VARIOUS 1 155 



Indochina. Generally, Indian lac fetches better prices than Indo-chinese, 

 although the latter is in turn well quoted on the market, and regarded for 

 instance as superior to that of Siam. It is particularh' appreciated owing to 

 its purity and the absence of any resin. 



For the prodviction and collection of the lac, it is pointed out that the 

 natives have always seemed astonished to hear of crops being obtained 

 from the forest ; the}' assume that its production can only be obtained on 

 plants si:>ecially cultivated for the purpose. Nevertheless, lac of Indian 

 origin is often described as forest produce. No data are available to clear 

 up this question. With regard to the cultivated plants, some of them are 

 able to supply two crops per year for two or three consecutive j'ears even, 

 but generally a rest period of one year, or at least of one crop or two, is 

 required. 



The memorandum next supplies information with regard to the geo- 

 graphical range of Tachardia and the experiments carried on to extend its 

 production. It is interesting to note that the most suitable spots for pro- 

 duction should not be either too hot or too cold, the rainfall amounting to 

 29.25 inches per annum, humidity should not be wanting but must not be 

 excessive ; dry and arid tracts must be rejected. The observations made 

 in Indochina give from 1310 to 2130 feet as the limits of altitude. A 

 temperate climate and places sheltered from the wind, but airy and hilh', 

 seem the best. 



The writer has collected the data supplied by the experiments made 

 for spreading the insect in Indo-China and he describes the means employed 

 in Indo-China and India for purifying lac. Summarising afterwards 

 the results of his researches and excursions, he records that production 

 in Indo-China is carried on in three regions only : those of Sonla, Song-Ma 

 and Nam-Hon. He recalls the fact that the production of lac requires 

 thorough aeration and the presence of a species of big light red ant, which 

 according to the natives is to be credited with combating all other ants 

 injurious to rearing, the latter being easily recognised as they are 

 black and small. Finally, there is published a scheme of research 

 intended to complete the geographical distribution of producing areas, 

 to specify more clearly the nature and distribution of the most useful 

 species, to study the different kinds of lac produced and the 

 reasons why some lots are insoluble in alcohol, and to extend the culti- 

 vation of Schleichera trijuga, which is also useful owing to its edible kernel 

 rich in oil, but which is above all recommended for the production of the 

 lac known in trade as " Fine Orange ". 



According to the writer the researches should also extend to the ento- 

 mological study of Tachardia, the economic conditions of its rearing, the 

 trade and exchange of eggs, the study of the ant regarded as useful and the 

 conditions and requirements of the various markets. 



l-'inally, the report comprises two plants representing the plant and 

 appliances required for the refining of gum lac. 



