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loco about four acres have been cleared for planting Funtnmia (Lagos 

 Silk Rubber), and at another place on this estate, the Funtumia has 

 been planted about five months and is growing well under the natural 

 shade of the forest. One thousand seeds of Funtumia had been sown 

 in boxes but none had germinated owing chiefly to using improper 

 soil. (About 70 per cent, horse droppings— Ed.) AtSt.Marie estate 

 there is an extensive nursery where about 10,000 plants of Funtumia 

 and cocoa are being grown in bamboo pots. There arc also sheds for 

 potting and growing seedlings in boxes. Several thousands of rubber 

 seeds had been lost owing apparently to boxes being insufficiently 

 drained. On this estate several acres were already occupied by 

 healthy Funtumia trees planted twelve by twelve (feet — Ed.) Traces 

 about four feet wide had been cleared in the forest and all the largest 

 trees had been cut down, leaving only a scattering of medium-sized 

 trees which were intended to be removed later Avhen Funtumia were 

 strong enough to grow without their shade or protection. The Fun- 

 tumia were growing in the centre of the traces or clearings." 



" The young Funtumia in the wild forest land (St. Marie Estate) 

 are growing well. There were very few deaths during the long spell 

 of dry weather in October and November last year." 



" At Monte Christo there are about 20,000 rubber trees growing. 

 They are mostly Castilloa elastica, one to eight years old, and planted 

 under the forest shade. Some of the oldest trees were tapped this 

 year (1903) but the rubber Avas of an inferior quality and a very 

 small amount was obtained. There are also some Para Rubber (Hevea 

 brasiliensis) and Lagos Silk (Funtumia elastica) growing well in an 

 open situation near the edge of the forest." 



N.B.— Mr. J. H. Hart, F.L.S., Superintendent, is in England on leave of 

 absence as Commissioner representing Trinidad at the Colonial and Indian 

 Exhibition, Crystal Palace. This number of the bulletin has therefore been 

 edited by the undersigned. 



WILLIAM LESLIE, 



Acting Superintendent, 

 (Previously Senior Agricultural Instructor). 



