259 . 
be mixed with other e = ‘rubbers with a corresponding improve- 
ment in toughness and s 1. 
In a locality so is sts for the growth of india-rubber viris 
plants, it would be interesting to know, whether any o of the 
without invalidating the produet. Common alum is sometimes found 
in the Para r ubber, being used as a medium for coagulating, perhaps it 
may be useful in the pr esent case 
I was informed by a friend who spent some time in Africa, that a 
very large quantity of crude acetic acid was shipped to different parts 
on the East Coast some years ago, and was evidently used in preparing 
aaben 
In smoking india-rubber, any plant may be used which yields acetic 
acid, but any plant yielding turpentine or similar products should be 
av oided. 
The preservative action of the crude acid is enhanced Ad ereosote 
and tarry matter present. Para rubber is ice with these, 
While forming a favourable opinion of this gum, we cannot fix a 
value upon it, as everything will PpO upon hoy far the experimental 
working can be verified in working on a larger quantity, As a supp 
of this is at present available, we would suggest that a larger quantity 
be sent over, say 100 pounds, so that we coul t it in a practical 
manner, and. thus give a better opinion as to i commercial value, 
supply sufñcient for vasa i use should be s 
RUBBER, GUTTA Paia AN 
- TELEGRAPH Works Co. ra y 
Silvertown. 
` The results of the inquiry and the suggestions offered by this esta- 
lishment 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, 
Sir, September 11, 1888. 
I AM desired by Mr, Thiselton Dyer to acknowledge the receipt 
ad A gea leta of the 16th June last forwarding papers a and specimens 
e Gover eter of Lagos, relative to some experiments which had 
been made by Mr, A. Millson on the preparation of rubber from the 
From “the botanical specimens forwarded by Mr. Millson, Pr a 
Oliver h has arrived at the conclusion that this particular * Abba” tre 
ia probably Ficus Vogelii, Miq., a West African rubber tree frat 
collected by Vogel at Grand Bassa. This determination, however, 
ranches, leaves, flower: s 
The various samples of rubber ceived were forwarded, through 
ilver, Esq., F.L.S., to the India Rubber, Gutta Pete an 
Telegraph Company ( at erto he samples have 
trum close 
