147 
in that State. In consequence an admirable series of specimens 
(now deposited in the Indian Museum, Calcutta) and a report of 
givat interest came to hand. The inquiry was conducted !>v 
Rai Rasik Lai Kundu Bahadur, Superintendent of the State. The 
KJwu trees he tells us are tapped by triangular incisions similar 
to those described by Sir D. Brandis in connection with Burma. 
The extract is collected in bamboo tubes. When sent to a distance 
it is placed in tins along with a little water to prevent the oleo- 
resin drying, but it is affirmed the water will not mix with the 
kheu nor will it in any way affect the quality of the same 
When intended to be used, the natural varnish is carefully 
Strained through a piece of strong muslin. It is then mixed with 
a little more than its own weight of cow-dung ash. the two being 
well pounded in a mortar for about half an hour. It may then be 
smeared over the article of wood, siono, leather, iron," brass or 
other material that it is desired to lacquer. In the course of three 
or four days, in hot weather, the article will have dried sufliciently 
cloth. The varnish is th.-n ,u ■ liquid and is best [>ut on by 
the hand. If this coating does not give the d.^tve of polish 
desired, after being thoroughly dried, the article is again soaked 
in water, rubbed down by the fig leaves and coated a second or 
third time with the varnish. The proper season for varnishing is 
March to November. 
Such are some of the chief uses of the sap of Mekmorrhoea 
us/tata, a varnish of great merit and immense possibilities that 
at present practically takes no part in the arts and industries of 
Europe and America. 
George Watt. 
July 5, 1906. 
XXV.-SOME NEW CHINESE PLANTS. 
An interesting and valuable collection of plants was made in 
China during "lSW-UHri. and again during 190:>-1'.M >.">, for 
Messrs. James Veitch & Sons by Mr. E. H. Wilson. The first set 
of this collection was very generously presented to the Herbarium 
at Kew by Messrs. Veitch, and it was hoped that eventually 
Mr. Wilson, in collaboration with Mr. W. B. Hemsley, might 
prepare a paper in which the whole collection could be systemati- 
cally dealt with. Before, however, this undertaking could be 
completed, Mr. Wilson had to take up duties that render it 
impossible for him at present to continue his share of the work. 
As, however, the collection contains a number of obvious 
novelties, nearly all of which are of considerable interest, it has 
been thought desirable to publish descriptions of these without 
delay and in anticipation of the larger and more general contri- 
bution which it is to be hoped may eventually appear. 
