160 
Although the existence of a new and important rubber tree in 
West Africa became known about 1883, it was not until 15 years 
later that its botanical status was made out, and then a few more 
years elapsed before it was sufficiently described to allow of its safe 
discrimination from very similar but valueless allies. eanwhile, 
the commercial value of Funtumia rubber had become established, 
planting experiments had been taken up, and new areas of spon- 
taneous occurrence of the tree added to the one originally known, 
demonstrating the existence of the species over a forest belt extend- 
ing from Sierra Leone in the west to Uganda* in the east. At the 
_ same time a considerable diminution of the rubber supply from other 
African sources, and even of Fuutumia rubber, made itself felt 
wrote out the book at home, but he did the work in the field 
during a five years’ stay in East Africa and Uganda, and 
in repeated travels in most of the West African colonies. 
This, in connection with a truly scientific—that is, rational— 
working plan, will make the book of lasting value to an industry — 
which will for long be one of the greatest assets of the tropical 
colonies. It may only be added that the book is very well written 
and amply illustrated by over 100 photographs, 10 full-plate draw- 
ings, @ map, and a number of instructive diagrams. ~ 
O. 8. 
* Whilst this note was being written, news was received from Mr. B. Battis- 
combe, Conservator of Forests, of the discovery of Funtumia elastica in that 
portion of the Victoria Nyanza Basin which forms part o e British East — 
Africa Protectorate. The tree is stated to occur there in considerable numbers 
at 5000-6000 feet. 
