148 
In smoking india-rubber, any plant may be used which yields 
acetic acid, but any plant yielding turpentine or similar products 
should be avoided. 
The preservative action of the crude acid is enhanced y 
creosote and tarry matter present. Para rubber is flavoured with 
these. 
While forming a favourable opinion of this gum, we cannot fix 
a value upon it, as everything will depend upon how far the 
experimental working can be verified in ing 0 ar, 
quantity. Asa supply of this is at present available, we would 
suggest that a larger quantity be sent over, say 100 pounds, so that 
we could test it in a practical manner, i 
INDIA RUBBER, GUTTA PERCHA, AND TELEGRAPH 
: ORKS Co. (LIMITED), 
Silvertown. 
The results of the inquiry and the suggestions offered by this 
establishment are contained in the following letter addressed to 
the Colonial Office for communication to the Government of 
Lagos : 
ROYAL GARDENS, KEW, to COLONIAL OFFICE. 
Royal Gardens, Kew, 
September 11, 1888. 
mens from the Government of Lagos, relative to some experiments 
ich had been made by Mr. A. Millson on the preparation of 
rubber from the Abba tree. 
From the botanieal specimens forwarded by Mr. Millson, 
Professor Oliver has arrived at the conclusion that this particular 
“Abba” tree is probably Ficus Vogelii, Miq., a West African 
Bassa i 
sent in all eases of this kind, which should contain young terminal 
shoots, as well as portions of the branches, leaves, flowers, and 
- fruits. 
e various samples of rubber as received were forward. 
: through S. W. Silver, Esq., F.L.S., to the India Rubber, Gutta Percha 
and Telegraph Company (Limited), at Silvertown. The samples 
ve received a very careful and exhaustive examination at their 
hands, and we have received from Mr. Silver a full report, a copy 
' of which is herewith enclosed. 
It is necessary in the first place to point out that rubber from 
the Abba tree similar to that under notice has already been in- 
vestigated at this establishment, In the Kew Report for the year 
