335 



Jamaica, for 1905-6. A comparison of the two is of interest his- 

 torically, and may be of use. The two are accordingly here 

 reproduced. 



" No. 11G, dated Howrah, the 22nd February, 1876. 

 "From Dr.G. KlNG,M.D., Superintendent, Royal Botanical Gardens, 



to the Acting Assistant Secretary to the Government of 



Bengal. 



"With reference to your endorsement, No. 350 (Financial 

 Department — Forests), dated 4th instant, I have the honour 

 submit herewith my suggestions as to the collection of seeds of 

 Hevea hrasiliemis in South America for transmission to the India 

 Office, and from thence to Ceylon — 



" I would suggest that 



• 



" They should not be all packed in one way. Borne should be 

 packed as recommeded by Dr. Thwaites, in slightly moist moss ; 

 others should be packed with dry moss in simple canvas bags ; 

 others should be tried in similar bags, but without moss or any 

 other packing material ; others should be sent in small boxes made 

 of seasoned wood, and with a few small air-holes drilled in them 

 to allow of ventilation • some should also be packed in boxes with 

 perfectly dry soil as packing material, and others in similar boxes 

 in finely pounded dry charcoal ; finally, a quantity of the seeds 

 should be tried in the following mode suggested by an experienced 

 collector : ' Mix clay and water into a good stiff paste, and put a 

 coat of this on each seed ; dry these coated seeds gently in a 

 shady place, and pack in small boxes.' In no case should any ot 

 the packages, except those packed in damp moss, be enclosed in 

 india-rubber or other waterproof covering. Such ? covering 

 effectually prevents ventilation, and is most prejudicial. 



The Report of the Department of Public Gardens and Planta- 

 tions of Jamaica for 11)05-6 contains an account of the results or 

 importations into Jamaica during the year. The report says : 



" A consignment of 7,500 seeds, packed with incinerator earth 

 and sawdust, in biscuit tins, was forwarded from Singapore dj 

 parcel post on 31st August, and arrived in Jamaica on ->tn Octo- 

 ber, 1905. Forty-five seeds were rotten when received; M^> 

 seeds were sown, and of these 0,500 germinated, or ©i per <xm. 

 Of the 6,506 plants potted, 1,435 were conditionally wea*^ ^ana 

 died soon after potting. There were thus obtained 5,0< I plants, 

 or about 68 per cent, of the number of seeds sown. 



- On 30th January, 1906, 725 seeds were rece ived ■J™*™' 

 They were packed in powdered charcoal, and only L> *ereba£ on 

 arrival. FrW the 710 seeds sown, 656 plants were raised, or 

 about 90 per cent, 



" It does not appear to make any difference what the packing 

 material may be, so long as it is dry. Sifted dry J*™**" 

 haps, the best material to recommend, as it is always possible to 



obtain it," 



