35 



Flaws may be found in the experiment, but nothing can be 

 accomplished without expenditure of labour and thought, and should 

 . the only result be the gratification of one's own curiositj- or hobby, 

 it is surely a step in the right direction. 



With reference to the question of seed selection the following 

 interesting note indicates what work is being done at the Botanic 

 Gai'dens, Singapore, with a view to obtaining high-yielding sti^ains of 

 rubber trees by careful selection of seed. (Ed.) 



In a letter to the Director of Agriculture, Federated Malay 

 States, Mr. Burkill observes : 



" When a block is tapped the good trees and the bad trees are 

 marked with crosses of red or green ; and out of them further 

 selecting will be done. The indifferent trees are not marked. But 

 three ti'ees have been particulai"ly selected on account of their 

 well-established yield, and put out of tapping that they may furnish 

 the best possible seed. The first choice is tree No. 27 and not only 

 has it been put out of tapping but its neighbours have been cut back 

 that it may have more light. Seeds of it will be distributed to you 

 and other's as soon as available." 



