadian Entomogolist, i86 by a single female on one day was 32. The grub, like the grub of the Rhinoceros beetle, shuns light and is easily killed by exposure to the sun ; it likes much moisture so that the hack- ing open of stems in which they have been growing and the exposure of them, is a good preliminary operation whenever an at- tacked palm has to be cleared away. They seek the softest tissues of the palm and therefore the very heart, and if left undisturbed they kill the tree w^ith a certainty v^^hich is foreign to the Rhinoceros beetle. They do not need the tissue to be absolutely healthy, but finish their growth in dying palm stems among most obvious decay. At maturity they make a case twisting fibres from the stem round themselves and to reach the fibres they have to approach the outside of the trunk which they do close to some place from which they can emerge. The twisting on the eve of pupation is only an exaggeration of the grubs ordinary movements in progression. The pupa stage lasted, under Ghosh's observations, about 25 days. The most rapid growth recorded by Ghosh was of one insect which emerged as a perfect beetle, 48 days after the egg was laid ; 54 and 56 days were quite common periods. The palm weevil feeds on other palms as freely as on coconut palms. It is recorded as destroying Oreodoxa regia, — the Royal palm, Borassus flabelliformis, Pha'nix sylvestris, and the writer has found it in Arenga saccharifera and Elaeis guineensis. Such palms require watching as do the coconuts for signs of the presence of the grubs, because outbreaks may commence in them and spread to the coconut palms. Blanford, in an interesting paper on the American Palm Weevil (Kew Bulletin, 1893, p. 37), refers to a very reasonable belief that the period when that insect became a most serious pest in British Honduras began with the giving over to cultivation of ridges where the Attalea palm grew. The Attaleas were felled and left to decay, whereupon the weevils multiplied excessively, and flew when their fo )d on the ridges existed no longer, to the near coconut plantations, doing there very extensive injury. As in the case of the felling of the Atiaica palms in Honduras, so now in Malaya during the current vogue of removing coconut palms from among rubber, we have a menace to the coconut plan- tations. A young coconut, such as is so often cut, affords to the palm weevil a splendid breeding ground ; it is nutritious from top to bot- tom, and the beetle is very prompt to take advantage of it. This is a fact worth remembrriiig ; and experience lately in Singapore Island has shown that double vigilance in coconut tiee inspection is required, while land owners, of small means and small knowledge, or it may be wantin^4 in public spirit, continue the felling of coconut palms on their properties. i87 SUMMARY. . The Rhinoceros beetle, though laying eggs slowly, can multiply with great rapidity and as it in all places seems to kill a few coconut palms, when it is unchecked the amount of destruction done may- mount up to something appreciable (upwards of I — 2 per cent, in the worst localities in Samoa) ; beyond the destruction there is a reduc- tion of the yield in less severely attacked palms. Young palms are more liable to its attacks than old ones, partly because they stand in the still or moist air near the ground where the mature beetle seems chiefly to fly, but more because of the greater length of relatively soft tissue which they offer to attack. The mature beetle tunnels in palms for the sake of food, making its tunnel a lair ; it usually burrows through the enfolded young leaves and does not reach the heart of the cabbage and so does not kill the palm : it probably lives for several months, the female steadily laying eggs throughout the period, but the duration of life and the continuance of egg-laying are matters of conjecture. The beetles, and their grubs, shun day-light : they mate in the feeding tunnels or else in the places where the eggs are laid. They sometimes fly to light at night, but not with suflicient readiness for lights to be used as traps. There is something about a palm attractive to them, but it is not the odour of the drawn sap nor of the flowers. The opposite sexes have an attraction for each other ; but the caging of the one to entrap the other is only moderately effective. Eggs are laid in de- caying vegetation, and when as sometimes happens they are laid in living coconut stems, it may be that some decay had already been set up in an old wound. The smell of decaying vegetation, particularly of decaying palm stems is very attractive to them and may be used for the making of traps. The eggs hatch in 10-12 days, and the grub seems to require about five months for maturing ; then it pupates and remains for a brief time as a pupa, emerging a beetle, it would seem, within seven months of the laying of the egg, unless cold or dry weather delays it. The grub is very thin-skinned, and requires moist food ; it can live in very moist food (slush). Exposure to dry air very rapidly kills it. The way to attack the insect is to remove its food-supply, for although within the region of its natural distribution there are doubt- less parasites and enemies, which do something in the way of keeping its numbers down, we know nothing of them, nor are we likely at present to use them to effect. Where the insect has appeared in excessive numbers, the cause has been man, in most, if not in all cases; usually man by putting an exceptional amount of food in the way of the insect, has given it the means of unduly increasing. It behoves us to keep all vegetable refuse under control both in the plantations and about neighbouring tan-yards, saw-mills and villages, for the beetle is not of restricted flight. Old coconut stumps and trunks i88 sooner or later become vegetable refuse, which must be removed^ Traps such as those described rbove, ;ire effective in direct propor- tion to the cleanliness of the area in which they are. When many stumps have to be removed the cheapest method of destroying them is by the use of explosive*. The Palm-weevil goes through its life-history more rapidly than the Rhinoceros beetle; and it would seem that it should multiply more rapidly, as the female can lay nearly 300 eggs within fifty days, but that it is less in evidence is probably due to the circumstance that it is so much more particular about its food ; it may be also that it has more enemies, but this we do not know. In any case it is to be remembered that an outbreak of it would be more rapidly destructive than one of the Rhinoceros beetle. The female lays her eggs in living palm tissue, taking advantage of wounds, of which the commonest are those made by the Rhinoceros beetle; the mature beetles also feed on the p^dm tissu'\ If the female finds no hole in the palm, she makes one for herself, but only ^4 to % inch deep; into it she places one egg; if she finds a Rhinoceros beetle tunnel she pushes eggs into its walls. The nearer to the heart of the tree the eggs are placed, the more serious must the attack be; the heart of the attacked palm is then tunnelled through b}' the fat greedy grubs, and its top falls over, declaring the presence of the invader only when the damage done is past repair. Though the grubs may not be mature when this happens, they finish their course in the tissues. The eggs may be laid also in palm tissues commencing decay. Soft decaying palm-tissue should never be left lying about the estates to the advantage of the beetle, neither of coconut palms, nor in a general way of other large palms, for though there are palms in which the tissues hold abundant needle-crystals, until a palm, what- ever it be, has been proved unpalatable to the grubs, it should be looked upon as possible food for the weevil. I. H. BURKILL. CLEROME GRACILIS, a Butterfly destructive to Palms. A social caterpillar with a yellow head, black body, densely covered with long hairs which are rusty red above the base, and freely come out, irritating the human skin, had been found doing damage to Rhopaloblaste palms in the Botanic Gardens. It was reared to ma- turity and proved to be Chrome gracilis Butler. The caterpillars, both when feeding and when resting, take line from each other: they stand parallel on the lower surface of the leaf that they are or have been eating. They feed at night and rest by day. 1 89 When mature, they are marly two inches long. The chrysalis is of a brilliant green, angular as that of the familiar tortoise shell butterfly {Vanessa urtica? 'Linn) and hangs by the tail from the under surface of some object. The butterfly is of a rich l)n;wn colour. I. H. BURKILL. NOTES ON PLANTS OF INTEREST IN THE BOTANIC GARDENS, SINGAPORE. Porphyroglottis Maxwelliae, Ridley. Among the orchids which flowered in the Botanic Gardens, Singapore, in 1913, was Porpliyraglottis Maxwelliae. This strange orchid of still somewhat doubtfnl affinities was described by Mr. Ridley in 1896, from dried specimens and drawings sent to him from Sarawak. Otherwise it has remained unknown, and living plants had been in no Botanic Garden, until a small collection from Dutch Borneo was otfered to him for purchase in 1911. By chance Porphyroglottis Maxivelliae was in the collection. A new Variety of Eria gracilis, Hook, f. An orchid which iias recently flowered in the Botanic Gaidens is Eria gracilis \\\ a variety not described. The lip is obcuneate, with the middle lobe reduced to a minute point overtojip^d by the truncate side-lobes. It may be called var. obcuneata. There is a label on the Singapore plant calling it a "Dendrobium from Java." Possibly this label has been transferred from another plant, for Eria gracilis is a local orchid of Singapore, extending northwards to Penang, but unknown in Java. The flowers are flesh-coloured with sparse crimson hair outside and the lip has a crimson line down its very margin, as in the allied E. oligantha, Hook. f. A new Variety of Sarcochilus stenoglottis. Hook. f. A variety of Sarcochilus stenoglottis flowered in the Gardens early in August. Unfortunately the origin of the plant is unknown. Sarcochilus stenoglottis was described by Sir Joseph Hooker in the Flora of British India, vi. (1894) p. 34 ; and a plate is given in the Annals of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Calcutta, v., (1895) t. 62, a re- production of a sketch made in Calcutta in 1883, from a plant obtain- ed in Sumatra by Kunstler. 190 The plant which has coine under observation has red colour neither in the peduncle nor in the flower; and the margins of the lip are not frilled, but even. A drawins^ has been placed in the Singapore collection. Habenaria Havillandi, Kranzlin. In 1912, Mr. J. W. Anderson, the Assistant Curator, was sent on a collecting trip to Sarawak, whence he brought back a series of interesting plants. One of the plants proved to be the orchid Habe- iiaria Havillandi, Kranzlin. Large green flowers are always interest- ing, because the number of species having them is small; H. Havillandi is one of the number. The flowers, vertically from the tip of the upper sepal to the tip of the labellum, measure 2 cm. ; the spur is long and full of honey at the lenticular end ; the flowers have a faint but pleasant scent. Many of them are open together, so that in a conservatory with a setting of flowers of other colours this orchid is quite conspicuous. It flowers twice a year. The explosive Flowers of Plocoglottis porphyrophylla, Ridley. Another orchid, brought back l)y Mr. Anderson from Sarawak, proved to be Plocoglottis porphyrophylla, a plant of wide distribu- tion in Malaya, but because inconspicuous and a lover of deep shade, little known. The Sarawak plant carried only one flower open at a time, but it remained in flower over more than three months, produc- ing a fresh one every few days until the raceme was more than two feet long, and had borne fifty. Specimens and drawings in the Singapore herbarium indicate that sometimes two flowers may be expanded at the same time; this, however, never happened in the plant which came under obi-ervation. The flowers have a most conspicuous asymmetry, are explosive, and exhibit an extraordinary series of changes, which have passed undesciibed hitherto; indeed the existing descriptions of the flower are quite inadequate for giving any true id^a of its appearance. Other species of Plocoglottis have bilateral symmetry, and seem widely dis- tinct enough from our subject. It is convenient to begin the description of the flower by an ac- count of the half-gruwn bud. The ovary begins to twist, as is the way in orchids, when by its growth it has overtopped the bract ; it carries the swelling bud through about 75 degrees and then stops twisting. During this twisting the dorsal sepal outgrows the other sepals pushing over the apex of the bud. If the bud be dissected the tips of the lateral petals will be found within the apex, but the lip only slightly overpasses the middle of the bud. 191 All the sepals at this stage are similarly narrowly ovate, the lateral sepals being asymmetrically so. The lateral petals are linear, and curved round the column to meet at their tips. The lip is nearly as broad as long, cu-pidate above its broad shoulders, with the margins in the lower part frilled and turned under. If these margins be uncurved it will be seen that they are the lateral lobes of the lip. Under each broad shoulder a wart has begun to form : three lateral nerves end close to each of these warts. Between this stage of the bud and maturity the following changes take place. The contiguous halves of the lateral sepals thicken from the middle upwards ; the cuspidate tip of the lip turns back, its shouldt-rs enlarge and the warts become sharp little upstand- ing cones, while the side lobes increase along their margins so that they are too full for the space that they have and towards the base of the lip tend to form an upstandimtr rounded cre^t. Two very fleshy bodies, beinu the staminodes, lie within the curve of this crest, one on each side. The opening of the flower takes place late in the afternoon or in the early part of the night. In it, as a commencement, a slit appears between the lateral sepals from the middle, downwards first, and then to the tip. Next these lateral sepals break away and slowly take a position at right angles to the ovary, and their thickened areas begin to become convex inwards and thr av the thin parts back. Following this movement the lateral petals rapidly elongate, curving over strongly so that their points pass between the bases of the lateral sepals, and in this curious action they deflex the lip on its base holding it down against a certain amount of resistance, in con- tact with the lateral sepals. Thus the flower gapes somewhat. If in the early stage of the flowering, the lateral petals are cut, the lip springs up elastically against the column, being forced up by the turgid tissue at its base and perhaps in less measure by the pull of the margin. Meanwhile the dorsal sepal has not moved. This is the first stage of the flower and lasts into the night. It is accompanied by the development of two eccentricities: one of these is a movement of the column towards the right hand side of the flower (right hand of an observer facing the flower), whereby later it comes into contact with the shoulder of the lip; the other is the unequal curving of the lateral sepals, the upper carving most, whereby they come to form a platform with their swollen areas presented forwards and upwards, and one, the upper, presses on the tip of the labellum. The bilateral symmetry which was present in the bud is now completely lost. During the night the second stage comes on, beginning with the turning back of the dorsal sepal, i.nd continued by the straightening of the lateral petals. The upper of the lateral sepals no longer held away from its fellow by the lateral petals, now moves down to be in contact with it, and is thus almost median as regards the lip, and as 192 the lateral petals move away the lip is left caught lightlj^ against its coivex swelling, and held folded down as the lateral petals placed it. A touch now frets the lip and causes it to springup against thecolumn, its right shoulder being under the pollinia. Pressed thus against the column it remains while the flower withers on the following morning. In withering the lateral petals curve inwards until their tips meet ; the lateral stpals rise up until they touch the lower side of the lip; the dorsal sepal follows ; and the life of the flower is over. It has no scent as far as the human nose can test it. It has no free honey. Its colours are lemon yellow to yellowish green with deep crimson markings on the lip : and the swollen parts of the lateral sepals are maroon. How it is fertilised it is not possible as yet to state, but it would seem likely that insects of rather small size, attracted to the flower, are trapped by the up-springing of the lip against the coloumn, and in struggling to free themselves effect pollination. Sections through the swollen parts of the lateral sepals show that this tissue contains large cells with raphides towards the outer surface, and small cells towards the inner. The mechanism is most curious; the lip is a trigger put into place by the lateral petals, and held there by one of the lateral sepals. This alone makes it of unusual interest ; but the interest is heightened by the angle at which the flower stands, by the movement out of the median plane of the column, and by the movement towards it of a lateral sepal. Hapaline appendiculata, Ridley. A third interesting plant brought back from Sarawak by the Assistant Curator is Hapdliiie appetidiculala with variegated leaves. Mr. Anderson had found it plentiful near Bau. It flowered in culti- vation in the end of May. Hapaline appendiculata difters from the two other known Hapalines in having an appendix to its spadix, which slightly over- lops the narrow white spathe. Is is the most southern representative of a rather badly constituted genus. It was once before in cultivation in the Gardens, but either was lost or is bedded out in some unrecorded nook under the trees. The specimen grown earlier had dark green leaves without the conspicuous pale green cloudy markings of the new one. The leaves take a peculiar attitude, the petiole bending so as to place them beyond the rim of the plant pot in which they may be grown. I. H. BURKILL. 193 THE EXTREME HARDNESS OF THE SEEDS OF CAESALPINIA DIGYNA. In 1910, the writer obtained two dozen seeds of Caesulpinia digyna, Rottl., from Burma, intending if possible to isolate on them the water-resistent layer which hinders the germination of quite a number of the Leguminosae, such as Acacia arabica and various indigos. The intended study was never completed; but observations were made on the resistance of the seeds to germination. The seeds were placed half-submerged in clean water, which was frequently chansied, but none germinated during nine months ; next they were allowed to dry and after about three months out of water, they were placed in it again half-submerged as before; still there was no germination. A few were removed from the experi- ment to see if they were alive ; they were cut slightly so that the impervious layer was broken, whereupon they all germinated. The remainder passed another six months half-submerged, but did not germinate ; then they passed a year dry. Half-submerged again for the third time, as before they did not germinate during two months. It seemed probable after this that the alternation of wet and dry seasons such as occurs where the plant chiefly grows, has nothing to do with the germination. However, it was thought that perhaps jungle-fires might bring it about ; and ten seeds were accor- dingly placed under a layer of dry leaves prepared to produce a flame a foot high, which was fired ; the seeds, when the fire had passed from them, were collected and replaced again in water, they still did not germinate until they were cut. With this the experi- ments ended, the supply of seeds being exhausted ; but the living plants now in cultivation in the Economic Garden, Singapore, are the offspring of these seeds. It seems as if Caesalpinia digyna only germinates after direct injury to the outermost layer of the seed-coat. Several years ago Professor W. R. Dunstan, Director of the Imperial Institute, London, showed what splendid leather is produced by tanning with the pods of this plant, but a barrier to its use was found in the high cost of collecting them from the bushes which grow too scattered. Should it ever be possible to bring the pods into the market, it is most likely to be by encouraging the plant to grow thicker by sowing prepared seeds in waste places. I. H. BURKILL. A DISEASE OF AGAVES. There is a disease on Agave plants in Singapore, and in the state of Johore, due to a fungus. This fungus attacks the mature leaves on the upper surface, rendering them valueless for the 194 extraction of fibre. The first sign of it is the appearance of white blotches which spread, then darken to a deep brown, bc;coming sunken, and when quite dead the skin takes on a rather silvery look; this change is followed by the breaking out of small black pustules which are often in rather regular concentric rings. On cutting sections of the diseased parts of the Sisal plants it can be seen that in the earlier period of the attack the bleaching is due to the destruction of the chlorophyll-containing cells under the epidermis, whereby cavities are formed leading to the shrinkage of the dying epidermis onto the layer of fibre? below. The whole afterwards becoming more and nvire disorganised, air obtains access to the cavities; and this leads t) the silvery appear- ance. In the final stage spores of a fungus are formed in the cavity under the epidermis and escape through cracks in it. The attack is like that of the fungus Colletotrichum Agaves which is described and figured in the Sixteenth Annual Report ot the Missouri Botanic Garden, 1905, p. 153, plates 35-37, but the destruction seems to spread more longitudinally down the leaf, and under the microscope it is seen that the spores are not the spores of a CoUetotrichunu but of a fungus of the allied genus Coryneiim. Coryucnm and Collctotrichinii both belong to the Melanconiales, and as they are of the same habit, the treatment for one would seem to be the treatment for the other. Colletotrichum Agaves is known to occur in India, and may be attacked as recommended by Dr. Butler, in the Agricultural Journal of India, i. p. 260, thus : — " Sisal Hemp Disease. A disease of cultivated Agaves, caused by the fungus Colletotrichum Agaves has been found in several parts of India, and has been the cause of alarm on Sisal estates. In America it has not been known to attack Sisal ; but in India it often does so. The older leaves are first attacked, sunken patche-; appear- ing where the fungus has entered. These turn brown and dry up in the centre, while they spread at the margin In the dried up parts, spores are produced in little black clumps, which blow ab uit and in- fect healthy leaves All diseased leaves should be cut and burnt as soon as the patches appear." In the Report of the Missouri Botanic Garden, it is recorded that the garden authorities had succeeded in checking the spread of the disease by such means ; but it is added that moisture predisposes to the attack. Missouri with its dry climnte then has a great advan- tage over this country where we cannot avoid the moisture. 1. H. BURKILL. 195 THE FERTILISATION OF CACAO. The number of Cacao pods formed on a tree is very much out of proportion to the number of fiowers produced. In Dominica, West Indies, there is formed but one pod to every two hundred flowers. To ascertain why this is so, Mr. G. A. Jones has had plants under observation in that island, but without reaching a final conclusion. This, however, was ascertained that if the common red ants which tend green fly about the flowtrs are kept away, no pollination at all results. The criticism which comes to the mind on reading the remarks of this observer, is that the pollination only takes on one flower out of every two hundred; and that positive evidence is required to prove that the red ants have anything to do with the fertility of the flowers. CAPRIFICATION IN MALAYA. A paper in the Philippine Journal of Science, viii., section D., No. 2, (IQI31 p. 63, by Mr. C. F. Baker, on the fertilisation of the PhiVipp'mi: t\g~Ficus fio fa, Merrill, is of great interest. As is usual in fig- trees there are produced on certain sterile irees, figs holding gall-flowers associated with male flowers, wherein the fertilising fig-insects breed; and there are produced fertile figs on other trees, to which the fertilising insects bring the pollen from the sterile trees. The multiplication of the insects, of which on Ficus nota there are no less than seven species, goes on all through the year; one insect is a Blastophaga, similar to that which fertilises the Smyrna fig. " If a large mature caprifig (gall-fig) be opened, the walls of the interior are found to be thickly massed with the densely packed brown galls, produced from the modified ovaries of the infertile flowers " " In due time from certain of the galls appear numl)Lrs of queer clumsy wingL-ss yellow insects, the males of the Biasiophaj£a. Inmiediately after they emerge they turn their attention to gnawing small holes in the still unopened galls; this— their quest for the female — seems completely and continuously to occupy their attention. Many times holes are made, then immediately deserted," if the quest has been fruitless. These small holes are made at any accessible point on the surface of the gall. In case the gall happens to contain a female Blastophaga, the tip of the male's abdomen which is closely recurved under the body and projects forward between the fv>re legs and ju>t Jjeneath the mouth, is introduced into the gall without any change in general attitude of the body of the male, and copulation with the imprisoned female takes place Copulation accomplished, the males make no attempt whatever to enlarge the minute hole made for this purpose, " but leave the female to gnaw her own way out, which she 196 does immediately after copulation. This is in striking contrast to the case of the Smyrna tig insect in which, the male is supposed, as stated by Eisen, to liberate the female after copulation. However, observations on this point should be repeated. The male continues on its quest, rapidly gnawing into gall after gall and repeating the act of copulation, until exhausted and dying. In its nervous haste it occasionally bites into the stamens also, but any intentional attack on the stamens, as described by Cunningham for Ficus Roxburghii, does not occur in Ficus nota. With the rapid emergence of the males, followed by the emergence of the females, the scene in the fig becomes exceedingly animated, and the more so because during this time, males also of various guests and parasites begin to emerge and seek their respective females. It is a remarkable fact that the tens of thousands of Blastophagas, guests, and parasites, constantly emerging, apparently make direct for other tigs on the same trees or go to other trees of Ficus noia. In case the female Blastophaga passes to younger figs on the same tree or on another caprifig, she proce^'ds at once to the ostiolar end of the receptacle and enters there pushing her body back and forth between the closely overlapping scales in most laborious fashion, until the interior is reached." Whether the wings are broken off during this attempt, as states by Eisen for the Smyrna Blastophaga or whether they are deliberately removed by the insect tiself, as occurs in the female of many ants, Mr. Baker was unable to ascertain. In any event entrance of the fig always involved dealation. "Having ac- complishedentry to the fig. the females find the specially modified funnel shaped stigmas awaiting the deposition of eggs, and insert one to each style just within the ovary, so that it lies upon the ovule destined to furnish food to the developing larva. One female is capable of depositing very many eggs ; and often as many as a dozen females or more gain entrance to the same fig, so that the oviposition is usually quite complete. The female dies immediately after egg-laying is concluded. However, in case the female has found her way to a tree bearing only figs destined to produce seed, and she seems entirely incapable of detecting this fact, she enters the figs in the same way, but there encounters only stigmas not adapted to the reception of her eggs. She vainly searches the interior of the fig, over and over, involuntarily distributing to the normal stigmas the pollen with which her body was thoroughly dusted, until thw'arted and exhausted, she finally dies. From one to a dozen or more dead bodies of females sacrificed to this service may be found in each young fertile fig." None of the guests nor parasites of Ficus nota enters the fig b)' the ostiole for oviposition as does the Blastophaga. They all possess ovipositors of extraordinary length with which the entire wall of the receptacle is pierced. Thus are they of no use in the bringing of figs to maturity. It is the female Blastophaga which alone does the work. 197 RECORD OF A FEW ORCHIDS and other interesting plants found in Setol and on Kedah Peak. During a collecting expedition to Setol and Kedah Peak in 1912, the following orchids and other plants were collected for the Water- fall Gardens, Penang. It is of interest to record their occurrence in the places named. Melastomaceae. Sonerila cydaminella, Stapf and King. ... K. Peak. Gesneraceae. Didymocarpus citrina, Ridl. D. albina, Ridl. Orchidaceae. Dendrobiiim cruenttwi, Reichb. f. D. secundum, Wall. D. te?iuicaule, Ridl. D. hymenopterum, Hook. f. D. citrorubens, Ridl. Platyclinis linearis, Ridl. Bulbophvllum Lobbii, Lindl. B. Stella, Ridl. Eria ochracea, Rolf.. Spathoglottis aurea, Lindl. Cypripediuni niveum, Reichb. f. Arundina chinensis, Blume, (A. Philippii, Reichb. f.) Habenaria carnea, N. E. Br. Spathoglottis Handingiana, Par. and Reichb. f. Saccolabium curvifolium, Lindl. Eulophia graminea,'\^\nd\. Calatithe rubens, Ridl. Coelogyne asperata, Lindl. C. Dayana, Reichb. f., var. tomentosa. Phalaenopsis esmeralda, Reichb. f. Dipodimn pictum, Reichb. i. Anoetochilus Reimvardtii, Blume. Acanthephippium sp. Arisaenia jimbriatutn, Mast. Filices. Matonia pectinata, R. Br. Dipteris Lobbiana, Moore. Lycopodiaceee. Lycopodium Hooker ii. Do. phlegmaria, Linn. K. Peak. K. Peak. Setol. Setol. Setol. Kedah Peak. K. Peak. K. Peak. K. Peak. K. Peak (tlower widely expanded). Setol (Kew Bulletin No. 9, 1909, p. 366). K. Peak. Setol. K. Peak. Setol. Setol. Setol. Setol. Setol. K. Peak. K. Peak. ... K. Peak. ... K. Peak. ... K. Peak. ... Setol. ... Setol. ... K. Peak. ... K. Peak. ... K. Peak. ... K. Peak. MOHAMED HANIFF. 198 RAINFALL at the Director's House, Botanic Gardens, Singapore, from February I2th, when a new guage was put into position, to June 30th, T913. Readings taken always at 8 a.m. which the twentj'-four hours began. and credited to the date in Day. February March. April. May. June. 1st Trace 031 0.05 0.02 2nd I.81 • • 340 I.I4 3rd 662 0.38 0.05 0.04 4th 73 425 0.05 0.47 5th 0 007 149 0.10 O.OI 6th ^ 0.62 001 0.46 7ih -. 0.36 Trace 1-55 8th C I 0.02 082 0.23 9th 0.55 O.IO O.OI lOth 0.94 0.34 026 nth 0.07 Trace I2ih 0.46 13th 0.03 0.14 O.OI 0.15 I4lh 0.37 Trace 15th Trace 2.09 16th ... 0.12 Trace 1.28 17th 0.08 0.28 l8th 083 0.05 1.30 191 h 0.07 0.04 20th ... 315 0.31 1.30 2lst O.Il Trace 0.38 22nd ... 0.06 0.17 Trace 23rd O.OI O.OI I.5I 1.30 241 h 0.84 0.47 25th 0.37 0.36 26th 0.15 0.07 0.05 0.30 27th 0.36 1.50 076 Trace 28th 0.48 C.35 024 3-96 29th ... 0.58 30 th 0.10 187 31st 0x5 0.27 m LISTS OF PLANTS, which may be obtained generally at the Prices stated, from the Botanic Gardens. The cost of packing and all subsequent charges are extra. LIST A. Ornamental Plants. $ climber Abrus precatorius — Crab's Eye Acalypha Godseffiana — shrub Acalypha macrophylla — slirub Acalypha macrostachys — shrub Acalypha torta — shrub Acalypha obovata — shrub Acalypha Sanderiana — shrub Actinorhytis calapparia — palm Adiantum Capillus-Veneris — Maiden Hair fern Aglaonema commutatum — pot plant Aglaonema costatum — pot plant var. inornatum var, virens Allamanda cathartica — shrub Allamanda Schottii — half scandent shrub Allamanda violacea — half scan^lent shrub Alloplectus Lynchii — pot plant Anemia rotundifolia — fern Angelonia salicariaefolia — half herbaceous plant var. alba Anthurium Bakeri — pot plant Anthurium cristallinum Antigonum leptopus — Honolulu creeper var. alba Antigonum guatemalensis — climber Archontophoenix Alexandrae— palm Areca Catechu — Betel-palm Arenga saccharifera — Kabong — palm Aristolochia Duchartrei— cli mber Aristolochia hians — climber Aristolochia elegans — climber Aristolochia saccata — climber Aristolochia gigas var. Sturtevantii — climber Arundina bambusaefolia — terrestial orchid ... Arundo donax var. variegata — ornamental grass Asparagus plumosus — climber Asparagus Sprengeri — climber Attalea spinosa — palm Barleria prionitis — shrub cts. 10 15 15 15 15 15 15 20 and upwards 50 and upwards according to size and variety or race 15 and upwards 50 15 15 40 20 00 and upwards 10 10 00 and upwards 00 15 15 25 25 15 20 20 25 15 50 00 25 and upwards 20 50 and upwards 50 50 20 200 Bauhinia spp. — shrub Beauinontia grandiflora — flowering climlx-r,.. Beloperone oblongata— shrub Bignonia magnifica — climber Bignonia crucigera — ^climber Bignonia aequinoctialis — climber Bougainvillaea glabra — ^climbing shrub Bougainvillaea Sanderiana — climbing shrub... Bougainvillaea lateritia — climbing shrub Bromheadia palustris — terrestial orchid Brownea ariza — flowering tree Brunfelsia americana — shrub Buxus senipervirens — Box Caesalpinia pulcherrima — shrub Callistemon linearis — shrub Calanthe veratrifolia — terrestial orchid Calyptrocalyx spicatus — palm Camoensia maxima — -climber Canna indica, various races, unnamed named races Cassia fistula— Indian Laburnum — small tree Cassia siamea — flowering tree Casuarina equisetifolia — tree Chlorocodon Whiteii— climber Chonemorpha Rheedii — climber Chrysalidocarpus lutescens — palm Clerodendron Minnehassae — flowering shrub Clerodendron speciosum — climber Clerodendron capitatum — shrub Cocos plumosa — palm Cocos flexuosa — palm Congea tomentosa — climber var. azurea Crotons — Codiaeum — in variety Cryptostegia madagascariensis — flowering shurb Cymbidium Finlaysonianum — orchid Cyrtophyllum fragrans — Tembusu — tree Daedalacanthus nervosus — shrub Dendrobium thyrsiflorum — Orchid Dictyosperma album — palm Dieff"enbachia spp. — pot plants Dipladenia Harrisii — climber Dracaena fragrans var. Lindeni — foliage plant Duranta EUisii — shrub Duranta Plumieri — shrub Dypsis madagascariensis — -palm Elaeis guineensis — palm Eranthemum atropurpureum — shrub Eranthemum malaccense— shrub 0 25 0 25 0 20 0 25 0 25 0 15 0 20 0 25 I 00 0 25 0 50 0 20 0 25 0 25 0 25 I 00 and upwards 0 25 ,, 0 25 0 05 0 10 and upwards 0 40 0 15 0 20 and upwards 0 10 I 00 0 25 and upwards 0 40 0 15 0 15 0 25 and upwards 0 25 „ 0 25 0 20 0 10 and upwards 0 25 I 00 and upwards 0 10 0 20 I 00 0 40 and upwards 0 25 „ I 00 „ 0 25 „ 0 15 0 15 0 25 and upwards 0 15 „ 0 15 0 25 201 Eranthemum reticulatum — shrub Eranthemum Wattii — shrub Eucharis grandiflora — Amazon Lily Euphorb.a heterophylla — herb Evodia hortensis — shrub Evodia Ridleyi — snrub Excoecaria bicolor^shrub Faradaya papuaiia — climber Ficus Benjauiina — tree Ficus repens — creeper Filicium decipiens — small tree Gardenia florida — -shrub Gloriosa superba — climber Gratophyllum hortense — shrub Hamelia patens — shrub Hemigraphia colorata^creeper Heterospathe elata— palm Hibiscus Cameroni— shrub Hibiscus mutabiiis — shrub Hibiscus Rosa-sinensis — Shoe-flower — shrub var Cooperi Hibiscus schizopetalus — shrub Holmskioldia sanguinea — shrub Hosea Lobbii^climber Inga (Pithecolobium) saman — Rain tree Ipomoea digitata — climber Ixora Bandhuca— shrub Ixora coccinea — shrub var. lutea Ixora macrothyrsa — shrub Jacobinia magnifica, var. carnea — shrub Jacquemontia violacea — climber Jacaranda mimosaefolia— tree Jasminum Sambac — half climbing shrub Kentia Woodfordii — palm Kopsia fruticosa — shrub Lagers troemia Flos-reginae — tree Lagerstroemia indica — shrub Lagerstroemia subcostata — ^tree Lasia heterophylla — herb Ledenbergia roseo-oenea— herb Licuala grandis — palm Licuala spinosa — palm Licuala triphylla — palm Livistona altissima — palm Livistona chinensis — palm Livistona Hoogendorpii — palm Lobelia syphilitica — herb Lonicera macrantha — Honeysuckle Malpighia coccigera — shrub 0 15 0 50 0 15 0 05 0 15 0 20 0 15 0 25 0 20 0 25 0 25 0 20 and upwards 0 15 0 15 0 25 0 15 0 25 and upwards 0 15 0 15 0 10 0 20 0 10 0 25 0 20 0 15 0 15 0 15 0 15 0 20 0 20 0 40 0 25 0 25 0 25 0 50 and upwards 0 20 0 25 0 25 0 40 0 25 and upwards 0 15 I 00 and upwards 0 25 0 25 0 25 0 25 0 25 0 25 0 20 0 15 202 imbin'i shrub Malpighia nitida — shrub Martinezia caryotaefolia — pahn Memecyl m cosruleuin — shrub Mesua ferrea — tree Miconia Hookeriana — pot plant Montrichardia aculeata — herb Murraya caloxylon — shrub Mussaenda erythrophylla — half c Mussaenda luteola— shrub Nyctanthes Arbor-tristis — shrub Oreodoxa regia — palm Orthosiphon stamineus — half herbaceous Panax fruticosum — shrub var. Guilfoylei var. Victoriae Pandanus graminifolius — Screw pine Pandanus Houlletii— Screw pine Pandanus utilis^Screw pine Passiflora laurifolia — Sweet Cup or Passion Fruit 0 Passiflora vitifolia— climber ... 0 Passiflora Watsoniana — climber ... 0 Pentaclethra filamentosa — tree ... o Pergularia odoratissima — climber ... 0 Petrea volubilis — half scandent shrub ... 0 Phaleria Blumeii — shrub ... 0 Philodendron gloriosum — ornamental plant .. I Phoenix rupicola — palm ... 0 Phoenix reclinata — palm ... 0 Phoenix Roebelini — palm ... 2 Phyllanthus pulcher — shrub ... 0 Pinanga Kuhlii — palm ... 0 Pinanga patula — palm ... 0 Pithecolobium Saman — Rain tree ... 0 Plumbago rosea — shrub ... 0 Plumeria lutea — shrub ... o Podocarpus neglectus — tree ... o Poinciana regia — -Gold-mohur tree ... 0 Porana volubilis — climber ... 0 Ptychococcus paradoxus — palm ... 0 Ptychosperma McArthuri — -palm ... o Ptychosperma sanderiana — palm ... 0 Quassia amara — shrub ... o Randia macrantha — shrub ... 0 Raphia Hookeri — palm ... o Rhapis flabelliformis — palm ... 0 Rhopaloblaste hexandra — palm ... 0 Roupellia grata — shrub ... o Ruellia ciliatiflora — ... 0 Russelia juncea — shrub ... o Russelia sarmentosa — shrub ... 0 25 25 and 2) 50 25 25 25 25 and 15 25 25 and 15 15 20 15 25 and 25 15 15 25 25 40 15 25 25 00 and 25 25 00 10 25 and 25 15 20 20 25 15 15 50 and 20 50 25 40 50 and 25 20 50 10 15 20 upwards upwards upwards upwards upwards upwards upwards upwards 203 Saraca declinata— tree Saraca indica — tree Saraca trijuga — tree Saraca taipingensis— tree Sagus laevis— Sago palm Salvia coccinea — flowering herb Sanchezia nobilis — shrub Sarcocephalus esculentus — shrub Selaginella spp.— various Solandra grandiflora— shrub Solanum maroniense— shrub or small tree . Spathodea campanulata — tree Stephanotis floribunda — climber Stevensonia grandifolia — palm Stigmaphyllon ciliatum — climber Stigmaphyllon lancifolium— climber Strobilanthes Dyerianus — foliage plant Tabernaemontana coronaria — shrub Tecoma stans — shrub Thunbergia erecta — shrub Thunbergia laurifolia — climber Tinnea aethiopica — shrub Tinnea Sacleuxi — shrub Tococa platyphylla — shrub Tristellateia australasica— creeper Turnera ulmifolia — herb Verschaff'eltia splendida — palm Vinca rosea — herb var. alba Vitis discolor — climber Wedelia biflora, double flowered^shrub Xanthosoma Lindeni — pot plant Zalacca edulis — palm LIST B. — Economic Plants. AT TWO CENTS PER SEEDLING OR PER SUCKER. Alpinia Galanga — Galangal Curcuma longa — Turmeric Cymbopogon Nardus — Lemon Oil Grass Hevea brasiliensis — Para Rubber tree Mentha viridis — Mint Panicum maximum — Guinea Grass Sanseviera zeylanica — Bowstring hemp Sanseviera sulcata Sanseviera guineensis AT THREE CENTS PER SUCKER OR PER ROOT. Ananas sativa — Pineapple, races Mauritius, Ruby Jamaica, Harvey's and Pernambuco 0 50 0 50 0 50 0 50 0 20 and upwards 0 15 0 10 0 25 0 25 and upwards accord ng to size and variety or race 0 20 0 25 0 15 0 75 and upwards 0 25 0 15 0 20 0 25 0 20 0 20 0 20 0 15 0 15 0 15 0 25 and upwards 0 15 0 15 0 25 and upwards 0 10 0 10 0 15 0 15 I 00 and upwards 0 15 and upwards 204 Andropogon squarrosus Boehmeria nivea — Rhea or Ramie, two races Boehmeria tenacissima Maranta arundinacea — Arrowroot SOLD AT 15 CENTS IN FOUR-TO SIX-INCH POTS, OR AT MORE THAN 15 CENTS IF LARGE PLANTS IN LARGER POTS. Adenanthera pavonina Achras Sapota — Chiku Aegle Marmelos — Bel Albizzia moluccana Aleurites triloba — Candle nut Aloe vera — Barbados aloes Anacardium occidentale — Cashew nut Anona muricata — Soursop Anona squamosa — Custard Apple Areca Catechu — Betel nut Artocarpus integrifolia — Jack fruit Artocarpus lanceaefolia — Kledang Artocarpus polyphemia — Champedak Artocarpus rigida— Monkey Jack Averrhoa Carambola — Carambola Boehmeria tenacissima — Ramie Bouea macrophylla— Kundangan Cananga odorata Carapa guineensis Carica Papaya— Papaw Castilloa elastica — Central American rubber Cedrela Toona — Tum Chrysobalanus Icaco — Coco plum Chrysophyllum Cainito — Star apple Cinanmomum iners Citrus decumana — Pumelo, white fleshed Citrus decumana — Pumelo, red fleshed Citrus medica, var. acida— Citron Citrus acida — Lime Citrus Aurantium — Orange, Chinese Coffea arabica — Arabian cofl'ee Coff'ea Laurentii Coff"ea liberica — Liberian coffee Coffea stenophylla Coft'ea zanzibarica Cola acuminata — Cola Connarus semidecandrus Cordia myxa Croton tiglium — Croton oil plant Cynometra cauliflora — Num-num Derris elliptica— Tuba 205 Dialium laurinum — Kranji Dichopsis gutta — Gutta perclia tree Diospyros discolor — Mabola Durio zibethinus — Durian Elaeis guineensis — African oil palm Erythina indica — Dadap Eugenia brasiliensis — Brazil cherry or Grumixameira Eugenia grandis— Jambu ayer laut Eugenia janibos — Rose apple Eugenia leptantha Eugenia malaccensis — Malay apple Eugenia uniflora — Ibipitanga Eugenia xanthocarpa Erioglossum edule — Mertajam Flacourtia Cataphrata F'lacourtia Ramontchi Funtuniia elastica — Lagos rubber tree Garcinia Cowa Garcinia dulcis — Mundu Garcinia ferrea Garcinia Mangostana — Mangosteen Inocarpus edulis — Othaheite Chestnut Jagera speciosa Jatropha C ureas Lansium domesticum — Langsat Lansium domesticum, var. Duku — duku Manihot Glaziovii — Ceara rubber Mimusops Elengi — Bunga tanjong Mitrephora Thorelii Morus alba — Mulburry Nephelium lappaceum — Rambutan Nephelium nialaiense — Mata kuching Nephelium mutabile — Pulasan Noronhia emarginata Pandanus utilis Passiflora laurifolia — Sweet cup Paranephelium macrophyllum Pentaclethra filamentosa Piper nigrum — Pepper Pithecolobium acre Pithecolobuim Saman — Rain tree Pittosporum pentandrum Pittosporum viridiflorum Pithecolobium fasiculatum Pogostemon Patchouli — Patchouli Psidium Guajava — Guava, large fruited Psidium laurifolium Pterocarpus indicus Sandoricum radiatum — Kechapi Spondias dulcis — a Mauritius race 206 Sterculia Jackiana Strophanthus dichotomus Styrax Benzoin Swietenia macrophylla — Broad leaved Mahogany Tamarindus indica — Tamarind Terminalia Catappa — Bengal Almond Terminalia procera Treculia africana Thespesia populnea Theobroma Cacao — Cocoa, Garden seedlings Triphasis Aurantiola Zalacca edulis — Buah Salak AT 25 CENTS IN LARGE POTS. Cinnamomum Camphora — Camphor tree AT 50 CENTS EACH IN LARGE POTS. Achras Sapota — Chiku, grafted plants Eugenia caryophyllata — Clove Myristica fragrans — Nutmeg FORTHCOMING CONGRESSES. The fourth International Congress of Tropical Agriculture and Colonial Development wrill meet in London in 1914. Those wishing to join the congress may enroll themselves as members of the International Association of Tropical Agriculture and Colonial Development, paying one pound per annum, (due on the first of January of each year), to the Secretary, British Section of the International Association, Imperial Institute, London, S.W., and for this they will receive all the publications of the Association and the quarterly Bulletin of the Imperial Institute, in addition to being entitled to take part in the London Congress. An International Rubber Congress is to be held in Batavia from September /th to lOth, 1914, in connection with the Batavia Rubber Exhibition (September 8th to October lOth). The International Botanical Congress, held at Brussels, in May, 1910, decided on the invitation of the Royal Society of London, that the next Meeting should be held in London, and it has now been arranged, that it, the fourth Congress, will take place from May 22nd to May 29th, 191 5. The subscription for membership of the Congress is fifteen shillings. Members will receive all the publications. Ladies accompanying members may attend the meetings and excursions of the Congress on payment often shillings each. The General Secretary of the Organizing Committee for the coming Congress is Dr. A. B. Rendle, British Museum of Natural History, South Kensington, London, S.W. Che Gardens' Dullctin 5TRAIT5 5ETTLEriENT5, into which is incorporated all that has been published as the third series of the Agricultural Bulletin of the Straits and Federated Malay States. Vol. I. Issued dune ZOth, 1914. No. 7. CONTENTS. Page. The Sirangoon Outbreak (1913) of Brachartona catoxantha _ _ . . 207 Calogramma f estiva, Donovan, — a Caterpillar destruc- tive to Crinum asiaticum - _ . 209 The big rubber tree, Singapore - - - 210 Seventeen years of tapping in the Waterfall Gardens, Penang - - - - - 2il Selection of rubber seed . _ . 212 The Positions in 1913 of the Agricultural Industries in the Straits Settlements - _ . 213 Croton sparsiflorus, Morong, — an American invader - 235 Kenari seeds - - - _ ^ 237 Rainfall at the Botanic Gardens, Singapore, during the second half of 1913 - - - . 240 Rainfall at the Waterfall Gardens, Penang, through 1913 - - - - - 241 Summary of Rainfall, 1913 - - - 243 A Spadix in the Axil of the Spathe of Xanthosoma - 244 Grammatophyllum flowering in January - - 244 Some pertinent publications - - - 244 To be purchased at the Botanic Gardens, Singapore from Messrs. Kelly and Walsh, Ltd., No. 32 Raffles Place and 194 Orchard Road ; and the Straits Times Office. Cecil Street, Singapore. DEPARTMENTAL NOTICE. A few plants of the Avocado or Alligator Fesir—Persea gratissima, and a few plants of the Brazil nut — Bertholletia excelsa — to be sold within the Peninsula at fifty cents each. Seeds of Hevea brasiliensis—Fa.r2i Rubber — as available from little tapped trees, twenty- eight years old, to be sold at fifty cents per hundred. THE GARDENS' BULLETIN, STRAITS SETTLEMENTS. INTO WHICH IS INCORPORATED ALL THAT HAS BEEN PUBLISHED AS THE THIRD SERIES OF THE AGRICULTURAL BULLETIN OF THE STRAITS AND FEDERATED MALAY STATES. The Gardens' Bulletin is published as material becomes available. Its price is fifty cents a copy, post free, or in advance for a volume of twelve numbers, post free, Five dollars in the Straits and Federated Malay States, Nine and a half rupees in India and Ceylon, Thirteen shillings in Europe. Subscriptions paid to the third series of the Agricultural Bulletin, Straits and F. M. S. are counted as subscriptions to it. SINC^PORR: THE STRAITS TIMES PRESS, LIMITED. THE GARDENS' BULLETIN, STRAITS SETTLEMENTS. Vol. I. Issued dune 20, 1914. No. 7. THE SIRANGOON OUTBREAK (I9I3) OF BRACHARTONA CATOXANTHA. About the middle of the year, 1913, a few moths of Brachartona catoxantha — the coconut pest — (vide Agricultural BuUelin, Straits and F.M.S., viii, 1909, page 357, and Bulletin, Department of Agriculture, F.M.S, No. 4) were observed near Singapore tov^rn ; but no outbreak followed their appearance at that place ; instead a severe outbreak followed in the coconut plantations about the head of the Sirangoon river. The centre in the early part of the outbreak was near the Mission church at Sirangoon, and in the small Chinese holdings between it and the Trafalgar Estate ; the Trafalgar Estate was rather badly attacked, and also coconut palms about duck farms between the Ponggul Road and the river; while towards Singapore town the caterpillars were to be found sporadically for three miles. They occurred in addition on the leaves of a species of Calamus and on those of the Areca pahn amon-; the coconut palms in the badly affected area. A generation of moths was found to be emerging from the pupae on November 1st ; and several hundred pupae were collected in order to ascertain the degree of parasitisation, as well as the nature of the parasites. The degree was found to be only 4 per cent, and the parasites were in the first place a Tachinid fly, and in the second a Brachonid ichneumon. As it was evident that these were far from getting the attack under, preparations were made for trying to confine the moth to the area it occupied and for seeking the co-operation of coconut palm owners in the extermination of the pupae. A circular was printed in Malay, Tamil, and Chinese explaining the nature of the attack, and asking those with attacked trees to burn the lower leaves on which the caterpillars in large quantities had pupated, i.e., the already destroyed leaves. This circular was distributed as soon as an ins- pector had been appointed for the purpose. During the month of December, it became evident that the centre of the attack was moving south under the prevailing wind and had got to the junction of the Tampinis Road with the Sirangoon Road. Very sparingly the motli had reached Tanjong Ponggul northwards against the wind. Spraying meanwhile had been resorted to on the Trafalgar Estate and had done good, for the young trees were free ; but the machine was not powerful enough for the spraying of tall palms. At this stage Nature came to the rescue in the form of a fungus allied to that which causes Muscardine in silk worms — a fungus, new to science which will be described by Mr. G. E. Massee of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, as Botryds necans. It was first detected near the edge of the Bukit Sembawang Rub- ber Estate, on the Tampinis Road ; and no sooner was it found than it was seized on as a weapon against the moth. The special inspector, having been made familiar with the insect in all its stages and with the fungus, was set to the work of distributing the latter to any colony of caterpillars that he could find free from it. This distribution was done by taking strips of coconut leaves with dead caterpillars or pupae on them, and tying them to the leaves of trees where healthy caterpillars were feeding. Fortunately the caterpillar pupates blatantly in a silken hammock under the leaf that it has been eating, and, if fun- gus-infected, generally dies inside the hammock, the spores coming to the outside in the form of flour; the fungus is therefore easily found and there was no difficulty in collecting supplies as required. The inspector, thus working, for instance, spread the fungus through the coconunts about Ponggul, on January 15th, among a brood then maturing which soon pupated and whereof, the Tachinids and Brachonids had but infected 5 per cent. In the next brood the attack was killed out. About Gelong which the moth succeeded in invading, the fungus was also spread ; but there is reason to believe that south of the centre the v/ind did more by distributing the fungus spores that the inspector could have done In February, the outbreak was over. It is memorable for revealing a means of which we were not aware of possible utility for meeting another attack. I. H. BURKILL. ^09 CALOGRAMMA FESTIVA, Donovan,— a Caterpillar destructive to Crinum asiaticum. In Singapore, the caterpillars of Calogramma festiva (a moth), destroy the foliage of Crinum asiaticum completely. They live social- ly, devouring all the green parts of the plant, filling the angles be- tween the leaves and elsewhere with their dejecta, where a mass of putridity arises, among which they may pupate. The putridity is due to the wet dejecta harbouring, in the climate of Singapore, fungi which attack and rot the leaf tissues below, in such a way as to cut off the upper part of the leaf from the bulb ; and then the whole blade dies. The eggs are laid in patches on the plant, covered with a buff felt from the mother moth's body. They are prettily ribbed to the apex. The caterpillars on hatching have a transparent skin with small black bristles arising trom swollen bases ; and after eating green tissue they look green. They feed by eating the surface of the plant, but seem at a great disadvantage if placed on an old leaf. When three days old, a transverse saddle mark appears behind the head and another on the back before the prolegs, while three faint longitudinal milky white lines become apparent. A day later, dark plum-coloured pigment appears elsewhere in the skin, and also fine milky white lines become apparent between the other lines ; when five days old they are already half an inch long, and yellow pigment begins to appear in the dorsal line. The caterpillars grow to a length of iH inches. They appear when full grown to have no hair at all, but in reality have the same kind of scattered small bristles which are present on emergence from the egg. They may be described then as follows: — The skin is black with a narrow median orange brown line down the back, and a nearly even white line down each side half way between the middle of the back and the spiracles. Irre- gular fine white lines ramify rather sparingly on either side of the straight white line, and every white line is interrupted (but not the orange line) in the segment between the legs and the pro- legs, and less definitely on the last segment. Underneath the cater- pillars are of a rich brown, and the head is of the same colour. At maturity the caterpillar has a way when disturbed of raising the fore part of its body and of moving it by jerks. The life cycle has been observed to occupy seventy five days, so that four broods occur easily within one year. * The moth, which was identified by Dr. R. tianitsch, is figured in Moore's Lepidoptera of Ceylon, iii, plate 140, fig. 6, and described on page 21 of the text. I. H. BURKILL. 210 THE BIG RUBBER TREE, SINGAPORE. With the first number of the second volume of the " Agricultural Bulletin of the Straits and the Federated Malay States," 1903, a plate was published showing on the right, most of the oldest rubber trees of the Botanic Gardens, Singapore. Those v,^hich can be seen, counting from the extreme right, are numbers i, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 9 of the Gardens' trees : No. 6 and 8 stand a little back, and are not recognisable in the plate. The dimensions of the boles of these trees in the end of 1902, are given on page i. Death has spread down the line from No. 5, which was blown over and died in 1905. Between 1905 and 1909 No. 4 died. In 1910 No. 3 died. And now the largest of all, No. 2 is dead. Fomes semitostus seems to have been the cause of the trouble ; but none of its fructifications have appeared. The trees were received as seedlings in Singapore in the year 1877, and were planted out in their present place soon after their arrival. They began to seed in 1881. It seems (Bulletin, ix, 1910, page 213) that some of the trees were tapped as early as 1889. It is recorded (Bulletin, ii, 1903, page 112) that between 1893 and 1902, they were very heavily tapped on various occasions ; but it is probable that we should not now call the tapping which they had heavy. Tree No. 2, was tapped again as follows : — 18 times between March 26th and May 2nd, and, May 20th and June 6th, 1903 17 times between January 23rd and February 28th, 1905, by herring bones as a member of a group of trees called " Experiment VII." "^2) times between January 22nd and June Ist, 1906, by spirals, yielding 14 lbs. jM ozs. of dry rubber and I lb. 8 ozs. ot scrap. 24 times between November 2nd and November 2Sth, 1906, by spirals ; but the weight of the rubber is not recorded. 26 times between January 7th and February 6th, 1909, by spirals, yielding more or less 8 lbs. 7 ozs. of dry rubber. 54 times between September 6th and October 4th, and, between November Ilth and December 6th, 1 909, by spirals, yield- ing 14 lbs. 3^ ozs. of dry rubber. 37 times between January 2nd and February I2th, 1913, by spirals, yielding II lbs. of dry rubber. 29 times between December l8th, 1913 and January 30th, 1914, by spirals, yielding 7 lbs. of dry rubber in sheets, I lb. of clot and 2 lbs. of scrap. 211 The tree, however, has never been tested as a rubber yielder, being wanted for seed-prod acing, and always since 1903 tapped lightly. Its latex seemed to clot more readily in later years than in the earlier. It is extremely probable that it was tapped between 1906 and 1909, but records have not been found. A plate in the Agricultural Bulletin, Vol. vii. 1908, issued with the July number, shows the first spiral tapping of the tree and the old herring bone scars. Another illustration of it from a photograph taken a little later by Mr. H. Overbeck, occurs in Mr. E. Mathieu's " Para Rubber Cultivation," 1909, page 125. Successive measurements of the bole of the tree at three feet from the ground have been recorded as follows :— 1904, 6th May ■ • 9 feet lYz inches 1905, 8th May ■ • 9 „ 3M .. 1906, 8th May • • 9 .. m „ 1909, 5th May 10 „ Vi inch. 1910, presumedly in May .. 10 iVz inches 1911,4th July .. 10 M 3 1913, 7th May .. 10 „ 554 ., 1914, 8th May at removal after death .. 10 M 5 These figures indicate that its increase of growth during the last five years has been at the rate of one inch in circumference per an- num, and that for the five preceeding years it was at the rate of about two inches per annum. When uprooted it was found to be 105 feet in height, which is not unusual ; but as regards its girth we must count it an abnormality. I. H. B. SEVENTEEN YEARS OF TAPPING IN THE WATERFALL GARDENS, PENANG. In the Waterfall Gardens, Penang, there is a Para Rubber tree, now 28 years old which has been tapped yearly since 1896, a record being kept of its individual yield. A history of it is given on page 385 of volume I, 1901-02, of the Agricultural Bulletin of the Straits and Federated Malay States, together with a plate. As the 212 experiment is now being discontinued, to record the results desirable. The weight of dry rubber each year has been as follows : lbs. oz. 1896 ... ... ... Not recorded. 1897 1898 1899 1900 1901 1902 1903 1904 1905 1906 1907 1908 1909 1910 1911 1912 1913 Total I 0 3 0 5 12 3 12 2 23/8 2 13% 3 6 3 14 4 12^ 4 A% 2 0 3 8 8 4 10 0 13 0 13 8 13 0 98 0% MOHAMED HANIFF. SELECTION OF RUBBER SEED. The following is from the Bulletin de I'Association des Planteurs de Caoutchouc, v, 1913, page 305. " Mr. W. T. Ruys, manager of the Plantation of the Company Rotterdam Tapanoelie, has made a very interesting experiment in selecting seeds of Hevea, theresult of which the Company has been so good as to communicate to us. Mr. Ruys took 96 seeds in order to as- certain the influence of size on their germinative power and growth, and divided them into four groups, each of 24 seeds, by their size, which were weighed collectively. The seeds were sown on January 22nd, and the seedlings measured on the Iith of June, following, with these results : — " ~° -B No. of plants of different heights. 1 6 oi II 6 ti Stems produc collectively measured i cm. Average lenf in cm. SEES g g S 1 E 8 a 24 141-5 20 I27I 65.5 I I 5 4 5 4 - - - 24 116.5 18 997 55-5 - - 4 4 4 4 I I - 24 86.5 42-5 13 545 42.0 96 24.0 - - I 2 I 2 I 5 I 2 I I 24 4 il3 The conclusion is that large seeds furnish by far the best results, both as regards germination and as regards growth of the seedlings. One should therefore, before planting seeds, go over them and selecting from them, count as inferior and throw out all which weigh less than five grammes." THE POSITIONS OF THE AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRIES IN THE STRAITS SETTLEMENTS IN I9I3. In arranging the following statements, the first place is given to the territory of Malacca, because in it Para Rubber — the premier crop of the Malay Peninsula — is more developed than elsewhere. Territory of Malacca. If we compare the rubber produced and exported from Malacca with that produced and exported from the whole peninsula, we get the following figures : — Percentage Ti , .• ,, ^ .• of the whole Date. ^^T'- '^1 ' ' ^r'7 "' "■'"'^'^ «''^ crop Peninsula. Malacca. of Malacca makes. 1911 23,615,417 lbs. 2,180,788 lbs. 9.23 1912 43,102,314 „ 5,527,040 „ 12.82 1913 77,836,945 ., 9.342,997 „ 12.00 Having interest to this considerable extent, the Malacca planters during 1913 made themselves leaders in dealing with the iniportant question of wages, and with marked success. Such interest and such success fully justify in themselves the arrangement of material adopted here. It was in 1898 that Mr. Tan Chay Yan planted 40 acres with Para rubber, mixed with Ficus elastica, on Bukit Lintang, near Malacca town, and then formed a Chinese syndicate to plant up more Para rubber (mixed with tapioca) on Bukit Asahan towards the north east corner of Malacca territory, becoming the first outside Negri Sembi- lan and the second in the whole peninsula to take up an industry which the Government had been putting forward as a possibility for some years. The Government of the Straits Settlements had at that time trees at Singapore, Penang, and near Malacca; the Government of Perak had trees at Kuala Kangsar and near Teluk Anson; and Mr. T. Hislop Hills — the first planter — had trees on his estate at Sungei Ujong. Other trees had been distributed and planted in District Officers' gardens but their history has yet to be collected. 214 From 1897 the extension of the planting in Malacca was as follows : — 1897 about 3 acres, all Government trees. 1898 23 „ , twenty (or half of forty) belonging to Mr. Tan Chay Yan. 1899 233 „ , thirty-two belonging to Government 1900 Tr>r>T 788 ., 1901 1902 • ? area returned together with that of gambier, ? J etc. 1903 1904 5,515 acres, including some Ficus elastica. 1905 12,866 „ 1906 34.199 „ 1907 47,870 „ 1908 61,781 „ 1909 ? I9IO 72,530 „ I9II 80,424 „ I9I2 95,440 „ I9I3 117,200. „ Of these 117,200 acres, 65,818 are in the hands of 40 considerable companies, and the rest, amounting to 51,382 is in private hands, be- ing very largely in quite small blocks. In computing these figures of acreage, catch crops have been taken into consideration ; thus, an area planted with tapioca under rubber or an area planted with gambier under rubber, is credited bet- ween the two crops in the making up of the total, but as the catch crop is cut out, the whole is credited to the permanent crop, i.e., rubber. Therefore an increase of area may be due to two causes, either to actual planting of rubber trees or to the removal of a catch crop under them, and the great extension of the area under rubber in 1913 is due mainly to this removal of catch crops and not to new plant- ings, which account for but a tithe. On the figures, 6.7 per cent, of the whole present area is the increase of 1911, and 12.8 per cent, the increase of 1912, but 18.6 per cent, is the increase of 1913. Malacca^s stake in the industry is represented by the figures ; but what the stake really is, may perhaps be better put in the following table. Area of the Territory of Malacca — 461,120 acres. — I'arcniniic ^ear. unculth'atcd. 1904 67.47 1905 66 86 1906 6547 1907 64.27 1908 6400 1909 6250 I9IO 54-12 I9II 47.8t I912 47.81 I913 43-32 Perccntcuje Percentage in rubber. in other crop. 1.20 31-33 2.79 30.35 7.42 27.11 10.38 24-35 1339 22.61 14.00 .? 25-50 15-73 30.15 17.44 34-75 2 .70 31-49 25.42 29.26 215 They are satisfactory figures in that they leave the conclusion patent that rubber has led to an extension of cultivation instead of making room for itself at the cost of other crops. It is of considerable importance that the extent of the private holdings in rubber in Malacca, should be borne in mind, because of the part that they might play in any outbreak of a serious disease. There vi^ere in Ceylon among the coffee estates similar small holdings with coffee on them, when the coffee-leaf disease broke out, and that they played an important part in causing planters to give up coffee is known; they harboured the disease that the planter was fighting and were an ever-present source of re-infection along his borders. So might these small holdings in rubber serve for mischief, if an epidemic of like nature were to break out in Malacca. Some kind of watchfulness over their state is desirable ; and the intelligence neces- sary for it exists upon the company's estates, but it is uncertain how far, those who might arrange for keeping an "eye on the little hold- ings are alive to the need; reference seems rarely if ever to be made to it from the chair at Company meetings. So many of the Rubber-planting companies began by the acqui- sition of holdings, often small, planted with rubber, that a stimulus was given to planting with a view to sale: doubtless a not inconsiderable part of the ground so planted has come under the control of men with a permanent interest in the crop ; but there is a little land which will not fall into some planting scheme and bears trees which the owner is not interested in tapping, such as would be more useful and less dangerous to the state if the trees were replaced by something else. The alternative of tapping or eradicating after a certain number of years, perhaps in some cases, might profitably be imposed. It is certain that the protection belts devised several years ago have not been retained. The planting companies in Malacca now possess about 105,000 acres, of which n per cent, is not yet planted. Some of the com- panies admit that they have too much land ; thus, two are consider- ing the getting rid of a not inconsiderable amount, and the Nyalas Company during 1913 surrendered 5,700 acres ; two other companies on the plea that the blocks were detached, and inconvenient therefore, have surrendered 645 acres, and another company has surrendered 263 acres of genuinely sterile hill side. On the other hand four dollar companies which are paying dividends have judged it to their interest to acquire more land to the extent of about 815 acres; and as even with these additions these four companies make but small charges their further expansion would seem likely to be profitable. The land surrendered or which it is desired to sell, happens to be considerably more than the land acquired by other companies ; but it is in no case in rubber, whereas some of the land acquired is. 2l6 Taking the available figures of area held at the end of the year, giving attention to the Financial strength of the companies, and assuming an intention to plant if conditions permit, the following approximation has been worked out : — La7id ill the hands of the 40 Companies. Already in rubber ... ... 63 per cent. Likely to be planted «• ... ... 31 „ „ Perhaps may be neglected ... ... 6 „ „ 100 If the companies achieve this, — their further planting of 31 per cent, of their holdings — and private planting ceases 32.3 per cent, of the land in the Territory of Malacca will come under rubber ; and if private planting should proceed pari pasu (which is unlikely) 39.6 per cent. The present general abstention from further rubber-planting, which is evident in Malacca as elsewhere, is a taking stock of all that appertains to the position. But it is clear that for the present the production of Plantation Rubber most undoubtedly gives a very good return for money invested in it. The Malacca plantations are well developed ; the yield in Malacca seems to be quite satisfactory, and the Malacca estates are generally free from insect pests and fungus diseases. The cases in which they have not attained their estimate are uncommon. As the Mycologist of the department of Agriculture, F.M.S., has recently said " Plantation rubber is one of the healthiest crops in existence"; it has to be kept so. The yield per acre is at present something which, between the expert and the manager, can be calculated with considerable accuracy ; but we do not know how the drawing off of so much latex is affecting the yield of the future. A tabulation of the forecasts of yield of twenty-seven Malacca companies;, and the actuals realised during the estate-years ending in igi3 (estimated 6,974,250, realised 7,085,846), shews a discrepancy of but 1.6 per cent., thought some of the indivi- dual estates had a rather wide margin of difference, notably those whose tapping area was rapidly extending. Five of the estates had worked to within I per cent, of their estimate, and ten to within 5 per cent. These ten estates made 4,150,681 lbs. of rubber, or nearly half of the output of Malacca. The yield on the best estates, as far as recorded, is about two pounds of dry rubber per tree per annum or about 300 lbs. per acre. But this average is worked out on trees which have many years to grow. We do not know yet their maximum yield any more than we know precisely the distance at which trees should be planted to attain this maximum, and the very best way of tapping. 217 We are suffering of course from disability, clue to the circum- stance that our crop has not yet been through even one generation under cultivation. What the figures of yield show is this, — that, carrying out a cer- tain programme of tapping on trees of a certain age planted at a certain number to the acre in the locality to which reference is made, it is possible to manufacture so much rubber and generally this is intended to be without apparent injury to the future. In the Company reports for 1913, or for 1912-13, readily available, the highest figure returned is at the rate of in lbs. per acre over 2,982 acres, including some of the oldest rubber in Malacca. The steadying of prices is a great boon to the industry, though it indicates the approximation of production and demand. Although the long steady drop in prices through 1913 (on the London market from 4s. 8d. in January to 2s. 5/^d. in December — highest prices for first quality), undoubtedly went below the natural limit which undisturbed supply and demand would have fixed, on account of strikes, floods and financial uncertainty in America (which country uses 60 per cent, of the world's output) and on account of political anxiety in Europe, where in addition all the markets received an extra quantity of the raw product in consequence of stagnation in America, the fall was certainly due to the increasing output ; and the drop after the present recovery may be expected to be resumed. Recognising this all estates seem to have been making most serious efforts to ascertain every possible economy. The one economy of which most has been heard is that of the reduction of wages. It cannot be denied that wages were excessive, especially when in 1910 "a boy of 12 could get 40 to 50 cts. per diem as a tapper and his work was over at 10-30 or li a.m." Meeting on August lOth, 1913, the Malacca planters decided to reduce wages from the 1st of October to 60 cents per diem for a Chinese coolie or 40 cents for a Tamil, Malay or Javanese coolie ; the task for a tapper to be 400 trees, or for weeding an eight-hours day. With very little friction this change was brought about; and the labour force in the country was demonstrated obviously sufficient for the country's needs. It was estimated that the reduction in wages would save twopence on each pound of rubber. Local selling, both in Singapore and Penang, is increasing, as it results in a considerable saving in certain cases, especially when direct shipment to the country of consumption follows. Freight to, and wharf charges in, London have been reduced also. On the estates there is the natural economy due to the maturing of the trees under which they yield more to the same amount of labour, and further there are economies in cultivation thus: in Malacca there are clean-weeded estates and estates on which a thin Average price. Amount. 5s. 6d. 4s. lolid. 3s. Id. 9,500 tons = 21,280,000 lbs. 18,000 „ = 40,320,000 „ 22,400 „ = 50,176,000 „ 218 growth of certain grasses is encouraged; under either system the estates seem to have attained generally the object aimed at, and the maintenance in that state is less costly than the attainment. Disc- harrows are in more extended use having, since I911, proved them- selves useful; and steam ploughs are in use on the Devon Estate. There is probably no estate in Malacca which has not brought down its expenses considerably ; and the company reports mention reductions in cost of varying amounts. The average London prices for first quality Plantation and the amount imported, are given by Messrs. Lewis and Peat thus: — Yea r, I9II I912 I913 Fine hard Para did not fall proportionately, but from 4s. 7^d. to 3s. 2^d., because it is better than Plantation for certain purposes, is controlled by few strong hands able to hold up supplies, and has not the promise of such enormous expansion as has Plantation. That it should have been sold per lb. below Plantation once when the price was high, is because its 18 per cent, of dirt at a high figure becomes so very expensive ; but allowing for its impurities, rubber for rubber it has never been cheaper than Plantation. Malaya must make its best product as good as Fine Hard Para for all purposes. It is admitted on the London market that the quality of the pro- duce of Malaya has improved. Some of this improvement may be ascribed to the increasing age of the trees, but most of it is to the credit of the planter. Earnest endeavours must be made to make Plantation to sell equally with Para ; but for the present Plantation more by its volume than its value, competes with Para. Although low class rubbers have been less abundant on the market lately than formerly, the part which raw plantation has played in driving these out is quite uncertain, for much of their decrease may be due to reclaimed rubber as the industry in reclaiming is assuming enormous dimensions, curiously without any satisfactory figures in regard to it being available, and the product takes a place in direct competition with low class rubbers : and it is to be borne in mind by those interested in producing Plantation, that such improvements may be invented in reclaiming processes as to bring reclaimed rubber to a grade, where its volume will affect the price of the raw product. The second crop of Malacca formerly was tapioca ; it has been the mother crop of very much of the rubber from the time when Mr. Tan Chay Yan and his syndicate planted the Bukit Asahan Estate ; 219 but, with the cutting out of catch crops, the area under it has fallen to the fourth place. Both the acreage and export figures show this fall. Average price of flake tapioca us Year. Acrex. declared on export from Malacca. )S.) 1902 67,546 $5.59 per pikul (133.3 11 1903 71,958 5.03 1904 68,762 4.80 1905 65,968 6.34 1306 67,399 8.91 :, 1907 16,753 9-22 1908 39,072 6.13 1909 — 5-92 I9I0* 18,135 6.35 I9II 10,926 8.83 I9I2 16,643 8.89 I9I3 7,353 5-98 Excess of exports over imports of Malacca in pikiils (1 33' 3 lbs.) Year. Flake. Pearl. Flour. Total excels. 1909 66,727 64.567 6,830 138,124 I9IO 85,793 52,398 (import of 4,717) 137,474 I9II 38,820 31,889 1,555 72,264 I9I2 28,157 31,873 1,690 61,420 I9I3 27,992 28,329 (import of 88) 56,233 The decrease of the crop has come at a time when prices have fallen very considerably ; and it is a matter for congratulation that the Malacca estates in recent years have not only reaped the advantage of a return from the catch crop, but they reaped it when the return was good. Along with the decrease in the growing of tapioca has come an enormous and most striking decrease in pig-raising. The following are the figures for the excess of the exports from Malacca territory of pigs over and above the imports. Excess Exports over hnports. 1909 ..- ••• 21,564 animals 1910 ... ... 13,925 1911 ••■ ... 7,640 1912 ... ... 2,977 1913 ..• ... 106 The pigs used to go to feed the tin-mining towns chiefly, and also the adjacent parts of the Federated Malay States. They were raised by squatters who were allowed to establish themselves chiefly in the coconut plantations, and there, to fatten their swine with the 'ampas' or "■In this year under the Ciown Lands Ordinance, 1886, the alienation of Crown Land for tapioca was stopped ; but the use of tapioca as a catch crop for more permanent crops was not prevented. ^20 refuse of the tapioca industry. Malacca used to have ' ampas' to spare, but now there is a small import of it, which is paid for through the higher price which pigs fetch in the local market. The rise in the price of porl< in Malacca town has been about 43 per cent. The following table gives the excess value of 'ampas ' of either exports over imports or imports over exports, for the last five years. Tapioca Refuse by Value. \(',334 2.545 — 1907 272.783 192,966 79,807 — 1908 202,381 188,613 13.768 — 1909 176,364 170,032 6,332 — T9IO 15,833 121,329 — 105,496 I9II 85,184 118,155 — 32,971 I9I2 131,139 90,981 41.058 — I913 120,079 110,331 9,748 — The figures indicate that only in exceptional years does Singa- pore island produce for export coconut products; but the variation towards either ?ide is extraordinary. The average imports over the 8 years have been 1,113,492 pikuls of copra and of the 6 years, omitt- ing 1910 and 1911, 1,054,362 pikuls; but in 1910— the most fruitful year — there were imported 220,000 pikuls above this — a circumstance to be attributed to the splendid crops, not only of Malacca (which have been mentioned on page 221 above) but of the whole of the east of the Peninsula and of many of the not-remote Dutch Indies. The equivalent of this 220,000 pikuls was re-exported either as copra or as oil, the excess of imports averaging 25,543 pikuls of copra dis- appeared, and an export equal to 105,496 pikuls occurred. In 1913, the registered imports were higher still ; but the tremendous excess export of copra (as copra or as oil) has not been attained. The average prices of copra declared for export from Singapore have been : — per pikul of 133.3 lbs. 1906 $8.47 1907 9-79 1908 7.12 1909 8.31 I9I0 10.30 I9II 10.02 I9I2 10.69 I9I3 12.73 The areca-nuts in Singapore yielded in 1913 better than in 1912, as the coconuts did, so that there has been an increase of exports ; but on the whole they receive little attention. The figures for the last five vears are: — Vear. Excess of Exports over imports. Average Price. 909 81,612 pikuls U-S4 [910 136,492 5.45 [911 86,117 5.49 L9I2 18,803 5-58 913 23,038 7-15 227 Gaaibier is disappearing from the island. Under Malacca the diminution of its price has been given ; and from that cause arises its decrease in Singapore island. Pepper cultivation seems slightly to be increased. Sugar-cane cultivation, for eating only, is unchanged. Rice has not existed in the island for a very long time. The few nutmegs in the island produce a little fruit. A small experimental area has been planted with Cacao. Durians yielded very well in December, 1913, and so did Ram- butans ; but the crop of Mangosteens was not good. The amount of fruit which Singapore imports is now very con- siderable. The Muar river enjoys a large share of this trade, Sarawak and Siam a not inconsiderable portion in special lines. The demand for vegetables is so great that their prices are very high. In the island there is a slight increase of vegetable grov^ing — katiang, ladies fingers, brinjals, etc., and a little planting of bananas. The planting of " Pisang Batu " for leaf plates, leaf wrappers and a substitute for string is extending. Sweet potatoes are the chief root crop of Singapore ; and they are less extensively grown than might be expected. The big alocasia comes next in importance. With the intention of attempting the introduction into Singapore of a new root-crop the lesser yam {Dioscorea aculeata, Lamk. or D.fasciculata, Roxb.) was brought in 1913, into the Economic garden : it is a tuber, which constitutes a large part of the food of the labourers in some parts of India, and is, moreover, when suitably cooked good eating : but thereafter it was found that a Chinese cultivator on Holland Road had already commenced the growing of it. It is curious that this plant has not hitherto found a lodgement here, yti has been for a very long time an important food plant in the Eastern Archipelago, and in India. Rumphius, who lived in the Dutch Indies from 1653 to 1702, and became Governor of Amboyna, said, that in his time it was being grown about Batavia by immi- grants, who had come from the East ; yet Ridley was able to write two centuries later, in 1908, that he had never seen the species nor could find evidence of its occurence in the Malay Peninsula. Lemon oil grass is still in cultivation and distilling is done on a small scale; but the interest in it has diminished considerably. The Java citronella oil, along with which the Singapore product should sell, is absorbed very readily on the market in Europe, though at a narrow margin of profit. 228 Penang and Province Wellesley. The agriculture of Penang shows little change. Nutmeg and Clove cultivation is decreasing; the output of the year has been small. The coconut and areca nut crops were fairly good. Mangos- teens were produced freely, but not in the same plenty as in 1912, when the yield was remarkable. Their lowest price was 3.50 per hundred. An impression gained in Penang is that from planting a few years back, an increase in the production of this fruit will soon follow. Durians fruited normally in 1913. The cultivation of plan- tains is not increasing. The local vegetable crop seems inadequate^ but there is no sign of extension within the island. The rice crop of 1912-13 was not good; but that of 1913-1415 very good. The last of the sugar-cane, grown for the manufacture of sugarr has disappeared from Province Wellesley ; its place having been taken by rubber. Towards the end an experiment was made on the Central Factory plan, small areas of land being allotted to cultivators who were to cut the crop as required ; but it failed, the cane been ill-grown. This is of great interest as illustrating the difficulty, that there would be, in establishing such an institution as a Central Factory in the Province — a difficulty illustrated also by the fact that small holders of the same class often turn out raw tapioca, which is hardly marketable ; but such men seem to be more fortunate when they turn their attention to raising crops which require the gardener's skill only ; and a considerable number of them, chiefly in the Central and Southern divisions, are raising pine- apples, gourds, beans, brinjals, etc., as catch corps among very young rubber or coconuts. These men appear not to be tyring any- thing new; but in the northern division, in 1913, a small acreage was planted up by Malays with the lesser yam ; (see page 227 above) and so great was the profit that it appears as if the culture will become established. One most interesting new cultivation in the Province, is that of Arrowhead — Sagittaria saggitifolia — grown on an extending area of rice-land near Bukit Mertajam, by Chinamen for feeding pigs, and apparently profitable. About three crops are grown in the year. The fruit trees in the Province in a very large measure want re- newing ; they are trees which were planted|round the country houses of well-to-do Chinese, from whose hands in some cases they have become company-property. But they are now of little value. There is a trade from Penang to Calcutta of small dimensions in fruit, chiefly in mangosteens and the best plantains, which might be fostered and become something ; pineapples, which squatters are growing in the Province, might be exported also. 229 Rubber in the Province and Penang is credited with the following increasing acreage : — Province Wellesley. Penanrj IQ05 Nil Nil 1906 4.009 Nil 1907 4-833 50 1908 7,894 550 1909 14,166 1,450 I9I0 15.501 2,648 I9II 24,725 4,094 I9I2 30.530 5,800 I2I3 34,766 6,310 The estates of the island and in the Province together cover almost the same area as those of Singapore island, and are almost of the same age. A little later, comparisons will be interesting. But whereas we found a very large amount of privately owned rubber in Singapore, we find very little in Province Wellesley where 70 per cent, of the total area in rubbsr make parts of 18 estates there. Only one of these estates is without coconuts : and some are extending by planting the one crop, and some by planting the other, in such a way that rubber has only a small preference over coconuts. In reserve the estates hold 41 per cent, of their area. If we allow- to rubber and to coconuts an equal extension out of this 41 per cent., that is 20 per cent, for each, not much more than 22 per cent, of the whole province seems likely to go into rubber. The estates have been disappointed in the yield of Coconuts ; one estate for instance with 33,000 trees almost all in bearing gave in 1910-II 1,000,316 nuts, in 1911-12 670,039 „ in 1912-13 713,658 „ when 900,000 were expected. The differences are the effect of the seasons, and it is to be feared of conditions, probably chiefiy connected with the soil water which we cannot easily control. These conditions make it very hard to estimate accurately the crop in advance; and unfortunately the good year of 1910, to which many of the current estimates date caused expectations to be inflated. Estates beyond the borders of Province Wellesley have made the same complaint, that the years which followed 1910, disappointed them. Estates built up out of old Chinese holdings are in some cases planted with different races of coconuts on no system. 230 Tapioca in the Province seemed at the beginning of 1913 to be '-extending as it had done in 1912, in spite of a falling price; but the price continued to fall and went so far as to make harvesting unpro- fitable. Such a large drop is rather calamitous, occurring within the growth of one crop, and the more so as the Province is not only not at the stage in its rubber plantations when catch crops can be generally dispensed with, but has a pig industry dependent largely -on the tapioca refuse. The following is the acreage returned under Tapioca : — 1902 1903 1904 1905 1906 1907 1908 1909 1910 1911 1912 1913 Province Wellesleij. Penang. 10,800 about 150 11,145 about 80 11,145 about 60 12,035 al)uut 60 37.690 about 100 39,165 — 130 14,537 — no 14,101 — 120 ii,co6 — 140 9,700 — • 170 11,290 — 130 7,785 — 180 been The excess of exports over imports of tapioca from Penang have Flalrt of Nutmegs Export from Excess Exportt into Pc nang. Pen ' ang. 1909 2,350 pikuls 5.154 pikuls 2,804 pikuls I9IO 2 .608 ,, 3-802 ,, 1,194 I9II 2 ,q88 ,, 5.064 „ 2,076 I912 3,qq7 „ 5,8 1 6 „ 1,819 1913 3 .643 „ 4.409 „ 766 „ 234 Cloves, however, have latterly had fai has been : — [y good ytars, so that trade Import of 1 Cloves Export front Excess of Exjwrts into P't'iK wg. Fenanq. over Inqwrts. 1909 944 pikuls 1,677 pikuls 735 Piku 1910 1,276 „ 1,419 143 1911 719 „ 2,323 1,604 1912 475 ,, 3,981 3,506 1913 915 „ 2,305 1,390 Penang and the Province consume considerably more pepper than the little that they produce. The area under rice has been returned as follows :- 1902 1903 1904 1905 1906 1907 1908 1909 1910 1911 1912 1913 48.500 49.351 49-351 49,368 48,478 44,456 45,808 46,274 46,138 45,200 44.950 45,977 Penang. 7,700 7,690 7,660 7,660 7,650 7,450 7,530 7,567 7,120 6,129 6.320 6,620 The crop of 1912-1913 was not good; but the crop of 1913- 1914 proved excellent. Dindings. The rubber estates in the Dindings fall into two divisions: one is constituted by the Sandycroft Estate alone; the other consists of four smaller estates near the Lumut river. Sandycroft is celebrated for the large yields that some of its trees used to give, and its land with- in the Dindings is all planted up. The other estates are extending still. They have land to the extent of 6,079 acres, and have planted 55 per cent, of it. One of these estates has been depending for development on the profit of tapioca as a catch crop ; and that is failing it now. Tapping of young trees was started in 1912 on one estate, but stopped again when price of rubber fell. Coconut-groves, land under fruit trees, and garden patches make up about 6,500 acres, nearly half of which is the young, and pro- mising Din iings Coconut Company's Estate on the Bruas river. The seed nuts came from Penang. 235 The land round tlie District Officer's house has been used some- what as an experimental ground to see how various plants grow; but the officers succeed one another at intervals too short for the purpose to be carried out to much effect. Cloves on this piece of land have grown satisfactorily. Tamil labour is altogether prevalent in the Bindings, and the Tamils show some tendency to try crops of their own land ; thus Sesa- mum, Ragi (Elensine Coracana) and Chillies are to be seen in small patches near Lumut. This tendency seems to afford a possible open- ing for widening the very meagre list of crop plants of the peninsula. Rice which was grown some years ago on the northern borderl- and which went out of cultivation, has been planted again to the extent of about one hundred acres. CROTON SPARSIFLORUS, Morong, an American Invader. Close to the East Wharf in Singapore, near to the Lagoon Dock, and west of the Peninsula and Oriental Steamship Company's wharf, occurs in some quantity on waste ground an American plant by name Croton sparsiflorus, whose advent is of some interest. For several years it has been spreading in Bengal and Assam, from the coast inland, in a way which strikingly demonstrates its dependence on man, and also shows that without hooks or barbs on its seeds or stickiness or any other device for attaching" them to objects, a plant with an abundant fertility, may get itself spread effectively through trade. Now that it has reached Singapore, and become established, we shall probably witness its steady spread from the new centre along trade routes in Malaya. Nothing eats it; its smell protects it from cattle ; and apparently its natural enemies have been left be- hind in its migration.- Fortunately it is not aggressive as a weed, but for the most part confines itself to waste places. Its home is on the River Plate, and it was first described from Paraguay. Its appearance in the East was recorded in 1905, when Sir David Prain, in an account of the vegetation around Calcutta (Records of the Botanic Survey of India, vol. iii., page 276) stated that it was abundant in waste places to the south of the city,, particularly about Diamond Harbour. From a paper published later by Professor P. J. Briihl, (Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal,, new series, 190S, page 6.03) we learn that as early as IQOI, one of these waste places was within six miles of the city (four miles from the ducks), and that in 1903 or 1904, it advanced as far as the waste ground. 236 between the Botanic Gardens and the Bengal-Nagpur Railway Com- pany's goods sidings at Shalimar, whence there is a railway ferry ■service to the other side of the river Hughli, by which goods waggons are sent over to the docks. At a later date than the first record, the plant was found to be abundant about Chittagong and to have been there at least since 1898, for Mr. D. Hooper, late Economic Botanist to the Botanic Survey of India, had preserved a specimen collected in October of that year; further Professor Briihl obtained information from one of his students that the plant had been seen ten years before 1907, on the railway line side between Chandpur and Akharara — two stations on the Assam-Bengal railway, which serve? Chittagong. Examina- tion of the line about Chandpur in 1908 showed that it had become abundant enough to indicate its establishment several years earlier. After Calcutta, Chittagong is the second port at the head of the Bay of Bengal; Diamond Harbour and Chandpur are Only river ■stations, where sea-going boats do not discharge cargo ; Akharara is a little inland. The abundance of the plant about Chittagong and Chandpur in- ■dicates the east side of the Bay of Bengal to be the one on which it obtained its first lodgement ; and the way in which it was observed to approach Calcutta from Diamond Harbour forbids the belief that it was first established on the Hughli. Probably it found a home in the beginning at Chittagong ; thence it reached Chandpur along the rail- way; from Chandpur it was brought to the Hughli by the Sundribans steamer traffic: and now it has reached Singapore, perhaps from Chittagong, but more probably from Calcutta. Its further spread in India during the last few years has been recorded (Proceedings of the Asiatic Society of Bengal, 1910, page ci.; 191 1, page cxxxii. ; and 1912, page cxiii). It has appeared at intervals all along the Assam-Bengal Railway from Chittagong to one terminus at Gauhati and beyond the other terminus to Makum Junction, on the Dibru-Sadiya Railway, being always found at places where goods are unloaded : and it has reached Narayanganj near Dacca which is connected with Chandpur by a steamer service. It may be expected to travel along the railway from Narayanganj through Dacca to Jaganathganj slowly, because there is very little through traffic ; it is sure soon to reach Goalundo and thereby the Eastern Bengal Rail- way system ; from Calcutta it is likely to travel first towards Nagpur and Madras, and afterwards in other directions along the railways. There is only one easy way of accounting for the travelling of Its seeds; and that is by assuming that they get enmeshed in the gunny wrappings of packages. By reason of the greater use of gunny wrappings in India than in the Malay region, it is travelling faster there than it will in Malaya. 237 Croton sparsiflorm grows to a height of about two feet or some- times to three feet. Its stems are woody and rather wiry, a single stem arises from the root, and at a height of about six inches bran- ches into three or four, which again branch repeatedly candelabra- wise. The root system is not extensive; and the plant is easily dislodged. Its leaves are 1-2^^ inches long, lanceolate, rounded below, with small blunt serrations, dark green, with stellate white hairs below. The smell of the plant is rather unpleasant. The flowers are formed on upright open racemes, the females below, and the males above and much more numerous. The axis carries stellate hairs. The female flowers are 2-6 in number with five sepals and small orange-red glands within them, and a tri-carpellary ovary as is characteristic of its order— the Euphorbiaceae. The male flowers are along the axis in clusters of 3-4 or fewer, on short pedicels ; they have five sepals, five small white petals, five glands and a bunch of about fifteen stamens rather conspicuous by reason of their white anthers. The seeds are about one sixth of an inch long, coloured and shaped rather like the seeds of the castor oil plant, with a white caruncle and a surface that is only microscopi- cally rough. I. H. BURKILL. KENARI SEEDS. The following Correspondence is printed here for record : — Imperial Institute, London, S.W.. I6th October, 1913. Sir, The Imperial Institute has received a request from a firm of con- fectionery manufacturers in the United Kingdom for a sample of the fruits or kernels of Canarium commune, L., which are stated to be suitable for use as a substitute for almonds. This tree is said to be grown in the Moluccas for the sake of its fruits, which are also stated to be commonly eaten in Java. It is possible that supplies of the fruits or kernels are obtainable in the Straits Settlements, and if so I shall be very much obliged if you will send me a sample of a few pounds. I shall also be grateful if you can let me know whether any firm in the Straits Settlements can undertake to export the kernels or fruits, and if so at about what price the product would be quoted. I am. Sir, Your obedient Servant, (Signed) Wyndham R. Dunstan. The Director of Gardens, Singapore. 238 Sir, Botanic Gardens, Singapore, 31st Januarj\ 1914. In response to your letter No. 3102/1913, dated l6th October, I913, I have the honour to send to you a small consignment of the seeds of Canarium commune. These seeds are imported into Singapore and sold at one cent a piece for eating. Ii is unlikely that any firm of merchants here could find a trade in them to their profit. Nevertheless I should value any report that you care to make upon these seeds as we might try to bring in the tree as a fruit garden tree. Similarly I should value any report which you may be willing to make upon seeds, to follow, of Canarium rufum from those gardens, where it fruits freely and where the Chinese 'amahs' pick them up and eat them. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient Servant, (Signed) I. H. BURKILL, Director of Gardens, S.S, The Director, Imperial Institute, London, S.W. No. 1110/1914. Imperial Institute, London, S.W., 7th April, 1914. Sir, I have the honour to enclose a report on a sample of Canarium commune seeds which was forwarded to the Imperial Institute by the Director of Gardens at Singapore, with letter dated 31st January, 1914 I have etc., (Sd). Thomas A. Henry, for Director. H. E. the Governor, Straits Settlements. IMPERIAL INSTITUTE. Result of the examination of seeds of Canarium commune from the Straits Settlements. Imperial Institute No. 52434, dated, 7th April, 1914. Reference.— Letter dated 31st January, 1914, from Director of Gardens at Singapore. 239 Number of Mark and Weight of Sample. - rium commune. Weight ij^ lb. -Seeds of Cana- Description. — Seeds or nuts measuring about l% inch in length and % inch in diameter, somewhat resembling Spanish chestnuts in shape, and pale brownish grey to dark brown in colour. The shells were about % inch in thickness, and very hard. The nuts consisted of shell, 87. 1 per cent. ; and kernel, 12.9 per cent. Most of them contained at least 2 kernels (about 30 per cent, contained 3 kernels), but a few contained only one. The kernels had a chocolate-coloured coat, enclosing a cream-coloured interior which had a pleasant oily taste. The kernels were analysed with the following results : — Results of Examlnation Expressed on Received.— Moisture ... percent. ... Crude proteine ... „ „ Consisting of True proteins ... „ „ Other nitrogenous substances ... ,, „ Fat ... ... „ „ Starch, &c. ... ... „ „ Fibre ... ... „ „ Ash ... ... „ „ Nutritive Value.— Nutrient ratio:— (the ratio between the percentage of crude proteins and the sum of the percentages of starch and fat, the latter being first converted into its starch equivalent) Food Units :— (the total obtained by adding the percentage of starch to 2.5 times the sum of the percentages of fat and crude proteins) Material as ... 2.0 13.5 12.9 0.6 72.3 74 trace 3-9 1 : 12.3 221.9 Commercial Valuation and Remarks. — The kernels of these nuts have a very high food value, and the proportion of fat is large, viz., 72.3 per cent, as against 65 per cent, in the case of walnuts, fil- berts and hazel nuts. The difficulty of breaking the shells would, however, prevent the use of the nuts in Europe for dessert purposes. If the nuts were shelled locally and the whole kernels alone ex- ported in good fresh condition, the product might perhaps find a market in European confectionery ; but the kernels have no special advantage in taste over the kinds already used for this purpose, and as the nuts yield only 13 per cent, of kernels, the extraction might be un- remunerative at the price obtainable. 240 RAINFALL at the Director's house, Botanic Gardens, Singapore, during the second half of the year, 1913. Readings taken always at 8 a. m. and credited to the date in whicli the twenty-four hours begin. Day. July. August. September. October. November. December. I O.IO 0.37 0.42 2 0.81 0.01 0.07 0.27 3 002 0.17 0.84 0.27 4 0.24 O.OI 0.32 5 0.20 Trace 082 1.38 Trace 0.26 6 0.07 1.02 Trace 0.16 7 0.31 1.03 0.06 0.12 8 0.36 0.20 Trace 1.30 0.49 9' O.II 0.64 0.62 ID 0.20 0.30 0.40 0.29 O.OI II Trace 0.78 0.21 0.05 12 0.27 0.76 0.03 1-73 0.20 13 108 ... 0.58 0.02 0.27 14 0.14 0.03 1.25 0.49 15 0.33 0.96 0.21 3.20 16 008 0.71 0.27 1-47 Trace 17 Trace 002 0 21 0.07 0.33 18 ... 0.30 0.76 0.24 Trace 19 Oil 1.83 20 002 0.03 1.76 Trace 0.06 21 0.43 032 1.27 O.IO 22 0.03 0.22 023 O.OI 23 0.06 0.06 0.13 1.04 24 0.04 0.72 029 Trace 25 0.02 0.17 0.81 Trace 26 0.03 1.40 0.31 006 27 0.02 Trace 0.41 206 O.II 28 O.OI 0.07 0.20 0.52 29 325 0.03 026 ■ 30 Trace 0.02 Trace 0.33 31 195 241 RAINFALL at the head of the Waterfall Gardens, Penang, during the first half of 1913. Rainfall read at Sam. and credited to the day in which the twenty-four hours begin. Day. January. February. March. April. May. June. I 0.02 0.03 0.23 2 0.03 1-15 2.90 0.18 3 0.07 0.18 0.98 0.16 4 1.21 004 ... 1-59 0.05 5 0.19 2.10 0.64 6 2.05 O.OI 7 0.07 0.58 0.42 8 0.28 0.15 0.03 9 \ 0.18 2.40 2.13 10 0.05 042 O.IO 0.04 1.54 0.04 II 1.67 0.39 0.84 0.34 12 0.41 0.04 13 0.35 0.15 2.50 14 0.03 ... 1-33 0.02 15 O.IO ... 0.58 16 0.50 0.32 0.19 1.72 17 0.41 0.17 18 0.14 ... 0.27 0.22 0.67 19 ... 1.08 20 0.30 0.22 1.30 21 0.09 0.44 0.03 22 ... 1.05 0.17 0.02 0.05 23 0.04 24 0.17 0.06 0.35 25 ... 0.23 Trace 26 0.35 0.56 0.36 0.03 27 0.02 28 O.IO 0.07 O.II 29 0.05 1.30 30 ... 0.41 0.10 0.59 31 ... 0.09 242 RAINFALL at the head of Waterfall Gardens, Penang, during the second halfoflQlj. Day, July.. A ugust. September. October. November. December. I 0.03 0.03 O.OI 1.14 2 1.07 0.50 0.08 0.04 3 0.05 0.52 0.09 0.32 0.22 4 0.14 0.05 0.03 0.13 0.16 080 5 0.30 0.18 0.22 0.06 0.86 0.03 6 1.85 0.16 0.44 0.02 0.03 0.03 7 0.33 0.80 0.05 1-59 1.27 0.14 8 1.70 0.12 0.04 1.96 0.03 9 0.12 0.73 0.42 0.41 0.66 10 0.03 2.54 2.04 2.74 0.08 II 0.30 0.47 3.28 0.40 12 0.70 2.70 0.60 i.39 0.02 13 0.65 4-30 1-34 0.08 0.05 14 0.48 1.03 2.24 0.26 0.04 15 0.53 2.35 1-75 0.02 0.26 i6 0.13 0.09 1.76 ... 0.92 17 0.02 0.12 0.36 1.14 0.22 l8 0.03 0.04 0.38 0.43 0.03 19 0.03 0.02 2.04 0.40 1.60 20 005 0.08 0.42 0.15 0.02 21 0.26 1.04 4.41 1.67 22 3.40 0.08 1.47 0.49 23 0.08 0.55 1.03 0.02 0.09 24 O.IO 3.22 ... 25 0.02 0.39 0.55 0.14 0.06 26 ... 0.07 1.03 1.50 0.55 0.05 27 0.17 0.07 0.91 0.08 28 0.18 1.80 0.20 29 0.06 0.03 O.OI 0.13 30 1.60 0.08 0.07 31 0.06 0.08 0.02 0.03 Registered by the Municipality of George Town. 243 SUMMARY OF RAINFALL, I9I3. SINGAPORE (Seep. 198). ^ENANG Rain tall in 1911 and 1912, at the headof the Water fall (iardens. I'eiiang. rainy days. .Amount of rain in inches. Longest Spell without rain. No. of rainy days. Amount of rain in inches. Longest Spell without rain. 191 1. 1912. January - - February - no p-^rti t recor y reco ed rded. II 4 451 094 !»1 2.19 1-47 1.38 March - - l8 18.70 3 16 5.52 5 627 ^iii April - - 17 9-99 1 3 21 5.63 4 9.52 5.57 May - - - 22 919 1 2 22 20.91 3 10.59 17.17 June - - - 25 16.46 I 16 7.84 7 10.10 10.67 July 15 6.50 6 17 7.30 4 3.05 4-56 August - - 14 2.31 M 21 5.58 2 8.98 19.54 September - 20 7.80 24 28.35 2 12.41 17.36 October - - 23 12.51 3 29 24.04 2 12.49 16.65 November - 27 14.64 I 27 19.87 I 9-83 12.46 December - 25 8.25 ' 2 25 5.80 2 4.22 6.87 Total in year ■ — 233 136.29 — 91.12 116.93 in 10 months 206 106.35 - - - - - Greatest amount in 24 hours. 6.62 4.41 48 „ 10.87 7.81 72 „ 12.68 8.36 Excessively rainy periods, more than 5.00 having fallen in 72 lours. - - I (March) 5 (^ lay. Set t., Oct. Nov.) No. of days when condition existed - 3 13 Periods of Comparative drought, less than 0.02 having fallen in 120 hours - 6 (Feb., Jul, Aug., Sept., Oct.) 6 (J an., Feb ., Man, Jun.) No. of days when condition existed - 15 33 244 A SPADIX IN THE AXIL OF THE SPATHE OF XANTHOSOMA. In making preparations of the flowers of Xa?ithosoma ? violaceiim, Schott, for the Singapore herbarium, an interesting al)normality was detected, for in a large spathe two spadixes were f'mnd, the position of the second being that of a branch in the axil of the spathe. The spathe in question was 17 inches long; the normally present spadix 12 inches long: but the abnormally produced spadix was only three inches, being too short to pass beyond the constriction of the spathe which had forced it into a curve. Its flowers were younger than those of the normally produced spadix, but apparently normal. On thtir lesser age rests an argument supporting the view that the abnormally produced spadix is a branch in the axil of the spathe ; for if were not of a lower order than the normal spadix its flowers ought to be of the same age. The abnormal specimen is part of No. 276 now in the Herbarium of the Botanic Gardens. I. H. BURKILL. GRAMMATOPHYLLUM FLOWERING IN JANUARY. In the Agricultural Bulletin of the Straits and Federated Malay States. VI., 1907, page 49, Mr. H. N. Ridley recorded the flowering of Grammatophyllum speciosum, Blume, in the Botanic Gardens, in January of that year, the usual flowering in August and September having been omitted in 1906. The same phenomenon has been repeated ; for this orchid did not flower in 1913, but flowered in Singapore very freely in January and February, 1914. It was seen to be in flower in the Kukob district of Johore at the same time. In Penang it flowered as usual in July and August, 1913. I. H. B. SOME PERTINENT PUBLICATIONS. The Imperial Bureau of Applied Entomology. " In the summer of 1911, when the Prime Ministers of the Self-Governing Domi- nions were present in England, they were invited by the Secretary of State for the Colonies to discuss with the Entomological Research Com- mittee (appointed by the Colonial Office, in 1909), certain proposal for furthering and co-ordinating the investigation of injurious insects throughout the Empire. By this meeting it was unanimously agreed that the establishment of a central organisation for this purpose was desirable, and consequently a tentative scheme was submitted for the consideration of the Colonial Governments concerned. 245 At a further conference, held at the Colonial Office, in August, 1912, the matter took more definite shape and it was proposed to form an Imperial Bureau of Entomology, to be supported by contri- butions from the various Dominions and ( olonies, as well as from the British Government. The principal functions of this Bureau were to be to collect and co-ordinate all information bearing upon injurious or useful insects ; to organise a system for securing the authoritative identification, with reasonable promptitude, of all insects of economic importance submitted by officials connected with the Departments of Agriculture or Public Health throughout the Empire; to compile gradually a comprehensive card-index to the whole literature of the subject, and to publish monthly the "Review of Applied Entomology," which is intended to give an up-to-date epitome of the current literature." (Preface to the Review, No. I.) There has been issued newly a report on the work of the Com- mittee, dated 17th December, 1913, which records great progress to- wards permanent utility. I he Review in two series : Series A, Agri- cultural, and Series B., Medical and Veterinary — has now appeared for more than a year, the parts of series A. costing ninepence each and the parts of series B. sixpence. The working value in distant centres of this Review is very considerable. Hamel Smith, H., and Pape, F. A.G., Coconuts, the Consols OF the East. Second edition, London (1914). Tropical Life Publishing Depot., Pp. Ixviii and 644 with many illustrations. Price II shillings net, post free. The first 400 pages of the second edition of this work are almost exactly as those of the first edition, but the remaining part of the book is^much altered, — slightly by omissions, greatly by additions. Of the added matter the most interesting pages are those where the opinions of several competent authorities are brought together in a discussion of the cost of making copra. This industry to date in various lands is discussed. Recent developments such as the use of explosives in agriculture find a place ; Dr. Friederichs coconut-beetle fungus is described. But the part of the book dealing with insect pests should have been made fuller and have been well illustrated. ZiMMERMAN'N, A., DER MAMHOT-KAUTSCHUK, SEINE KULTUR, Gew^innung and Praparation, Jena (Gustav Fischer), 1913, pp. 1-342, with 151 figures in the text. Price nine marks, unbound ; ten marks, bound. This book gives a very complete account of the rubber-yielding species of Manihot. The author is Director of the Imperial Agricultural Institute of Amani, German East Africa, in which country their cultivation has been taken up more than in any other, and where he has been at work on them for at least ten years. The figures in the book are originals from the author's photographs or from drawings made for him. The text covers the 246 whole matter of Ceara rubber-the differences between the species, their rates of growth in all parts of the world, their enemies (chiefly in German East Africa), their tapping, the coagulation of the latex and the return. On page 154, the author gives his opinion cautiously to the effect that the nutritive role of latex cannot be considered as proved ; on page 224 he advises that trees should not be tapped until their girth is 40 cm. (nearly 16 inches) ; on page 33 he shows that in favoured localities this girth is reached in a little over a year, but even 3-4 year old trees should not be tapped oftener than 25-40 times in the year, meagre yields having apparently in the past been due to tapping in excess (page 230) ; and (page 308) the yield which may be hoped for is:— in the fourth year, 50 kilogrammes per hectaire or 44.6 lbs. per acre, fifth „ 100 „ „ 89.2 sixth „ 150 „ „ 133-8 seventh „ 200 „ „ 178.4 eighth „ 200 „ ., 178.4 He records as actually obtained on the Kwamdoro estate, whose situation seems to be particularly favourable: — Ih'i. per acre. 53-5 107.6 177.8 196.1 The seed contains nearly 30 per cent, of oil. KOORDERS, S. H., EXCURSIONSFLORA VON JAVA, UMFAS- SEND DIE Blutknpflanzen, Jena, Gustav Fischer. Three'volumes, pp. xxvi — 412; 742; x-498 ; with figures in the text, 19 plates and 3 maps ; 1911-1912. Vol. iv. to be complete in twenty parts, containing reproductions from photographs and line figures of the higher plants of Java, Part I, 1913. This work when complete will be the best substitute for a popular Flora of the Malay peninsula that can be recommended, provided that the possessor can read German. Having but little knowledge of botany it will be possible to ascertain the name with considerable ease of any Javanese flowering plant, and of most of the commoner plants of the peninsula. An unfortunately rather long list of corrections has been issued. Messrs. C. L. Gatin a.vd C. M. Bret in a paper in theCoMPTES- Rexdus de l'Academie des Sciences de Paris, clvi. pp. 805-807, point out that all the varieties of Elaeis guiiieensis — the African oil palm — produce on the Ivory Coast (West Africa) two kinds of fruits, the lesser being empty. They say that these lesser sterile deceptive shells are constant in proportion for each variety, being most numer- ous in var. ceredia, so that they appear to be normal to the trees. Year. Kilos per hectaire. 4th 60 5th 120 6th 200 7th 220 Granunex per tree lbs. per tree. 100 just under i ft. 200 3«TT ft. 333 ^Vft. 367 just above | ft. Che Gardens' DuUetin 5TRAIT5 5ETTLEnENT5, into which is incorporated all that has been published as the third series of the Agricultural Bulletin of the Straits and Federated nalay States. Vol. I. Issued June 22nd, 1915. Mo. 8. CONTENTS. Page. The Treatment to which the Para-Rubber Trees of the Botanic Gardens, Singapore, have been subjected - _ . . . 247 Early Distribution of Para-Rubber Plants - 252 Table I Understand "Days" after each Numeral 270 Table II ------ 286 Table IV The Gardens' Seed-Bearers - - 292 Table V The Gardens' Seed-Crop - - 293 Table VI ------ 294 To be purchased at the Botaalc Gardens. Singapore firom Messrs. Kelly and Walsh. Ltd.. No. 32 Raffles Place and 194 Orchard Road: and the Straits Times Office. Cecil Street. Singapore. DEPARTMENTAL NOTICE. A few plants of the Avocado or Alligator Pear — Persea gratissuna, and a few plants of the Brazil nut — Bertholletia excelsa — to be sold within the Peninsula at fifty cents each. It is hoped within a few months to be able to supply — Eucalyptus corymhosa — at the same price. Seeds of Hevea brasiliejisis—Fa.r3i Rubber — as available from little tapped trees, twenty- eight years old, to be sold at fifty cents per hundred. THE GARDENS' BULLETIN, STRAITS SETTLEMENTS. INTO WHICH IS INCORPORATED ALL THAT HAS BEEN PUBLISHED AS THE THIRD SERIES OF THE AGRICULTURAL BULLETIN OF THE STRAITS AND FEDERATED MALAY STATES. The Gardens' Bulletin is published as material becomes available. Its price is fifty cents a copy, post free, or in advance for a volume of twelve numbers, post free. Five dollars in the Straits and Federated Malay States. Nine and a half rupees in India and Ceylon. Thirteen Shillings in Europe. Subscriptions paid to the third series of the Agricultural Bulletin, Straits and F. M. S., are counted as subscriptions to it. SINGAPORE : THE STRAITS TIMES PRESS, LIMITED. Rubber Tree No. 2, Economic Gardens, Singapore. THE GARDENS' BULLETIN, ^... Mew YO>« STRAITS SETTLEMENTS. , uMcuer Vol. 1. Issued dune 22, 1915. No. 5. THE TREATMENT TO WHICH THE PARA- RUBBER TREES OF THE BOTANIC GARDENS, SINGAPORE, HAVE BEEN SUBJECTED. An attempt is being made in the Botanic Gardens, Singapore, to mark down among the old trees the best that they may serve as parents for improved stock. The work of selection will cover many years, and be in some degree tedious ; but there is every rea- son to expect that it will prove worth all the tim^e that may be ab- sorbed. Hevea brasilietisis, the Para-rubber tree, in Malaya, shows much variability, and therefore a promise that the general average of the trees can be raised ; and moreover not only do we observe . this variability here with our own e5^es ; but we have the assurance of Monsieur Labroy and others that in Brazil great variability can be seen. The work in hand commences with the comparison of tree with tree as judged by the amount of latex given. Were our trees all virgin, this comparison would be facilitated; but they have been subjected to treatment in various ways ; and though we do not know as yet, what the effect of tapping is on the life and functions of a rubber-tree, it becomes necessary that in the task before us the past of the selected parents should be known. With this object in view the following record has been compiled from all available sources. ■ One tree in the Gardens, No. 2/, in the year 1904, was recognised \fy as yielding a far greater amount of latex than any of its neighbours, even than those which seemed to have a position quite as advanta- geous. But it has never been used as a special seed bearer. It and —' other good trees are now being picked out as parents for the next ^ g^neratio''. C3 a% 248 A large map of the rubber ground has been prepared, whereon; is marked the position of every tree, and wherefrom whenever necessary it can always be ascertained if a selected parent has had'. an advantageous position or has not. Unfortunately the tapping records have been unequally kept. In the early days, from 1889 to 1902, they were hardly kept at all. From 1902 to 1903, public interest having been aroused, notices of what was being done in the Botanic Gardens appeared in the local press. From 1904 onwards, they were almost completely kept. Using all the materials which have come to hand, a manuscript re- cord has now been made which shows the nature of the tapping and how it was intermitted in the case of each tree ; and the following account largely abridged therefrom avoiding details gives in one view what has happened in the plantation. It, together with the register of the trees and the map above named, serves as the basis- in the work to be undertaken. The failure in 1876, of the first consignment from Kew of Hevea seedlings, fifty in number, to reach the Botanic Gardens, Singapore, alive, has been asserted repeatedly, apparently on the ground of a Statement in the Report of the Royal Gardens, Kew, for 1876, which says "the cases did not come into the hands of the Superintendent of the Botanic Gardens until the plants were nearly all dead ": but when the Report of the Royal Gardens, Kew, for the year 1877 is consulted part of a letter from the Superintendent of the Singapore Gardens is found stating that the Heveas sent in 1876 were making good growth (vide Fetch in Annals of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradenha, v., 1914, p. 440). So some were saved for at least a year: but no records exist showing their further history. If they lived, they introduced into the Colony plants whose origin was certainly from seed collected by Mr. Wickham on the plateaux between the rivers Tapajos and Madeira ; for Kew was distributing these in 1876. Tvventy-two seedlings, a second consignment, sent a year later, arrived safely in June, 1877, and more than half of the number were planted out in the Botanic Gardens, — the exact site unknown, — to be replanted in 1878 in what is now the Palm-valley of the Botanic Garden^;, then the Economic Garden, where they made poor growth. The other nine were taken to Kwala Kangsar and planted there behind the Residency by Mr. J. H. Murton. the Superintendent of the Gardens in Singapore (vide Annual Report, Botanic Gardens, Singapore, for 1 878, p. 3; and Agricultural Bulletin of the Straits and F.M.S., ii., T903, p. 3)- ■ A third consignment is said on the authority of members of the staff of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Ceylon, (e.g., Wright in Willis, Bamber and Denham, Rubber in the East, 1906, p. 19) to have been despatched from Colombo for the Singapore Botanic Gardens, in 1877 ; but its arrival in Singapore is not recorded. Moreover as it was in 1878 and not in 1877, that Thwaites, then Director of the Roval Botanic Gardens, Ceylon, began to send out plants of his own Photo hy\ [H. Lh-trbeck, Esq. Hevea brasiliensis, tree No. 174 in the Economic Garder showing scars of tapping done in 1904. Photo by\ {^hs. E. Af. Furkilh ' The path in the Economic Garden between the rubber trees planted in 1886 (on the left) and those planted in 1879. The two most conspicuous trees are Nos. 1 (behind the board) and 2. 249 propagation, the date appears to be too early for any consignment from those Gardens. That an entry of the despatch of rubber plants from Peradeniya exists in the departmental records seems a fact, but may it not relate to the second consignment from Kew which would pass through Ceylon on its way eastward? To the charge of the Superintendent of Gardens in Singapore was added in 1879 by the Colonial Government the land which novr is the Economic Garden. At the time of being handed over the low- lying part was an indigo plantation, and the hill-slopes above il vegetable gardens cultivated by Chinese, while the hill-top was a more-or-less neglected stretch of secondary jungle (blukar). To the junction of the indigo with the vegetable gardens, Mr. W. Fox, now acting for Mr. N. Cantley who had succeeded to the post of Superintendent but been taken ill, transferred from the Palm-valley the still surviving Para-rubber trees that had been planted by Murton, placing them in a single line. The reader should turn to the first plate in the Agricultural Bulletin of the Straits and F.M.S., II., 1903, for an illustration of these trees at twenty-seven years of age, and to the opposite plate for those still standing in 1913. One of the central trees. No. 5, had died in 1904; and from it, death spread in either diiection along the line until in 1913, four trees alone stood ; and now there are but three. It has always been accepted latterly that the parents of these trees grew, in Brazil, on the upland plateaux over the valley of the Tapajos river, whence the seed was collected for the Government of British India, by Mr. H. A. Wickham. But to those in authority in Singapore, in 1878, it was not known with certainty what had been the origin of the stock ; and as another of the collectors of Para- rubber seed and plants, Mr. Cross, had officially recommended lands subject to inundation as suitable (vide his letter to the India Office, dated 29th. March, 1877, which may easily be read in Ferguson's All About Rubber, 2nd. edition, 1887, p. 59), his descriptions of the flooded lowlands where the Para-rubber tree grows in the Amazon valley were allowed to weigh in the selection of a damp site for the trees {Annual Report, Botanic Gardens, Singapore, for 1878, p. 3); and after Murton had expressed himself disappointed with the result, of this first transplanting, Mr. Fox gave them a still damper position. Mr. Fox, who had personal acquaintance with Mr. Cross, and had learned from him the condition of the country near Para, informs the writer that the growth of the trees was much improved by the second transfer. Cantley at first had no great opinion of Hevea. He wrote in 1885 of the trees in his charge that they "grow well; but in a country where the best rubbers grow wild, it is somewhat superfluous to refer to foreign species, the ultimate success of which may be ■doubtful." Beyond giving to the trees a little general care, he did nothing to them; and as he was not suppUed with funds for the •cultivation of the Economic Garden, scrub began to swallow up the lands that had been in cultivation. 250 It was otherwise in Ceylon. Attention to rubber had been forced on to the Ceylon Botanic Gardens; for on the recommendation of §ir Joseph Hooker, and with the advice of Sir Dietrich Brandis, the India and Colonial Offices had agreed that a big nursery of Para- rubber seedlings should be made in Ceylon to save the situation for India, and enable experimental plantations to be established in Burma as well as in other parts of the Indian Empire. It may be explained that the climate of Calcutta had been tried and found unsuitable, with the first available seedlings, from seed collected for Mr. J. ColHns by a Mr. Karris at Cameta, which is to the south-west of Para at some distance (vide Agricultural Bulletin, Straits and F.M.S., ii., p. 2. and Petch in the Annals of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya, v., 1904, p. 438): they had "utterly failed," Sir George King stated in his Report of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Calcutta for 1880-81 ; and thereupon, as India in other damp regions was ill-equipped with botanic establishments, and in order that the already big outlay should not be lost, Ceylon was asked to find in its humid lowlands some counterpart of the Amazon's forests, where the nursery could be established. Sir Clements Markham (vide Peruvian Bark, London, 1880, p. 466) accused the Government of India of being lukewarm, whereas other sources of information show that the India office tried to work apart from Kew, to collect seeds and despatch them independently, and not being competently staffed failed ; but in taking the decision to utilise the resources of Ceylon there was nothing but wisdom; and Ceylon became by it at once a new source of wealth to the East. * Under the charge of a gardener named W. Chapman, 1919 seed- ling Heveas had been sent to Peradeniya in October, 1876, and in the next year the greater part of them were planted out in a pur- posely acquired plantation at Heneratgoda, on the railway, not very remote from Colombo. All these plants came from the seeds collected by Mr. Wickham on the plateaux over the Tapajos river. Ceylon received in 1877 a further hundred plants from Kew. Dr. H. Trimen who two years later, i.e., in 1879, succeeded in the post of Director of the Ceylon Gardens, wrote in 1881 (vide Tropical Agri- culturist, of October 1st. 1881, p. 399) that of 1080 seedlings brought to Kew by Mr. R. Cross without soil, scarcely three per cent, were saved and one hundred of the number transmitted to Ceylon. It is assumed that Trimen in this place referred to the consignment of 1877 ; and if what Ceylon then received was from Cross' seedlings, then the Singapore consignment of the same date might also be of Cross' collecting, and not from Wickham's seeds. In which case the current view that the old Singapore trees had their origin over the Tapajos valley would be shaken, for Cross collected near the town of t*ara and on the island of Marajo. The then-Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, quoted Trimen's statement without comment in 1898 (tide Kew Bulletin, 1898, p. 253) ; but there is strong reason for believing Trimen mistaken. In the first place Thwaites shortly before his retirement was hardly able to cope with the work which 251 fell to him and let the records fall into an incomplete state, so that corroboration for the statement cannot be found in Ceylon. In the second place the Kew records, which must be supposed accurate, show that Kew had not 100 plants from Cross' collection in a con- dition fit to send, and has recorded no such sending. In the Kew Bulletin, 1914, p. 164, Sir David Prain writes, that of the l,o8o seed- lings without soil which Cross deposited at Kew, on November 23rd, 1876, 680 were sent to Mr. William Bull, the horticulturist, (and their condition on sending is carefully recorded) whereof he saved 14 ; and 400 were retained at Kew, whereof 3 per cent, were saved alive. Thus about 26 plants alone remained of Cross' collecting ; and after recording this the Director of the Royal Gardens says, that there is no entry in the Kew archives which can be interpreted as implying that any of the saved plants ever grew strong enough to be sent to Asia. It seems then that the accepted origin of our Singapore trees, viz., the plateaux over the Tapajos is correct ; and not only is this so, but all seeds and seedlings subsequently obtained from Ceylon to augment the Singapore Gardens' plantation were no more than of the same stock ; for Ceylon also had no other. Thwaites, Director of the Botanic Gardens, Ceylon, in 1876, following a lead given by Kew found means of increasing his supply; for he discovered that he could take cuttings from the seedlings, by using the side branches ; and it has been recorded that in 1878 and 1879 he raised and distributed a large number. Mr. Fetch {Annals of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya, v., 1914, p. 460) asks, how- ever, whither went the 1500 plants from the original stock whose disposal in unrecorded unless they were sent out with (or as) cuttings ; and it is evidently possible that the Conductor of the Heneratgoda plantation packed and despatched original stock, Thwaites living at a distance being under the impression that cuttings were going out and recording the despatch as such. Moreover Mr. Fetch quotes a statement made by Trimen in 1881 to the effect that propagation by cuttings was "extremely difficult and that out of many thousand attempts a very small number" had "succeeded," which throws doubt upon the raising of such large quantities of cuttings as Thwaites' despatches would demand. It is recorded that he sent 500 of these cuttings (we may substitute the word plants for cuttings) to Mergui, a few to Ferak, and others (but without success resulting in cultivation) to Madras, Calcutta and Assam. A few years later cuttings (? plants) were sent to the Andaman islands. The same method of propagation was tried in Singapore and at Kwala Kangsar, but with small or no success (vide Annual Report, Botanic Gardens, Singapore, for 1 878, p. 3; for 1 879, p. 4; and for 1881, p. 4). The following table gives the early wanderings of Hevea ia Asia: — 252 Early distribution of Para rubber plants. 1876. 1,919 plants from Kew to Peradeniya, Ceylon; 18 plants to Buitenzorg ; a consignment which may have failed ultimately to Singapore. 1877. The greater part of the consignment in Ceylon planted out at - Heneratgoda. 22 plants to Singapore from Kew, of which some taken to Kwala Kangsar; 4 to Buitenzorg; 8 plants to Mergui, (from Kew) via Calcutta. 1878. Plants sent to Brisbane from Singapore; 500 from Ceylon to Mergui ; others to Malabar. 1879. } plants to the Malay Peninsula, from Ceylon. 1880. 2 plants from Ceylon to Travancore. 1881. 28 plants from Ceylon to the Andaman islands; others to Johor. 1882. Plants from Ceylon to British North Borneo. 1883. Seeds from Singapore to Sarawak and Kwala Kangsar: 27 stumps from Ceylon to Malabar; 12 to Mr. Davidson in Singapore. 1884. 26 stumps from Ceylon to Malabar, and also seeds. 1885. 300 seeds from Ceylon to Malabar; 400 to Singapore. 1887. Seeds from Ceylon to Mergui and to Malabar, and also to Penang and N. Borneo ; seeds from Kwala Kangsar to Taiping. 1888. 11,500 seeds from Ceylon to Singapore and to Kwala Kangsar; 3,000 seeds from Ceylon to Central India. The very first tree to flower in the East seems to have been one of those which were taken by Murton to Kwala Kangsar; for it is recorded that a tree there flowered in March, 1880, at the age of iH years.* Another flowered at Heneratgoda. In the next year one at Heneratgoda yielded nine seeds and in 1882 thirty-six seeds (Trimen in Kew Bulletin, 1898, p. 254). At Kwala Kangsar the tree which flowered first, flowered again, but without fruiting; however at its third flowering in 188 1 it set fruit, and in doing so was accom- panied by another tree which then flowered for the first time (Petch in Annals of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya, v., 1914, p. 445). In 1882, nine trees flowered and fruited at Heneratgoda. Probably in 1883 t trees first fruited at Singapore ; and seed was now sent from the latter place to Sarawak and Kwala Kangsar. But not until 1884 was there any flowering at Peradeniya and Mergui. * liqually early flowering was recorded in the Agricultural Bulletin of the Straits and F.M.S., VI, 1907, p. 176; !Lnd yet enrVitr in the Report of tlu! Forest Diparlmcnt Ceylon, foi lSg4. t The date of the first fruiting of Hevea in Singapore cannot have been 1881 as stated ia the Agricultural Bulletin of the Straits and F.M S., iv.. 1905, p. 365, for Cantley in his Annual Report on the Botanic Gardens, Singapore, for the year 1882. p 12, wrote ' an early crop of seed is looked forward to" as growth had been good in spite of the throw-baek suffered from the poverty of the soil into which they had been transplanted in 1878. 253 Trimen when he succeeded Thwaites in l88o, found at Hene- ratgoda " about 300 of the original seedlings " grown to trees, " and at Peradeniya above 20 trees." By cuttings he raised his stock between 1880 and 1894, to 424 at Heneratgoda and 30 in Peradeniya (Trimen, in Kcw Bulletin, 1898, p. 254). The Ceylon seed crop, with such a large number of trees, soon reached considerable dimensions, so that it was above 20,000 in 1888 ; and out of it many places received supplies. The Singapore seed <:rop was at first used up between the Botanic Gardens, Sarawak, Kwala Kangsar, Kuala Lumpur and Malacca. In the Botanic Gar- dens, the old indigo ground was chiefly planted up, making a fine heritage to us who come after, and in 1894 some rubber was planted among the trees of the southern corner of the Economic Garden (vide Agricultural Bulletin of the Straits and F.M.S., vii., 1908, p. 253), The smaller Kwala Kangsar crop increased the local plantation and supplied the seedlings which became widely distributed here and there over Perak and on the estates of Mr. T. Hislop Hill § and others in Selangor and Negri Sembilan; and in 1887, they were also the source of a small plantation at Taiping. One of Mr. Hill's estates was Linsum, which again in turn supplied seeds in 1899 to Deli, Sumatra. The Mergui seed crop was used up locally. The first tapping of Hevea, done in the East, was done by Trimen in October, 1882, and was thus described by him.—" Five of the Hevea trees were prepared by scraping off on one side the rough outer surface of the outer bark; a few short cuts were then made with a knife and the rubber allowed to dry." The first tapping of Hevea by the herring-bone method was done by Dyaks (Wray says Malays) on Sir Hugh Low's request at Kwala Kangsar in the year § At p. 213 of this Bulletin a very promiment place was given by Mr. Hislop Hill as "the first planter" of rubber in the Peninsula on the authority of Mr. Ridley. Subsequently the following letter from him to Mr. W. Egerton was discovered in the Botanic Gardens, being one of the very few on rubber which have escaped white ants. It is given here to show in what way Mr. Hill was a pioneer. Bukit Nanas, Sungei Ujong, 1893- Sir, I have the honour to acknowledge your letter Misc. 1934/34. I enclose you a small sample of rubber grown on Linsum Estate from the Hevea brasi- liensis and shall be glad to hear what it is worth. The trees are 6 to 8 years old and the yield from one tree is about half a pound and, by the method of collection followed, costs abou 30 cents per pound to collect. 2. I have hundreds if not thousands of trees on my estates ; and I shall be glad to supply any quantity of seeds that the Government may wish to buy. 3. The difficulty appears to me to be in collecting the rubber in a sufficiently pure state for the market at a reasonable price. 4. I have found the trees do as well on undulating ground as on the edges of swamps. I have, etc., (Signed) T. H. HILL. It is believed that the rubber was very inferior and that Mr. Hill got no further at this date than growing scattered trees for seed. But the possession in l893 of trees 6-8 years old puts him far in front of any other private individual as a cultivator of Hevea. 254 l888., Collins {Report on Caoutchouc of Commeice, London, 1872, p. 36) had described herring-bone tapping as done "in Para, Guiana," etc., by making a vertical cut from high up the tree to the base and numerous short side cuts which were not reopened at all (or at least Collins makes no mention of reopening them). The Dj-^aks, however, borrowed no ideas from such a source. They tapped the trees rather in the way by which they sometimes draw birdlime or the Samangs draw the juice of the Ipoh tree — Antiaris toxicaria, Lesch. (vide Keiv Bulletin, * 1891, p. 260 and also L. Wray in Ferguson's All about Rubber, 1899, p. ccxxxviii). They cut — perhaps one should say hacked^rough herring-bones, but were not exactly successful, it being reported " that scarcely any juice exuded from them." {Agricultural Bulletin of the Straits and F.M.S., ii., 1903, p. 3). Trimen's 1882 tapping was merely to see if he could get rubber, and in the years immediately following he did not repeat the experi- ment. But in 1888 he restarted experimental tapping by a modification of the Brazilian method of making numerous small incisions. It is recorded that he tapped but one tree; and that he continued his demonstrations upon it in the years 1890, 1892, and 1894, i.e., in alternate years. These tappings were done timidly for fear of injuring the tree, thus he made cuts in the tree on seventeen days only in the year 1888, seven being near the commencement of the year, in the months of January and February, six at the middle, in in July and August, and four at its close in December. The next tappings were like the first. In 1889 at Mergui similar rather timid tappings were tried (Kew Bulletin, 1898, p. 266). In 1888 Mr. H. N. Ridley became Director of Gardens, Straits Settlements, and visited the Ceylon establishments on his way to the East {Agricultural Bulletin of the Straits and F.M.S., ix., 1910, p. 202). When he took over charge in Singapore, there existed in the Economic Garden at least nine trees of the row transferred in 1879, twenty-one trees which had been planted in 1884 and were seedlings from the foregoing, or from Kwala Kangsar thirty trees which had been planted out in 1886, and probably in part came from the Ceylon seed imported in 1885 in a Wardian case, and 1,138 seedlings a year old, and again doubtless from the Gardens' own seed. He at once set to work to care for these, and raised another 8000 plants from a consignment of Ceylon seed. He tapped to ascertain yield in 1889, (Agricultural Bulletin of the Straits and F.M.S., ix., 1910, p. 202) one year after his arrival, and he reported that the trees " thrive in the damper spots, and those old enough to cut produce a considerable quantity of rubber" (Annual Report, Botanic Gardens, Singapore, for 1890, p. 4). Rubber produced from them was exhibited at the Agricultural Show held in 1890 (Agri- * Sir Hugh Low had interested himself in the Ipoh tree in 1881, vide Km' Bulletin, 1891, p. 26. 255 cultural Bulletin of the Straits and F.M.S., ix., 1910, p. 202). To obtain it "the trees were tapped in the herring-bone method," and the latex was collected in cigarette tins and allowed to coagulate naturally "in the tins without the use of acid" {Agricultural Bulletin of the Straits and F.M.S., ix., 1910, p. 202). A pruning knife and a narrow flat chisel seem to have been the implements used in tapping: with the knife the first cut was made, and the repeated shav- ing was done with the chisel, a wooden mallet being used to drive it forward. One piece of rubber made in these early tappings is preserved in the Botanic Gardens, Singapore, as well as a second of a slightly later date made when saucers were used for coagulation. Again in the year 1889 an attempt was made to get rubber from the Kwala Kangsar trees, but with no greater success than before, apparently because the herring-bone incision was not wide 6nough and not reopened, being just an imitation of the method of tapping for Ipoh juice. The great success came in that year — not at Kwala Kangsar. but was Mr. Ridley's. His resort to reopening the wounds was indeed second only in importance as regards the planter to the actual introduction of Hevea into the Old World, and after it the greatest advance that had been made in rubber since the inven- tion of vulcanisation. As said above, Collins wrote in 1872 of herring-bone tapping extending high up the trees with a large number of side cuts ; the plan of Ridley's first tappings seems to have been taken from those tappings, although the vertical channel was generally only two feet long^ and to have been variable in extent and in the number of the side cuts ; but fearing that the wounds would not heal he ceased the re-opening when the side cuts had a width of half an inch ; and the next herring-bone was made in a new place (vide Agricultural Bulletin af the Malay Peninsula, No. 7, 1897, p. 136). Considerable experience seems to have been obtained between this commencement and the date (1897) of the Bulletin just quoted, which indicates a not in- considerable amount of tapping. This tapping used to be done in the evening, the cups being left on the trees through the night, after the fashion described by Collins on page 8 of his Report on the Caoutchouc of Commerce. In 1895 Dr. J. C. Willis having succeeded Dr. Trimen, the course of the work in Ceylon changed. Dr. Willis tapped again without waiting a year, the tree which Dr. Trimen had been tapping in every other year, and reported that he judged it, at nineteen years, old enough to be tapped annually ; he commented by estimating the yield of trees such as it at lOO lbs. per annum from an acre carrying fifty trees. Though bolder tapping was now coming in, the implements were " a % inch chisel, a wooden mallet .... and a knife." Dr. Willis'^ method of tapping was described by him in a Circular of the Royal Botanic Gardens (No. 4, 1898, p. 30) thus: — " the tree is first carefully and lightly shaved with the knife from the height of six feet down to the ground ; .... a clay gutter is next made round the tree about 256 six inches from the ground, so arranged as to catch the milk ; . . . . incisions may now be made in the bark with the mallet and chisel, commencing near the top of the cleared portion, a V-shaped cut is made in two strokes a second V-shaped incision should be made about a foot below the first and others at similar dist- ances down to the gutter at the base of the tree. Another set of incisions may then be made parallel to the first at about 10-12 inches from them, and other vertical rows of cuts may be made if there be sufficient room for them." The subsequent tapping was by inter- calating fresh Vs. A little later, when Mr. J. Parkin was associated with Dr. Willis, the Ceylon method was subjected to further experiment. The verti- cal rows of Vs were one foot apart, and the first Vs in the rows also one foot apart. The second incisions were made midway between the first, and thus more or less six inches from them. The third incisions were between the first and the second incisions in every other of the now doubled interspaces, so that the number of cuts was not increased. Thus was the tapping continued (vide Willis, Circulars 12-14 of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Ceylon, 1899, p. 133). One tree carried eight rows of these superposed Vs ; others fewer according t*^ girth. The making of wounds in the form of an X was tried and other variations of the principal scheme ; but never was excision or reopening of the wound tried: and the con- clusion was reached that " if a double cut be made, the V form is the best (p. 123). A carpenter's chisel and a mallet were used: and to planters it was recommended that the chisel be l-lM inches wide, and wedge-shaped. It is most interesting to observe that the Malayan method had not touched Ceylon yet ; and also that either place held to its own course, though soon after this Singapore was advised to abandon the method which Mr. Ridley had so successfully devised. This was in 1898 when Mr. Wickham, returning west from a stay in Polynesia, visited Singapore, and recommended the incision method of tapping of the Amazons, so familiar to him [Annual Report, Botanic Gardens, Singapore, for 1898, p. 6) ; but he did not carry his advice, and there is no record of any use of the method resulting ; instead on the other hand not long after the bias towards the herring- bone excision method was asserted afresh (vide Agricultural Bulletin of the Straits and F.M.S., ii., 1903, p. 45). Remarks published on page 332 of the Bulletin of 1902, give one reason why. In 1896, one tree in the Waterfall Gardens, Penang, came under tapping; and Mr. C. Curtis who tapped it, used a herring-bone with three cuts on each side. There is a plate of this tree in the Agricultural Bulletin of the Straits and F. M.S., for July, 1902, show- ing it as it was in the year 1902; and, although not very distinct, the reader may, therein observe the nature of the herring-bones used ; several can be seen, the last nearly vertically above two others. 257 The four posts around the tree carried the low platform on which the tapper stood to reach the top parts of the last herring-bone. Curtis clearly described his method in the Agricultural Bulletin of the Straits and F.M.S., i., 1902, p. 51 1, thus : "A small perpendicular channel a foot or more in length, and about one eighth of an inch broad, but not deep enough to obtain much rubber is first made, and at the base of this is affixed the tin or other receptable to receive the latex. The channel is not subsequently enlarged : . . . . leading to this- channel diagonally are made two or three incisions on either side which supply the latex, and from the upper surface of which a thin shaving is removed every morning, or every alternate morning thirteen times which, with the initial opening of the cuts make fourteen operations." In 1897, Mr. L. Wray tapped at Taiping, {Malay Mail of Janu- ary 19, 1898, quoted in Ferguson's All about Rubber, p. ccxxxxiii.) and Mr. R. Derry at Kwala Kangsar, (vide Perak Museum Notes, ii., part 2, p. lOi, as well as the last reference), both using the herring-bone. Later tappings by Mr. Derry at Kwala Kangsar are recorded in the Agricultural Bulletin of the Straits and F.M.S., i., 1901, p. 20. Curtis' plate referred to, and the expressed statements of Messrs. Wray and Derry show that the side cuts were opposite, and Mr. Wray remarked that in healing this proved disadvantageous, (Perak Museum Notes, ii, 1897, p. 96, reprinted in Ferguson's All about Rubber, 1899, p. c), for the covering up of the wound was slow at the points where two side cuts made with the vertical channel an unusually wide wound. He suggested with a diagram that the side cuts should alternate. Experimental tapping, commenced in 1900 at Tjikeumeuh in Java, by Dr. Tromp de Haas, was by excising the lower edges of oblique cuts in series by a chisel on nine successive days (vide Agricultural Bulletin of the Straits and F.M.S., iv., 1905, p. 286). Tapping in Singapore was done over all the years about this time for various purposes, often for the instruction of a visitor and to demonstrate rubber: these tappings went unrecorded; but one is mentioned in the Annual Report of the Botanic Gardens, for the year 1900, page 7, wherein an attempt was made on a single tree five feet five inches in girth, to ascertain how long it required to tap it dry,. and its wounds were reopened on eighty-four successive days until this happened. It is a pity that the subsequent history of the tree is unknown. It is evident that other trees received a much lighter treat- ment. Right from 1889 tapping seems to have been done irregularly ; and the number of trees used for it apparently exceeded 150 by little,, of which number 134 were standing in 1904. 258 In 1901 Mr. Ridley went on long leave; and with this what may be regarded as the first period of experimental tapping in the Botanic Gardens, Singapore, came to an end. In the same year Mr. Stanley Arden came out from Kew to take ■charge of the Perak rubber plantations, etc. In his experiments at Sitiawan, in Perak (1901-02), the form of the wound varied greatly, but it was always excised (Report on Hevea brasiliensis, Taiping, 1902). He used at first a carpenter's chisel and a wooden mallet, but entirely discarded these later in favour of a very sharp pruning knife. He experimented with straight cuts at an angle of 30 six inches apart, six inches long in a vertical series of twelve (to find out which part of the trunk should be tapped) reopened ten times, five each day over twenty-four days ; and (2) V-cuts in series of five or of twelve, each limb six inches long and the angle as before, reopened five times or ten times over twenty-four days or twelve times over twenty-four days ; and (3) herring-bone cuts at different heights, each vertical channel 2^/^ feet long draining six side channels in all, each one foot long, reopened on fourteen consecutive days ; or (4) herring-bone cuts one foot long with three feeders two on one side and the third on the other, eight inches long and one foot apart, reopened on eight consecutive days. The conclusion was reached that cuts or small herring-bone cuts on the lower part of the trunk not above six feet appear desirable (p. n). Mr. Derry at Kwala Kangsar in this year was using herring- bones with the "centre channel about four feet " long having "five oblique cuts on each side"; three herring-bones were made on each tree (Annual Report quoted in Agricultural Bulletin of the Straits and F.M.S., i., 1902, p. 327). When Mr. Ridley returned from leave in 1902, it appears that more regular tappings were instituted in the Botanic Gardens ; and when on July 1st., Mr. A.D. Machado joined the department, the latter took charge of the work. Herring-bone incisions were used (vide Agricultural Bulletin of the Straits and F.M.S., ii., 1903, p. 45) : and in one or two they were carried up to an unusual height as is seen in the plate included in this number. The plate in question well shows liow the side cuts were opposed in spite of Mr. Wray's excellent advice. In February 1903, a Monsieur Bonnechaux, who had lived among the seringuieros of the Amazons, visited the Gardens, and advised against the excision method in use, saying that it would kill trees in the Amazon region very rapidly ; and he recommended the incision method that he had used himself in Brazil. So far he carried his point that under his direction 150 trees were tapped (vide Agricultural Bulletin of the Straits and F.M.S., ii., 1903, p. 45). Some of these tre:s were virgin, but many had been tapped before. i wm\i vJ^M'^ A ^^^^li ^' mfi§ i9^ 1 M jE*^^' :'* ..$'"' Scars of a Herring-bone tapping which was carried to an unusual height. Economic Gardens, Singapore. 259 It is interesting that M. Bonnechaux only a few months after Mr. Arden had remarked on "the rapidity with which the wounds heal" (Report on Hevea brasiliensis, p. 13), should have insisted so strongly that the trees tapped by herring-bones "would in the Amazons be speedily destroyed by insects attacking the exposed wood" (1. c, p. 45) and obviously M. Bonnechaux's knowledge of Malayan conditions was slight. Nevertheless Mr. Arden had feared to reopen the cuts that were becoming wide, and had desisted from tapping in every case beyond the fourteenth time. But on the whole the remarks of both men really point us to the amount of damage that was done by the tapping implements used. * After M. Bonnechaux's few days stay were over, Mr. Machado continued to tap as started by him, but using only 100 trees. He tapped from March 4th. to May 27th. (Agricultural Bulletin of the Straits and F.M.S., ii., p. 47, 112, and 264). He made one cut only with the axe on each of the first five days, and then two cuts to each tree on each of the next four days, and then ten cuts four times on twenty trees or five cuts once on forty trees but thereafter four cuts for the most part on every other day up to twenty three repetitions. These lOO trees so treated were certainly chosen from among the 150 tapped by M. Bonnechaux; and it is recorded that they all stood in the triangle of the plantation near to the entrance gate (I.e., p. 46), which we now call Block i. Tapping at this date was done no longer in the evening, but in the morning. "Conjointly ten large trees growing under more favourable circumstances than the hundred were tapped eighteen times in seventy-five days" (Agricultural Bulletin of the Straits and F.M.S., ii., 1905, p. 113, vide also p. 266) by M. Bonnechaux's method. These trees can only be those standing in a row which were the oldest that the Gardens possessed. It is recorded along with this informa- tion that in previous years they had been very heavily tapped by the herring-bone method (p. 112). "Very heavily" in this case would mean that they were abundantly scarred by reason of the repetition of tapping in different parts of the trunk, not that they had been submitted to any continued tapping. Mr. Machado now set aside another 100 trees, and tapped them by M. Bonnechaux's method twenty-three times in thirty-three days, commencing on May 29th., (I.e. p. 265). One cut was made on the first day and on the four following days; two cuts were made on the next four days, then four, and after that more up to ten cuts. The reader by turning to the plate issued with the Agricultural Bulletin of the Straits and F.M.S., for November, 1903, may note * Many were fully aware of this. Mr. Ridley in 1897 (Agricultural Bulletin of the Malay Peninsula, No. 7, p. 136) and the writer of the article "rubber" in Span's Encyclopaedia had alike suggested a g'.iard on the knife put into a ccol'.e's hand for tapping. 26o the ten cups on a tree. Mr. Machado also tapped a further lot of ten trees six times commencing May 29th. (I.e., p. 266) by M. Bonnechaux's- method. In the Straits Times of April l6th, 1903, the cuts are said to have been ij^ inches long by % inch wide, and in the Straits EchOr (reproduced in the Tropical Agriculturist of September 1st, 1903, p. 154) it is said that the cuts made were two inches long. Next, commencing on July 8th. 5 large trees were tapped fifteen times in nineteen days by herring-bones, a semicircular chisel being used for the reopening of the wounds. The reader will note the change in the shape of the chisel used: and it is interesting to record that on the Bukit Lintang Estate in Malacca, tapping in 1904 was done by means of a similar implement (vide Tropical Agriculturist for October 1st., 1904, p. 240). At the end of July, 1903, Mr. Machado left, and Mr. C. Boden Kloss came. Tapping was continued and Mr. Kloss informs the writer that he corroborated Mr. Machado's results. With Mr. Kloss' departure ended the second period* of tapping in the Singapore gardens. During this short period it was realised that the trees are resistant enough for tapping much more prolonged than anything done previously, if only the tapping be wisely done. Machado had bled trees on every other day for six months (vide Straits Times of April 16, 1903, reprinted in the Tropical Agriculturist of June 1st, 1913, p. 839) ; and it was written " From 100 trees averaging from 12 to 15 years of age, and planted much too closely to admit of their being properly developed, Mr. Machado drew on an average about three pounds of dried rubber daily and he expects the supply to be maintained for six months working half the trees each day during that period. Then these trees will be given a rest of six: months." Much in contrast with Machado's results is a statement made in Teysmannia, 1903, No. 8, to the effect that it had been possible at Soebang in Java to reopen half herring-bone cuts on alternate days only ten times and at Buitenzorg only fifteen times. Four government trees in Malacca, fourteen years old, were tapp- ed by herring-bones in 1903 by Mr. Gagliardi on eight days, and then by two herring-bones on fourteen days {Agricultural Bulletin of the Straits and F.M.S., ii., 1903, p. 191). With the coming of Mr. R. Derry to Singapore in the com- mencement of 1904 fuller records of tapping in the Botanic Gardens * In summary it may be stated thai to this dale the Garden's trees had been tapped thus :— Tappings by Mr. Ridley, — number of trees unrecorded I88Q-IQ03- Tappings by Mr. Bonnechaux— 150 trees for a few days. Tappings by Mr. Machado— 215 trees, lOO having been virgin. Tappings by .Mr. Boden Kloss,— a continuation of the last. Greatest number of trees tapped as indicated by these records 250, being 150 by M. Bonne- chaux and 100 virgin trees by Mr. Machado. How many over and above this figure had been tapped it is impossible to state, but it is believed that the number was small. 26l commenced. In the first place all the standing trees — 1285 — were numbered serially, and a record of their condition compiled. From this record we learn that the standing trees which had been tapped were 234; therefore at least sixteen had died in the last year. And from the same useful record we learn which trees were of 1877 and some of other years. Under Mr. Ridley, Mr. Derry now set out "to experiment on the .... trees planted in 1886, 1887 and 1888" {Agricultural Bulletin of the Straits and F.M.S., iii., 1904, p. 332), having before him a series of objects, one being for instance to ascertain in what part of the day tapping should be performed; another to demonstrate how incision after the Brasilian method is inferior to excision ; a third to enquire into the relative value of distributing lines of excised cuts over the bark against making a single excised line, and so on. With the results on latex, we are not here so much concerned as with the amount of cutting that the experiments involved and the way in which it was done. By the end of 1904 Mr. Derry had tapped 850 trees. Four reports were published on the experiments of the year. The first was over Mr. Derry's name and appeared in the September number of the Agricultural Bulletin of the Straits and F.M.S., wheie despite the month given on the cover of the part, it carried the record of tapping into October; the second appeared as a continua- tion of the first in the November number of the Bulletin and prolonged the record to the middle of that month, and the third in the April and May, 1905, numbers ; the fourth under the joint names of Messrs. Ridley and Derry was a Report to Government, dated 7th. November, 1905, which was printed separately and also in the Agricultural Bidletin of the Straits and F.M.S., for November, 1905, vol. iv., 1905, p. 424. From the prefatory remarks to the last cited it is learned that tapping was done in March, April, May and June, but that this was not altogether satisfactory, so the recorded experi- ments actually were dated from July 4th. Experiment I of 1904, had for its first object the ascertaining of the time of day — morning or evening — at which trees should be tapped; and it had as a second object the comparison of M. Bonnechaux's Brasilian method with excision along oblique cuts. Instead of the small axe after the Brasilian model which had been made for M. Bonnechaux, a half-inch carpenter's chisel was used ; the cuts were distributed all over the lower part of the trunk of the trees set aside for the purposes. Ten cuts were made per diem. The same implement was used for making the oblique cuts on the trees of the contrasting part of the experiment. The tapping of these trees was by superposed converging or diverging cuts — the cuts in two series not near enough to make Vs or inverted Vs ; in some of the trees the cuts converged downwards and in others diverged downwards. In a comment Mr. Derry described the design as " a herring-bone without a central channel ; " but the description is 262 hardly good, regardless of its paradox, for the two series seem to have been separated by at least four inches of uncut bark. The lower edge of the cuts was excised at each tapping. Two excellent illustra- tions of this method of tapping were given on page l68 of the India Rubber Journal, for July 31st, 1905, the trees being No. 196 and another now dead; further, tree 152, similarly tapped, can b3 seen in one of the illustrations on page 166. Experiment 2 also compared morning with evening tapping; and it compared Bonnechaux's Brasilian method, subject to the change above noted iu the tool used, with tapping by ten long ob- lique cuts reopened at different intervals of time, and with herring- bone tapping. Mr. H. Overbeck has very kindly put at the writer's disposal a photograph of tree No. 174 which shows the scars of the tapping after Bonnechaux, done on that tree in 1904. Tree 356, treated in the same way, was figured in the plates attached to the November, 1905, issue of the Agricultural Bulletin of the Straits and F.M.S , and tree 148 was excellently figured in the India Rubber Journal, for July 31st, 1905, page 166, as well as others now dead on page 169. Mr. Overbeck's photograph is here reproduced on plate 2 (p. 249). Ten of the little cuts seen in it were made daily in the experiment. The first contrast to it was of tappings by converging cuts superposed in a series — just as described under experiment I; and the second con- trast to it was of herring-bone tapping. The herring-bone tapping of this year has been well illustrated. A plate showing a herring-bone scar of 1904 on tree No. 2 was given with the issue of the Agricultural Bulletin of the Straits and F.M.S. , for July, 1908: another plate of tree No. 2, is issued with this number which also shows a herring-bone scar of the same year. The plate issued with the number for June, 1905 of a tre J now dead shows the scar of 1904 which has ten side cuts, as well as the ends of an earlier scar which has but eight. This tree was one of a row figured on page 167 of the India Rubber Journal, of July 31st, 1905, more of wliich are there seen to have been tapped in the same way in 1904. A plate prepared long ago, but only now issued with this number shows a scar uf the year on the tree No. 7 with five cuts on one side and six on the other. It is on the whole evident that herring-bone tappings of this year had generally five cuts on each side. It also evident that in making the converging cuts of the contrast, there were five pairs of converging (or diverging) cuts, so to give approximately the same amount of cut surface in each case. But of course in the imitation brasilian tapping the cuts being short, very much fewer laiiciferous vessels would be made to bleed than in the two contrasts; and naturally the method produced much less rubber; the experiment thus was a not quite fair one ; but with the results in rubber we are hei-e little concerned. In connection with the cutt- ing resulting, the reader's attention is specially directed to the last qiioted plate; for in it the pruning knife, used in making the first cuts and sometimes afterwards, is tlistinctly seen. 263 " ■ Experiment 3 may be called a variant of. experiment i ; but 5 cuts only were made daily in those trees given over to the modifca-' tion of M. Bonnechaux's metho;!. Tree 342 which was one of the trees tapped by five cuts daily, can be seen in illustration 6 on page i63 of the India Rubber Jour?ial, July 31st, 1905. Experiment 4 while repeating the morning-versus-evening ex- periments, contrasted the results of daily and alternate day tapping by the use of the herring-bone method. Experiments 5 and 6 were an elaboration of experiment 2. The year's results were held to condemn afresh, the brasilian method of M. Bonnechaux, although, as said, from the point of yield it had a hardly fair trial ; they indicated morning tapping as the right thing, and they suggested that alternate day tapping by herring- bones would yield more than daily tapping per unit of labour. Incidentally the inconvenience of multiplying the number of cups on the trees became evident, although the ten long cuts converging in pairs did yield at a high rate. In no single case were the cuts reopened more than twenty-eight times; for it was feared that the tree might thereby be killed. It had become more clearly recognised that the tapping implements used were ill-suited to the purpose ; and in the end of the first of- the reports Mr. Derry pointed out that the danger lay in the depth of the incision and not in the quantity of surface removed ; he added that the half inch carpenter's chisel " is not an instrument that can be commended, as apart from the possibility of punching too deeply, there is also the danger of raising the bark." It has been mentioned above that Mr. Arden discarded it. The carpenter's gouge which at this time was being used on the Bukit Lintang Estate, was there too recognised as liable to cause injury and the tapping was limited to two short periods per annum of only fifteen days— fourteen reopenings. The year 1905 was hardly an experimental-tapping year as ' regards the trees in the Botanic Gardens, Singapore, used in 1904 ; for though the trees were tapped, they were treated in a tapping rotation ; and they were all cut in herring-bones, but with varying periods of reopening. A report appeared in the Agricultural Bulletin of the Straits and F.M.S., v., 1906, p. 439. The trees which had made experiment I, in 1904, were all tapped alike, and twice within the twelve months — just a little more boldly than were the trees of the Bukit Lintang Estate, for there were twenty- four and twenty-one reopenings of the wound at the respective periods. The trees of experiments 3, 4, 5 and 6, at a different time for • each group, were tapped alike. But as there had been a considerable- number of deaths among the trees either by wind or by Fames or by other causes, new trees were put into the tapping rounds to 264 make up the numbers. The trees which had made experiment 2 in 1904 only, were not all treated alike, — this not by varying the tapping but by deferring it in the case of a part of the trees so that the resting intervals became unlike. There was, however, an experiment in tapping, which was called 7, but which will be called Experiment U here to distinguish it from a later experiment 7. Experiment U was an attempt to estimate the relative values of daily and alternate day tapping, and is to be regarded as the conclusion of the experimental work of ICO4. But besides the working of these trees by Mr. Derry into a tapping rotation, there was other tapping done in the Plantation in the early part of the year. In the first place Mr. Ridley tapped about 24 trees for various purposes ; and in the the second place, Mr. Burgess, then Government Analyst in Singapore was allowed the free use of a considerable number of trees, whence he drew latex for experimental work in factory processes. There is no record of the way in which these trees were tapped, but reason to believe that new tapping tools were used and designs of cuts were tried. Tapping knives were not used as far as is known, in Mr. Derry's tappings of the year; but the tapping was done as before with the pruning knife and chisel. The Cevlon Gardens at the time were using tapping-knives, for Mr. Herbert Wright who was then in charge of rubber work at Heneratgoda, which he had systemntised in October, 1904 {Tropical Agriculturist, xxv., 1906, p. 309), was employing the Northway-Bowman knives in his tapping. And already on the Culloden Estate on seven trees from 1891 "every known method of tapping" had been tried (Tropical Agriculturist, May 2, 1904, p. 764). The first record of the use of tapping knives in the Singapore Botanic Gardens in Mr. Derry's experiments was early in 1906, when several sets of this particular knife (the set is of three knives) were procured from Ceylon, and tried, but it is believed with- out finding favour; and when a little later a tapping knife, was •definitely adopted in the Singapore Gardens, after various trials, it was of the farrier's knife pattern as described in the following statement * by Messrs. Ridley and Derry, (Agricultural Bulletin of the Straits and F.M.S., v., 1906, p. 460)." The implement capable of making the cleanest and quickest incision is the ideal one. This we have found in an English .... modified farrier's blade adjusted by a screw in a sliding socket .... Nearly all invented knives or tools have been experimented with at the Botanic Gardens ; some have been found unhandy, others unsuited for coolie use, and some much too fragile." The application of the farrier's knife to rubber has a k^ng record. As foi- back as 1872, ColUns had described and figured a- form of it • The statement occurs in the report on the Tapping experiments of 1905, but was written towards the end of 1906. 3- S 265 used for marking timber in Germany, suggt sting that it should be tried for tapping rubber trees. His suggestion however did not bear fruit and was forgotten as planters had no need of tapping knives. History repeated itself and the same idea came forward again when Wray to help on his experiment at Taiping made what was but a small modification of the same knife. Later, it seems quite independently, Mr. F. A. Stephens, then manager of the Jebong Estate in Perak, reproduced the device. Though we call it the Jebong knife now, the principle and its application to rubber are much older than rubber on the Jebong Estate. Its simplicity is the chief cause why it has found favour in the Malay Peninsula: whereas ingenious patents have generally been the produce of Ceylon. In 1906, experimenting was renewed in the Botanic Gardens, at Singapore, the trees which had served for experiments 4 and 5 in 1904 being used, while those which had made the other experi- ments were tapped in rotation as in 1905. To all groups additional trees were added where death had made gaps. These additional trees were a very mixed lot : some had been tapped before 1904; some had been tapped by Mr. Ridley in 1905 ; some had been tapped by Mr. Burgess in 1905 ; some had been part of experi- ment U ; and some were virgin. Added to the experiments now was an experiment 7 a comparison of herring-bone tapping with spiral tapping and at the same time a trial of the pricker. Spiral tapping was also done on other trees in two forms, one a genuine spiral or "full spiral," the other intermediate between spiral and long oblique tapping or " half spiral." These two forms of tapping, both of which in the Gardens' records and in Ceylon were alike called " spiral," are illustrated in plate 5 herewith published. The reader with that before him will for himself realise how very much more the descending sap current is interfered with in the one than in the other. Pree No. 2 which is that in ihe right hand figure had seven five and a half feet long cuts made in it : these are shown and also there may be seen herring bone cuts of 1905 and 1906 made when the tree was in experiment U or in experiment 6. The same tree was figured in an earlier stage in the piate published with the July 1908 number of the Agricultural Bulletin of the Straits and F. M. S. The tree again makes plate 4 of this issue, as it was at its death in 1914, whicn may be compared with the tree figured in the Tropical Agriculturist, xxv., 1^06, opposite p. 724: and the plate of the full spiral may be compared with that opposite p. 644. In 1907, Mr. Ridley took leave on April 22nd, Mr.__ Fox replacing him, and Mr. Derry proceeding to Penang. Mr. Fox thus took charge of the rubber work, being aided from August to November inclusive, by Mr. C. Boden Kloss who returned to the Gardens for this short time. Mr. Fox maintained the tapping: and the records which he kept are a monument to his diligence. One new experiment was instituted by Mr. Boden Kloss, a comparison of single and twin basal cuts. This experiment was described in the Singapore Free Press of 266 November /th, igo;, under the title of "Base tapping for rubber trees." The basal tappings were contrasted with herring bone tappings. In the Gardens' records this experiment was called 8 but because there was framed later by Mr. Derry another experiment 8, the basal tappings will be called here V and W according to their degree, V for the single and W for the twinned basal cuts. Other trees which had been experimented with earlier were tapped in their groups, not .exactly experimentally, but in a tapping rotation, in connection with which Mr. Fox started and Mr. Boden Kloss kept up a most extensive series of daily observations on the amount of latex which they yielded. For some reason these valuable and extensive records were kept on separate sheets instead of in the usual books, or they were written up in books which became separated from the proper records, and it was only after weeks of search that the writer found among waste paper all those now recovered. It may be that some are lost, and if so this is a great pity, for the individual tree record is just what is wanted for the work now in hand. Mr. Ridley returned early in 1908 ; and to the existing staff was added in April, Mr. T. W. Main, Mr. Dcrry being now on leave. Mr. Main took charge of the rubber-work together with other duties, which seem to have had preference so that the tappin,e recorded as having been done in 1908, is very meagre. Mr. Main informs the writer that one record which he kept, was destroyed by white ants. There is an incomplete record of an experiment done in the year on the trees which had served for the experiment 2 of 1904, in which half were tapped by a herring bone and half by basalV : but unfor- tunately it is unrecorded which trees were treated in the one way and which in the other. Mr. Derrjr resumed charge of the tapping work in 1909. First of all in that year, perhaps by mistake, a few trees, from among those which had made experiment I of 1904, were tapped twenty-seven times in thirty-one days. This tapping is here called Z. It did not extend to more than a small portion of the trees of either of the halves into which experiment I had been divided: but took some virgin trees. After this, shortage by reason cf deaths was made good by adding new trees to the groups: many of those added were from among trees tapped by Mr. Ridley and Mr. Burgess in 1905. T his done, tapping was recommenced on the old rotation, and into it two new groups of trees called 9 and lO were introduced. One real experiment, and one only, was done in this year, a com- parison on the "chain gamma " method of making a herring bone which Mr. Boden Kloss had invented, with the ordinary herring bone. 26/ This "chain samma" was illustrated in the Agn'ciillunil Bulletin of the Straits and F.M.S., vi., IQ07, p. 389. In it the side cuts as of the herring bone alternate and each is prolonged downwards until it meets the next cut of the other side, its lower part thus serving as the conducting channel, the course of the latex flowing down to the cup being thus along a zig-zag which has feeders at each of its elbows. " A third report on the experimental tapping of para rubber" was issued by Messrs. Ridley and Derry in the year, wherein (p. 2) it was observed that "tapping on alternate days showed an advantage over tapping daily" and which advocated tapping by a half herring bones following basal tappings. The report further contains much outside the subject of the treatment of the trees. Although tapping knives had now been adopted in the Gardens and the damage to the trees had become very much less, the tapping periods were still kept short under the argument that the "crop of seeds was .... of the first importance .... and heavy tapping" might be "detrimental to seed production" and ought to be avoided. Therefore to carry through 30 successive tappings — sometimes a few more and sometimes a few less — was the course pursued ; and after the tappings a prolonged rest was given. In 1910 the last real tapping experiment was done on the Singapore trees. It was a comparison of the full herring bone with the half herring bone, and was done on the trees which had served for experiment 7 in 1906 and 1907. Whether it influenced planting opinion or not, it coincided with a breaking away from the old practice of many cuts. In this year all the other tapped trees were tapped in a rotation, some of course at a season favourable for a large flow of latex, others at an unfavourable season. Comparisons of yield under such circumstances are not worth much and do not concern us : what does is that the trees were not being tapped in tapping experiments. From the year 191 1 to the end of the first quarter of the year 1914 the tapping rotation has been continued. In 1914 it was aban- doned as it entailed unproductive work. Mr. Derry 's attention was meanwhile diverted to coagulating experiments, and in 1912 the retirement of Mr. Ridley gave him wider administrative duties, in consequence of which subordinates were left to carry out the tapping and to enter the results. The records of the years 1911 and 1912, have many mistakes in them. These mistakes the writer considers as cases of the copying of wrong numbers and not of the tapping of wrong trees, for it ought not to have been possible by carelessnees for these men to tap wrong 268 trees seeing how thoroughly Mr. Derry has numbered them: rather, a fault lay in neglecting to verify the written record after it had been made ; and it is fortunate that it is no more, for had wrong trees been tapped the result would have been to render of little value the present attempt at constructing the past tapping-history of each tree. Instead the writer believes that he has been furnished with a fairly accurate record of how each of his possible seed-parents has been bled in the past. To have this knowledge is especially important if it be true that tapping interferes with the germinative power and perhaps other functions of the seed. In any case the knowledge of what has happened to the trees is a desirable adjunct to the work now in hand. The following tables bring into one view the tappings as far as Renown. There are in all 156 variations, which can be briefly expressed by symbols. The serial tappings under Mr. Derry, Mr. Boden Kloss, Mr. Fox and Mr. Main are denoted in them by consonants thus: — B. Denotes experiment l of 1904 and the rotation tappings which followed it. C. Denotes experiment 2 of 1904 and the rotation tappings which followed it and also the incompletely recorded experiment 2 of 1908. D. Denotes experiment 3 of 1904 and the rotation tappings which followed it F. Denotes experiment 4 of 1904, the rotation tapping which followed in 1905, the experiment 4 of 1906, and the sub- sequent rotation tappings. G. Denotes experiment 5 of 1904, the rotation tapping which followed in 1905, the experiment 5 of 1906 and the sub- sequent rotation tappings. J. Denotes the experiment 6 of 1904, and the rotation tap- pings which followed in all subsequent years. K. Denotes the experiment 7 of 1906 and of 1907 and 1910 with the subsequent rotation tappings. M. Denotes the experiment 8 of 1909 and the subsequent rotation tappings. N. Denotes the rotation tappings which were called "experi- ment 9" from the year 1909. P. Denotes the rotation tappings which were called " experi- ment 10 " from the year 1910. 269 R. Indicates the tapping of tree No. 2 which was intermediate between spiral and long oblique, practised on it in the years 1906, 1909, 1912 and 1913. S. Indicates the true spiral tapping done on several trees in 1906. Numerals after these letters denote the modifications of the experimental tapping to which the trees were submitted. Vowels are used to denote the odd tappings which were done from time to time irrespective of any rotation, thus : — A. Denotes tappings done before 1904. E. Denotes tappings done by Mr. Ridley in 1905. O. Denotes tappings done by Mr. Burgess in 1905. U. Denotes an (apparently mistaken) tapping done in 1905 on twenty trees. V. Denotes a single basal line cut in 1907. W. Denotes a pair of these cuts at the same time. Z. Denotes a mistaken tapping of a few trees done in 1909. Q. Denotes the tapping of trees in block 2 in 1913. In cases where a tree was not subjected to one of the rotation treatments from the very beginning, a small letter instead of a capital letter is used to denote its treatment, thus "b from 1906" means that the tree received treatment B from the year 1906: thea " Ab from 1906 " means that it was tapped before 1904 (A) and that it was put into rotation B in 1906 to make up the number of trees : OWMI, means that the tree was tapped by Mi. Burgess in 1905 (O), by two basal cuts by Mr. Boden Kloss in 1907 (W), and was put into "experiment 8" (M) by Mr. Derry in 1909 being one of the trees tapped by a half herring-bone (Ml). The total number of tappings under the different treatments comes out at a small number with regard to the days which elapsed between July 4th, 1904 and March 14th, 1914, when the old order of tapping was abandoned, /. e., 3650 ; that is to say it was light treatment an regards removal of latex, but up to 1906 it was associated with considerable damage to the cambium in consequence of the nature of the tools used in tapping. All trees with the vowel A, E and O in their symbol are likely to have suffered from other injurious cutting. But such cutting is not associated with the later consonants of the alphabet M, N, P, Q, R, S and Z. But it is associated for two years- with the earlier letters B, C, D, F, G, J, K and L. 270 TABLE Understand "Days" after Symbol. Tapped before 1904. Tapped in 1904. 1905. 1906. 1907. 1908. ABl Yes Ten oblique cuts superpos- ed in 2 series 15 in 18 with 394 rest Complete HB.jComplete HB. 25 in 25 with 1 25 in 26 with 73 rest: 22 in ; 366 rest 22 with 174 rest Complete HB. 31 in 44 with 594 rest ... AZBl do. do. do. do. Tapping same, but with 504 rest ... Bi do. do. do. as ABl AB2 Yes Ten Scattered not-reopened cuts, 15 in 18 with 394 rest do. do. do. AZB2 do. do. do. do. as AZBl ... B2 do. do. do. do. ... Eb Burgess Ub. Complete HB. 17 in 37 with 271 rest: 22 in 22 with 174 rest as ABi as ABl as ABl Af3b Yes asF3 as ABl do. do. do. AC I Yes 10 Rather Long oblique cuts 16 in 52 with 354 rest Complete HB. 21 in 41 with 43 rest: 24 in 25 with 279 rest Complete HB. 25 in 51 with 278 rest Complete HB. 28 in 82 with 205 rest Either com- plete HB. or basal V. 34 in 65 with 229 rest Ci do. do. do. do. do. 1. each Numeral. 27] 1909. 1910. 1911. 1912. 1913- 1914 Complete HB 30 in 35 with 150 rest: 30 in 34 with 89 rest Complete HB. 32 in 33 with 82 rest: 31 in 31 with 75 rest: 29 in 34 with 118 rest Half HB. 30 in 33 with 141 rest: 30 in 34 with 36 rest Half HB. 59 in 66 with 152 rest: 30 in 33 with 138 rest Half HB. 31 in 35 with 154 rest: 31 in 3 1 with 71 rest: 31 in 34 ... •Complete HB. 27 in 31 with 59 rest: 30 in 35 with 150 rest: 30 in 34 with 89 rest do. do. do. do. as ABi do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. as AZBl do. do. do. do. ... do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. 1 do. 1 do. do. do. do. do. do. ... do. do. do. do. do. Complete HB. 30 in 64 with 122 rest: 24 in 27 with 91 rest Half HB. 33 in 36 with 106 rest: 31 in 32 with 170 rest Half HB. 30 in 30 with 121 rest: 30 in 32 with 150 rest Half HB. 59 Half HB. 31 in 66 with I12 in 3S with 156 rest: 30 in 33 rest: 31 in 31 with 138 rest i ... do. do. do. do. do. 272 TABLE Understand "Days" after Symbol. AC2 C2 AC3 C3 AC4 C4 Ecl Ec3 Oc Uc Tapped before 1904. Yes Yes Yes Tapped in 1904. 10 Long obli- que, cuts 18 in 21 or 22 with 384 or 385 rest do. Complete HB. 18 in 22 with 384 rest do. Five Scattered not-reopened cuts, 14 in 17 with 389 rest do. Complete HB.jComplete HE. Complete HB. 21 in 41 with 25 in 51 with 43 rest: 24 in 25: 278 rest with 279 rest 1905. 1906. do. Complete HB. 21 in 41 with 72 rest : 25 in 27 with 250 rest do. as ACi do. Director: Complete HB. 21 in 41 with 43 rest: 24 in 25 with 279 rest Director: Complete HB. 21 in 41 with 72 rest; 25 in 27 with 250 rest Burgess Complete HB. 17 in 37 with 1 541 rest 1907. 1908. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. 28 in 82 with 205 rest do. Either com- plete HB. or basal V. 34 in 65 with 229 rest do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do.. do.. ADi Dl Yes Long oblique, 15 in 33 or 34 with 347 or 348 rest do. Complete HB.lComplete HB.lComplete HB.! Complete 18 in 35 with I 25 in 51 with 28 in 68 with : ^^^^{^'27 61 rest: 25 in 25 with 260 rest do. 280 rest do. 215 rest do. in 64 with 234 rest do. 1. — Conti lined. each Numeral. 273 1909. 1910. 1911. 1912. 1913. 1914. Complete HB. 30 in 64 with 122 rest: 24 in 27 with 91 rest Half HB. 33 in 36 with 106 rest: 31 in 32 with 170 rest Half HB. 30 in 30 with 121 rest: 30 in 32 with 150 rest Half HB. 59 in 66 with 112 rest: 30 in 33 with 138 rest Half HB. 31 in 35 with 156 rest: 31 in 3 1 do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. ... do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. • do. do. do. do. Complete HB. 30 in 60 with 257 rest: 28 in 33 with 273 rest Complete HB. 30 in 32 with 155 rest Half HB. 30 in 34 with 131 rest: 25 in 28 with 75 rest Half HB. 59 in 66 with 112 rest: 30 in 33 with 138 rest Half HB. 31 in 35 with 156 rest: 31 in 31 do. do. do. do. do. 274 TABLED Understand "Days" after Symbol. AD2 D2 AD3 Before 1904. Yes 1904. 1905. 1906. 1907. 1908. Yes Complete HB. Complete HB. Complete HB.jComplete HB Complete 18 in 20 or 21 \ 18 in 35 with 25 in 51 with 28 in 68 with r"^'^'' ^ with 360 or 361 61 rest: 25 in 15 280 rest 215 in 64 with rest I with 260 rest 3Z4 rest do. Scattered not- reopened cuts, 23 in 26 with 355 rest do. do. do. do. D3 AD4 D4 Ed. AOd. Od. Ud. ACid. AFl Fi Yes Yes Yes do. Complete HB. 15 in 32 with : 348 rest I do. i do. Director complete HB. 18 in 35 with 61 rest ; 25 in 25 with 260 - rest Burgess Burgess: Complete HB, 25 in 25 with 260 rest Complete HB. 17 in 37 with 1545 rest asCi Yes Complete H.B 18 in 21 with 358 rest do. Complete HB. 25 in 25 with 117 rest do. do. as above asD "omplete HB. 25 in 25 with 251 rest; 25 in 27 with 310 rest do. do. do. do. do. asD do. do. do. do. as above as above Complete HB. 41 in 60 with 222 rest do. as D Complete HB. 3t in 38 with 331 rest do. I. — Continued. each Numeral. 275 1909. Complete HB. 30 in 60 with 257 rest; 28 in 33 with 273 rest do. do. do. do. Complete HB. Half HB. 30 30 in 32 with in 34 with 13) 15.S rest rest; 25 in 28 with 75 rest do. do. do. 1910. 1911. 1912. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. Half HB. 59 n 66 with 112 rest; 30 in 33 with 138 rest do. do. do. do. do. 1913. Half HB. 31 in 35 with 156 rest; 31 in 31 do. 1914. Complete HB. 32 in 33 with 97 rest; 21 in 24 with 93 rest do. Complete HB 26 in 28 with 63 rest; 29 in 30 with 161 rest do. Half HB. 30 in 31 with 113 rest; 30 in 33 with 106 rest; 30 in 34 with 39 rest do. Half HB. 59 in 66 with 138 rest; 30 in 31 with 155 rest do. Half HB. 30 in 31 with 155 rest; 30 in 57 do. 2/6 TABLE Understand "Days" after Symbol. Before 1914- 1904. 1905. 1906. 1907. 1908. AF2 Yes Complete HB 18 in 21 with 358 rest Complete HB 25 in 25 with 117 rest Half HB. 25 in 25 with 151 rest; complete HB. 25 in 27 with 310 rest Complete HB. 41 in 60 with 222 rest Complete HB. 31 in 38 with 331 rest F2 do. do. do. do. do. AF3 Yes Complete HB. 18 in 39 or 40 with 117 or 118 rest do. as AFi do. do. F3 ... do. do. do. do. do. F4 do. do. as AF2 do. do. Ef Director Of Burgess as above as above Uf Complete HB. 17 in 37 with 379 rest Complete HB. 25 in 27 with 310 rest (L). do. AF3d Yes as AF3 asD as D as D as D AG I Yes Complete HB. 15 in 34 or 35 with 311 or 312 rest Complete HB 25 in 25 with 169 rest Complete HB. 25 in 26 with 235 rest Complete H3. 32 in 11 with 133 rest; 31 in 44 with 770 rest Gi do. do. do. do. G2 Complete HB. 17 in 38 or 40 with 298 or 300 rest do. Half HB. 25 in 26 with 235 rest d,). Gi Complete HB. 19 in 44 or 46 with 301 or 302 rest do. Complete HB. 25 in 26 with 235 rest do. J\G4 Yes Complete HB. 24 in 52 or 58 with 282 or 284 rest do. do. do. 04 do. do. t^^ -*'^-* M ^ -^ r<) ( HH -"TrOfiTfLDf^Mi-iM ON rri^-^ "^M N Lnii-i-^N T^ "8^1 ^r<> -^a^^ \ u^ i^:, TfCiNLnLTiTtc^ rOLO LTi "*N -^ o ^2S^! ^i I I I 1 I I I I I I I I I o^ 293 •lElOX uaquiaoaa u^ ir> O o O "^ o 8 8 CI u-1 vo ir> -T OO 8 8 8 I- 00 00 g ^ s" N o ^ f^ o uaquiSAO^ U9qoi30 88a8aSS,88| M ro tS VO O O O O TT 0_ <^, 0_ iri 00 ^"^ ^ O O O o o "-» M-1 N 00 i§ i r^ ro -^ aaquiajdas On ON <~^ O O >J^ O O O t^ '-'^ O t"; "^ ^1 On cf M cf '^r fo q^ q_ ^ ^^ cf\ ro rf ^CT On t^ •jsnSnv 8 8888 o8^§§ Tt N N C^ •9unf 8 8 U-. : r^ t^ •Xbh ! S M t~^ NO •judv 8 8 2, 8 8 ^ >o I-, q, tN4_ N <~i^ «^ f^ f^ O NO ■-'^ o o 8 S N NO 8 S •qDJBi\[ 8 8 8 w CJ 00 N ro fO •XjBnjqaj r^ r^ N •XjEtlUBf t^00O^Ol-»r^r<^^l;C'NO^^> |^Sfg8Naaa8Na§N Qv CT^ On On 294 The average crop calculated on the whole of the eighteen years was 196,143 seeds. To eliminate the variation due to seasons, we may take the average of each five years, and then we get : — Average of years Tabic VI. 1897-I901 II7.OI7 1898-1902 138,172 1899-1903 134.472 190O-I904 136,194 190I-I905 142,384 I902-1906 141,020 1903-1907 189.188 1904-1908 233,327 1905-1909 256,971 I906-1910 286,211 1917-1911 322,180 1908-1912 288.630 1909-1913 241,270 1910-1914 256,530 The later figures show crops consistently larger figures than the average, the change commencing as table V shows with 1907- It is not clear to what the increase is to be ascribed, though something may have been done by means of more thorough col- lecting ; and as commencing in 1904 the grass under the trees was cut over more often in order that the collecting might be better, the trees obtained a little more cultivation than they had, which increased, until now they are clean weeded, except in Blocks 6 and 8. The yield of the years from 1907 forwards was at the rate of 281,200 seeds per annum, which at 144 seeds to the pound would be nearly 2000 lbs. per annum from about 1,400 trees, or of kernels about 1,200 lbs: and if these yield j2 per cent, of oil the return in oil amounts to just over 500 lbs. It is not convenient to write of the worth of this oil here: — a discussion on that subject with more details will be given in a later issue of this Bulletin. But meanwhile the Gardens records are useful in furnishing a rough estimate of what might be collected of this secondary product from matured rubber estates, where of course tapping would be more extensive than in the gardens, but the spacing of the trees much more appropriate. That the trees, as is quite to be expected, tend to exhaust them- selves in seeding, is evident from the way in which a particularly large cups is generally the sequel of a failure to seed, and is generally followed by a failure in the next seeding season falling about half a year later. 295 This is how the crops followed one another in the Economic Gardens, Singapore as shown by the records used in drawing up Table VI. Year. Early crop. Late crop. 1897 Insignificant Small 1898 .. Rather small— 8o,000 Small 1899 Insignificant Rather large— 140,000 1900 .. Small Rather large— 100,000 1901 .. Rather small— 6o,000 Rather small— 75,000 1902 Small Rather large— 100,000 1903 Rather small Small 1904 .. Small Rather large— 120,000 1905 Insignificant Large— 150,000 1906 Rather small Rather small— 90,000 1907 .. Large— 110,000 Very large— 200,000 1908 Insignificant Very large— 250,000 1909 .. Rather small— 70,000 Rather large — 140,000 lOIO .. Rather large— 140,000 Rather small 191 1 Rather large— 140,000 Large— 160,000 1912 Insignificant Rather large— 140,000 1913 Insignificant Rather small— 50,000 1914 .. Very large — 240,001 Rather large— 110,000 I. H. B. Che Gardens' bulletin 5TRAIT5 SETTLEMENTS, into which is incorporated all that has been published as the third .lerlcs of the Agiicultural Bulletin of the Straits and Federated iTalay States. Vol. I. Issued August, 31st, 1915. No. 9. CONTENTS. Page. Some Notes on Philippine Yams and the results of cultivation of three Indian races in 1914 - - 297 Preparation of Yams for the Table - - - 304 Different parts of the tubers of Dioscorea alata sprout at different rates - _ _ . 306 Three Lepidoptera which attack Dioscoreas in Singapore 308 Fragments of Malayan Geographic Botany — No. i. Enu- meration of Pahang plants collected by the late A. M. Burn-Murdoch - - - - 3 10 Orchid Notes - - - - - 318 The Singapore Prickly-Pear _ _ . 320 A nest of living Drymoglossum piloselloides - 321 Kenari seeds, Canarium rufum - - - 322 One hundred miles for blow-pipe poison - - 323 Rainfall at the Botanic Gardens, Singapore, in 1914 - 324 Rainfall at the Waterfall Gardens, Penang, in 1914 - 326 Summary of rainfall _ _ _ _ ^28 Cadamustus typicus, a minor coconut pest - - 329 A very destructive flash of lightning - - 329 Borrowings from new books - - - 329 To be purchased at the Botanic Gardens, Singapore; from Messrs. Kelly and Walsh. Ltd. No. 32 Raffles Place and 194 Orchard Road; and the Straits Times Office. Cecil Street. Singapore. DEFARTMENTAL NOTICE. Plants- of the Avocado or Alligator VQ^r—Pcrsea gratissima, — a few plants of the Brazil nut — Bertholletia excelsa, — and a few plants of Eucalyptus corymbosa to be sold within the Peninsula at fifty cents each. Seeds of Hevea brasiliensis—Fciva. Rubber — as available from trees, 'twenty-eight years old, to be sold at three dollars per thousand up to the number of ten thousand, and at two dollars and fifty cents for every further thousand on the same order. THE GARDENS' BULLETIN, STRAITS SETTLEMENTS. INTO WHICH IS INCORPORATED ALL THAT HAS BEEN PUBLISHED AS THE THIRD SERIES OF THE AGRICULTURAL BULLETIN OF THE STRAITS AND FEDERATED MALAY STATES. The Gardens' Bulletin is published as material becomes available. its price is fifty cents a copy, post free, or in advance for a volume of twelve numbers, post free. Five dollars in the Straits and Federated Malay States. Nine and a half rupees in India and Ceylon. Thirteen Shillings in Europe. Subscriptions paid to the third series of the Agricultural Bulletin, Straits and F. M. S., are counted as subscriptions to it. SINGAPORE : THE STRAITS TIMES PRESS, LLMITED. THE GARDENS' BULLETIN, STRAITS SETTLEMENTS. Vol. 1. Issued August 1915. No. 9 SOME NOTES ON PHILIPPINE YAMS, AND THE RESULTS OF CULTIVATION OF THREE INDIAN RACES IN I9I4.* /. Dioscorea alata, Linn. By the kindness of Professor C. F. Baker, of the University of the PhiHppines and of the Department of Agriculture, Manila, through Mr. O. W. Barrett, the Botanic Gardens received in January, 1914, upwards of eighty yam-tubers for experimental cultivation. For the most part there was one tuber of each supposed race that the two Institutions had. To accomodate the consignment five trenches were prtp;ired two and a half feet deep in the yellow soil of the Botanic Gardens just behind the Director's house, and filled with alternating layers of the soil and manure. The tubers from Manila was planted in these trenches at a distance from each other of two feet, in the month of January; and along with them were planted a few yams of local origin. The shoots began to appear above ground in March and continued to do so until May was in. The whole crop was dug in October ; the new tubers were examined and weighed; and notes made upon them. In the current year, 1915, experiments are being made on a larger scale, for which purpose the tubers of the whole crop of 1914 were cut up into sets, each of about 2 lbs. weight or 810 grammes, and has been planted. * A report on Philippine yams may be foiincl in the Philippine Agriculturist and Forester, III., 1915. pages 205-209. C:5 298 The largest yam produced in 1914, was one of local origin, the parent tuber having been found in the deserted garden of the Govern- ment bungalow on the top of Bukil Timah; it weighed 17 lbs. 8 oz. or almost 8 kilogrammes; and as it was still in full growth, when dug, it would have attained considerably more, say, by January in which month the plant of 1913 was still green. Next to it in weight was a yam -<3fl Philippine origin which weighed 16 lbs. 9 oz. or 7513 grammes (see page 299 figure 2.) The third tuber in size was also of Philip- pine origin and weighed 12 lbs. 6 oz. or 5613 grammes. In appearance it was almost exactly. as the tuber of the Bukit Timah plant, but there was this difference between the plants that the stem of the Bukit Timah plant produced a profusion of bulbils, whereas that of the Philippine plant did not. The tuber which came fourth in weight w^as from a Philippine plant numbered IO54, (page 299 figure I) ; it differed from the preceeding a little in the surface of the tuber and in its foliage ; its weight was 9 lbs 13 oz. or 4450 grammes. Plant no. IO42, (page 299 figure 5) produced a not altogether dis- similar tuber weighing 7 lbs. 7 oz. or 3373 grammes. All these big biWy- tubers except no. 1057, (page 299 figure 2) wcre without purple sap. Attention may be called to the slight difference in shape between the tubers 1054 (page 299 figure I) and 1042 (page 299 figure 5) in order to make the comment that it has been man's endeavour in selecting yams to obtain something which does not give great labour in digging, i.e. something surface-rooting. P^rom such a point of view no. 1042 (page 299 figure 5) is an improvement on no. 1054 (page 299 figure I), and both are an improvement upon the Bukit Fimah race which buried itself to a depth of 28 indies. • . '.'Some of the deep burying yams are however very tender, and are thought, by jungle tribes particularly, a much desired food, so that they laboriously dig them out. One object therefore which man must have haii in view in his work of selecting would be the preser- vation of tlie delicacy of substance while getting rid of the deep burying. Rumpf relates that in his time (1653-1720) in Celebes the inhabitants had a way of circumventing the yams which was by com- pelling them to grow through horizontal bamboos placed in the surface of the soil. The modern use of such a device is unrecorded; but the Philippine yams possess, in one little group, no tendency to bury, though elongating considerably. For instance no. .956 (page 301 figure 3) recurved back and actually extruded the tip of its tuber from the soil. No. 943 (page 301 figure 4) behaved similarly. Nos. 935 (page 301 figure 5) and 945 (page 301 figure 6) while differing slightly also extruded their tuber-tips, and Nos. 1095 (page 301 figure I) and 960 (page 301 figure 2) instead of growing down, elongated more or less horizontally, the larger to a length of 20 inches. Because of their great interest, all the tubers raised of this type are here figured, though we may not have among them more than three races. It may be remarked further that thty all had purple sap. Dioscorca «/<;/«— Philippine races, which descend more or less into the earth. 300 The largest, from no. 945 (page 301 figure 6), weighed 8 lbs., 14 oz. or 4025 grammes and out of the whole collection, among those containing purple sap was the third in weight. No. 655 (page 301 figure 5), which differed in very little, weighed 8 lbs. 5 oz. or 3770 grammes. These two, being apparently of one race, will be kept in mind specially on account of their combination of surface production and productive- ness; but of their comestible qualities we know nothing as yet. Figures 3 and 4 on page 299 (of tubers numbered 3790 and IO56) are reproduced to call attention to the way in which tubers vary in rootiness. Both the two tubers are deeply penetrating, the longer being 14 inches (35^ cm.) long. Another penetrating tuber was grown, intermediate in rootiness and therefore not reproduced here, (no. 1692), which with a length of 24 inches (61 cm.) had a weight of only 3 lbs. or 1361 grammes. On the other hand no. 1055 (page i figure 9) while penetrating only 8 inches (20 cm.) produced 4 lbs. 11 oz. (2125 grammes) of tubers, and no. 3793 penetrating 12 inches i30^. cm.) produced 10 lbs. 5 oz. or 4678 grammes. The last mentioned had a prickly stem, and so had no. 3790 and another very similar plant, no. 1019. It may be remarked that the prickliness is not associated with any particular form or colour of tuber, or any particular form of foliage. The lesser tubers grown were for the most part fingered in various ways, e.g. nos. 1019, (page 299 figure 8) and 931, (page 299 figure 7) ; and for the most part they carried purple sap. The re- lation of the extent of surface to flavour, etc., if any, has yet to be determined ; but it is quite probable that there is some relationship. The Oebi merah of the Singapore markets, grown along with the Philippine yams, ranked with the largest of the fingered ones; but it differed in foliage very markedly, and yet more by producing a great abundance of bulbils. There were among the Philippine yams two tubers (nos. 1040 and 1046) forked rather than fingered, 12 and 15 inches long, (30^ and 38 cm.) respectively, without purple sap, of a form which leads from the simple elongated shape to the flat condition wherein branching occurs in one plane only. Of flat tubers no. 103 1 (page 299 figure lO) was an ex.imple. This flattening is probably to be considered as a fasciation. Two tubers only with uprising fleshy shoots were found. One is figured which was received as "alata from Manila" (page 299 figure 6). These uprising shoots appear in the end of one season, grow thick and store food, to shoot out in the following season ; they are cases of growth such as is usually made after the resting period being made irt advance of it. In the figure two fleshy shoots may be seen by the side of the old dying stem of the finished season. One of the plants with uprising shoots had purple sap and the other had not. Dioscorea a/a^a— Philippine races, which do not descend into the earth. 302 Some of the Yams showed themselves earlier than others both in sprouting and in the withering of their shoots: but further investiga- tions are necessary in order to demonstrate what races are early and what are late, especially as in the start of the season much depends upon the part of the parent tuber used as a set (see pp. 306-307). 2. Dwscorea aculeata, Lamk., the lesser yam. In this Bulletin on page 227 attention was called to the appear- ance in Singapore island of the lesser yam, and on the following page to its appearance in the Province Welleslej'. Since those lines were printed, the yam has been found in the garden of a Kling at Durian Tunggal, Malacca. With the advent of cultivators other than Malays into the Col- onies, there is considerable probability that it will attract more and more interest, and that small patches will appear elsewhere. The Kling at Durian Tunggal said that he had himself brought the parent tubers from India. This lesser yam in the eastern tropics has a rather general cul- tivation from India to Papua. In India its chief centres are the Nerbudda valley, the Behar plains, and upper Assam; but it is by no means uncommonly grown in the south. It may be found in Burma, the Shan Hills, and French Indo-China; in the Philip- pine islands it is quite an important article of food, and in north-eastern New Guinea it is said to be the most important of all roots. South-westwards from the Philippine islands and New Guinea it is met with. It was stated by the celebrated Rumpf that in his time (1633-1720) it had rather recently acquired an exten-sion from the east of the Archipelago to the neigh- bourhood of Batavia where men, chiefly immigrants from that direction had a penchant for growing it. Despite this extension upon the west, north and east of the Peninsula, despite the going and coming between India and Malaya, Siam and Malaya, despite the Bugis invading and the Dutch and Portuguese trading from islands where it is commonly cultivated, it seems not to have obtain- ed a place between the Isthmus of Kra and Singapore until recently: and this can only be ascribed to a want of interest in its cultivation as from so many of the adjoining lands there must have been thous- ands of opportunities of bringing it had Malay cultivation but room for it. It had not however. But with the advent of settlers whose cultivation is deeper— Kling and Chinese— there would seem to be room for more yams and especially for the lesser yam. Under this impression experiments were commenced at Singapore in I0I2 when three races of D. aculeata received from India were first planted in the Economic Garden, These races from India were, Goradu from Akola, Berar ... No. 33,346 China alu from Jorhat in Assam, No. 34,383 Pora alu from Chittagon;?. ... No. 34,125 303 A root of each had be.en received from Major A. T. Gage, Super- intendent of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Calcutta, in the end of 1912, and the tubers were planted in the Economic garden. Thirty plants in all were grown. Seven were raised from tubers of Goradu, ten from China alu and thirteen from Pora alu. The seven plants of Goradu gave in turn 4^ lbs. of tubers, the ten of China alu 5% and the thirteen of Pora alu 31% lbs. These sown again in 1914 returned :— No. 34,125 3! I yams weighing 154^2 lbs. or 70 kilogrammes. No. 33,346 100 ,,' „ 46 ,, or 21 No. 34383 200 ,, 28 „ or 12^^ The tubers of the first ran up to 3 lbs. or 1460 grammes, those of the second to zH or 1,247 grammes, but those of the third were not above I lb. or 434 grammes in weight. The rate per acre works out at : — No. 34,125 21,851 lbs. per acres or 9,932 kilogrammes. No. 33,346 13,011 „ ., 5.902 No. 34,383 7-820 „ „ 3..S93 The greatest yield is greater than the best expected of potatoes in particulary fertile districts of Europe. But then the plot was very small (28 feet by 22 feet) containing four rows of plants sown in well manured trenches. Dioscorea aciileata— four Philippine races. Along with the greater yams from the Philippine islands, described in the preceeding pages, were grown four races of the lesser yam from the same sources, typical roots of which are figured here in outline. Collectively the races are there called in the Tagalog language Tugui a name like that, Tu-cu, used in Annam. 304 They occur both wild and cultivated and those that are wild pro- duce copious thorns on the roots. Thorns, however, are not a sure distinguishing mark of wild races, for at least elsewhere some cultivated races possess them, e.g. one which is in favour in Central Burma and is there called Wet-ka u or Pig-cut-off yam because of the way in which the thorns protect the tubers from the depreda- tions of the wild pigs. The plants of the first Philippine race, — whether of wild or cultivated origin I have not been informed, — produced the large tubers (as figured on the right) and with these such thorny roots. These tubers however were diffuse and placed far beyond the protection of the thorns present, a circumstance suggesting that we have in it a cultivated race, the thorns left being indications of a not remote origin from the wild state. The tubers were few in number but attained as much as 5 lbs. 6 oz. (2439 grammes) in weight. The other three races were without thorny roots and distinguished as follows: — a. Tubers elongated, with a slight tendency to be diffuse, reaching in weight i lb. 8 oz. (640 grammes). b. Tubers small, many, closely bunched, attaining in weight 4 oz. only (113 grammes). c. Tubers lobed, few, and some of them rather large, attain- ing in weight I lb. 5 oz. (596 grammes). The figures given are drawn exactly to scale : a is numbered 2 ; b is numbered 3 ; and c is numbered i. The races will be the subject of further experiments in 1915. when they will be tested against those brought from India and against others newly received from Saigon. PREPARATION OF YAMS FOR THE TABLE. Europeans in the East do not know, how to cook yams : therefore the following recipes are reproduced from one of the publications of the Imperial Department of Agriculture for the British West Indies. Roasted F^w^.— Lay a yam before the grates of the stove or in the oven, turning it occasionally until cooked, scrape off the outer skin, cut into pieces or mash with butter; serve hot. Baked Yams. — Pare a yam, put it in the oven and bake until soft, take it out of the skin, mash with butter, put back into the skin ; cut in pieces and serve hot. Boiled y«w5.— Pare a yam, put it into boiling water, cook until tender ; serve whole. 305 Ymn Chips. — Pare a yam and boil until tender, cut it in chips ; fry in boiling lard and serve hot. Yarti Rice.— Pare a yam and boil until tender; press through a colander onto a hot dish; shaking the colander lightly every few seconds, to cause the yam to fall off in short grains like rice; serve very hot. Yatn Rissoles. — Pare, boil and mash a yam with pepper and salt, and if liked, a little minced parsley; shape into rissoles, cover with egg and bread crumbs, and fry until a light brown. Yam Border.— Pare, boil and mash a fairshaped yam, about two pounds in weight, and add to it two tablespoonful of butter, half a cup of boiling m ilk, one tablespoonful of salt, the yolk of two eggs (well beaten); beat the mixture until very light; butter a border mould, pack the yam in it, and let it stand for eight minutes, beat the whites of the eggs to a froth, add salt, turn out the yam, cover with the whites and put in an oven to brown; take from oven and fill the centre with meat or flesh heated in a sauce. Yam au Choux.— Take one pound of boiled yam, one boiled cabbage, two tablespoonful of cream, one ounce of butter, with salt and pepper to taste ; rub the yam and cabbage through a wire sieve, mix together with butter, cream and seasoning; pile upon a dish, and serve with fried croutons of bread around. Serve very hot. Porcupine Yam. — Take two pounds of yam, boil and mash with one egg and salt to taste ; shape and roll in beaten egg and vermi- celli ; fry. Serve hot with parsley. Yam Fritters. — Pare and boil half a pound of yam until soft, beat lightly with a fork ; beat the yolks of four and the white of three eggs, add two tablespoonful of cream, two tablespoonful of wine, one dessertspoonful of lemon juice and half a teaspoonful of grated nutmeg; beat all altogether until extremely light, put plenty of lard into a frying pan and drop a tablespoonful of the butter at a time into it, and fry the fritters to a nice brown. Serve with wine sauce (served separately), or only sprikle powdered sugar over them. Yam Pudding. — Take half a pound of yam, two eggs, one lemon, two ounces of butter, two ounces of sugar; pare and boil the yam, and rub it through a sieve while hot ; beat the butter and the yam together, and allow the whole to cool ; break the eggs and separate the yolks from the whites; beat the yolks until light, and add sugar, the juice of a lemon as well as the grated rind, and the yam. Whisk the whites to a stiff froth and stir lightly in before baking ; put in a well buttered dish and bake in a brisk oven for twenty minutes. Yam en Brim.— Cui up one pound of yam already boiled, and fry to a light brown ; sprinkle thickly with chopped parsley and shalat or mushroom, pepper, salt and lime juice; serve very hot. 306 DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE TUBERS OF DiOSCOREA ALATA SPROUT AT DIFFERENT RATES. In the Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal 1911, p. 467. I gave an account of observations on the bulbils Dioscorea bulbifera, Linn., showing that shoots are more freely formed from the basal part of the bulbil than from the apical; and that if the bulbil be halved the shoots are generally produced towards the base on either half but, that sprouting is quickest on the lower halves. I here give some observations made on the tubers of Dioscorea alata, which show that in them the older parts more quickly sprout than the younger. The result is as would be expected, but to demonstrate it was desirable, in connection with observations in hand on the earliness or lateness of various races under study; for when we have recognised that sets cut from different parts of a tuber send out shoots relatively quickly or relatively tardily according to the position from which they have been taken, we are one step forward from the danger of comparing the unequal in attempting the separating out of precocious and late races. The observations have been made in this way. Taking all the tubers reported on in the preceeding note pp. 297-302, they were cut up into sets of about two pounds weight each, and planting was done on December 2nd, 1914, in such way that the oldest part of each-tuber was towards one end of the trenches dug for the crop, and the youngest parts towards the other end. The sets, which had pre- viously been treated carefully with potassium permanganate and dried until the cut surfaces were hard, were earthed over to a depth of about four inches and tnen the appearance of their shoots above ground was watched for and recorded in the number of days which on their emergence had elapsed from planting. The following table details the result: in the first column is the number or name under which the race has been grown, in the other columns are the number of days between planting and the appearance of the shoots above ground. The reader will s^e that a lesser period is generally recorded in the second column than in the others and that the period lengthens towards the right, i.e., towards the tip of the tuber.- As some of the tubers were branched e.g., that figured, as No. 2 on page 299, the order in which the parts were placed could not he made in every case to represent exactly the actual tuber, but nevertheless the general result is quite obvious, namely, that the more or less woody top of the tuber is the most ready to sprout and the tip least. As man usually keeps the top for propagation and eats the tip, which it the most esculent, in so doing he gets the advantage for his planting of using that part which nature has most ready for the purpose. There is evidence in the table that races vary considerably in precocity or lateness, thus the latest named yam showed itself most distinctly earlier in sprouting than the one inmiediately before it: and the yams which w^ere figured on page 301 showed themselves late; but these and other similar observations will be the subject of another report, when more statistics are available. 307 Number of days from December 2nd. which elapsed before Shoots appeared above Ground. Registration Number of root. Top Set. Lower sets, more or less in descending order. 940 Philippines... 947 938 1,025 1,019 30 24 40 58 14 23 48 40 35 94 55 51 64 81 78 89 64 106 - - - - - 1 ] - 1,387 » ■•■ 49 52 — — •— — — — — — — - — 2,712 958 25 61 27 76 62 78 78 78 no I _ ~ — — 824 23 44 — — -- — — — — — — — — 1,031 „ ... I 53 52 — — •- — — — — — — — " Unknown," from Manila ... 82 89 106 108 — _ _ __ — __ _ 1,044 Philippines... 43 963 .. - 43 61 41 81 64 I I — — ' — — z — 329 3.790 17 90 .^8 24 25 n _ — — . — — :: I 937 47 68 49 75 — — — — 1 — — — — 1,023 21 61 75 — — — — — — — — 1,042 15 23 23 73 — — — — — — — — — 1.055 3.793 90 24 63 23 61 24 23 82 48 96 — — — — : I ^~ l,u54 „ •• 20 j 57 39! 59 40 - — — — -- -- — — — 955 M •• 13 41 1,095 -. ■ 46 106 108 j 79 45;- i 1 - — I :: — — _ 1,056 1,692 No Number, from Manila 40 23 37 52 89 79 82 23 64 ~" - - "~ ~ - - - 1,057 Philippines. . 94 40 52 52 51 53 60 51 64 56 53 55 — — 1,046 84 85 103 — — — — — - __ — — — 1,040 85 no 124 — — — — — -- — — — — 945 39 94 54 tn2 130 — — — — — — — — 943 90 90 58 IIO 106 -■ — — — — — — — — 956 94 no no — — — — — — — — — — — 960 20 n — — — — — — — — — — 330 20 38 " 1 ~" — — — — — — — — — — Oebi merah of Singapore Oeiji from Bukil Timah 63 13 89 13 125 n 89 13 85 13 90 1 12 1 64 23 20 no 1 14 37 12 37 23 35 3S Destroyed bj slugs. I. H. BURKILL, 308 THREE LEPIDOPTERA WHICH ATTACK DIOSCOREAS IN SINGAPORE. In the course of two years ob nervations on Dioscoreas in Singa- pore, the caterpillars of throe lepidoptera have attracted attention. They are : — Theretra nessiis, Moore Loxura atymmis, Horsf. and Tagiades gana, Butl. The second is the most injurious. Theretra tiessus is a Sphingid, already recorded as attacking the common yam {Dioscorea alata, Linn.). Owing to the large size which the caterpillar attains, the number of leaves consumed is considerable; but as the eggs are laid singly, the injury to a plant is generally restricted to what is required to satisfy the appetite of one individual. Offered a choice of food-plants of the genus Dioscorea, the caterpillars refused none; but they ate the leaves of D. alata, Linn., D. pyrifolia, Kunth, D. bulbifera, Linn., D. pentaphylla. Linn., and of a Philippine ally of the last which is thought to be D. Cumbigii, Prain and Burkill, in preference to those of D. aculeata, Lamk., and D. triphylla, Linn. It is known that dioscorine is present in the leaves of the last named; but the surface is covered with small bristly hairs; and it is likely that the hairs deterred to caterpillars from feeding readily more than any dioscorine present. The moth of Theretra fiessus is figured in Moore's Lepidoptera of Ceylon, (1882-83), plate 86, and there is a description of it on p. 22 of volume ii. Across the fore wings the moth is II cm. The general colour is dull red and olive green above, but below orange. The fore wings are nearly white at the tip, and white on the fore margin ; behind this are diagonal belts of olive green, smoky grey and dull salmon. The caterpillar is of a pale green, streaked with white down the back and obliquely on the sides, the streaking" ill-defined; and it has two defined white spots forward, which when it has been disturbed and has drawn in its head, have somewhat the position in which eyes might be expected. It attains a length of 14 centimetres (5J/3 inches). At maturity it spins a cocoon of a rather small amount of silk among leaves, drawing them together; and when it turns into a chrysalis is upwards of 1 1 cm., long, streaked in various shades between buff and claret. The caterpillar of Loxura atymmis is a green slug-like object which eats the very young parts of the plant. So far it has only been found on Dioscorea alata, on D. anguina Roxb., and on an imported African yam. The eggs are laid singly, but many to a plant, on the tips of growing shoots, and the caterpillar devours by preference the 309 upper parts of the just expanding leaves, or less freely the tip of the stem. When a caterpillar on a rapidly growing shoot has found food in a pair of leaves for some days during which growth has carried the other softer parts far beyond ; it does not wander up the shoot, but attacks the stem close at hand and eats the surface into small pits, which turn black; at times the shoot may be so much eaten as to break or to die above the place. The caterpillar attains a length of 2,25 cm., with a maximum width forward of about 7 mm. The body is somewhat flattened towards the tail. The legs are entirely hidden by the overlapping sides, and the head is similarly hidden. The colour of the caterpillar is a rather light leaf-green with a pair of magenta markings, or with two pairs, on the back near the middle, the ground colour rather yellowish-green between them. Towards the head and the tail the green colour darkens a very little. And near to the tail are two retractile processes, withdrawn more often than exserted, very small and white, with papillae. Ants commonly run over the caterpillars seeking for something that they cannot find. As formic acid is present in the caterpillars of some allied lepidoptera, it might possibly be a smell of this which attracts them ; but evidence is lacking. When the caterpillar is mature, it attaches itself to the stem and pupates, forming a chrysalis buff over the wings and along a broad streak down the back, elsewhere of the brightest green. The tail is very broad. The butterfly has dark orange wings with a black border, and the hinder are provided with a broadish tail which is pale towards the extremity, and curves out of the plane of the wing. The black border runs from the middle of the anterior rounded edge of the forewing to the posterior angle of the hinder wing. Further the hind wings are slightly suffused with black. Below the wings are of an orange ochre, with a faint line across them parallel to the outer margins. The diameter across the expanded wings is 5 cm. It is figured in Distant's Rhopalocera Malayana (1882-86), plate xxxix., figure 2. Tagiades gana feeds on the mature leaves of D. alata, ^.xxdhdiS also been observed on D. cirrhosa, Lour. It cuts into the leaf until it can fold over a piece of it and so manufactures with a little silk a covering for itself; or sometimes it fastens two leaves together. From within its covering it feeds on the foliage, making a new case as often as may be necessary. It is smooth skinned and narrow behind the head, which is bilobsd behind. The chrysalis is hazel coloured, and rests in the last leaf-wrapping that the caterpillar has constructed. The butterfly which is figured in Distant's Rhopalocera Malayana (1882-86), on plate xxiv, figure 7, is 9 cm. across the wings. These 310 wings are umber brown above, the hinder pair bluish white in the posterior third. All three insects are Indian as well as Malayan, and one, if not the others, occurs in China. I. H. BURKILL. FRAGMENTS OF MALAYAN GEOGRAPHIC BOTANY. No. I. Enumeration of Pahang plants collected by the late A. M. Burn Murdoch. On a journey of inspection down the Pahang river in June, 1913, the late Mr. A. M. Burn Murdoch, took with him a collector from the Botanic Gardens, Singapore, and obtained the species here enumerated. The collecting began near Temerloh, which is 75 miles in a straight line from the coast, and was continued down the tortuous course of the river to its mouth, whence again northwards, it was carried up the coast to Balok. Nos. 151-179 came from Temerloh and its neighbourhood. Nos. 180-192 came from places on the first 60 miles of this river's course below Temerloh. Nos. 193-2CO, and 301-311 came from the neigh- bourhood of the Chenik river where is a forest reserve. Nos. 312-332 were collected below the Chenik river, chiefly about Kwala Pahang. Near Kuantan, Balok and Beserah were collected Nos. 201-224 and Nos. 333-3 SO. There is a paper by Mr. H. N. Ridley on the flora of this part of the Peninsula in the Transactions of the Linnean Society of London, 2nd Series, Botany, iii., pp. 267-408, enumerating very many more plants than are here recorded; but nevertheless Mr. Burn Murdoch's bundles add much information towards a knowledge of the distribu- tion of plants in the Peninsula. There is a further brief notice of the flora of the lower part of the Pahang river in the Journal of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society, part 25 (1894) pp. 33-37. Mr. Ridley has kindly described the novelties of the collection in the Journal of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society, No. 68 (1915), pp. 12-14. Here after each name an indication is given of the dispersal which that plant has in the Peninsula : and unfortunatey the scanti- ness of our knowledge of the flora of the Eastern side is made evident in it. " 311 Unona longiflora, Roxb. Chenik, No. 197. Distr: A northern plant extending southwards, at any rate all down the west side, to Singapore, now first obtained on the east side. Polyalthea Teysmanni, King. Temerloh, No. 154. Distr: Selangor and Pahang, southwards. Nymphaea stelhitu, Willd. Semantan road, No. 156: Tasek Chenik, No. 308. Distr: Here and there in the Peninsula; but hardly recorded from the southern parts. Crataeva macrocarpa, Kurz. Tasek Chenik, No. 302. Distr: From the north to Malacca on the west coast and in Pahang. Pittosporum ferriigineum. Ait. Kwala Pahang, No. 326. Distr: Probably thioughout the Peninsula, though at present unknown from the east coast except at Kwala Pahang. Xanthophyllum glaucum, Wall. Tasek Chenik, No. 307. Distr: From the north to Perak and Pahang. Sida cordifolia, Linn. Kwala Pahang, No. 332. Distr: In places chiefly near the coast as a weed. Elaeocarpus paiiicidata, Wall. Temerloh, No. 162. Distr: Apparently throughout the Peninsula. Elaeocarpus stipidaris, Blume. Pahang river between Lubok Paku and Binking, No. 189. Distr: Apparently throughout the Peninsula. Hiptagc madhablota, Gaertn. Kuantan, No. 219. Distr: From thj north southwards to Kuala Lumpur and the Pahang river. Aglaia cordata, Hiern. Kwala Bera, below Temerloh, No. 173. Distr: From Perak to Singapore on the west side; from the: east now for the first time collected. Chailletia setosa, King. Balok, No. 214. Distr: Perak to Malacca, and on the Pahang river. Cansjera Rhcedci, Gmel., var. Tanjong Tembeling near Kuantan, No. 222. Distr: Mangrove swamps round the coast. Euonymus javanicus, Blume. Kwala Pahang, No. 320. Distr: Apparently general in the Peninsula. Trigonachras acuta, Radlk. Kuantan, No. 3 7. Distr: Singapore, Pahang and Malacca. Allophyllus Cobhe, Blume. Chenik reserve, No. 301. Distr: A very common plant in the Peninsula. 312 Jagera speciosa, Bliime. Chenik, No. igg. Distr: Selangor and Pahang. Dodonaea viscosa, Jacq. Kwala Pahang, No. 328. Distr: Around the Peninsula at rather widely spaced places. Desmodium polycarputn, D.C. Kuantan, No. 335 ; also var., ovati- foUum, Wall. Kuantan, No. 334. Distr: Common throughout the Peninsula. Desmodium umhellatum, D.C. Basrah, No. 202. Distr: All round the coasts of the Peninsula. Uraria crinita, Desv. Binking, No. 192. Distr: Very general in the Peninsula. Pueraria phaseoloides, Benth. Pulau Rusa, No. 315. Distr: From the north, southwards to Negri Sembilan. Canavalia lineata, D.C. Karang river at Basrah, No. 217. Distr: Around the coasts. Canavalia obtusifolia, D.C. Semantan road, No. 159. Distr: Around the coasts and up the Pahang river. Dunbaria Scortechinii, Prain. Pulau Rusa, No. 314. Distr: Southern Siam to Perak, and the Pahang river. Flemingia congesta, Roxb. Pulau Rusa, No. 316. Distr: From the north to Malacca and the Pahang river. Derris sinuata, Thwaites. Kwala Pahang, No. 331. Distr: Around the coasts of the Peninsula. Cassia nodosa, Ham. Temerloh, No. 153. Distr : From the north to Malacca and the Pahang river. Cassia siamea, Lamk. Kwala Bera, below Temerloh, No. 180. Distr: From the north to Malacca and the Pahang river. Cassia mimosoides, Linn. Tasek Chenik, No. 312. Distr: Throughout the Peninsula. Bauhinia integrifolia, Roxb. Lubok Paku, No. 182. Distr: Throughout the Peninsula. Saraca triandra. Baker. Foot of Bukit Basrah, without number. Distr: From the north, southwards to Malacca and the Pahang river. Acacia pennata, Willd. Binking, No. 191. Distr: From the north to Malacca and the Pahang river. Parinarium tiitidum, Hook. f. Kwala Pahang, No. 325. Distr: Setul to Malacca, in Singapore and on the Pahang river. Carallia lucida, Roxb. Pahang river between Lubok Paku and Bin- king, No. 188. Distr: All d )wn the west side of the Peninsula, and now first collected on the east side. 313 ■Combretum fstenopetalum, Heurck and Muell. Arg. Pahang river be- tween Lubok Paku and Sinking, No. 190. Distr : Probably an addition to the known flora of the Peninsula. Barringtonia spicata, Blume. Chenik, No. 195. Distr : Trang to Malacca on the west side. Pahang on the east side. Barringtonia fusiforniis, King. Chenik, No. 198. Distr: Perak and Selangor on the west side, Pahang on the east side. Pternandra coerulescens, Jack. Chenik, No. 196. Distr: General through the Peninsula. Memecylon dichotomum, C. B. Clarke. Temerloh, No. 164. Distr: Kedah to Malacca on the west side, on the east side along the Pahang river, whence it has been brought twice before. Sarcocephalus subditus, Miq. Pahang river between Lubok Paku and Binking, No. 185. Distr : From Perak, southwards to Singapore, and on the Pahang river. Sarcocephalus Jutighuhnii. Miq. Kuantan, on Bukit Galing, No. 34O. Distr: Known hitherto from the western side of the Peninsula and from Singapore, but its wide distribution outside made probable its occurence on the eastern side. Mussaenda mutabilis, Hemsl. Vern.— Balik Adap as in Sungei Ujong. Temerloh, No. 170. Distr: Known to occur all down the east of the Peninsula and in Pahang. Gardenia carinata, Wall. Vern.— Laca Hutan. Temerloh, No. 169. Distr: Penang and Perak to Malacca; now also obtained in central Pahang; recorded as obtained by Murton in Singapore (? cultivated only). Gardenia tubifera, Wall. Bukit Berhala, Tasek Chenik, No. 304. Distr: General throughout the Peninsula. Gardenia tent acidata, Hofik. f. Tasek Chenik, No. 311. Distr: Apparently general throughout the Peninsula from Penang, Province Wellesley, and Tringganu southwards. It has been obtained before twice on the Pahang river. Diplospora fvelntina, King and Gamlile. Bukit Galing, Kuanta;n, No. 344. Distr: Hitherto recorded for Perak only. Cajithium didymuni, Roxb. Pulau Lantai, No. 306. Distr: General throughout the Peuinsuhi. .Canlhium parvifoliiun, Roxb. Bukit Ubi, Kuantan, No. 349. Distr: General throughout the Peninsula. 314 ,Ixora stricta, Roxb. Temerloh, No. 158; Kwala Pahang No. 319. Distr: General throughout the Peninsula. Ixora humilis, King and Gamble. Balok, on Bukit Kapis, No. 21 5. Distr: Penang, Temerloh, Perak and Selangor, and on the east coast in Pahang. Ixora cf. conciiwa, R. Br. Chenik reserve, No. 200. Distr: /. coucinna occurs generally through the Peninsula. Pavetta humilis, Hook., f. Balok, on Bukit Kapis at 300 ft.. No. 211. Distr: From the west coast at Malacca to the east coast at Balok. Prisniatomeris albidiflora, Thwaites. Temerloh, No. 179. Distr: General throughout the Peninsula. Vernonia arborea, Buch.-Ham. Bukit Galing at Kuantan, No. 339. Distr: General along the west side of the Peninsula, and pro- bably also along the east side ; but so far only collected on the Pahang river and at Kuantan. Plumbago zeylauica, Linn. Semantan road, No. 157. Distr: In most parts of Peninsula apparently. Ardisia crenata, Roth. Balok, No. 209 ; Kwala Pahang, No. 330. Distr: General throughout the Peninsula. Ardisia littoralis, Andr. Kwala Pahang, No. 329. Distr: General around the Peninsula; but not necessarily on the const. Sideroxylon Jernigiueum, Hook, and Arn. Kwala Pahang, No. 317. Distr: All down the western side of the Peninsula; on the eastern side only known from the mouth of the Pahang river and Puiau Tiuman. Symplocos Curiisii, Oliv. Balok, on Bukit Kapis, No. 2l6. Disir: Occurs in Penang. Perak, Selangor, Negri .Sembilan and Pahang. Symplocos spicaia, Ro.xl). Piilau Lantai, No. 305. Distr: From the north to Malacca and in Pahang. Jasminiiin bifarium, Wall. Pahang river l)etween Lubok Paku and Binking, No. 184. Di>tr: All down the west side of the Peninsul 1, and general apparently in Pahang (and probably down the east side). Ervatamia malacceiisis, King and Gamble. Temerloh, witl o Jt number. Distr: All down the west side of the Peninsula; now first collected on the eastern side. Pa) sonsia spiralis. Wall. Bed >k, Xo. 205. Disir: Down the we^t coast of the Peninsula; now first collect- ed on the eastern side. 315 Aganosma marginala, G. Don. Pahang river between Liibok Paku and Binking, No. 187. Distr : Apparently in all parts of the Peninsula. Tyloplwra sp., very near to T. asthmatica, W. & A. Kwala Pahang, No. 327. Distr: This species of Tylophora occurs from Tringganu to Kwala Pahang. Hoya latifolia, G. Don. Chenik, No. 194. Distr: Pahang, Johore and Singapore. Fagraea fragrans, Roxb. Pulau Berhala, No. 303. Distr: In several parts of the Peninsula, chiefly near the coast (vide Burn Murdoch, Trees and timbers of the Malay Peninsula, ii., 1912, p. 3). Norrisia malaccensis, Gardn. Bukit Galing at Kuantan, No. 348. Distr: In Perak and Malacca; and now also known from Pahang. Iponwea pes-caprae, Roth. Karang river at Basrah, No. 2 18. Distr: Probably all round the coasts. Ipomoea UttoraUs, Boiss. Tanjong Tembeling near Kuantan, No. 221. Distr: On the coast near Malacca and near Kwala Pahang. Merremia hastata, Hallier f. Balok, No. 207. Distr: General through the Peninsula, Cordia premnifolia, Ridl., in Journal R. Asiatic Society, Straits Branch, No. 68, p. 12. Pahang river between Lubok Paku and Binking, No. 186. Distr: An addition to the Malay Flora, known from Kwala Lipis and the Pahang river. Didyhwcarpus crinita, Jack. Temerloh, No. 165. Distr: Through the Peninsula. Justicia ptycliostoiiia, Nees. Temerloh, No. 167 and 168. Distr: From the north southwards to Negri Sembilan and Pahang. Justicia remotiflora, Ridl., in Journal R. Asiatic Society, Straits Branch, No. 68, p. 12. Temerloh, No. 175. Distr : An addition to the known Malay Flora. Vitex trifolia, Linn. Kwala Pahang, No. 313. Distr : On the coast at Penang, Malacca, Singapore and Pahang. Clerodendron neriifolinm, Wall. Tanjong Api at Kuantan, No. 220. Distr: On the coast round the Peninsula. Nepenthes avipidlaria, Jack. Kuantan, No. 338. Distr: Throughout the Peninsula, south of Penang and Perak. Alseodaphne peduncidaris, Hook. f. Temerloh, No. 166. Distr: From Penang and Peiak to Negri Sembilan on the west side ; now also in Pahang. 316 Litsea johorensis. Gamble. West of Temerloh, No. 171. Distr: Johore, and now also known from Pahang. Liisea amara, Blume. Temerloh, No, l6l. Distr: General throughout the Peninsula. Neolitsea zeylanica, Merrill. Kwala Pahang, No. 321. Distr: Down the east side to Singapore; but from the west side only as yet collected in Pahang. Loranthus grandijrons. King. Temerloh, No. 151. Distr: Down the east side to Malacca, and in Pahang. Henslowia varians, Blume. Kwala Pahang, No. 3 1 8. Distr: Throughout the Peninsula. Glochidion littorale, Blume. Sungei Balok, No. 204. Distr : Down the east coast to Singapore and in Pahang. Glochidion laevigatum, Hook. f. Sungei Balok, No. 206. Distr: Penang to Singapore, and in Pahang. Ostodes macroplylla, Benth. & Hook, f., var. Semantan road station. No. 160. Distr: Perak, Malacca, Singapore and Pahang. Mallotus sp. Very like some Philippine specimeus of M. ricinoideSr Muell. Arg. Male flowers only. Basrah, No. 201. This/Ilia racemosa, Ridl., in Journal R. Asiatic Society, Straits Branch, No. 68, p. 13. Six miles south east of Temerloh, No. 178. An addition to the known Malay Flora. Thrixspenmim Calceohts, Reichb. f. Tanjong Tembeling at Kuantan, without number. Distr: From Penang to Singapore, and in Pahang. Renantliera alba, Ridl. Balok, No. 208. Distr: Singapore and Pahang. Tropidia squamata, Blume. Bukit Galing near Kuantan, No. 345. Distr: From Kedah to Singapore on the west side; in Pahang on the east side. Gastrochilus plicatus, Ridl. Balok, Bukit Kapis, No. 212. Distr: Known from the central range in Perak, from Kuantan, and now from the Pahang coast. Gastrochilus hiloba, Ridl. Balok, Bukit Kapis, No. 210. Distr: Known from the central range in Perak, Pahang and Selangor ; and now from the Pahang coast. Avivmum ochreiim, Ridl. Bukit Galing at Kuantan, No. 347. Distr: Selangor and Pahang. Aniomum uliginosum, Koen. Bukit Galing at Kuantan, No. 342. Distr: From Penang and Perak to Johore, and in Pahang. 317 Hornstedtia megacheilos, Griff. Bukit Galing at Kuantan, No. 341. Distr: From Penang and Perak to Singapore, on the west side; also in Pahang. Donax anindinastrum, Lam.; (Clinogyne grandis, Benth.), Kwala Bera, below Temerloh, No. 181. Distr: Throughout the Peninsula. Xyris anceps. Lam. Kuantan, N >. 333. Distr: In most parts of the Peninsula. Iguamira geonomacformis, Mart. Kwala Bt-ra, below Temerloh, No. 174. Distr: From Perak to Singapore, on the west side; and also in Pahang. Calamus Guriiba, Buch.-Ham. Chenik, No. 193. Distr: From the north southwards to Perak and Pahang. Amorphophallus sp. Bukit Galing at Kuantan, No. 343. Homalonema rostratum, Gritf. Seinantan road. No. 155. Distr: Selangor and Pahang to Johore. Cryptocoryne cordata, Griff. Balok, on Bukit Kapis, No. 213. Distr: Malacca and Pahang. Eriocaulon sexaugulare, Linn. Tasek Chenik, No. 3 10. Distr : Penang, Negri Sembilan, Malacca, Pahang, Johore, Singa- pore, and probabl)' wider. Leph'onia mucronata, Rich. Tasek Chenik, No. 309. Distr: Dindings to Singapore, on the west side; and on the east in Pahang. Rhynchospora aurea, Vahl. Kuantan. No. 336. Distr: Throughout the Peninsula. Andropogon Wightianus, Steud. Kwala Pahang, No. 323. Distr: Within the Peninsula only known from the Pahang coast. Thiiarea sarmeiitosa, Pers. Balok, No. 203. Dislr: On the coasts round the Peninsula. Spinifex squarrosus, Linn. Kwala Pahang, No. 324. Distr: On the east coast in Tringganu and Pahang; and on the west coast in northern Johore. Aspidium singaporeanum, Baker. Six miles south-east of Temerloh, No. 177. Distr: Throughout the Peninsula, Diplazium specwsum, Mett. Temerloh, No. 176. Distr: Apparently throughout the Peninsula. 3i8 Asplenium macrophyllum, Swaitz. Tanjong Tembeling at Kuantan, No. 223. Distr: All through the Peninsula, on the western side; from the eastern side only obtained as vet in Paliang. Lycopodium Phlegmaria, Linn. Tanjong Teml^eling at Kuantan, No. 224. Distr: Throughout the Peninsula. I. H. BURKILL. ORCHID NOTES. So little is known of the botany of eastern Johoie that it is of interest to record the receipt from Mr. St. V. B. Down, uf the follow- ing three orchids ccJlected by him on the Sedili river near Dohol : — Eria vestita, Lindl. Eria velutina, Lindl., 30 feet above the river on a Lager- stroemia indica, associated with Drynaria. Dendrobium Serra, Lindl. Dendrobium crumenatum, Sw. -the Pigeon-orchid. From Mr. F. J. Hallifax, President of the Municipal Commission, Singapore, the Gardens have received si)ecimens of a salmon flowered Dendrobium crumenatum, Sw. The plain grows on Goodwood Hill, Singapore, uncultivated, in Mr. Hallifax's garden. Its stems are of a bright chestnut colour. Thecosteic secunda, Ridl, Thecostele secunda, Ridl., flowtred in the Botanic Garden, in October, 1914, producing four downwardly directed (rigid, not pendi-- lous) racemes with respectively 6, 7,11 and 17 horizontal flowers. It flowered again in April, 1915. The plant was brought from Sarawak, by Mr. J. W. Anderson, in 1912. Its leaves measure 9 by 1 5^ inches. A description of the colour of the flower is desirable. The interior sepal is honey-coloured with a slight claret flush outside near the tip and a light claret median line within in the lower half; the lateral sepals are similarly coloured but the line within is obscure. The lateral petals are honey-coloureri becoming paler towards the tip, the margin below this pale part and the median line within being claret. The lip has on the median lobe a whitish ground with a well defined claret V in the centre and ill defined lateral Vs on each side of it merged into it at tiie contiguous extremities. These are formed by claret coloured hair; a small yellowish honey-coloured spot lies above the central V with a claret dot on each side of it, 319 and beyond are three claret dots, the erect lateral being just under the two crests of the lip; the lateral lobes are liver coloured on both sides with a white border and a patch of claret coloured hair inside the fold at the base. The column has lines of pale claret below and is a deep dull maroon above with the stigma greenish wliite, the anther wall pale claret and the side lobes tipped as if with grey wax. The surface of the column foot over the nectary, directed to the inside of the flower, is white: at the head of its cavity is an orange coloured nectary of considerable size which secretes abundant honey. Every bract, bi.^'ore the flowers are mature, has a nectary at the centre' outside which secretes a tiny drop of clear honey. When the buds are young the apex of the axis bearing them bends up straightening itself as tl.ey approach maturity. Five species of Thecostele are known, occurring from Burma to Borneo and Java : and the road to their honey is so crooked that it would be most interesting to ascertain what insects visit the flowers. Microstylis congesta, Rcichb. f. Among the orchids brought back by Mr. J. C. Moulton from the slopes of mount Kinabalu, were living specimens of Microstylis congesta, from which the following notes have been made: for even thought the orchid is well known in herbaria, a description from life of the flowers is worth giving. Of the several plants of the orchid sent to the Botanic Gardens the largest bore seven full sized bright green leaves. Before opening the buds ascend very slightly from the horizontal; but when the flower has opened the ovary curves slightly so that the flower faces a little down from the horizontal. During flowering the ovary straightens itself again, and after flowering it ascends so as to lie as close to the axis as possible. The bracts are lanceolate, very acuminate, and become strongly reflexed early, remaining so; they are pale green. The sepals are green with a tinge of purple which increases through flowering. The lateral sepals curve round from behind the labellum towards one another but do not meet by about 1^2 mm.; they are 4H mm. long and when flattened 2 mm. broad ; but owing to the way in which they are folded back along their midrib their edges are not more than iVz mm. apart. The dorsal sepal (the sepal which would be dorsal if the ovary were twisted) is longer and narrower that the lateral sepals; it is curved forwards so that its point comes to the front of the flower just under and almost from between tips of the lateral sepals; length S mm, breadth lYz mm.: These three sepals make a landing stage for visiting insects. 320 The lateral petals are similar in colour to the sepals. They are curved a little — less than the lateral sepals — and project outside them; length 3^ mm., breadth i mm. or a little more. The lip is emerald green with malachite green at the lateral borders. Its centre forms a shallow flat bottomed recess. The borders of this recess are thickened particularly below and less so at the sides. The sides of the lip are parallel and drawn forward on either side of the column, but they end rounded below and not in auricles. The apex has three teeth, of which the central is bent back on the limb through about 40 degrees. From base to apex of this tooth, the lip, measured outside, is 3 mm. long, but inside it is so attached to the column that there is less than 2 mm. free. If the tip be flattened it is found to be 2^ mm. across. The column is emerald green. The anther wall after the flower opens shrivls and frees the pollinia upwards. It seems probable that pollen can reach the stigma without the intervention of insects. But the parts are so small that it is very difficult to ascertain what usually happens. After flowering a purple line appears on the ovary down the dorsal face from top to bottom, and two smaller fainter lines appear on the ridges on either side : these ridges are slightly frilled. In the Annals of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Calcutta, viii., (1898) on plate 23 is figured the Sikkim form of this species. The flowers of which are " red or occasionally jellow " (p. 20). I. H. BURKILL. THE SINGAPORE PRICKLY-PEAR. The Prickly pear which may he seen near the coast about Tanjong Katong, on various roofs in Singapore town, sometimes in Chinese gardens and often in pots in Chinese houses, is Opuntia jnonacantha, Haw., and not Opuntia Dillenii, Haw., as recorded. Its home is in south-eastern Brazil, along the coastal districts ; in which place it must have attracted the attention of early voyagers, for there is a figure sufficiently accurately representing it in Lobel's Icones which was published in A. D. I59I- It was certainly in english Winter-gardens about 170O; and long before 1790, at which Sate the records for India begin, it was taken to Southern India and Bengal so that in 1790 it had already become widely distributed from Madras to Calcutta ; there is reason to believe that it was in Cochin-China also at the same period. The shoots were supplied to ships for a vegetable because, although 321 not very appetising, anything was valuable that would keep green: and could be used to ward off the dreaded scurvy. It is probable that its distribution to the East was due to this use. Its home in the coastal region of south-eastern Brazil has a moist climate; and the countries, which are its new homes, have like conditions. It has recently been recorded by Dr. H. Johnstone and Mr. Henry Tryon in the Report of the Queensland Prickb'-Pear Travelling Commission, to exists in Southern France (as a rare plant), in the island of Teneriffe, in the coastal regions of South Africa from the Cape peninsula to East London, in Natal, at Pretoria and Pietershurg in the Transvaal, at Zanzibar, Beira and Lorenzo Marques in East Africa, in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, as well as in the sub-Himalayan tracts, Assam, Bengal, the eastern parts of the Ce-ntral Provinces of India, Madras, Ceylon and Burma. Opiintia moyiacantha is one of the very few Prickly-pears which withstand the moisture of Singapore and are not difficult to cultivate. I. H. BURKILL. A NEST OF LIVING DRYMOGLOSSUM PILOSELLOIDES. It is recorded that birds making nests in Europe sometimes distribute herbs, because seed accidentally gets enmeshed in the material interwoven (Willis and Burkill in Proceedings of the Cam- bridge Philosophical Society, viii., 1893, p. 86) ; but the use of a living fern in the East is probably unrecorded. In clearing away a thicket in the Botanic Gardens a nest of the Merebah {Pycnonotus analis) was found in the crown of a tree fern, having a foundation of dead leaves, a lining of Arenga palm fibre, and a wrapping of living and leaf-bearing rhizomes of the common little epiphytic fern Drymoglossum piloselloides, Presl, which by this use had obtained a new coign of vantage. Ridley in the Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society No. 31, 1898, p. 84, writes of this bird in the Botanic Gardens making nests "of bents and roots." I. H. BURKILL, 322 KENARI SEEDS, CANARIUM RUFUM. Botanic Gardens, Singapore, llth June, 1914. Sir, In my letter dated 31st January, 1914, under which the nuts of Canarium commune were forwarded to you, I promised to send those of Canarium rufum, when ripe. I have now the honour to advise the despatch to you of 368 of the nuts of the latter species. I am. Sir, Your obedient servant, (Signed) I. H. Burkill, Director of Gardens, S. S. The Director, Imperial Institute, London, Sir, Imperial Institute, London, S. W. • 2lst August, 1914. I have the honour to enclose a report on a sample of Canarium rufum seeds which was forwarded to the Imperial Institute by the Director of the Botanic Gardens at Singapore with letter dated nth June, 1914. I have etc., (Signed)— Ernest Gouldixg, for the Director. His Excellency The Governor, Straits Settlements. Imperial Institute No. S4C63. Re- ference. Number or mark, and weight of sample. Description. Date, 2 1st August, 1914. Letter dated nth June, 1914, from the Director of the Botanic Gardens at Singapore. Weight, ioy2 lbs. The sample consisted of nuts having a brown, tough outer coat of shrunken appearance, about Y^ inch thick, which in a few cases had partially rotted away. The outer coat enclosed a three-sided, hard nut, tapering to a point at each end, of a brown colour, and about 1% inches long and % inch thick. Embedded in the woody shell were three slender kernels about I inch long, and from ^ to ^ inch thick having a brown seed coat. The kernels were white, oily and had a pleasant taste. The nuts consisted of husk 95.3 per cent, and kernel, 4.7 per cent (seed coat 1.6 per cent, interior, 3. 1 per cent). The kernels were analysed with the following results: — 323 Results of examination of the kernels after removal of the seed coat. Nutritive value. Commercial valuation and remarks. Moisture ... Crude proteins Consisting of True proteins Other nitrogenous substance Fat Starch, &c. (by difference) Fibre Ash Nutrient rati per cent, 3.9 16.4 15-5 0.9 ■ 70.5 4-2 . trace 5-0 1 00.0 I : 10. 1 221.4 (The ratio between the percentage of crude proteins and the sum of percentage of starch and fat, the latter being first co- vered into its starch equivalent). Food units (The total obtained by adding the per- centage of starch to 2.5 times the sum of the percentages of fat and crude proteins). These kernels have a very high food value, equal to to that of Canarium commune kernels, which they resemble in taste and appearance. The remarks made with reference to the possibility of profitably exporting Canarium commune nuts (see Im- perial Institute Report dated 7th April, 1014), also apply to the Canarium rufum nut. The higher percentage of husk in the present sample is, to certain extent, due to the presence of the outer coat of the fruit which, in the case of the Canarium commune nuts, had been removed before despatch. ONE HUNDRED MILES FOR BLOW-PIPE POISON. Mr. J. B. Reid of the Soengei Cerpa Estates, Kwala, East Coast of Sumatra, states in a letter on the subject of the Upas tree, Antiaris toxicaria, that during the last intertribal war of the interior, men from the mountains came down to Kwala, a distance of 100 miles and more, to collect the juice for the poisoning of their blow- pipe darts. 324 RAINFALL at the Director's house, Botanic Gardens, Singapore, during the first half of the year 1914. Readings taken always at 8 am. and credited to the date in which the twenty-four hours begin. Day. January. February. March. April. May. June. I 0.48 0.37 0.06 0.02 O.II 2 0.64 1.86 0.04 O.OI 3 413 0.05 0.22 0.05 0.05 4 5-27 1.14 0.05 0.03 0.62 5 0.57 0.02 I-3I O.OI 2.32 6 1.24 o.oi 0.05 Trace 7 0.22 0.07 1.46 0.20 0.31 8 0.54 0.27 9 0.0 1 0.52 2.57 0-79 0.06 CO 0.02 Trace C.95 Trace 0.94 II O.OI O.OI 0.38 0.05 12 0.18 0.38 2.II 13 Trace 0.51 5.42 O.OI 14 0.04 0.03 0.18 15 0.35 0.03 O.IO 16 1.23 0.56 Trace 0.02 0.14 17 1.38 2.58 0.02 18 0.03 0.25 19 2.54 Trace 0 02 0.65 -20 1.68 0.19 0.14 0.04 21 0.56 0.15 22 Trace 1.58 23 I. II 1.62 0.08 24 273 . ... 002 25 0.52 246 26 0.97 004 O.IO 0.34 O.OI 27 0.27 ... 0.26 28 0 01 O.OI 0.09 0.24 29 0.33 — 0.54 0.25 0.06 0.16 30 1.23 — 1.71 0.40 0.48 31 o.oi — 0.18 — — 2540 3-93 9.96 Ib.60 4.07 858 325 RAINFALL at the Director's house, Botanic Gardens, Singapore, during the second half of the year 1914. Date. July. August. September. October. November. December. I 0.16 Trace 2 1.05 0.03 O.OI 0.28 3 Trace 0.II I.14 0,01 Trace 4 0.12 0.02 5 0.04 0.03 6 1.47 O.OI 7 0.17 0.14 3.09 8 0.31 0.37 0.56 9 0.28 0.42 Trace 10 0.63 0.58 0.12 II 003 Trace 0.25 0.23 12 1.02 Trace 13 0.43 '14 O.II 0.02 15 0.02 0.32 0.41 16 0.02 0.03 17 024 0.38 0.07 18 0.09 0.02 0.03 1.02 19 0.35 Trace O.OI 1.56 0.14 1-47 20 0.58 Trace ... 0.83 0.02 0.08 21 0.09 0.03 0.02 22 Trace 159 0.03 23 0.07 ... Trace 0.64 0.41 24 ... 0.03 0.89 0.14 25 I.IO ... 1.72 0.12 26 O.OI ■i' 0.02 0.58 27 ... 0.03 0.17 O.OI 28 Trace ... ... O.OI 0.62 0.02 29 0.02 0.14 0.05 0.72 30 ... O.OI 0.14 31 " O.II — 4-71 1.14 3-14 4.08 7.86 8.54 326 RAINFALL at the head of the Waterfall Gardens, Penang, during the first half of the year, 1914. Readings taken at 8 a.m. and credited to the date in which the twenty-four hours begin. Date. January. February. March. April. May. June. Inches. Inches. Inches. Inches. Inches. Inches. I 2 ... 1.92 0.13 0.52 ... 3 0.05 0.98 I GO 4 1.98 0.27 5 007 0.04 6 0.16 1. 16 7 1.03 0.03 0-95 075 8 0.0 1 ... 1-75 1.65 9 0.23 3.10 077 10 O.IO 0.02 3-35 II ... 1.03 0.20 2.15 12 0.06 I.2I 0.08 ... 13 0.18 0.32 0.30 14 0.20 1.30 0.37 15 0.65 0.50 16 ... 17 0-06 18 I.I7 0.38 19 0.09 0.22 073 20 1.08 0.05 21 0.03 ... 0.08 22 23 0.02 3.20 ... 24 2.70 1.35 0.05 1.23 25 O.OI 0.07 .. 0.03 . 26 0.07 ... 0.02 ... 27 0.26 ... 28 0.04 ... 0.39 29 — 0.02 0.06 30 — ... 1.22 0.32 31 — 0.03 — 0.14 — 1.89 5.00 6.29 10.45 12.43 9.61 32/ RAINFALL at the head of the Waterfall gardens, Penang, during the second half of the year 1914. Date. July. August. September. October. November. December. Inches. Inches. Inches. Inches. Inches. Inches. , I 0,80 0.38 O.IO 0.27 2 0.79 0.02 0.89 0.91 3 0.04 1.52 0.21 0.20 0.39 4 0.07 174 0.08 0.19 0.12 5 0.46 0.36 0.07 002 O.OI 6 .-. 0.61 0.15 7 0.14 0.26 1.15 010 I.I4 8 0.29 0.26 1.25 0.17 0.20 9 ... 0.44 0.33 001 ID 0.50 0.15 0.44 0.04 II ... 2.47 0.65 0.04 0.69 12 0.19 2.05 13 ... 0.20 0.29 0.18 0.24 0.23 14 ... ... 2.85 0.36 15 0.20 I.15 • 1.54 0.86 0.14 16 1.02 0.05 0.77 O.OI 3.28 17 0.02 1.62 0.56 0.21 18 0.97 0.03 2.18 0.62 19 1.08 0.58 0.05 20 0.18 1.78 0.07 0.06 21 0.12 O.II 0.04 22 0.12 0.15 O.II 0.03 23 0.81 0.71 0.03 24 2.40 ... 0.33 25 0.83 ... 0.16 0.55 26 0.06 0.21 0.14 0.24 27 0.78 1.05 0.41 0.73 28 0.16 0.54 29 0.07 0.35 1.15 0.90 30 4.60 0.73 0.02 0.31 31 — 0.52 — 6.25 3.51 19-83 13-99 11.00 11.63 Registered by the Municipality of George Town, Penang. 328 SUMMARY OF RAINFALL, I9I4. SINGAPORE. January - February March April May June July August - September October - November December No of Tiiiny days. 24 10 19 22 19 19 13 8 14 12 22 25 Amount of rain in inches. Longest >pell without rain. 25.40 3-93 9.96 1660 4-97 858 4.71 1. 14 314 4.08 7.86 I 9-54 ' 2 days. 18 3 3 5 ,1 ^ Total 207 99.91 184 Amount of rain in inches. Longest Spell without rain. 1.89 -6 days 6.29 3 10.45 4 12.43 7 9.61 7 (twice) 6.25 7 (twice) 3-51 9 19.83 5 13-99 2 n.oo 2 11.63 2 1 1 1.88 Greatest amount in 24 hours. 48 „ 5.42 9-40 10.04 4.60 4-95 5-50 Excessively rainy periods, more than 5. 00 having fallen in 72 hours. 2 (Jan. & April) No. of days when condition existed. Periods of Comparative drought, less than 0.02 having fallen in 120 hours. 4 No. of days when the condition existed. - - - 32 I (September). 15 (All months Jan., to Sept. except April). 39 329 CADAMUSTUSTYPICUS— A MINOR COCONUT PEST. In August last, Mr. J. H. (ieoiLiit- of the DiiRlings-Selama Coconut Company, sent to the Botanic Gardens specimens of a "white fly" found feeding in numbers on the juices of coconut leaves at Matang Kubu in the Bindings. This insect was sent to the Imperial Bureau of Entomology, at the British Mu?eum of Natural History and a reply received from Mr. G. A. K. Marshall, the Director, to the effect that the insect is " Cndarmistus typicus. Distant, which was originally described from Ceylon, where it was found to attack Cardamons and Bananas." Mr. Marshall adds that it has recently been received from the Philippine islands. Cadamustiis typicus is a Tingid flv of small size with the wings beautifully laced and the body curiously shajied. A VERY DESTRUCTIVE FLASH OF LIGHTNING. In the night of January lOth— Ilth, 1914, a grove of coconuts on the coast near Bedok, east of Singapore, was struck by lightning, and the number of trees which died at once or slowly over the months which followed amounted to one hundred and four. The case in recorded on account of the extent of the damage, and of the fact that the cause of the death of the trees is in this case indisputable. This usually is not the case when a malay ascribes the death of a coconut palm to lightning. I. H. BURKILL. BORROWINGS FROM NEW BOOKS. Culture et Exploitation du Caoutchouc au B/rsil, b} O. Labroy and V. Cayla, Paris, 1913, pp. 1-233. This book is a report to the Government of Brazil upon the conditions under which rubber is produced in that country at present and the existing facilitities for planting agriculturally viewed. It does not cover the whole ground of rubber-production in Brazil, but for certain regions only; and much of the book is intended to teach the adoption of planting as practiced in Malaya. But there are many interesting observations scattered through its pages, some of real importance to Malaya. The authors (p. 30) say that Hevea brasiliensis shows considerable variability in the Amazon basin 330 observable in the colour of the bark, its corkiness, and its thickness, the colour, shape and size of the leaves, the number of glands^on the petiole, the time when fruiting begins, the number of seeds in the fruit, their shape, size and colour, and lastlj' of the greatest importance in the amount of latex. On p. 63 the authors recom- mend the collection of seeds from wild trees found to yield well ; from p. 42 forward the way in which the Brazilian seringueiro taps is described, the conclusion being reached that the better "to avoid damage to state property resulting from bad tapping, it will suffice to . increase the control of the work of the seringueiro instead of as Akers advised enforcing the disuse of his tapping axe in favour of a tapping implement more modern but strange among the Amazon workmen.'' What the authors say about the endebtedness of the seringueiro to the middlemen exposes the weakest spot in the industry of Brazil. After dealing with Hevea, the authors discuss Manihot. Of species several are defined including a new one Manihot Toledi ; and as regards them the conclusion is reached that generally it is best to plant M. Glaziovii, if it is a case of planting a Manihot, although of the smaller species M. Jieptaphylla and M. piaiihyensis for instance might be planted, or M. Toledi which is intermediate in size. The authors give a series of facts showing that about two centres in Brazil, Ceara rubber planting is taking a hold. They add that the wild plant has received such severe treatment that it no longer counts as a reliable source of commercial rubber. The establishment of an experimental station to select, improve a nd experiment with Ceara rubber is set forth as desirable. The last few pages of the book are devoted to a discussion of Castilloa Ulei and Hancomia speciosa. Annual Report of the Board of Scientific Advice for India for the year 1913-14 (Calcutta, 1915). Among the records in this report of extensive work done, a few are of special interest in Malaya. In the report for 1912-13 it had been explained how in the soil of swampy paddy lands various gases are product d, notably methane or marsh- gas, nitrogen, hydrogen and carbonic-acid gas; and that after the paddy has been planted out a film forms on the surface consisting largely of bacteria, and minute green organisms such as algae and diatoms. Messrs. W. H. Harrison and Subramania Aiyar, continu- ing their work, show (page 9) how this film lives on the gases that exist as a result of changes within the soil and doubtless are in con- tinual process of formation, using up the methane-and the carbonic- acid gas (in part at any rate) with a liberation therefrom of oxygen. The function of this surface film is thus to liberate oxygen, so that the rice roots are more liberally aerated than they would be without it. Drainage of rice land by producing a flow of water through the film into the soil carries this oxygen to the rice roots below; but as too 331 great a drainage prevents the full development of the film, there is an optimum to be aimed at, — an adjustment of the water supply to the drainage, and the production of the rijiht rale of percolation into the soil. Green manuring by increasing the output of gases in the soil, increases the activity of the surface film, and dided by the percolation increases the aeration of the soil in contact with the rice roots. The ploughing in, as we see it in Malaya, of sedges on rice fallows is green manuring. The authors appear to hold that the important benefit to be got from this is the indirect one of aeration at the roots of the rice. On page 109 is given an important conclusion arrived at by Mr. C. M. Hutchinson, the Imperial Agricultural Bacteriologist, namely that with such soils as he used for experiment the most rapid and complete nitrification of any given quantity of nitrogenous organic matter could be effected in soil by producing anaerobic conditions with water saturation and subsequently draining and aerating; the rapidity with which nitrification takes place under these conditions depends upon the relative completeness of the anaerobic and subse- quently of the aerobic conditions, i.e., the soil must be open. Experimenting with lime, Mr. Hutchinson "found that decom- position of nitrogen-yielding manure was rapid in proportion to high lime content, although in time the soil lower in lime attained the same nitrate concentration". And lime we know goes a long way in keeping a soil open ; but the connection of lime and nitrification is not yet established in detail. In connection with forestry it is recorded (pa^ie 120) that " data showed large quantities of tan barks " to be " available in the mangrove forests of Tenasserim and Arakan, that they can be exploited at a reasonable cost, and that the local conditions are generally favourable for the erection of a factory." Messrs. Grieve and Shebbeare have drawn attention to the circumstance that the unmixed forests of the Sal tree — SJwrea robusta, Gaertn. — which occur in the Sub-Himalayan tracts of Bengal are there at any rate artificial ; for if fire be withheld an evergreen under- growth asserts itself against which the sal seedings cannot compete in spite of repeated clearings. This Shorea is thus seen to be a pioneer in reafforestation, for it appropriates to itself in time savannahs annually fired. Proceedings of the Third International Congress of Tropical Agri- culture, held at the Imperal Institute, London, June 32rd to 30th, 1914. (London John Bale, Sons, and Danielsson, 1914, p. xii-407. Price lOs. net). Abstracts of the papers read at the Congress, and full reports of the discussions are printed in these Proceedings, together with the opening address by the President, Professor W. R. Dunstan. The Transactions of the Congress containing the papers themselves, are in preparation. 332 Chief among the subjects dealt with are Technical Education in Tropical Agriculture, Organisation of tropical Departments of Agriculture in relation to Research, Agriculture Credit-Banks and Co-operative Societies; Sanitation on Estates, Legislation against Tropical pests. Fertility of Soils, Rubber, Cotton and other fibres; Cereals, Sugar, Cocoa, Tobacco, Oil seeds. The Capitalist is a need in the Tropics; and experts from most of the warmer parts of the world were at the Congress to meet him ; consequently a not inconsiderable part of the time of the sessions was occupied in his education; with this was interwoven the devout wish to attract scientific workers to the immense field open to them. The proposed College of Tropical Agriculture appeared conspicuously in the discussions, whereat both East and Weft laid claims to it. As regards legislation against Plant diseases and Pests, the Congress met with no clashing interests. Never was there before any meeting a subject where discussion started with a more common purpose. It ended in the adoption of a motion by Dr. Warburg that a Committee should be appointed to formulate proposals in regard to points of difficulty in applying the suggestions of the International Phytopathological Convention of Rome. The paper which led the discussion will appear in the Transactions. Pages 132-156 give the whole discussion on the subject of the variability of plantation rubber, and Professor Dunstan's summing up "that the time is premature for considering what may be called standardization." A series of resolutions (pp. 385-407) closed the Congress: — i. To appoint a Committee to collect information on the or- ganization of Government Departments of Agriculture. ii. To appoint a Committee to report on the question of estate sanitation. iii. To arrange for the exchange of publications. iv. To appoint a Committee to collect information on agri- cultural co-operation including credit, against the next Congress. V. To appoint a Committee to support the London Com- mittee which is promoting the establishment of an Imperial College of Agriculture. vi. To appoint an International Committee to consider how far the proposals of the International Phytopathological Conference of Rome, 1914, are applicable to the Tropics; and that the official delegates should be asked to report this to their Governments. 333 vii-ix. Personal. X. To support the formation of a British Institute of Tropical Agriculture. xi. To appoint a committee to co-operate with the Inter- national Institute of Agriculture in Rome. xii. To appoint a committee to discuss the internal affairs of the Association Scientifique d'Agronomie Coloniale et Tropicale, i.e., the organisation under whose auspices these Congresses are held. Dr. J. D. Gimlette's "Malay Poisons and Charm Cures," (J. & A. Churchill, London, 1915, pp. viii + 127) and the Rubber Receuil of the International Rubber Congress and Exhibition, (Batavia, 1914, J. H. de Bussy, Amsterdam, 1914, pp. 614), are books recently published, which should find their way to every station in the Peninsula. The poisonous Depu plandok mentioned by Dr. Gimlette on page 48 and elsewhere proves to be a new species of Wikstroemia, — W. Ridley i, Gamble, — which is restricted to Pahang, Tringganu and Kelantan, as far as we know at present. {KeX^ The Gardens' Bulletin 5TRA1T5 SETTLEMENTS, intolwhich is incorporated all that has been published as the third'.aeriea of the Agricultural Bulletin of the Straits and Federated Malay States. Vol, I. Issued July lOth, I9lb. Wo. lO CONTENTS. Page. Lot'usts in Malacca— July, 1914 to October 1915 . . . . 335 Orchid Xotes 349 IJecord of a few Orchids and other interesting plants found in Penang, Setol, Kedah Peak and Bukit Wang in the north of Kedah . . . . . . . . . . . . 353 A Skipper trapped in a flower of Dipladenia Harrisii . . 355 Eainfall at the Botanic Gardens, Singapore, in 1915 . . 356 Eainfall at the Waterfall Gardens, Penang, in VM~) . . 357 Summary of Ivainfall . . . . . . . . . . . . 358 Lists of Plants, which may generally be obtained from the Botanic Gardens, Singapore or Penang . . . . . . 359 To be'.purchased at the Botanic Gardens, Singapore; from Messrs. Kelly and Walsh, Ltd., No. 32 Raffles Mace and 194 Orchard Road, Singapore. =J\ DEPARTMENTAL NOTICE. Seeds of Hevea brasiiiensis — Para rubber — as available from trees, twenty-nine years old or older, will ))e sold at three dollars per thousand up to the number of ten thousand, and at two dollars and fifty cents for every further thousand on the same order. Errata on p. 309. Line 14 from bottom (description of Loxura atymnus) for 5 cm. read 35 mm. and lines 15 and 10 for plate XXXIX figure 3 read plate XXI \' jigure T, Last line description of Tagiades gana for plate XXIV figure 7 read plate XXXIX figure 2 and for 9 cm. read 45 mm. THE GARDEN5' BULLETIN, 5TRAIT5 5ETTLEneiNT5, INTO WHICH IS INCORPORATED ALL THAT HAS BEEN PUBLISHED AS THE THIRD SERIES OF THE AGRICULTURAL BULLETIN OF THE STRAITS AND FEDERATED MALAY STATES. The Gardens' Bulletin is pul)lislie(l as material l)econies available. Its i)ricc is tifty cents a copy, post, free, or in advance for a volume of twelve numl)ers, post free, Five dollars in the Straits and Federated Malay States, Nine and a half rupees in India and Ceylon, Thirteen shillings in Europe. Subscriptions paid to the third series of the Agricultural Bulletin, Straits and F. M. S. are counted as su])Scriptions to it. Singapor ; Printed at the IMethodist Publishing House, 1916. THE QARDCrS5' BULLETIN, 5TRAIT5 5ETTLEnENT5. Vol. T. Issued July 10th, 1916. No. 10. LOCUSTS IN MALACCA Jlly liJlt TO October IUI-j. ()]i .Inly ord, 1!;)14, one of us (1. H. B.) was sent to Malacca tu eiKjuire into the locust problem; and on August loth, 1914, the other (P. C. C.-B.) was appointed Special Assistant for Locust Destruction in Malacca, and went into residence there. We con- tinued to work together until the comnieiicement of Xovcml^er 1!)1.") : and we here report on the work done. "I'he first date coincided with the planting of the rice crop in Malacca, and it happened to coincide also wit'i a recrudescence of hopper-hatching in the Territory. Thus fortuitously it is a con- A'enient one for our report. We believe that the infestation of the Territory with locusts had been increasing up to that time and that the work done against the insects subsequently has decreased it. We operated by means of bag-traps of the pattern used in the Federated Malay States (vide Pratt, The Malayan Locust, Bulletin Xo. 24 of the Department of Agricuture, F. M. S., 191.5). At first the traps in use were two, so that only about fifty days bagging work per mensem were possible; but the number was increased to six in August 1914, and to eight in Xovember, making possible two hundred days' work per mensem. We obtain- ed information of the wherealwuts of hoppers through native sub- ordinate officers such as penghulus and sedangs, as well as person- ally, and })y the emplo}'ment of locust-scouts who searched the country. So dense is the population of Malacca, and so complete the village system of administration that we believe only a few breeding places could escape detection. Whether the hoppers were destroyed or not, depended on a bag trap and trained subordinate beino- avail aljle to attack them. 336 Occiisioiially Malays would catcli liiiTs hv iiiylit, and weiv I'cwardcd for doii)<; so; hut no cainpaian against fliers of this natui'c was or^^'anist'd. ^lahiys hotii cat the hoppers thcnischos and used thcni I'oi' rccdin^u- fowls. W'c \V( IT not willini;- to use ])oisoii : foi' the uuinhci' of hiilTahu'S and cattk' in the Territory is (^Teat, the Malays keeping- InilTaloes lor plouiihiiig etc., they and others keeping hulloeks For draught, and i-uhher estates owning bullocks extensively. The bulTaloes gi'aze witli little super\ision; herds of cattle are turned into the lallang wastes dailv: and hy a circulai- we ascertained when con- sidering the question that fifty-one out of fifty-six large I'uhher estates at the time used bullocks for cultivation etc. A\'e hoped bv destroying, say, To per cent of a swarm of ho])i)ers to bring the destruction of the whole within the compass of their natural enemies, most of which are destroyed along with the locusts when poison is used. \\v illustrate this report hy nuips. whereon every l)i'ee(ling place deteeteil is marked l^y a dot oi' a ring. It is necessary to assunu' that the ivader knows enough of the geogi'aphy of the Territory of Malacca to do without names on the maps. For some I'eason the hi-eeding places fall \i'ry lai-gely within two circles, wliich foi' con\enience we take as a circle of eight miles radius from Aloi- (iajah and a similar circle from Jasiii. These villages may not he the very centres of circles, 1(5 miles across, which would con- tain the most breeding places: hut it is con\enient to make them so serve as what we say later will show. There was a ))lentiful production of hoppers in othci' parts of the Territory. Whethei' the greater al)imdance of hoppt'rs within the Alor (iajah and Jasin neighbourhoods can l)e due to their gr.n'n rice valleys keeping the fliers from mo\ing away, until their breeding time came, or whether another cause must he sought we are un- able to state. We do not think that the hi-eeding ])laces were so much better I'eported near these centres than elsewhere as to cause a false appearance of local prevalence. On the other hajid this local prevalence Avhen realised determined in some measure where the subordinates who had cliarge of the bag traps should live. The following table gives mukim by mukim (parish by parish) the amount of work done against the locusts, the unit being one day's work with a trap and gang of coolies. The thirty and mora mukims which are not named in the talde are those where no breeding occurred. 337 TABLE 1 No. of clay's loork of a trap. 1 "^ ^ 1 1 03 1 ''. \ ... 1 . 5 Gadek 2 14 12 1 7 ::: i .. 17 i 15 1 ... 1 ... 6 8 ^ Malaka Pinda 16 14 ... t Parit Melana 11 ... ' ... - Belimbing Rembia ... 2 i ... 4 1.3 ... Durian Tunggal .. 1 ... 4 ... Machap ... 1 ... 5 ... Paya Rumput 2 ... 18 ... Lendu ... .. ... ... .••• 1 13 20 'Bukit Rambai ... 9 Sungei Bharu 4 28 ... !!! 9 18 1 Tanggah Batu ;!! 7 ... Balai Parjaiig ••• i ... 11 ... Telok Mas 4 11 11 2 Pasir Puteh 1 ' "" ! ... 1 ... ' . 1^ Aver Pasir ' 17 = Bukit Umbei 2 ... . 2 Merlimau ... 9 10 ... ;; Sabatu ^^ SuDgei Rambai 3 7 15 , ... 1 ! "" ... ••• • Total 4.3 42 103 192 104 44 - 106 132 145 90 215 192 10 123 -338 Map 1. Distribution of locusts in Malacca in July 1914. Fliers in the centre flying southward, hoppers in the east. 339 Within tlie Malay Peninsula, the migratory locust against which these operations were directed, first attracted attention near Port Dickson, Xegri Sembilan, in February, 1912. When it came is not known: but as the several swarms l)red synchronously, a common origin is not unlikely, and would be 1)y importation of eggs in soil some 12-24 months previously. 'I'he importation may not have ])een from far away, for, whether we call the locust PachijfyhiK niif/raforioides or Paclujtylus danicus, it has l»een identified with what occurs in Southern India and in the Pliilip- l)ine islands as well as elsewhere. It is certain that the past con- dition of the country, — well forested — would be inimical to it: but now that wide cultivation has removed the trees, and left large grassy wastes, a condition suiting it has been brought into existence. These artificial wastes, the strongholds of the locusts are most extensive behind Port Dickson, but extend widely through Malacca, and beyond into Xegri Sembilan and Johore. They meet the three needs of the locusts : — • a warm soil for incubation a grassy vegetation for food a comparative freedom from enemies, like the wide fire-swept downs of Africa, the steppes of Southern Pussia, and the " cogonales " of the Philippine Islands, in which locusts so often multiply in large numl)ers. The reader will understand that the forest meets none of these needs ; the rice fields, the " grass-weeded " rubber estates, the coco- nut plantations and the Malay village lands (really orchards in grass) and the lallang Avastes meet them in large part, but clean weeded rubber estates do not meet them at all adequately. Distributed as these conditions of vegetation are in Malacca, there appears to be hardlv a mukim (parish) in the whole 1'eriitory Mdiere locust breeding is impossible. In our work we kept careful records intended to lielj) towards ascertaining whether certain mukims might escape and if so why. And the following is a summary of the distribution of locust Ijreeding during our fifteen months. In July, 1914, as map 1 shows, the locusts in eastern and western Malacca had not l)red synchronously; but eastern Malacca carried hop]iers in many places, while to the west fliers alone were found. These fliers were in considerable swarms all moving southwards as the arrows in the map indicate. We were not able to attack all tlie places where hoppers hatched out, but only those few indicated in tal)le 1. In August, between the 1st and the loth, enormous num])er8 of hoppers hatched out on the Tebong Estate at the very head of the Malacca river, which also we were unable to attack : and others appeared in the central part of the valley of the river from Gadek down to Belimlnng, and also east of Merlimau towards the Johore boundary. ]n both regions the hoppers were attacked, Imt east of Merlimau only in September, 340 Map 2. Hopper-infaited spots in Malacca, August to November, 1014 migrations of fliers markel by arrows. 341 Hoppers cojitiiiued to appear at places alon<>' the Malacca ri\er valley, through the rest of August and through Se])tenil)cr also. Towards the end of Septemher they api)eare(l in several si)ots in or near the- top of the Jasin valley and near to the road from Malacca to Jasin. They were attacked, and large numhers des- troyed. But greater numhers hatched out in October. It seems probable that they were the first descendants of fliers which had been, circling about Jasin in the month of Septeml)er, reinforced by a swarm which had invaded the neiglil)ourhood from the direction of Merlimau. If the reader will kindly examine the second map, it will be seen by the number of rings about Jus, Selanclar, Kesaug, Jasin and down to Chinchin (all ])laces along tlie same stream) how great was this infection. Some of the l)reeding places escaped the catchers' attentions. x\t the same time, i.e. in October, hatching of hoi)])ers was occurring all about the Malacca stream valley between Alor (lajali and the Negri Sembilan border at Tampin, and also on the east side of tlie middle i)art of the valley to Duriau T'unggal. 'J'his hatching was followed by hat(;hing in new spots further west at the end of the month of Xovember: and the hoppers on the west in large measure escaped destruction. Map 2 shows clearly that there is a band of rings, i.e. later hatchings on the west side of the dots (earlier hatchings) of the middle part of the Malacca stream valley. And although records of migratory swarms cannot be ])ut together so as to show a common origin for all these western hatchings, it is pro])able that they had one : and it is known with certainty that one swarm ])assed through the northern i)art of this .irea in the second week of Octolier, flying from Pegoh to Keiidong on the Kegri-Sembihm border, and there losing its direction against the forests of Gunong Tampin. ' The number of locusts maturing from this heav\- infection of the middle part of the Malacca stream valley led to fliers reaching ]\Ialacca town in considerable numl)ers in I)eceml)er. It may be stated for general information that they had not come from a far distant area, but were bred almost " localh^," as no doubt most swarms of fliers are when not in ^'ast numl)ers ; for \ast nund)ers make a much more unsettled wliole tlian small juinihers in a country where there is food for all. The directions in which the swarms moved about Malacca was very varied, but still with a southerly tendency ending for part of the insects at least in death in the sea. They were seen in the waves of the tide on Jan. 35th, 1915 and on March 27th, 1915, out a little way to sea. One swarm at this time flew westwards and doubled back eastwards again on the same day (Jan. 27th, 1915). Finally in February there was a steady tendency in the locusts to more westwards along the coast as is indicated in map 3 by the long arrows. Early in December the coastal mukims west of Malacca pro- duced hqppers in many places, and there was a synchronous hatch- ing out about Alor (iajah and on the coast east of Malacca, as well as elsewhere in the Jasin division. It ap])ears as possibly of interest that hop})ers should have been so much more abundantly 34: ^^ M;ip 3. Hopper infested spots in Malacca, December 1914 to March 1»16; migrations of fliers marked by aorws. 343 produced on tlio coast in Dcccnilu'i- that at other times, ami we are inclined to exi)lain this as the result of the ti'iuK'ncy to ily southwards in the swarms of the previous months whicii einh'd in providinart of the country which had escaped attention in Xovemher. Towards the end of May they hegan again to emerge in the • lasin neighhourhood, and continued to do so through June. In July they emerged again in the Alor Gajali division. The reader should turn to ma];) 4. and note that the localities marked therein fall chieily into three groups, (i) those on the extreme west heing April-May hatchings, (ii) those in the Jasin neighhourhood l)eing May-June hatchings, and (iii) those of the upper part of the valley of the Malacca river l)eing July hatchings. Big swarms movements were only detected on two occasions one towards the south-east, the date heing ahout May 9th; the other towards the north east, the date lieing ahout May 2n(l. In August hatching out of hoppers continued in the Jasin \'alley, and at the same time they appeared at the various places elsewhere indicated hy the hlack dots on map 5, all hut one on the map heing August hatchings. In Septemher tlie whole territory was nearly free of hopiJcrs hut fliers were descending the Malacca river valley, and also moving eastward along the northern horder. In Xovemher hatchings occurred at Xyalas aiul at Batang .Malaka, along the Malacca river valley and to the west of it in the Lendu mukim. If our records he tal)ulated, hatching within a circle of eight miles of Alor Gajah and hatching within a eircule of eight miles of Jasin, and hatchings close to the coast, the following results : — ui Map i. Hopper-infested spots in Malacca from April to July 1915 ; migra- tions of fliers marked by arrows. 345 Month Alor Gajah Jasin Coast July 1914 August 1st half 2nd half hoppers emerge hoppers emerge in east emerge freelv in east hoppers emerge verij freehi continue to emerge September 1st half emerge 2nd half emerge begin to emerge October 1st half emerge emerge very freely 2nd half November 1st half em3rge emerge emerge freely 2nd half emerge veri/ freely emerge emerge freely December 1st half emerge emerge 2nd half January 1st half 2nd half em-^rge freely February 1st half 2nd half March 1st half 2nd half emerge April 1st half emerge emerge 2 ad half emerge emerge May l^t half emerge emerge 2ud half emerge emerge June 1st half emerge emerge freely emerge 2nd half emerge freely emerge very freely July 1st half emerge freely emerge 2aetween I)oceml)er and March locust hatching is prevented: and tlie pre- vention is doiil)tless hy the relative dryness of the soil in" con- se{|uence of the lessened rainfall. The rainfall is shown in the top line of tal)le 1. We have taken tlie rainfall statistics as pnl)lished in the (iovernment (lazette, and compared them carefully with the record of locust hatching. Unfortunately for our ]mr])ose all tlie ^lalacca records read at police stations are of very little value: hut again on the other hand fortunately accurate records are read at the District Hospitals of Alor Gajah and Jasin : and these we use in the next tahle. 347 Alor Gajah. Jasin Month July 1st half 2nd halt August 1st half 2nd half September 1st half 2nd half October 1st half 2nd half November 1st half 2nd half December 1st half 2nd half January 1st half 2nd half February 1st half 2nd half Mirch 1st half 2nd half April 1st half 2nd half May 1st half 2nd half June 1st half 2nd half July 1st half 2nd half Augu5t 1st half ■2nd half Septeraberlst half 2nd half October 1st half 2nd half a < 3-44 1.92 3-51 3'95 2T)G 2 22 1-23 11 -Gl 6-27 1-S6 G-55 4-21 1-96 2-37 1-36 1-2G 2-05 3 01 7-63 7-12 1-33 0G3 4-01 2-58 3-95 1-GG 2 01 1072 2-87 1 77 1-17 7-91 1-^ ^ ^ J3 O ^1^ 'iJP^)p^)P '^i^p]^p\^ p'npi^p'i^ ^)p^^p^^p PhPl'^Ph. ^)pyp, p'l'^Pi^ p\^ p]^ a 4-OG 2-GG 1-87 0-67 1-32 1-57 0 88 12-Gl G-47 2-49 2-47 2-49 4-18 3-71 2-37 0-94 4-30 0-87 4-43 G-21 2-84 2-11 3-58 3-84 1-83 3 18 2-12 3-18 3-27 1-8G 2-83 4-G2 P\^PUcA% P\^p\'^ mm P\!!.0\^ p\^p\^ o\'^p\^ Pfi. P'^ ^1^ 348 From this tal)le a second fact seems to appear, namely that liopper emergence was reduced in any lialf month when the local rainfall was very heavy. Thns in the second half of October, 191-i, when Alor (iajah had 11.64 inches of rain falling on ten days, there were no hoppers discovered nearer tlian the Negri Semlnlan l)order at a distance of more than eiglit miles; and in the second half of August, 1915, when 10.72 inches fell on 6 days, no hoppers emerged : and again wlien in the second half of October, 1914, Jasin had 12.G1 inches falling on 14 days, no hoppers emerged, or at least none Avere discovered. It is quite possible that such an effect could be ])roduced by the evaporation from the Avet ground resulting in a tem])crature just under the surface too low for the eggs to develop. Tlie maximum and minimum amounts of rain in balf montbs when hatcliing occurred were : — Alor (iajab, maximum 7.63 in amount or 9 in days. minimum ".63 in amount or 2 in days. Jasin. maximum 6.21 in amount or 13 in days. minimum 0.88 in amount or 2 in days. The minimum is the absolute minimum of either place during tlie ])eriud of the observations. Excessive hatching was recorded in iialf montlis whcu ibe rainfall was : — - Alor Gajali 3.51 1.86 3.95. Jasin 0.88 4.30 3.58 and 3.84. We sum up all tliat we can say then thus: — that we believe the soil moisture in such places as the locusts choose for depositing eggs to l)e in Malacca territory sufficient tbrough nine montbs of the year to allow the eggs to develop, l)ut that excessive rain is lialde to create by evaporation a temjwrature Avhich inhi])its the development. Such a view explains tlie cessation of a]i]3earance of hoppers at the times recorded. Mr. F. \y. South has written (Agric. Bull, of the Federated Malay States, iii, 1915, p. 295) " from April to October there is a tendency to a general movement of the locusts in the Malay Penin- sula in a north-westerly direction : while durii^g the remainder of the year the direction is reversed.'" We suspect that the teiulency is different in Malacca and the forces, light winds or whatever they be leading the insects to move southwards, are much stronger than Mr. Soutli's statemput would imply : and further we sus])ect that the tendency sueJJ as it is, sends swarms of fliers down to deposit eggs near the coast, in tlie low land not subject to fires where as enemies are more numerous, the toll taken of the hoppers is greater than in the lallang lands towards the north. This view regards tbe lallang wastes as danger spots, — foci whence the broad coastal riee lands may get infected recurrently, and therefore regards the latter more as a " permissive area " to invading locusts. A record has been kept of the nature of the vegetation in which hoppers were observed; and it may l)e siimmed up as fol- lows : — 349 in ri(.-L* lields and nurseries . . . . . . 17 in niltber ]>lantations (grass weeded or weedy) 38 in ta])ioc'a crops . . . . . . . . 3 about liouses in villages (kam])ong land) . . 14 on grass pastures . . . . . . . . 8 on roadsides which are chiefly like pastures . . 10 on the railway enil)ankments which are chiefly in lallang . . . . . . . . . . 2 in lallang waste land . . . . . / . . 38 in lallang tiirniug to scrub (belukar ) . . . . 1 in pasture turning to scrub (belukar) . . 1 in scrul) (belukar) .. ., .. .. 8 P. C. Cowlky-Bkowx T. H. BURKTLL. ORCHID NOTES TlIECOSTELE SECUXDA, ElDL. 'I'he flower ot this orchid was described in the Bulletin on p, 318. To that description it appears well to add the annexed figures, and a note on the mechanism as regards pollination by insects. Thecostele secunda, — flowers, x -> from in front. A visiting insect should settle on the lip and be of such weight as to depress it on the hinge marked in the sectional draw- ing. When the lip is depressed, a way is opened to the abundant honey through the groove over the centre of the crest. Just under this groove is a yellow spot as described on p. 318. When tke weight of the insect is removed the lip returns to the position in which it was, closing the road to the honey again. The part of the lip fitting over the mouth is furnished with hairs such as would prevent small insects from entering the honey-cavity. 350 ^necfo'"^ Flower of Thecostele serunda in section : 1 side lobe of the lip ; 2 interlocking lobe of the column: 3, ciest of the lip. Ou cither side of the central groove, between the crest of the lip and the bracket-like side lobes, are other grooves into which dovetail the side arms of the column. The lip is free to move up and down on its hinge ; but if the visiting insect should give a lateral thrust to it, the crests and side lobes engage the side arms of the column and prevent displacement. The insect is thus kept in the middle line with its head immediately under the sexual organs, where only it can ])e of use to the flower in effecting pollination. In the ])lack and white drawing the Ijlack parts of the flower are either deep magenta or claret, the light parts pale green. Thecostele maculosa, Eidl. X2,. Flower of Thecostele maculosa X 2. from in front. Thecostele maculosa, Eidl. (Collal)ium Wrayi, Hool\ /.) recently flowered in the Botanic Gardens, Singapore, and a figure of it is here given in black and white, to correct impressions gained from that in the Icones Plantarum, 4th series, I., 1892, t. 2065, and also on account of certain ways in which the colour is not as descril)ed. The colour of the flowers is maroon and white, the latter pass- ing to a dull yellow at the base of the sepals and petals. The 351 position taken by the Howcr is strictly horizontal. The raceme is directed dowiiwarcls. hut just upciirved at the tip. The flowers oj)en ill aeropetal succession. The large nectarial cavity with a yellow nectary in the u])per wall near the l)ase contains ai)undance of honey ; approach to it is guarded by the lip closing the entrance and by ])apilla-like hairs arising in it. lesser hairs cover the forward surface of the lip alfordiug a foothold for visiting insects. The distribution of colour in the flower is best understood from the figure. A visiting insect seeking honey is kept in the middle line of the flower by the side lobes of the Wp, which like crooked little fingers, approach the arms of the column. y lie cost rJe iiuinihisft has been collected from various ])laces between Kechdi and ^lalacca and on the coast of Pahang. Hakm.mua discolor, Lixdl. IJdciituria disculor and its variety Ordiaiia, Williams, have flowered very abundantly in the Botanic (hardens recently, and the curious distortion ohservable in the column and lip has been studied. Kach inflorescence carried 10-15 flowers so that con- siderable number liave been availalfle for examination. Invariably was the distortion in tlie one direction as represented in the figure. st January 1st, interval without flowers i) days. January Sth, interval without flowers (') days. January 2()th, interval without flowers 11 days. At this stage the observations were intcrrujitcd. ')e resumed in the next season. The spikes produce many flowers in succession, fertilisation of one will arrest the flowering of the inflorescence, but sometimes not. Ojice and then as an abnormality two flowers were open on tlie spike at the same time: they stood side by side. About two per cent of the flowers obtained pollination during the period over which the oljservations extended. How has not been ascertained. The flower has a white lip, a purple anther cap : and elsewhere it is clear greenish yellow. It stands horizontally as tlie drawing indicates. Xo free honey has lieen found; l)ut the whole lip is very fleshy. I. H, BURKILL. ithout •) 1 1 days. 'Ihev will Sometimes RECORD OF A FEW ORCHIDS. . and other interesting plants (Monocotyledons) found in Penang, Sctol, Kedah Peak and Bukit Wang in the north of Kedah. s. ^). 10. n. u. lo. 14. i-j. i(i. i:. ]^. li). OnCTTIDAf'KAi:. OberoiuK sp. . . Liparis! sp. riahjcJinis Jinearis, IJidl. Dendrobium. KelmUii, Eidl. Dcndrohium ericaeflorum, Lindl Dendrohiinn frinerviuin. Kidl. Dendrolnnm hercoglo.^snm, Reiciil). f. I'ldhoplii/llinii Jinearifolium , King. /Iiilhoplti/Uinn longiflonim, Eidl. . . BuIbopJijjlhnn fascinalor, Eolfe. Eria aJboioinenfom, Lindl. Eria inonticoln. Hook. F. Erin teretifoUa, Grifl'. Eria velidina, Lindl. Tliiinia alba, Reichb. f. Ceratosiyliis pendida, Hook. f. PlorogJottis ?foefida, Eidl. Taiiivt Mairigaijii, Hook. f. Ciddiillie angusiifolia, Lindl. ' . . Jeiiun (South Jvedah). Kedah Peak. Kedah Peak. Kedah Peak. Kedah Peak. Setol. Bukit Wang. Kedah Peak. Kedah Peak. Setol. Kedali Peak. Kedah Peak. Kedah Peak. Lankawi. Bukit Wang. Penang. Penara Bukit. Setol. Kedah Peak. Kedah Peak, 354 20. Calanthe alholulea, Eidl. . . 21. Arundina speciosa, Blume. . . 22. Arundina riiilippii, Eeichl), 23. Pholidola iinhricafa, LiiuU. 2 k Eulophia KeilliU, Txidl. 2->. (ieodornin citrinum. Jacks. 20. Cymhid'uDii Mitnronianuin .K\nv: -a Pantliiig . . .... 27. Ci/mhidiiun Finlai/sonianum. var. airupuypurrjim 28. Bronilieadia nipesiri^, liidl. 29. Bronilieadia palu.'^tris, T.,iii(ll. 30. riialacnopsis Esmeralda, Eeichb. 31. lleiiandhcra arachnifis, Liiull. 32. RpiiaufhcrcUii liislrionica, Eidl. 33. R]njncl\osiijr\>< reliisa, lUume. 31. ^Saccolahiuni saxicoluin . Liiiii. 3-5. PodorJiiliis sciuroidrs. IJciclih. I'. 36. Podocliihis niiirirafa. SchlcchtfT 3?. Pof/oiila plica fa. Liiidl. 38. ApJi i/Uorelils! pallida. IJliniic. 3!). fjccaitorcliis inalaccensis, I'idl. -M>. Anocchiclilliis Heinwardtii. Blinu 4 1. ('Iifirosli/lls IhiheMafa, Wi.oiit. A-l. ('ri//tl()yli/iis arachniles, Bliinie. 4.'!. Ilahniariii iiionlirola-. Hidl. . . 4G. 4:. 48. 49 Kedah Peak. Peiiang ( Stone Quarry ) . Penan^i' ( Stone Quarry ) . J'enaiifi- (Pilie Pange). Setol. Pciiaim- (T\\Q ^lM^ut). Setol. Setol. Kedah Kedah Peak. ]\'ak. f. Kedah Peak. . . Penang- (Aver Etam). . . Penang ( Kifle Panfiv). . . Hukit Wano-. , . Kedah ((k Kriano). . . Kedah. Peak. . . Kedali Peak. . . Penang (Mt. Erskine). ~] Penang- (Water I'a 11 I Vallev). [ Penang (near stone J Quarry). . . Kedah I'eak. Kedah Peak. . . I'enang (S])out). . . Kedali Peaic. . . Kc.lah IVak. Zi\(iii:Ki;.\('KAi:. H. Alpiiiia jaratiica. Blume. BuiiilANXIACKAi:. 1."). Bnrnninnia disiicha, l^inn. . . . . Kechdi Peak. DjOBCOl.'K VCKAK. Dioscorea pijrifolia. Kunth. . . Kedah Peak. Diosrorea aciileala, Pinn. . . • . . (Junong Kriaug. IHoscorea ?zollinf/rriana. Kuiitli. . . Bukit ^^'an,^■. PA!>ArAK. Pinanf/a paradoxa. Scheff. . . . . Ke(hdi I'eak. POXTF.DERIACI'LVI:. .^)0. Monorlioria irif/iiialis. Presl. var. . . Bidcit .lenun. The lAparix, Xu. 2 ahove, has been collected on Kedah i)eak hi'fore (Ridley, June 1893) : l)ut the flowers remain unknown. i'heirosijili^ flahellala was found at "'the Spout" close to the Bungalow above the Waterfall. It has been established there ever since the l)ungalow was purchased by the Municipality and caused to be abandoned as a residence : but it is likely to disappear when the jungle overgrows the site. 355 Pogonia plicata Avas found at th(> ruined huuo-alow of Mr. Krskine aliove tlie Waterfall (Janiens (abandoned ahout (iO to 70 years a.ti'o). Annii/init sjierioyii ami Anind'ntK riiiHiijiii. were found on tlio to]) of the old Quarrv near the entrance to the (wardens. Tlic3' may he scir-sown from the plants cultivated in the (Jardens: l)iit hoth are likely to he lost when tlie secondary .jun<;le in which they ari' found heconies ovtM\arowu with (ileichenia, etc. With re,uard to h'f'tKinllicrd araclmHis, T find that it escai)ed the notice of the old collectors. It was found unexpectedly hy me ill the \ alley of .\yer 1^'tam Hill on large boulders forming the boundary betv/een two [)lantations, and apparently is indigenous. riuiiiu'itopsis rsiiKmlild. known as regards the western side of the Peninsula only to grow near the coasts of Lankawi was un- ex])ectedlv found on Keilah Peak at about 2()()n feet above sea level. DeHilruhiiiiii cricaefloniiii and Thnnia alha. These occur in the Himalayas and the latter as far south as Lower Burmah : hut this is the first time that they have been collected in the Malay Peninsula. Their occurrence illustrates Mr. Jiidley's renuirk tliat the flora of India travels as far as Kedah Peak. (' ijiiiliuHtiiii Mniinjhiaiiiini . ('i/iiihi(Jiinn Flnlaij^oniauuiii . var. (ilrojiurjiiirrinii . Bulhojihi/Uniii fnxciiialor. and Eria oclnncea were found on the isolated hill in Setoi known as Bukit Bunga. They are new to iialaya and are iiot mentioned t)y ilr. Pidley in his Materials for a Hoi'a of the Malayan Peninsula. The Eria and BulbophfjJlKiii f(i.\< iii(il(,r were found by me and forM'arded to the Koyal Botanical (iardens, Kew. through Mr. Derry. In the Kew Bulletin, 1i)(l!), page MGG they are referred to as probablv fror.i Siani : the exact locality is Setol. Moiiorhoria rdi/iiinlis, occurs at Jenun in a very handsome form, the raceme of deep blue flowers being six inches long and more, while the blades of the leaves are so narrow as not to obscure it. 'Hiis form has been introduced into the Waterfall (iardens. MoirA:^rKn Haxiff. A Skipper Trapped in a flower of Dipladenia Harrisii. In the l)Otanic (nirdens on November 1st, 1915, a skipper, Ifi/arolis (dlnislus, w^as ohservecl struggling in a flower of Dip- ladenia llarriMi. It was ohviously held hy its prohoseis. In- vestigation showed that the insect seeking for honey had managed to pass this organ in between the corolla wall and the exceedingly pilose outer surface of the cone of anthers and could not extract it again. I. H. Br-RKILL. 1 i 356 lO L- CO CO =^tM CDL~r-< 00 l-CMr-IOCNCOi-ia) CT.t- »0 CO O 05 'OO 0"S0 O OllCtM'HCMr-lOO COtH ^«C0 ^;^ 1 i 1 1 |ss§?5s^s§§:qs§ ^1 ss|gsss 1 s 1' ^rH ^ ^ ^ lo r ^sss s; sss?ss?|§gg^ sp^s § 1 s CM t- XI 1 ss^gs? s §?s ^s§§ SSSS^S s| s -^ |03 ^ ^ SSS8S sssssss s§ s§ss ?§s s g CO CO a. r-l CM rH ceo,! ^ ^ ^ s SJt^-* UL~t~O0CM t-03 CIO O COt-T-l ^ 1 jco 1 ^ S 1 ggg S^ljsp ^g^SSSsgg s|s§ g rH iH 00 1 2 s sisgg^ ^;i^S ??SS SSS ^ 1 S 2 JsSS §33 S cc iC 3 c iggig;^^53SS i i§Sg2SS2§ g^s gs?|§ s rH |CX i ^..C0^u,C^CCa.O;HC.«MJOOt^^0,O5H^«^^Og5ggOjH 35? -3 1-^ Ol z 1 i S S§ g & L- .H rH 95 Ot.-OL-0 CC CNO 0(M>0»OtHio^OCCOOOOOO«00 lOOO CO ^t-O'-'OO rHOOO r-ICOr-IL-lOCOL-O ^ QOL-l- o - s "3 o CD io-H^mic.-ico^C^ 0-5 rH t-l rH 2 2^ S § SSSS^S^^ ?s ^-- - o 1 ss s I' 1 sss§?;s ss § 5^:5 & -^ 5' a -MC.CO..^OCDL~COr.g;HO,CO^jCOl~X2§^2^g5§JSSSS?5§J^ 358 SUMMARY OF RAINFALL, I9I5. SINGAPORE. PENANG. No of rainy days. Amount of rain in inches. Longest Spell without rain. No. of rainy days. Amount of rain in inches. Longest Spell without rain January - February •25 10 8.89 5.43 7 12 ■2 1.85 08 > March - 18 5.70 1 11 10.f8 15 April 23 8.9G 3 18 8.43 7 May 17 3 93 3 18 11.81 4 June 19 4.57 3 23 15.24 2 July 22 9.33 2 14 10.28 3 August -^ 18 4.77 4 21 19.02 3 September 22 9.55 3 24 14.11 1 October - 23 7.94 2 17 15.G2 5 - November 24 10.4G 2 25 19.50 5 December 19 11.17 ■2 f, 3.78 8 Total ... 210 90.72 37 191 130.40 72 Greatest amoun in 21 bou rs . 3.22 4.70 48 4.32 11.20 72 5.53 11.58 Excessively rail having fallen i ly periods n 72 hours more th . 1. (Dece an 5.00 mber). 5 (March, May, July August, October). No. of days whfi 1 conditioD existed 1 6 Periods of Comp thaa O.Oi hav (Feb. .3rd Mar irative drc ng fallen i :b, May. J ugbt, less n 120 hou une). rs. 6 12 (Jan. 2, Feb. 2 March, April, Oct. 2 Dec. 4 No. of days wbei 1 conditioi existed. - 13 54 Longest of the S pells 4 days 16 LISTS OF PLANTS, which may be obtained generally, at the Prices stated, from the Botanic Gardens, Singapore or Penang. P ia brackets means at Penang only. The cost of puckin*;- and all siil)sr(|uent cliaruvs arc v\t\-<] LIST A. Ornamental Plants Ahrus ])roeat()rius — ('i';d»'s Vac — clindjcr Acalyjjlia Uodseltiana — shrul) . . Acal_vi)ha maeroph.vlla — shrub Acalyplia macrostachys — sliruh Acalyjdia t©rta— shrub Acalyplia obovata — shrub Aealypha Sauderiaua — slirub . . Aeanthorhiza aeuleata — p-dni . . Actiiiorhytis calapparia — palm Adiautum ('apillns-\'eiicris — Maiden Hair fern Aesehynanthus Lobbii — pot plant (!'.) Aeschynanthus obconica — pot plant (T.) Ai::athis robusta — Kauri i)inc . . A<;ave aniericana — Century plant var. varie^iata A.alaia odorata — small llovvcring tree . . A,nlaonema commutatnm — pot plant . . Aij-laonema eostatum — ]X)t i)lant var. inornatuni var. virens . . Aglaonema Haeidvii — pot |)lant Aglaonema oblon<>ifolium, var. Curtisii (P.).. Allamanda cathartica — shrub . . Allamanda Sehottii — -half scandent sbrub Allamanda violacea — half scandent shrub Alloplectus Lynchii — pot plant Aloe vera — aloe . . Anemia rotundifolia — fern Angelonia salicariaefolia — balf berbaceous j^lant var. alba Angiopteris evecta — fern Anthurium Bakeri — pot plant . . Anthurium cristallinum Anthurium pedato-radiatum — pot plant Anthurium splendidum — foliage jjlant Antigonum leptopus — Honolulu cree])er var. album (white) Antigonum guatamalense — climber, deep red ^ els. 0 10 0 IT) (1 0 15 15 0 1.-) 0 15 0 15 1 0(1 and upwards 0 20 and upwards 0 50 and upwards 0 50 tel-i)alni Arc'iiga sacc'liari t'era — Kal)()ii^- — })alin Aristolochia Ducliartrei — c-linilier Aristolofliia liians — climber Aristolocliia olegans — climl)er . . Aiistoloehia saeeata — climber . . Arundiiia bam1)usaefolia — terrestrial orcbid Arundina cbinciisis — terrestrial orcbid (P.) Arundo donax var. variegata — ornamental aubinia Baiiliinia spp. — shrubs or small trees . . Beaucarnea recurvata — foliage plant . . Beaumontia grandiflora — flowering climber Beloperone oblongata — ^flowering shrub Bignonia crucigera — climber Bignonia aecpinoctialis — climber Bignonia magnifica — climber . . Bignonia tweedieana — climber Bougainvillaea glabra — climbing slirub Bougainvillaea Sanderiana — climbing sbrub Bromheadia palustris — terrestial orcliid Brownea ariza — flowering tree . . Brunielsia americaua — shrub . . Brunfelsia eximia — flowering shrub . . Buxus sempervireus — ^Box ('aesal]Hnia pulcherrima — shrub Calanthe veratrifolia — terrestial orchid Cahptrocalyx spicatus — palm . . ('anna indica, various races, unnamed named races ("arludovica palmata — Panama hat plant Cassia fistula — IndianLaburnuni — small tree Cassia si amea— flowering tree . . Casuarina equisetifolia — tree . . Chonemorpha Eheedii — climber Chrysalidocarpus lutescens — palm Clematis — climber Clerodendron capitatum — shrul) Clerodendron macrosiphon — flowering sbi'ul Clerodeiulron Minnehassae — flowering sbrub Clerodendron speciosuni — climber Clitorea ternatea — climber Cocos plumosa — palm , . 0 25 and I'l )W irds () 15 0 2(1 0 1) 20 25 0 15 () 50 0 25 and ll])W ards 0 25 and ^1 )wards 0 20 0 20 () 50 and n )W ards 0 50 and 11] )W an Is 0 50 and ^•1 )W ards () 0 15 20 0 25 0 25 1 00 and u )\\ ards 0 75 0 20 0 25 0 15 0 25 0 25 () 25 0 () 1) 25 25 50 0 2o 0 0 •10 25 0 25 1 00 and u ) wards (1 30 and u )\\ ards 0 05 (J 10 and u ) wards 0 50 n 40 0 20 0 25 and u )^^ ards 1 00 () 25 and Ul)\\ ards 0 75 0 15 0 25 0 40 0 15 0 25 0 25 and u p^^ ards 361 $ cts. C'ocos flexuosa— »-palm . . . . . . . . 0 2o aiul u])\vards ('oiigea tomentosa — eliiuljer var. azurea Crotoiis — Codiaeum — in variot\- C'rvptostcgia madagaseariensis — lioworiiiu-slinil) (Vclaiitlnis l)i])artitus — foliaijc |)hint . . C'vnibidium Finlaysoiiiamnii — orchid Cyperus Papyrus — reed ('vi)ripcdium niveum — terrestial orchid (!'.).. Cy rtn])liylluni fra(i;rans — 'renihusu — tree Cyrtostaeliys l^akka — Sealiuj;- Wax ])laiit l)ae(hdacaiitJius Jiervosiis — shnd) Davallia tijiensis — fern Davallia pallida . . Dendrobium thyrsifloriim — oreliid Desmodiuni gyrans — telegra])h plant . . Dictyosperma album — palm Diett'enbacliia spp. — pot plants Dracaena fragrans, var. Ijindeni — foliage phiiit Dracaena, various spp. — foliage plants Duranta Ellisii — shrub Duranta Plumieri — shrub Dypsis madagascariensis — ))a]m Elaeis guineensis — palm Eranthemum atropurpureuni — slinib . . Krantliemum malaccense — shnd) I'^raiithemum reticulatum — shrub Kranthemum ^Yattii — shrub Kucliaris grandiflora — Amazon Lily . . Ku])horbia heterophylla — herl) Eui>horl)ia pulcherrima — Poiusettia Eurycles sylvestris — l)ulb Euterpe oleracea — palm Evodia hortensis — shrub Evodia Eidleyi — shrub . . Exccecaria bicolor — shrub Faraday a papuana — climber Ficus Benjamina — wringing in. tree . . Ficus repens — creeper . . Filicium decipieus — small tree foliage (xalphimia glauca — small lowering slirid) (]'.) (Jardenia florida — shrul) (Jliricidia maculata — flowering tree Gloriosa superba — climber Graptophyllum hortense— shrub Gustavia spp. — large flowering . .shrul) Haemanthus sp. — bulljous pot plant . . Hamelia patens — shrul) Hedvchium corouarium — herb 0 ■3-) 0 2-5 0 1 1 l.M nd upwards 1 0(1 and ui)wards 1 00 and upwards 1 00 0 :)0 1 1 ■) 1 .'") 00 ; nd upwards () 2'} 1 III) ; nd upwards 1 00 uid ui)wards 1 00 1) •>_-, (1 40 and upwards (» 2.") and upwards 0 .'){) md upwards 0 :]0 md upwards 0 0 20 20 0 2.-) I. id upwards 0 2.-) ukI upwards 0 20 () 20 0 0 20 oO 0 2.-) {) 05 0 ?•") and upwards 0 2. -J an( u}) wards 1) 1) 30 15 and u|)wards 0 20 0 20 0 25 0 20 {) 25 0 25 0 50 0 20 an( u])war(ls ( 1 0 50 20 0 15 1 00 an( U])wards <) 50 an( upwards 0 25 1) 50 an( 1 upwards 3G2 Helic'onia spp. — foliage plant . . IJcmigraphis colorata — creeper lleterospathe elata — |)alm Hil)iseus C'ameroni — yhriil) Hibiscus mutal>ilis — slirul) Hil)iscus Hosa-siiieusis — Shoe-flower — slirul > Hihiscus scliizo[)etalus — shrnl) . . Holmskioldia sanguinea — flowering sliruh Hosea ]x)l)l)ii — clinil)er . . Hynienocallis .sp)). — bulbs Inga (Pithecolobium) saman — IJain tree Iponioea cligitata. — climber Ipomoea Horsfalliae — flowering clinilx'r Tresine sp. — foliage plant, lierb Ixora l)an(llmca — shrub Ixora coccinea — shrul) .. var. lutea Ixora macrothyrsa — slirub Jacaranda mimosae folia — tree . . -lacobinia niagniflca, var. carnea — shrub Jac(iueinontia violacea — climber Jasminum Sambac — half climbing shrub Jasminnm spp. — climbing shrnb Kentia Woodfordii — palm Kopsia fruticosa — shrnb Lagerstroemia Flos-reginae — tree Lagerstroemia indica — shrnb . . lagerstroemia sulicostata — tree Lasia heterophylla — herl) Ledenbergia roseo-aenea — 1ierb Licnala grandis — palm . . Licuala spinosa — palm Licnala triphylla — palm Livistona altissima Livistona chinensis — palm Livistona Hoogendorpii — palm Lobelia syphilitica — herl) Lonicera macrantha — Honeysuckle Ludovia crenifolia — foliage plant Malpighia coccigera— flowering slirnb Malpighia iiitida — slirnl) Martinezia caryotaefolia — jjalm Memecylon coerulenm — shrnl) . . Mesna ferrea — tree Mieonia Hookeriana — pot plant Montrichardia acnleata — herl) . . Mnrraya caloxylon — shrnb Mnssaenda erythrophylla — luilf climbing sin Mnssaenda Inteola — shrnb Xerinm oleander — flowering shrub (P.) alba (P.) . . ' . . Xvctanthes Arbor-tristis — slirub .. 0 75 and upwards .. 0 15 0 25 and n])^^ ards . . 0 15 . . 0 15 () 10 . . () 10 . . 0 25 . . () 25 . . 0 10 and n])^^ ards . . 1) 15 . . 0 . . ("» . . (» 15 40 10 . . 0 . . 0 20 20 . . 0 20 .. 0 35 . . 0 25 . . 0 40 . . (» 25 . . 0 25 . . () 25 . . 0 50 and np\\ ards . . 0 25 . . 0 25 . . 0 25 . . 0 40 . . 0 25 and ii]nv ards $ cts. . . 0 20 . . 1 00 and u]:»w ards .. 0 25 and U])W ards .. 0 25 and upwards . . 0 25 .. 0 25 and U])W ards .. 0 25 and U])W ards . . 0 25 and u]:)wards 0 20 . . 0 75 and upAV ards 0 25 . . 0 25 . . 0 25 and U]1W irds . . 0 20 . . 0 50 . . 0 25 . . 0 25 . . 0 25 d) 0 1) 25 and 15 U]1W irds . 0 15 . 0 50 . . 0 25 3G3 Oreodoxa regia — palm . . Ortliosi])h()ii stamiiunis — half hcrl)acoous Pedilaiitlies titln-maloides, var. variegata I'aiiax fniticosuin — shruh var. ('ris])iim . . \ar. (iiiilt'oyloi \ar. \'ictoriae Paiidanus graniinifolius — ^Screw ])iiu' . . Pandanus lioidletii — Screw pine raiidanus utilis — Screw pine . . Passiilora ediilis — climber I'assiflora lauri Folia — Sweet Cu]) or Tassion Fruit I'assitlora vitifolia — climber I'assiliora Watsoniana — climl)er IN'dilanthes titliymaloides, var. \ai-iegata i'eiitacletlira iilamentosa — tree Pergnlaria odoratissima — climber Petrea volul)ilis — half scandent shrub Plialeria Blumei — shrul) I'liilodendroii gloriosum — orjiameutal plant . . Plioenix reclinata — palm I'lioenix rupicola — palm IMiyllanthus pectinatus — tree . . I'liyllantluis i)ulcher — shrnl) Pinanga Kuhlii — palm . . Pinanga patnla — palm Pitheeolol)inm Saman — ■lAain tree Plumbago rosea — shrub Plumeria lutea — Frangipani Podocarpus neglectus — tree Poinciana regia — ^(Told-mohiir tree or Flame- of-tlie- Forest Porana volubilis — climl)er, Bridal creeper Pterocarpus indicus — Angsana Ptychococcns paradoxus — palm Ptychosperma McArthnri — palm Ptychosperma Sanderiana — palm (Quassia amara — shnd) . . Handia macrantlia — slirub Paphia Hookeri — palm Haphia Puffia — -palm Pha])is Habelliformi.s — ])ahn Phopalol)histe hexandra — palm IJuellia ciliatiflora — lialf shrubliy b'usselia juncea — shrub Pnsselia sarmentosa — shrub Sabal spp. — palm Saraca declinata — tree . . Saraca iudica — tree Saraca trijuga — tree $ ds. 0 25 and upwards 0 15 0 25 and upwards 0 15 0 20 0 20 0 15 I) 25 and upwards 0 25 and irpwards 0 20 ai 0 ;]0 0 15 0 25 0 25 0 '25 a I 0 20 1|)W; npw; (I upwari (! upwai'i 1 00 and upwards 0 25 and upwards 0 25 and ni)wards U 40 0 10 0 25 ai 0 25 a 1 0 15 0 20 0 20 0 25 0 15 0 15 0 20 0 50 and upwards 0 20 and U])wards 0 50 and u])wards 0 25 0 40 0 50 and upwards 0 25 0 40 and ui)wards 0 2^ and u])wards 0 111 0 20 0 20 0 40 and upwards 0 50 0 50 0 50 364 Saraea taii)ingensis — tree Sagus laevis — sago palm Salvia coeeiuea — flowering herl) Sarcocephaln.s esculent us — slirid) Selaginella spp, — various Scutellaria javanensis — herb ( T. ) Solandra grandiflora — shruh Solanuni niaronieiise — slirul) or sin; Spatliodea campaiiulata — tree . . S])atlioglottis plicata — terrestrial or Stephanotis florihuiida — clindxT Stevensonia graiulifolia — ])alni Stiginaphyllon ciliatum — climl)er Stigmapliyllon lancifolinm — dim he Strobilanthes Dyerianus — loliage pi 'J'ai)ernaemontana coronaria — shrnli Tacca eristata — lierl) Tecoma stans — shrul) Thaumatocofcus Danielii — foliage | 'riiunhergia erecta — shrub Thunbergia grandiflora — climber var. alba Thmibergia laurifolia — climl)er Tinnea aethiopica — shrub Tococa platyphylla— shrul) Triphasia aurantiola — shrul) I'ristellateia australasica — cree])ei- Turnera ulraifolia — herl) \'erschaff'eltia splendida — palm ^'inca rosea — herb var. alba . . A'itis discolor — climber, foliage Wedelia biflora, double flowered — s Wormia spp. — shrub Xanthosoma Lindeni — ])ot plant Zalacca edulis — palm Ze])hyrantbes sp]). — bulb $ cts. . 0 50 . 0 20 and uj^wards . 0 15 . 0 40 . 0 . 0 25 and u|) wards 20 . 0 40 irtnv '. 0 25 0 20 ^ •bi.l 0 75 anui-i() zihL'thinus — Duriaii Elacis guiiiL'cnsis — African oil palm Erythina inclica — Uadap Eugejiia brasiliensis — Brazil dierry oi- (iinimixameira Eugenia grandis — Jambu ayer laiit Eugenia jambolana — Jamun Eugenia jambos — Eose apple Eugenia malaeeensis — Malay apple Eugenia uniflora — Ibipitanga Kngenia xantlioearpa EriogloHsum edule — Mertajani Flacourtia C'ataplirata Flaeourtia liamontclii Funtuniia elastica — -Lagos rubber tree Garcinia C^owa Garcinia duleis — Mundu Garcinia ferrea Garcini a Mangostana — Mangosteen Inocarpus edulis — Otaheite Chestnut Lansium doniesticuni — Langsat Lansiuni domesticum, var. Duku — duku Mangifera indica — Mango Manihot Glaziovii — Ceara ruliber Mimusops Elengi — Bunga tanjong Mitrephora Thorelii Morus alba — -Mulberry Nephelium lappaceuni — 11 anibutau Xephelium malaiense — -Mata kucliing Xephelium mutabile — Pulasan Pandauus utilis Passiflora laurit'olia — Sweet cup Paranephelium macro pliyllum Pentaclethra filamentosa Piper nigrum — 'Pepper Pithecolobium acre Pitliecolol)ium Sanian — Pain tree Pittosporuni pentandrum I'ittosporum viridiflorum Pithecolobium fasiculatum Pogostemon Patchouli — Patchouli Psidium Guajava- — ^Guava Psidium laurifolium Pterocarpus indicus — iVngsana Sandoricum radiatum — Kechapi Sterculia .Tackiana 36? Stropliaiithiis dicliotomus Styrax Benzoin Swieteiiia macrophylla — Broad loaA'ed Mahogany Tamarind us iiidica — Tamarind Terminalia Catap])a — Bengal Almond Terminalia ])rocera Treeulia africana Tliespesia popidnea Tlieobroma Cacao — C*(K-oa, ({arden seedlings Triphasia anrantiola Zalacca edulis — Buali Salak AT 50 <'ENTS EACH. BertlioHetia excelsa — Brazil jint Eugenia earyopliyllata — ( 'love Myristiea fragraiis— Nutmeg Persea gratissima — Avocado Peas Additions to this list will be published from time to time in the " Gardens' Bulletin, Straits Settlements.'^ The Gardens' Bulletin STRAITS SETTLEIiElSTS into which is I incorporated all that has been published as the third series of the Agricultural Bulletin of the Straits and Federated Malay States. Vol. I Issued Harch 3Ist, 1917. Mo. 11-12 CONTENTS. — — Page. A report on Races of the Greater or Ten-months Yam — Dioscorea alata — cultivated in the Botanic Gardens, Singapore . . • . . . . . • . 371 The Lesser Yam — Dioscorea esculenta . . . . 396 Germination of the Seeds of Erythrina before falling . . 399 Scolia erratica, Smith, a parasite of the Red Coconut Weevil (Rhyuchophorus fernigineus) . . . . 399 The Flowering of the Pigeon-orchid, Dendrobium crume- natum Lindl. . . . . Precocious flowering of Melia Rainfall .. New books Index to Volume T. 400 405 406 411 413 To be purchased at the Botanic Oardens, Singapore; from Messrs. Kelly and Walsh Ltd., No. 32 Raffles Place and 194 Orchard Road, Singapore. DEPARTMENTAL NOTICE. Seed of IJevea hrasUicnsis — Para rubber — as available from trees thirty years old or older, vill be sold at three dollars per thousand up to the number of ten thousand, and at two dollars and lifty cents for every further thousand on the same order. Plants of Eucalyptus rohnsta may be obtained at fifty cents oach as far as available. THE GARDENS' BULLETIN, 5TRAIT5 5ETTLEriENT5 INTO WIIKJI IS l\(()i;l'()liATi:i) ALL THAT HAS l',i:i,\ ITULlSHKL) AS I'm: Tiiii;i> si;i;ii:s oi' iiii: aokmi ri/iri; \i, liiLLi-TiN 01" TJllO STKAITS AND I'lCDKl.'ATKD ^[ALAY S'JATIvS, The ir.wilru^' I'.iillctiii is puMislird as material lu'ionics availaMe. Its price is IW'ty cents a e<>|».v, post free, di' in aiUaiice Wm- a \o1uiiil' i»r twehe nuinliers. of I'tn- any twe!\e nuniltei's, post free, Five (lollais in the Straits and Federated ^[alay States. Nine iind a half rupees in India and I'eylon. Thirteen slii]lini- a wet tropical plant — moi'e intensely so than the Sugar-eane, — it was unable to reach the continent of Europe, even with the floors, on account of the dry countries which separate India from the Mediterranean. It remained unknown to Europeans until the Portuguese found it and provisioned their ships with it. The same adventurous age which brought both the Potato and the Yam to Europeau knowledge was the age which took the yam to the New World, a com])etitor there with the tapioca ])lant. but haiMlly with the potato. HoweMM' in India the yam anil the i)otato came into com- petition in the nortliei'ii part of the countiw, and the yam lost favoui- before its rival. iJnt while tlie potato is cultivable in the r>eiigal i)lains. and on the plateaux further .south, so that Bombay gets a suppiv Irom the Ghats behind it and the Madras Tresidency has a s)nall >ui)ply from the Xilgiri Hills, it is not cultivable in the i)lains south of the Tropic of Cancer; which means that over a very large part of India the Greater yam has not been thrown into com])etition by being grown and marketed alongside the potato, and throughout the villages, of course where the rainfall is adequate, it retains its old place as the chief of edible stachy tubers. Also it still holds a place al)ove the potato elsewhere on account of the baekwarduess or the peculiar local conservatism of the inhabitants. 378 The Malay Anliipcla.iiio a.'; rc.a'ard.s the potato is like the Madras Prcsideiicv : it lias mountains where tiie potato can bo grown, and lowlands wlu'i'c it cannot: but P^uropean enterprise has touched so little of tlie mountains, that the possibilities are deve- loped nowhere except in Java : and under the existing- circumstances the (ireater Yam is a desirable vegetable. Two drawl)aclers received too late, and diggino^ was done in the third week of October, so that the crop was on the ground for 8^ months. For 1915 planting was done in the first week of December, 1914, and digging in the very end of Se])tember, 1915, so that the crop was on the ground for almost Kt months. For 191G ])lanting was done in the second week of Decemljer, 1915, and up to the Xew Year; and digging was done in tlie end of August and in the first half of September, 1916, so that the crop was on the ground for 9 months. In 19 If) it occupied an area of rather more than one quarter of an acre. Xo. of sets planted 643 Area o(-cupied 12,51.S scj. I\'ct or .••3H7 acre = l.f6.") ccntaires. Yield, all included, 4398| His. = 1995.T kilos. Xo. of races represented. of local origin . . . . . . . . 2 of Indian origin . . . . . . 14 of Saigon origin . . . . . . 4 of Philippine origin . . . . . . 37 of Australian origin . . . . . . 1 of (luam origiu . . . . . . 4 of Caroline origin . . . . . . 1 of Fijian origin . . . . . . 20 of West African origin . . . . lo of uncertain origin . . . . . . 2 95 375 Averao'o Xo. of jjlants of cacli race fi.TT Average yield per plant (i lbs. 13 oz. = l].iY.) kilos. Greatest average yield of any race IT ll)s. 10 oz. = 8 kilos. Greatest yield of any plant 'M^ lbs.- '3 oz. = \:].i: kilos. Eate per acre 12623.7 lbs. = 12 cwt. 2 qrs. 23.7 lbs. "Rate per hectaire 2321 kilos. Before ooItio- anv fm-ther it is convenient to state the chief characters in which llic races differed from each other, everyone of which must be taken into consideration in building nn a sound scheme of classification, and of which the degrees of importance have to ])o guaged. (i) the variation in the colour of the tuber. — whether with magenta sap or without. (ii) the variation in the whiteness of the flesh, apart from the masfenta sap, whether ivory white or with an ochre tint. (iii) the variation in the consistence of the flesh, (iv) the variation in the length of the tuber, (v) the variation in the nundter of tubers, whether solitarv or twinned or more than twinned, (vi ) the variation in the evenness of the tuber, whether branched or not, (vii) the variation in the corkiness of the skin, (viii) the variation in the numl)er of rootlets over the surface, (i.\) the variation in the |)osition of swelling, whether high up or low down. (\) the variation in vield. (xi) the variation towards earliness or lateness. (xii) the variation in keeping power, whether the tuher can be made to rest or cannot. (xiii) the variation in the iiresence of magenta colour in the above-ground parts, (xiv) the variation in the size of the frills on the stem. (xv) the variation in the production of prickles, (xvi) the variation in the outline of the leaf, whether the auricles are rounded or are not. (xvii) the variation in the degree of glaucousness at the back of the leaf. (xviii) tlie variation in the production of bull)ils. etc., etc, 376 Tn ,i;'\ia,iiiii,i,' what (le.fireo of iiuportaiKO. is to ho assi^-nod to each of the ahdvc. the (iist consideration is tliat man has sek^ted the (ireater Vani Inmi soniethini;' jirowinii' wihl. and therefore we must ascertain as far as ])ossil:)le wliat ajipearanee the wild |)arent liad, and wliat characters tlie first cultivators would he likely to con- sider. Xow the Greater Yam has several close allies amonor the wild yams of Eastern Tropical Asia : and if not from these, from something very similar it must have taken its origin. These allies grow in moist regions where forest prevails, finding their oppor- tnnities for vigoronsly fruiting where the canopy of overhead foliage l)as heen disturhed, and the sunlight let in. They have tuhers which are hnried deeply in the soil ont of the reach of heing uprooted hy wild pigs : and these tubers are white fleshed and esculent, having none of the poisonous principle which is present in the tul:)ers of those more remote species of Dioscorea which are surface rooting. The tuhers are thin, thickening a little down- wards, but not greatly, and they mav liranch a very little, or not at all. Jungle tribes eat the wild vams of this type: but it is not much that they return for the labour of digging them out. Onc-e the writer engaged a Avoman of a jungle tribe to dig \\ild yams for him from a forest in Xorthern Burma where tliey are particularly common, and obtained less than a meal for two persons as the result of four hours work. But Avithout doul)t from wild yams yielding such a meagre return, junirle man commenced the selection of the Greater Yam. First the tril)es would eat what they could find : then becoming more settled in habitation tliey would find it necessary to encourage the plants to groM- about the settlements, and would protect them a little: thirdlv tliey would plant them in the immediate neighbourhood of the villages: and out of this procedure thev would evolve a regular cultivation, selecting naturally the parents for projiagation wliicli were most jiroductive. The second stage of development 1)eing reached in this way. it Avould he realised advantageous to grow plants Avith abbreviated tuhers so that the tilling might be less laborious and tlie digging out more easily accomplished. There- fore, second to yield, man Avould operate on the length of the root, which in tliis stage of social development he could now protect against uprooting by wild pigs — at least in some measure. It is perfectly certain that he Avould not select for excellence in flavour at this stage, for the jungle man everyAvhere eats ap- parently by no means unwillingly, the most nauseous vegetables. Colour he might select for, as a toy which pleases, long before think- ing of palatahility. Shape of leaf, rootiness of the tuber, upgroAA'- ing fleshy shoots, and other sucli characters, he Avould not notice. All these variable features, then, may be put doAvn as secondary to tlie length of the tuber; and in that feature the first division in the classification of the races will be based. 377 if a yam be fxaniiiKMl. it will bo noticed that at the top the tissue is rather hard and woodv : that hardish tissue is a \y<(J Xowgoiig. Assam oooTo -j 8-Jo 40o4 ])inc Is. 33 10-14 4!j33 10.93 10 do. 8 13-1 .5935 13.13 lOG Fiji 6 7-6 3345 7.41 138 Sylhet or Kliasia Hills 5 8-5 3689 8.35 Shoi'iT. 70 Caroline Is. 17 G-4 3835 G.38 3G riiilippine Is. 8 3-0 907 3.01 48 do. S 4-3 1871 4.14 13G Probably IMiilippine Is. G 3-7 1106 3.44 Yam No. 68 : origin, Philippine Islands : tiesh white with magenta sap under the skin ; the yams are clustered, and descend deeply. 76 70 Yams Nos. 76 and 70. No. 76: origin Philippine Islands : flesh white : in shape the tubers are much as those of No. 118, but there is a tendency to the production of uprising shoots. No. 70 : origin Caroline Islands : flesh white with a very little magenta sap under the skin and a few flecks of magenta more deeply : yams round and excellent. * \ 381 This race came from Assam just as did Xo. 162. But instead of beiuo- a Khasia Hills race it was obtained at a forest-buried stream-side village inhabited by Mikirs, where the depth of the soil must have suited it admirably, and where wild animals abound such as would destroy surface rooting races. The adjoining Khasia Hills furnish other similar races and one was grown under the numljer 112, collected in 1911 for the writer under the name of Phan Suri, and considered by the Khasias living under Cherrapunji as the best of all yams. Like Xo. 186 it had pale yellow flesh. Xine plants yielded an average return of 4 lbs. 1 oz. (1833 grammes) or at the rate of nearly 4 tons 2 cwt. per acre. , Again a not dissimilar race appeared among the plants of Fijian origin, namely one called there " Boti " and numbered 120, and another without a vernacular name numijered 110. The sur- face of the tubers was rooty : the flesh was yellowish, with just a very little magenta sap under the skin. The yield was on the average 6 lbs. 9 oz. (2977 grammes) which works out at the rate of nearly 6 tons 12 cwt. As regards minor characters, all the three races with these elongated tubers possessing the tendency to branch, have similarly shaped foliage, the auricles of the largest leaves being rounded : but whereas the two Assam races possess no magenta sap, neither in stem nor in tuber, the Fijian race. Xo. 120, has a little in the tuber and in the frills of the stem. It alone is without prickles. Tliat three of them have a yellowish flesh may prove of some in- terest. The Fijian races, Xos. 156 and 118, which are represented in the lower block of plate 1, differ from the races of the last groups chiefly in length, and a tendency to thickening into a club. Simi- lar to them are five other races now to be reported on, namely Xos. 108, 114, 116 and 136 from Fiji, and Xo. 54 from the Philippine islands. If the reader will kindly turn to the plate he will see that Xo. 156 on comparison with Xo. 162 above, is not only shorter, but is more covered with rootlets. Its flesh is white, magenta sap being absent entirely. The average yield was 6 lbs. 5 oz. (2863 grammes) or nearly 6 tons 7 cwt. per acre. Xo. 108 agreed in tuber exactly with Xo. 156, but yielded more heavily — 9 lbs. 6 oz. or 4252 grammes, the return i)er acre being almost 94 tons. Xo. 118 differed from Xo. 156 in possessing a little magenta sap in a layer under the skin. Its average w^eight was 7 lbs. 12 oz. (3515 grammes) or at the rate of 7 tons 154 cwt. per acre. Xo. 114 agrees very closely with the last, having the same shaped tnl)er and similarly a little magenta sap under the skin. Its averfige return was 8 lbs. 8 oz. (3854 grammes) or at the rate of 8 tons 104 cwt. per acre, Xo. 116 difforofl in hnvini;- a smaller tu))Oi' and its avorasfc yield was only 4 Ihs. ."i o/. ( r.».">(i iiraninics) or at the rate of 4 tons 0^ (wt. per neve. Xo. \l](\ was a^iiin lonf^or and made a return of on the average 0 11)S. 8 oz. (4309 grammes), one tuber attaining? 22 lbs. At the rate of 91 Ibp. per hill, the yield per acre woidd be nearly 9 tons 11 (Wt. The race of Philippine origin, Xo. 54, exhibited tubers which are white fleshed, without any magenta sap, and they seemed to be more susceptible to injury than the other similar tubers. The average return was 44 lbs. (2041 grammes) which per acre works ont at 4 tons 4 cwt. One Khasia hill race, Xo. IfiS, produced a tuber of the same shape as these now under discussion, but with this difference, tliat the knot of stem tissue at its head gave rise to many fleshy up- rising shoots at- the end of the season's growth. There was no magenta sap in the tuber, and the flesh was white, not yellowish. The average yield of the plants was 4 lbs. 15 07.. (2240 grammes) or per acre 4 tons 19 cwt. However it is thought that the race for some reason has not yet had a fair trial. In review of these races with the slightly club-shaped tu])ers it may be remarked that magenta sap when present is only found in small C(uantities ; and that most of the races have clean-looking tul)ers from the absence of small rootlets. As regards the stems one of them (Xo. 136) possesses prickles. All but the last two, Xos. 54 and 168, are Fijian, and one of these last two namely Xo. 54, breaks away from the group in its leaves having the venation more than usually prominent. As regards the auricles of the largest leaves, the Fijian races difl'er among themselves, but there" is a tendency for these to be more nearly acute than they are in the foregoing groups. The upper block on plate 2, represents a race in which the tubers are not solitary, but are produced two, three or more to- gether. This is a very difl^erent thing morphologically from the branching wliich has been described above in regard to jilate 1, for whereas in race Xo. 186 which served for the flgure on plate 1. the tuberous root branches, in race Xo. 68 which is figured on plate 2, and is now under discussion, there arise from the stem- tissue at the head of parent tuber, more than one root destined to swell into a tuber: it is indeed quite a difl'erent proceeding on the part of the plant, to form two or more similar organs, where the formation of one is usual, from the other case which is branch- ing. Xo. 68 is a race from the Philippine islands. Its tubers have a dark skin, free from rootlets; and under the skin there is a layer of tissue holding magenta sap, the flesh being white. The average yield was 11 lbs. 7 oz. (5188 grammes), one plant return- ing 30 lbs. 2 oz. (13,664 grammes), which works out at 11 tons 9i cwt. per acre. 383 Mo. 30 from the Philippino islands provod similar in charac- ters, ])ut perhaps the Hesh was a little more vellow. Its yield on the average was 15 lbs. 5 oz. (()!>4() grammes) or at the rate of lo tons 7i cwt. per acre. Again Xo. 1;3 from the rhilip])inc islands proved to he rather similar; hut its tiihers were more commonly twins only, instead of heing as in the foregoing in niimher more than twins. The skin of the tuber was rather rooty : and when it was bruised, the flesh ex- posed very quickly turned orange. The average yield was 7 lbs. 2 oz. (3232 grammes) or at the rate of 7 tons 3 cwt. per acre. In leaf-characters all these three Philippine races shewed a close similarity, having the auricles of the largest leaves peculiarly elongated. In the year 1915 they were all late in sprouting from the ground and also early in dying down, thus heing short-seasoned. The conditions, however, in whicli they were then being grown were not ideal, and the twinning did not assert itself; so that N"o. 68 was figured in the Philippine Agriculturist and Forester iii. p. 207 fig. 12 as a solitary tuber. The stem characters of the three are similar, just as we have seen the leaf characters to ])e; but in rooti- ness of the tuber and in the behaviour of the flesh on exposure to oxidation differences are observable. ITALF-LOXG YAMS. On Plate 2 the upper line of the lower block represents a type of yam by no means uncommon where this vegetable is grown. There are six tubers in the ro\\% the outer two at each end having no uprising shoots, thus showing a variability in regard to this peculiarity. The' race sliowing tliis feature is Xo. 76, and of Pliilippine origin. Tlie tubers in shape are lumpy and bulky, having an average weight of Id lbs. 14 oz. (4933 grammes), at which rate tlie yield per acre woidd l)e nearly 11 tons. The Fijians seem particularly to fayour races yielding tubers of this shape, so that in the large consignment which Mr. Jackson was so good as to send to us in 1902 fully three quarters of the total had it. . But many of the races which he supplied have dropped out of our experimental cultivation, leaving as representing the type Xo. 106. Xo. 128 obtained from the South face of the Khasia hills or from the plain below produces lower uprising fleshy shoots than did the plants of 76 possessing them. The flesh is white : and the greatest tuber weighed 18 lbs. 15 oz. The average return was 8 lbs. 5 oz. (3770 grammes), and at this rate the yield per acre would be 8 tons 7 cwt. Xo. 106 produces tubers which externally are remarkably smooth and free from rootlets. Beneath the skin is a layer con- taining magenta sap; ami of the magenta sap again there may be a little more deeply in the otherwise quite white flesh. Its average yield was 7 lbs. 6 oz. (3345 grammes) or at the rate of just over 7 tons 8 cwt. per acre. 384 TJaoe Xo. 10 from the riiilip]jine islands whicli judging by the figure of the onlv tuber raised in 1914 (this Bulletin, Xo. 9 p. 299 fig. 2) ap])eared a "Long Yam," on further cultivation and with more material for examination eomes to be classed as a " Half- long Yam." It is a heavy yielder, the tuber of 191-1 having weigh- ed 16 lbs. 9 oz. (7513 grammes) ; then on poorer soil in 1915 it returned an average of 9 lbs. G oz. per hill; and in 1916 it re- turned an average yield of 11 lbs. 1 oz. (5018 grammes) or per acre 11 tons 5 ewt. The skin is free from rootlets. Under it is a layer of tissue containing magenta sap; and again through the flesh is magenta sap diffused so as to give it almost the tint of crushed strawberries. Race Xo. 18, also from the Philippine islands, which furnished figure 0 on p. 299 of this Bulletin is a bulky half-long yam. In 1914 it yielded one tuber weighing 7 lbs. 7 oz. (3374 grammes). In 1915 it returned an average yield of 6 lbs. 6 oz. (2892 grammes) : and in 1916 it yielded on the average 6 lbs. 7 oz. (2920 grammes) or at the rate of 6 tons 9| cwt. per acre. It has but few rootlets on the surface of the skin : and no magenta sap. It is well reported on as a table yam. "'The race Xo. 8 is again another from the Philippine islands; and, the first tuber which it produced in Singapore, was figured in this Bulletin p. 299 figure 1. Further cultivation shows that it has in some degree a tendency to produce twin tubers, although not so strongly as in those races which have already been discussed. In 1914 the tuber which it gave weighed 9 lbs. 13 oz. (4448 grammes) ; in 1915 the average yield was 8 lbs. 8 oz. (3855 grammes) ; in 1916 when twenty one plants M^ere raised, it returned an average of 13 lbs. (5897 grammes) or per acre nearly 13 tons 2 cwt. The flesh is yellowish with just a trace of magenta sap in the layer under the skin : and it is very mucilaginous. As regards minor (]ualities, these Half-long Yams, most of them being of Philippine origin, vary somewhat in regard to the shape of the leaf; but they \ary in no way as regards the absence of prickles from the stem. As regards the foliage, Xo. 76 has conspicuously rounded auricles on the largest leaves; Xo. 18 some- what approaches it ; but the others possess auricles drawn out more or less into a point. The uprising fleshy shoots of Xos. 76 and 128 have already been mentioned ; it remains to add that Xo. 8 at times also produces them. The first and the last of these three have yellowish flesh. The races illustrated by plate 3 are Half-long Yams which l")roduce great numbers of these fleshy uprising shoots. Both were oljtained in Singapore: the upper one, Xo. 2, was obtained from the deserted garden at the top of Bukit Timah. wliere probably some caretaker, and if so most likely a native of the Madras Presidency, had planted it : and the lower Xo. 6 was obtained from a market in the town. Xo. 2 is tlie ([uickest to sprout of all the yams that have l)een under observation : this quickness is a great fault, for it means that the vams in store will not keep, but shoot out stems and deplete 38a ihciiisclvcs ill the iittc]u|»t to ,-irow. In 1!»1 K wlii'ii firs;! brou^'lit mitlcr oliscrvatioii it prodiicril M tiilnT wci.uhiiii;- l?j, lbs. ( TIKJ-S graimiu's). This lar-iv IiiIht was cut up and ivplaiitod returning yams of various weights from l.").] Ihs. (:();51 .graniines) down- wards, the average being only G lbs. l'^ oz. (;3062 grammes). Dug then in Sei)tember, they had spronted very freely and prodnccd long shoots, miieh depleting themselves before they could be plant- ed again on November 29tii, li)lo. I'robably in consequence of this in ]!)!(), and for a secoml time, the return, failed by a long way to approaeh at all the promise of the first year, and was on the average 6 lbs. 13 oz. (3090 grammes). If the reader is interested enough to turn to p. 30? of tliis Bulletin (No. 9) he will observe from the figures on the bottom line of the tainilar statement there given witli M-hat rapidity the tubers hi 1915 when planted sent their shoots above ground. No other yam of all then under obser- \ at ion di f'\ 50 Fiji 18 J'liili|)iiiii(" 8 do. of plants Average Weight lbs. oz. grammes Yield per acre in tons 44 6.ia oO!JO G.S4 ■>o 6.13 ;5()y(» C.84 4 4.12 2 loo 4.?? 10 0-? 2920 G.48 20 i;j-i o!)2o 13.12 No. 2 : origin, Singapore : flesh yellowish : yams in shape as No. 76, but very strong tendency to produce uprising shoots. Yam No. 6 : origin, Singapore where it is known as Ubi merah : flesh with abundar magenta sap at all depths : uprising shoots abundant, but shorter than in No. 2. 387 biR' ol' these ^^I'oiips siill'er<'(| \ci'\ miicli troiii \\liit<' ;iiits, — the ^iiToup with most iiiaiiciita sap. and did not yiehl up to anticipation. Whether the wav in whieli it siiUVred was connected with the delicac)' of the skin, oi' was not. is uncertain; hut it must he re- marked that no otiier race sn(Vei-ed in the same wa\ ; and no other race has l)eeii noted as haxin.i;' a more delicate skin. Aiiain in l!tl.") it sutf'ert'd rather considerahly fi'om sliiu's. which made i>its inti> the tissue J'eedin,ii' on it. 'J'he gi'oup of sets with the i^reater amount tons 1.")^ ewt. pel' acre. Both races, 3 and G, i)ro(luee(l an enormous number of bulbils, lu 1915, 15 lb.s. (6s!Os. 2 and (i. had no i)rickles on the stem but tlie Fijian Xo. 150 had. No. 2 produces leaves of quite ordinary shajx-: but Xo. 6 ])rod uees leaves which are almost hastate. No. 1.")() was noticed to have the nerves rather ])rominent at the back of the leaf-blades, more so than the others. SIIOKT YAMS. On I'late 2 at the very l)ottom, is illustrated yam Xo. 70, whieli from tlie culinary point is perliap>s the best of all that have been grown. As the figure suggests, it is far from being a heavy yielder: but in 1916 the largest tul)er produced weighed 10-|- lbs. (4763 grammes), and the second largest 10 lbs. 2 oz. (4593 grammes), the third 8| lbs. (3 :",•>:!■4(i li i:-](i rii!).-) n.7() 10-^ Saiguii. •• Khoai-ino" 8 2-V] 1^70 :i.83 00 Philippine Is. Id 10 6 'i-2 :«;}:^ 7.1G 174 Saigon. " Klioai tieni " it 4-10 '^ODS 4.0."> DO, 9-e, 94 (^iiam 1. :; 11-7 51.SS 11.18 ino Saigon, '" Klioai-Doc- traiig" o 11--^ .5040 11.17 P'lNOEitKi) IX A LKss j)i:(;i;F.i:, 98 Saigon, "Klioai Siam" 9 Mo ;Uo!) 7.00 •^0 riiilii)pine Is. 1031 5 10-13 7569 17.00 60 do. 330 4 ~y-o 19-50 5.34 4-.^ do. 947 8 4-<; 1871 4.14 40 do. 940 9 10-9 4^91 10.61 58 do. 329 21 5-2 3325 5.15- "8 'lo. 938 4 8-11 3941 8.73 50 do. 824 6 13-9 0152 13.62 44 do. 1025 7 14-13 0719 14.SS LoJ5L"LAi;, ItATin-I! THAN FlXGEJiED. 88 j'liilippiiic ].s. 1941 4 5-14 2665 5.90 'JO do. 963 9 5-6 2458 5.40 110 Fiji. 20695 4 0-0 2892 0.4 from tlic Pliili|)|iiiH' islaiuls diflVrod from all tlie Pnilippino f^lu.it l)i-aii(lic(l or lolmlar vams in slian'iiii- witli the Khasia Hills yam No. 1 IMiilipi.iiic Is. •;!(» (i-i;i ;50!)0 Yam No. 38, unearthed in situ, each tuber kept in position by strings (see plates for particulars.) Yam No. 72 : origin Philippine Islands : unearthed in situ : flesh white with magenta sap under the skin : yams ascend and then curve over. 395 riar (Snake yam) and the T'biuni Dracnnnm or T^hi Boaya (Crooo- tlilo yam). He tells us that he grow thorn in ricli clay soil free of all stones in order to demonstrate to hiniself that it was not ohstaeles in the soil which produced the unusual direction, and " many of them thrust their tails out of the soil." The (ork-screw apiiearancc which Kum|)hius caused to he drawn, hai)pens to he in excess of anything' produced in Sing'a|)ore, where the longer M'ere gently sinuous. Tamil gardeners in Singapore, were in charge of the yam heds, and when the yams, as Rumphius ejjpresses it, thrust their tails out of the soil, these men having never seen anything similar in fndia, were at a loss what to do: hut by earthing up as may he seen in Plate 6, the tip was covered whenever it extruded, and its elongation maintained. Experience in 1914 and 191 o had shown that if not earthed up the apex dies. On plate C^ the reader will find figured the two most striking of the races of this type which were grown. Tn ])reparation for the figures there given, a rough hamhoo scaffolding was made above the beds and to cross poles the tu1)ers were tied by strings before the earth was removed from around them : and by this means the tubers were retained in their natural position. The race of yam shown in the upper block of plate fi is shown again in plate 5, lower block: and the upper block of nhite .") exhibits a transition stage between what is usual and this peculiar development wherein the yams curve in the soil but not so as to extrude. Although the extreme conditions such as are shoM'n on plate 6 appear to be con- fined to eastern Malaya, the condition seen in the u]iper block of Plate 5 is rather widely distributed : and being for instance a mark of the " B\dl's born yam " of the Shans. The races with upgrowing tubers will now be taken seriatim commencing with the one which forms the transition. Race Xo. 38 has already been figured in this Bulletin as Xo. 1 on page 301 from a tid:)er grown in 1914. Tn 1915 it showed a tendency to branch, hut it had bad soil. In 1916 it produced yains as figured on plate o. The flesli is white hut there is magenta sap Just under tlie ^kin. The skin is not rooty. Tlie average re- turn was 7 Ills. T oz. (3374 grammes) which is per acre 7 tons 9| cwt. This is the last yam for which a rate per acre can he given, as the others need to tlie cultivated further apart that they may be earthed up easily; and the nnmlier of hills to an acre would thus be reduced below 2350. Race Xo. 38 is that whicli is sliown in two plates, l)oth plate o and plate fi. From plate 5 the slightly sinuous curving of the tubers may be realised: but it hai)pened to be greater in one tuber too elongated for convenientlv arranging in that grou]). It will be observed that in this race tlic direction nf the tuber at first has been downwards but that at a \ovy eai-ly stage a strong curve takes place by which the point begins to ascend more or less vertically. The age at which this change of direction comes in varies, and in one of the tubers figured the tulier did not grow down at all 396 l)efore a.^fciidiiiy'. The scfondarv tii])crs produced later all ascend- ed. The surface of these tuhers is rather rooty: the flesh is white hut there is a very distinct layer with magenta sap under tlie skin. The average yield in 1916 was 9 lbs. 8 oz. (4309 grammes). Race Xo. ;34 ]X)Ssesses tlie same habit of turning upwards l)ut instead of producing one long tuber and a few -much shorter secondary tubers, it prodiues several similar tubers which do not attain {iny great length. It was figured on p. 301 of the Bulletin under the Xo. 4. It yielded on the average 3 lbs. 15 oz. (178G grammes) in 1910. Tlie bottom figure of plate 6 represents race X"o. 72 which be- haved in a different way to the others, in that it grew upwards first and tlien obliquely downwards or else horizontally as is there shown. Its flesh is white, l)ut with a distinct layer holding magenta sap under the skin: its skin is rather rooty. The a\erage yield in 1910 was 6 lbs. 13 oz. (3100 grammes). Plate 6 shows the yam beds, and in the lower block the supports of wood which had to be used to build up the mounds for the earth- ing of Xos. 38 and 72. The yams it will be observed are allowed poles to grow over about eight or nine feet high. Tliere is some diversity in the leaf characters of these up- growing yams: foi' Xos. 28, 34 and 38 have the auricles of the hirgest leaves rounded : hut the others have them more or less subacute. .Vone have thorny stems. T. H. BURKILL. THE LESSER YAM — DIOSCOREA ESCULENTA. The lesser Yam, here illustrated by three plates, is quite un- like the Greater Yam in foliage, and in the production of many relatively small tubers. Economically it is less im])ortant: it is less widely known, less extensively grown, and has not been carried across oceans to the remote islands and continents which the (ireater Yam has reached. Fiji for instance, seems to be its east- ward limit, whereas the CTreater Yam has l)een taken to the eastern- most islands of the Tacihc; and Mauritius seems to i)e its western limit, whereas the Greater Yam has reached Africa and has been carried also to the Tropics of the Xew World. As far as can be guessed, its domestication had beginnings not less remote than tlie Greater Yam's, or perhaps even more remote: for the seed-forming habit has been eliminated from it quite as much as from the Sugar-cane and the Pineapple; it has for instance, never been known to fruit, which the Greater Yam does at rather rare intervals. Moreover its parentage is much more obscure than that of the Greater Yam. *Onciis esculentus, Loureiro : Dioscoven nndeota, Linnaens iii 17.54, but not in 1753 : D. fasciculata, Roxljurgh. The Lesser Yam. No. 290, a race {rom Saigon known as Khoai Chach. No. 276, a race from the Philippine Islands. No. 292, race from Saigon, grown under the name of Tu-cu. No. 288, a race from Saigon known as Khoai Tu-Bua. rticiilar l).v their )ii rac-c, iardc'iif?, s sliowii 1. which 1 vcnia- ', ill its 39? Xot ('Illy (Iocs it not Iriiit. Imt tlic iirodiictioii of rem flowers is \ory rari'. and the pro(hi(tioii of male (lowers is a|i|iare ly only coninion in one known race. The three plates illustrate some of its races, in j showiug h()W they are to he disti 11,1^11 islied from each otlie tuhers. Ill the iipicr lilock of Plate : is shown the Sai Jxlioai chacli, cnltixatcd e.\|,eriiiieiitally in the I'xitanic (. .Singapore, under the (Garden's nnniher •^!M), and helow it a race from the I'rovince of Bataan. in the island of Ln/.o hears the (nirdeiis' nnniher '^Ki and was received without cnlar name. Again in the lower hlock of the same plate tipper row. with the (iardeiis' nnmher 2'.)2, is a second Saigon race received under the name of 'ru-(:ii. It will he ohservod at a glance that the three luimhers -^'.td. T fig. 2. All the three races ))roduce s^iinous roots : but it seems that the sjiines in the Philippine race are larger than in the two Saigon races. The lowest line of figures on plate T represents the Saigon race Khoai bua ( Xo. 28.S), and the lower block of plate 8 the Assamese race Moa alu, (Xo. 28G) both having lobed tubers. The name " Moa alu " which means " Sweet tuber "' is of Sanskritic origin. It is well applied for the tubers are distinctly sweet. Other races with lobed tubers have been or are being culti- vated. Thus Xo. 2U of the Gardens' plots which gave figure 1 on p. 303 of this Bulletin and figure 4 on page 20T of the Phili})- pine Agriculturist and Forester, has lobed tubers. It is of Philip- pine origin, having been received from the Province of La Union in Luzon. And a race with lobed tubers has been grow'n which came from Lower Burma under the name of Tah-dwe-u or " Letter-d yam." The distriliution therefore of lobed races is at any rate more or less continuous from Assam to the Philippine islands via Burma and Saigon. But it is yet to be ascertained to what degree there are distinct races over this area : if. for instance, all are sweet like the Assamese Moa alu, etc. In regard to the name Moa alu, which is used along side that of China alu for another race, it is uncertain whether it originates in a contrasting of the sweet Moa alu with the race China alu, or in a contrasting of Dioscorea esculeiita with other yams such as the Greater Yam which is never markedly sweet to the taste like Moa alu. The number of tubers on a i)lant of Khoai bua is less than on a i)lant of one of the three races first named, viz. <*!»<), ^lii) and 292, and at the same time they are individually larger. Moa alu again has fewer and larger tubers than Khoai bua : of tliein one for instance 398 ill the small crui) I'lii^f'l in l!'l(;, attaiiird the Mei.iiht of o Ihs. :> oz. ( loiiv! ui'ainiucs). The incmilaritv of the tiil)('rs may he considor- (m1 as imperfect lii'aiicliiiii;- : Imt no liraiicliiii,!;- of tlie slender part, the stalk-like [lart. of the tuherons root <.(curs. — onl.v of the swollen ajncal i)art. On tlie n|)|ier part of IMate S are ti,i:iiivs of three Indian races, which in l!M(i had their Lirowth interfered with: as a conse(|uenco of which the I'oots appeal' comparatively poor: but the lial.it is iie\crtheless truly represente(|. The uppermost of the three is a ('hitta.uonu- race, received from India in 1!M;! under the name of Poi-a alu or "Oar tuher." In its lii'st year in Singapore it re- turned so heavilv from a small hed as to yield at the rate of 21,851 Ihs. per acre, the numlier of tuhers on a plant heiiiu on the avera.u'e twenty-live (\ide this Bulletin, pp. ;!ii-.^-;;(i;!. ) The raci' has roots armed freely with rather small thorns. I'nder I'ora alu on jdate N are represented, as Xo. -^'.Ki, tin,' (idiadu nf Herar. and. as No. -^ilS. the China alu of Jorliat in Assam. This latter ;.;(»es unarme(l or almost so: hut (ioradu has I(ui.l:' forinidahle thorns on its protectixc roots, which overlie the tuherons roots. In these three Indian races the length of the tuber bears a fairly constant relation to the diameter. Their tuhers are shorter and rounder than those of the trio 290, 276 and 292. The rest of the races to be referred to, may be arranired con- veniently in a series eommeneing with those whose tubers are re- latively small and ending with those that are the largest. No. 278 figured at the top of i)late 9 leads thus to Xo. 28U which is figured heloM- it. Both came from the rhilii)pine islands, the Xo. 278 from Tarlac under the name of Tugui, and Xo. 280 from the island of Palawan under the mime of Invod. In 1)oth races there are formidable spinv roots and in both the flavour of the tuljers is slightly bitter. The lowest block on plate 9, represents the most distinct of all the races, a plant which produces the biggest tubers of all aud bears them very diffusely: moreover it is the race which freely produces male flowers. It occurs in the Phili].>pine islands, whence it has been oljtained and grown from four localities, e.g. Xo. 272 Luzon, but the exact locality unrecorded. Xo. 282 from cultivation in the Province of Katangas, where it is called Tugui Xo. 270 from cultivation in the Province of Pangasinan, where it is called Carat Xo. 2S4 from the Mountain Province, where it occurs wild, and is called Buga. The large characteristic tubers tune attained in the Singapore plots the weight of 5 lbs. (i (»/. (24:!S grammes), and the longest stalk of anv one measured was just over a metre in length. The tubers are denselv covered with short rootlets. At the base of the stem nun- be found verv f(n-niidablv armed spiny roots but they in no wav cover the diffuse tubers which lie far beyond their jn'o- tection. And what is interesting about these tubers is that they may be formed quite close to the surfa<-e of the soil as if inviting the attack of pigs. Three Indian races. No. 300, grown under the name of Pora alu, origin Chittagong. No. 298. China alu from Jorhat in Assam. No. 296, Goradu from Berar. No. 286. Moa alu from Jorhat in Assam. No. 278, A Philippine race grown under the name of Tuqui, origin Tarlac in the Island of Luzon. No. 280, a race frnm the Island of Palawan, called there Invod. No. 284, A peculiar race of the Philippine Islands, where it seems to be common, and to occur wild (? run wild) as well as in cultivation. It has large diffusely placed tubers. 399 The tiilx'i's uitli \\\v loii-cst stalks aiv iIk.sc Inniicd latest in the season. It nii,ii-ht he chii d I'nv this raci' that its five llowei'in.i:- su.u'- gests a ])riniiti\'e tvjie: and in sn^port i)e alant as we were: and are in need of new light. T. 11. BuitKILL. GERMINATION OF THE SEEDS OF ERYTHRINA BEFORE FALLING. in the \cr\- Wet weather thai occui'red in Singapore unseason- ably through February, ami March. P.tn. the seeds of Enjlhrimi lilliosiieniia in Tanglin gernnnated while attached to the open legume-walls still hanging on tlie tree. SCOLIA ERRATICA, Smith, A PARASITE OF THE RED-COCONUT-WEEVIL (RHYNCHOPHORUS FERRUGINEUS). Near Bemhan, Malacca, on ^'ovember ^Hth, 1!)1<;. in the course of an insi)ectioii of Cocoinit palms for the Red Wetnil and the Black Jihinoceros beetle, two pupating ])arasites were obtained from within pupa cases of the Weevil: and these liaving hatched out on Xovember 38th in a breeding cage, were determined by Dr. II. Hanitsch as Scolia rrnillcd. Smith. Professor Maxwell Lefroy in his Indian Insect Life (Calcutta, 1909) p. 183 says (d' the Scojiidae. to which it belongs, '"as to the habits of this familv in India, as a whole they are probably para- sitic upon the larvae of Coleoptera in the soil: they persistently ily over the soil, but none have been reared : Froggatt (Agric. (iazette. X. S. Wales, 1902) records Did is foniwsa. (Uien., as an enemy of the l)eetle Xi/lolniix's aiislralinis. Thoms..* in Queens- land ; the wasp burrows down to the grub in the soil, stings and *The species of Xylotrupes are Ehinoceros beetles allied to the Black Coconut beetle. 400 paralisfs it, lays an cg.^ on it and px's away: tin- larva on hatdiini: devours tliu ^riil) and pupatrs tlicrc." The proceed in-;- ol' the Sroliu is assuredly similar, the wasp pushing a way throu.uli the broken n|) tissue of the Coconut stem to reach the beetle lirulj : l)nt the act has not been obserxcil. Bingham in the Fauna of British India, Hymenopteia i. (J.ondon. l.S!)7). p. TS, ascribes to Srolia erralica a distribution thi-ou>:h the l'ollowin(; ). 'J"lie distribution, therefore, does not suggest another host lor tlu' parasite: but we lia\e no warrant for saying that it preys Inclusively on the Weevil grubs. Observations sliould be made. Srolia I'nulidi. at any rate. ma\- l)e counted as a beiielicial insect. I. H. BlKKILL. THE FLOWERING OF THE PIGEON ORCHID. DENDROBIUM CRUMENATUM, Lindl. There is a paper ol eousiderable interest by J)rs. A. A. L. 1>utgers and F. A. F. C. Went on tlie flowering of the Tigeon Orchid in the last issue of the Annals of the Botanic (lardeu, Buitenzorg,* in which observations are set f) a table is given which shows tliat at Buitenzorg in the year lS9i there were eleven flowerings, in LSiJ.j eight, in 1896 seven, in 1912 ten; but at Utrecht there were four flowerings in 19i:J, six in 19U and six in ]91.j. *Aanales du Jardin Botanique de Buitenzorg, xxix (191G) pp. 129-160. 401 The authors point out at wliat irrofjul.ir intervals tlio flower- ing occurs : and they enll attention to the way in wlii(;h the dates differ from place to place, as for instance March the first may be the day for flowers in one s))ot, hut thirty miles away the day for flowers may be March the fourth. The authors then draw the de- duction that flowering has not a fixed period, hut depends on external circnmstances, which circumstances have to be identified. For the purpose of their work a large number of plants were fixed in positions in the Buitenzorg Gardens where they obtained very different amounts of light: those that got the least then flowered the less freely, but they nevertheless flowered on the same days as their more favoured neighbours. The sums of the light and direct heat of the sun, therefore, are not the controlling factors for the opening of the flowers : they act only upon the vigour of the plants. Plants in the Utrecht Gardens did not flower through the winter, over which the temperature in the plant houses was con- trolled by artificial heat within narrow limits : l)ut when spring brought bright weather and the sun shone strongly on the glass roofs it was impossilde to keep the temperature any longer from rising far above its former limit, and then in three weeks the plants l)urst into flower, not only at Utrecht, but at Hamburg and Bonn, the bright spell spreading over all three places, as if the rise in temperature or quite possibly the greater fluctuations had iriveu the required stimnlns. Further the authors do not go than to make a suggestion that this is so and to add that very probably moisture also has an in- fluence : because the flowering takes place so irregularly they suggest that it is possible that the two work together. If a Pigeon Orchid plant be examined it will be seen that the flowers are produced from large persistent scaly buds. The authors compare these l)uds to the winterbuds of Euroi)ean trees, calling attention to the circumstance that winter buds are formed in the autunm to pass throngh a period of rest until spring brings a stimulus for renewal of growth ; and they bring forward observa- tions to show that a period of retarded growth occurs in the maturing of the flowers in the Orchid followed by extremely rapid growth at the end, the flower buds rushing to the expanding. During this time of slow growth many buds may fail : the others arrive at a certain stage and wait : the longer tlie requisite stimulus is in coming the more buds should there be all brought together to tlie same stage, and the more abundant should be the flowering when it comes, only there is this death of buds to interfere with the process. When the stimulus comes all the buds wliich have reached the stage of arrest find themselves driven forward together to the flowering, and so it is synchronised. It is evident that much remains yet to be ascertained before we have a complete understanding of the phenomenon: l)ut the hy])ot]iesis which Drs. Putgers and Went put forward appears to offer a ]:oint of vantage from which new e\])eriments nuiy l)e directed, and may be examined briefly in regard to nbservalions made in Sinaaiiore. 402 o 3 ^• •* 2 .- tc •o ._ en Cl CO •o t ^ >c o t. -M OJ 3 3 eg f > o i ^ S 1 1 1 1 s '^ t- 00 (N - CO t~ m s 2 s ^ t^ a. 2 ■* '"' - O" " . l-_ -t3 "^ «■■■ ■•* ^ §? t> ^ s : 00 • c» o § s ~ . . CO - • (M ,-1 CO cq . 1^ . «? . . (T) m 05 "-• « g C^ ; i s - (M : CO ^ t- CO CO to 00' -* (M t- § ^ tN S5 : >o C1 o 00 fN .n -* CO to ^ o CT) t- fN >o -" ^ <>. rr- (N tN ■" 00 00 -13 -, c .2 cu a 1 ^-^ -IJ >> S ?^ >. c ^o a -u « >> -4J a 1 s^ f 1 11 5 -6 c 3 c a, & < fe 71 c?^ ■< <; i/-) " OQ 403 lO r^ i •2 OP 13 00 M ^ w 4 - ^" o o 0 c3 1 "5 > O S5 &2 5 O g 1 •# .^ ^ . o ^*9 855 t- lO •^ ■o >o (TO CO • -^ n -fO CO u:) 00 - tH ffl ?S9 O o to rr, ©) .n CO 1- in o M* (M (M n « [l! C^ S CO 00 CO fN S T68T 8 eg! '"' -ta 00 CO ^ »o Of) ■o ■44 rr CO u^ CO 00 CD rM ?* '^ 0K6?- CO t- eo o w ^-> CO ■ ,_! m pii ^ CT> 1-1 eo CO 08? ^ •" CO -^ S CO 00 : ; § 2 s '"' (H *. : 'J* CO O S : t- o lO S '"' c ^ t^ eOKT ^; '-' 00 : ^ ■-1 -^ 00 -cS- t^ '^ 5*( CO ■* ^ , _ >, f*^ c >, 6C >-. Sf t^ "5: 2 3 Cu 1 « g OJ >1 to. -a C « a 3 "i i^ 1 s 13 ? b ^ t"^ ^^ > f^ f^ -j; t» Ph N > Pi > 404 During tlie last four 3'ears in the Botanic Gardens, Singapore, tlie flowering of the Pigeon Orchid occurred on tlie following datrs :— 1913. 1914. 1915. 1916. January - - 26th (freely) - February 21st 8th - 19th (freely) :\Iarch 12th. (sparingly) 13th (abundantly) 20th - April - - 18th 20th (abundantly) May - 15th - - Juno Gth (abundantly) - - 13th July - 4th 2nd — August 29th (freely) - - September , fith \ (grudgingly) J 25th (.(grudgingly) 2Uh (sparingly) 18th (very abundantly) 6th (sparingly) October — — 12th (rather abundantly ) November ( 6th ] 23rd ((grudgingly) - •28th (freely) - December - 25th, 26th and 27 th (sparingly) - There are twenty-seven dates in all in the four years : and since the commencement of 1917 another flowering extending over four days has taken place. On either the seventh, eighth or ninth day before each flowering there was heavy rain, except before the dates September 6th, 1913, Xovember 6th, 1913, May loth, 1914 and September 18th, 1915. But ten days before the flowering of May loth, 1914 there was heavy rain, and eleven days before the flower- ing of Xovember 6th, 1913 there was also hea^T rain. However, before the flowering of September 18th, 1915, which was a very abundant one, there was no heavy rain between the sixth day and oil the fifteenth day, but rainless days about the eighth: and !)efore September 6th, 1913, when two plants only flowered, there was verv little rain after the sixteenth dav until the eve of the flowering. 405 'J'lu'ivroiv, allhuu-li ih,. rainfall statistics mid in the J'.otaiiu' (iardcn UmkI sonic sii|)])ort to the oxplaiiation su,ca(!ii),>:s taken al\\'a.v.< at S a.m. and credited to tlic dati ill which tltc twcntv-rour lioiirs l)c 10 l.oti . ..5.5 1.03 1.08 11 .43 trace trace ..52 .03 ..54 12 ti ace .43 .09 1:5 ..56 .71 .18 .07 .2.5 14 -.08 .. .09 .60 .1.5 1.5 .0.5 .07 .02 2.23 .07 IG ti ace .08 .18 .8.5 17 . . . .57 tr ace .03 .43 18 1.19 .24 .03 1!) .33 .04 20 ti ace .64 ti ace 21 : .09 trace .01 22 .08 .31 23 .19 .10 24 1 .03 .11 .31 A'.) 25 1 .01 .20 .19 trace 26 , .01 .64 27 ' .01 Ad .69 .12 28 i 1.0 1 U ace .21 29 .6.5 .07 30 , .3-5 .01 31 • .01 .69 [ J.79 1.08 11.29 .43 6.77 6.1 I 407 RAINFALL at tlie Director's lioiisc. Botanic (Janlciis. Siiigai)ore, (luriiii:- the second lialf vear. lit Hi. iiea(lin<:s taken a ways at lica.l of the WatcHall (ianl.-ns. IV-iian-. .luring the first hiiif war. I'.iKi. iK'adiiiiis talM'ii at S a.m. and crcMlitcd to the date in which the twcntv-four liours hei^an : tlie reiiistration kindly put at the service of the (iardens h\- the Mimicipality of (ie(jri:e Town, IVMinng. I Date. Jan. 1 Feb. 1 March. April. May. June. 1 .27 .. 2 .77 1.48 3 . . . . 4 .55 0 \ G .1? .00 .81 7 ; .TO .!)0 8 1 i.;JO !» .25 .37 10 1.05 1.02 .19 11 1.50 1 .17 1 .17 12 •• 1.44 13 ' .. .76 • • .59 U .83 2.03 15 .02 .09 16 • • 2.00 1 .17 17 1.02 .70 .02 .63 18 .80 .01) 19 .84 20 . 21 1.12 22 . . .75 .31 . 23 .10 1.35 .20 . 21 .07 .15 .87 . 25 2.72 .08 .17 .29 . 26 .08 .02 .20 .27 . 27 . . .80 .10 55 28 .06 . 29 1.13 . 30 • 1.50 .27 68 31 •• .58 1 2.17 1.47 11. Oil 6.22 13.13 4 84 409 RAINFALL at the licad of the Waterfall riar.lcns. rciiaii-'. duriii^tr the sceoiid halt' of the year, l!ll(i. l{ea(lini)i(ales alinicntaires et industrielles de la faniille des Lej^n- niineuses, Paris. li)18) London, John Bale, Sons ainj Danielsson, Ltd., lS)l(i. V\). xvi + 46r) with copious illustrations. Price K! shillijif>s net with postage abroad one shillino- and sixpence. There iss a great difference l)etween the French and Kn^lish, titles, and the Freneh is by far the more expressive of the contents of the book, which is a full account of the tropical Leguminosae whether used for green manuring or for any other purpose, or whether injurious to stock, in fact all that have a direct hearing on man's operations. The translation follows the t^rcnch text closely. The book is a work of reference and is excellent. MuNRO, R. W. and Brown, L. C. A praciinil giiide lo Coco- nut planting, London, Messrs. John Bale, Sons, and Danielson, Ltd., 1916, pp. XX + 1.S6, with 103 plates. Price 7 shillings and sixpence : postage aI)road ninepence. "This book is the outcome of a request made by the (iovernment of the Federated Malay States," and it is claimed by the authors as written for the " intending planter " in the Malay Peninsula. It is meant to tell what costs will be entailed and what returns may be got : and with this purpose in view, the advocacy has been placed in very experienced hands. But the book from the point of view of readers is a little difficult to class : as it is neither so detailed in regard to the first processes ol cultivation that the nii\n who has never seen land cleared can take it for a text-book, while it proceeds Ijeyond wliat can be assimilated by him towards the requirements of the made planter without going far enough in describing races of the coconut palm, and its pests, as to be a vade- mecnm on the Plantation. The existence of many races of the Coconut for instance is all but ignored. As regards pests, the Red "Weevil assuredly does not live in manure (p. 115), nor in rubbish iieai)S unless dropped into them with infected palm tissue. Brachartona, a moth which attacks the coconut palm leaves badly, is not suppressed in the south of the Peninsula by the ichneumon mentioned in the book, but by the fungus Botrytis necans. The caterpillar described on p. 140 with- out a name might be that of Erionota thrax, bnt uo less that three different orders of Lepidoptera are represented without imforma- tion on the a.ssociated plate. Helminthosi)orium, a fungus men- tioned on p. 139 is not described at all, and the description of the mild attack of Pestalozzia is inadecpiate. The agricultural advice which fills most of the book is ex- cellent. The paramount importance of aeration of the soil has its due place: cover crops, as distinct from catch crops, are recom- mended, in such a way that- the made planter may learn. The wealth of illustrations is excellent. 412 ERRATA. p. .■')(!!) liiu' 14 from liottoni (description of Lo.nira nhjiinius) for .') (lit. read ■')■') mm., and liiu's I'ollowiuii' lor /ihilc .r.r.i i.r jii/urc ,\ read iihile .r.rir liijurc 7. p. ;)(»9 last line (description oT Tfu/iades //ana) for plafe .r.rir fir/inr 7, read plale .r.v.ri.r pgure J, and i'or .9 cm. read J)-") mm. ]). ;);1T. The line eonimeneins, 194. uni asiaticnni, pest of, 2(19. iin s|iarsiH()nis. alien weeil, 235. 1). iiim crunienatum. iloweriiig of, 40U. variety of, 318. Derry, E., rubber machine, 81. Dioscorea aculeata, 227. races of, 302, 396. a lata, races of, 297, 369. „ sprouting of, 306. l)i[dadeiiia llarrisii. trap for insects, 325. Drymoglossuiu ]:)iloselloides. 321. Economic gardens, blocks of, 288. Eleusine coracana, 235. Entada scandens, 4. Entomology, Bureau of Applied, 244. Eria gracilis, variety of, 189. Erythroxylon Coca, 48. Eucalyptus, trials of, in Singapore, 147. Euphorbia pulcherrima, cultivation of, 12. Exhibition.s, Brussels, 40. „ - London, 27. „ New York, 33, 43, 115. Explosives, clearing by, 160, 176. Export prices, 13, 69, 92, 163. Exposition, see Exhibitions. Ficus nota, fertilisation of. 195. Flowering of Orchids, 244, 400. Fowls, trade of Penang jn, 232, Fruit cultivation in Penang, 228. Fungi, on Agave, 193. „ on Brachartona, 2u7. (iambicr, in Singapore, 227. (iingcr, production in Malacca, 222. Gogo vine, 4. Grammatophyllum, lloworing of, 21i. 414 H nal.oiKiria Havillaiidi, .IcserilH-d, !!•(». Haemavia disirolor, dcscribcil, 351. Ha))aline a2)i»oiidiculata, (k'scribed, 192. Hevea brasiliousis, sec Eubbei-tree, Para, 21H. Hills. T. Hisloj., 2i:^, 25;^. ilvarotis adrastus, trai>pc'd in a 'rtcwor, ;>■)."). lelnii'Uiuo to of Brat-l liiiligo cultivation, .Hi. grown in 8inoai)ur('. . Indiyofem tinctoria, 50. International Congress of T Agriculture. 3:^)1. Jpecacuaidia. 4."). Johore. Botany of, 818. K Kal)ong. 221. Ke.lah. botany of. 197, 853 Kenari seeds, composition of. 322. Kuala Kangsar. rubber in. 24,S 258. Labour, 25, 37, 39, ](»S, 119, 123, 133. 140. Lallang and locusts, 348. lAMuon grass in .Singapore, 227. Liglituing killing coconuts, 329. Locusts in Malacca, 335. Loxura atvmnus, 308. Mahogany, flowering of. 405. ^langrove bark, trade, 331. Manihot rubber in Brazil, 330. ^lanuring, green, for rice. 330. Melia Azedaracli, ilowing of, 405. Microstylis congesta. described, 319. N N.'st of a living fern, 321. Nutmegs, cultivation in Penang, 228, 233. cultivation in Singapore. Ophiusa. 158. Opuntia monacantha, 320. Oicliid notes, 189, 197, 244, 318, 349, 353, 400. Oryctes rhinoceros, 177. rachvtvhis danicus, 222. I'aha'ng. botany of, 3l0j_ Pa|)ua. a .journey in, 57. Penang, botany of, 353. Pepper, i)r(nluction in Malacca, 222. ,, ,, in Singapore, 227. Pliysostigma veuenosuni, 47. Pigeon orchid, flowering of, 400. Pigs, feeding of, 8, 219, 231, 227, 228. ,, production of. in Malacca, 219. „ in Penang, 231. Pineapjdes. jiroiluction in Singapore, 224, 227. Pineaj)ples, waste of canneries, 224. Pisang batu. grown in Singapore, Plants for sale, 199. 359. Planters' Association reports, 137, 23, 107. Plocoglottis porphvroplivlla, f la- tex, 13(1. „ ,, jrrowth in fit. j Lucia, 152. „ „ f^rowtli in Sey- chelles, 153. „ ,, history of plant- ing, 2U, 247. „ ,, propagation by cuttings, 251. „ ., size attaineil, 210. „ „ seeing. 211. Sagittii ittif(dia. cultivation, St. Lucia, rubber in, 152. Sago, trade returns of Penang, 231. Samoa, coconut pest in, 178. Sarcochilus stenoglottis, described, 189. Scolia erratica, 399. Seed, hardness of, of Caesalpinia, 193. Seed of Hevea, vitality of, 1. Seed selection in rubber, 212. Setol, botany of, 197, 353. Seychelles, Hevea in, 153. Soap, Entada as, 4. Sugar in latex, 150. Sugar cane, cultivation in P. Welles- ley, 228. „ cultivation in Singapore, 227. Sugar, Production of Kabong, in Malacca, 221. Sweet potatoes, in Singapore, 227. SAvine, see Pigs. T Tachinid fly parasite, 207. Taeniophvlluni serrula, described, 352, 405. Tagiadcs gana, 3 IS. Tan Ch.-iv Van. 213. Tapioca, cultivation in Malacca. 219. in I'enang, 230. in Singapore, 224. Tapi)ing, ett'ect of. on seeds. 2. Thecostele maculata, described, 350. „ secunda, described, 318, 349. Theretra nessus, 308. Vegetable production in Penang, 228. prickly pear as, 227. w WeatlKT rei)orts. Kclantau. 18, lOl, lu9. Malacca, 104, 173. Negri Senibilan. 20, 77, 97, 1(58. Pahang, 22, 73, 94, 1 74. „ ., Penang, 1(37. „ „ Perak, 15, 75, 9(3, 170. Selangor, 17, 71, 99, 172. See also Rainfall. Wages in Malacca, 217, and sec La- bour, Wickhain rubber-curing process, 159. Wikstroeniia Ridleyi, 333. Xanthosoma violaceuni. described, 244. Y Yams, cooking of, 304. greater, races of, 297, 309. greater, sprouting of, 30G. greater, yield of, 374. ,, lesser, cultivation in P. Wel- lesley, 228. „ lesser, cultivation in Singa- pore, 227. ,, ' lesser, races of, 302, 373. ,, lesser, yield of, 303. „ pests of, 306. New York Botanical Garden Libran 3 5185 00254 1132