100 



latex becomes as thick as when it came from the tree, then I pour 

 it in my boxes and the water that is in the latex, which can't be 

 decanted off, will pass through the absorbent paper in about 10 

 minutes leaving the rubber. 



I then expose it to a heat of no degrees F. for 5 or 6 hours, 

 when the rubber can be lifted off the box. 



A new sheet has to put on after being used 10 or 12 times. 



The time of exposure to heat varies and it is hard to give a cor- 

 rect formula in this respect, but one soon learns by the feel of the 

 sheets, just when to take them from the boxes. I take them off as 

 soon as my fingers don't stick, when pressed against them. 



I may mention here that this method is for Castilloa elastica. 



The Hevea latex passes through the absorbent paper. 



I am carrying on experiments now and expect soon to be able 

 to handle both kinds of latex. 



Rubber coagulated on the above method becomes transparent 

 like Ceylon biscuits, and runs it a close second in price, we aim to 

 bring it up to par. 



With respects, I am, 



Yours sincerely, 



S. W. Sinclair. 



GRASS OILS.* 



I. CiTRONELLA AND LEMON GRASS IN CEYLON. 



By Herbert Wright, Controller of Experiment Station, 



Ceylon. 

 (Paper read before the Ceylon Agricultural Board.) 

 The Citronella industry is far from being in a flourishing con- 

 dition in Ceylon, and many persons who in the old days found it 

 a profitable cultivation now declare it to be unremunerative. It is 

 common knowledge, however, that Citronella oil exported from 

 Java obtains a much higher price than that from Ceylon, and it 

 has been argued that, if the same price could be realised for the 

 oil exported from this island, it might once more become an in- 

 dustry worthy of serious consideration. Planters in the Straits 

 and the authorities of the bnperial Department of Agriculture for 

 the West Indies are taking up the subject in earnest, and residents 

 in this island are beginning to send in numerous enquiries as to 

 the possibilities with this product. The moment, therefore, seemed 

 opportune to present a few facts regarding Citronella and also 

 Lemon Grass, as results have been obtained at the Experiment 

 Station, Peradeniya, and in various parts of Ceylon. 



CITRONELLA. 



We will first consider Citronella oil. I have brought with me 

 a sample of one of the grasses from which the oil is obtained, and 

 also a quantity of pure oil fresh from the still. As you are pro- 

 bably not concerned with the exact botanical identity of Citronella 

 grass, i may dismiss that vexed question by saying that the speci- 



For previous articles on Grass Oils, see Bulletins, March, lii03, p. 53: Dec. 190.S- 

 Feb. 1904, p. 43; Oct. 1904, p. iL'*; March, 1905, p. 49. 



