266 
Administrator TREACHER to COLONIAL OFFICE. 
an House, Labuan, 
Sir, August 26, 1878. 
Wiru reference to the despatches noted in the margin, I have 
the honour to report that from the seeds of the Eleis guineensis sent 
out to Labuan, at the suggestion of Governor Ussher, by the anthorities 
of Kew Gardens, and which were sown on the Island of Daat, som 
trees have sprung up. 
The seeds were planted in August 1877, ps moivithe standing a 
drought, which was quite exceptional and lasted sane ad x h comen: 
the young trees flourished, and were eraneplanted i in jg uly las 
: is 
. As I have already reported, jungle fires prevailed extensively 
duri ring the drought above alluded to, denuding, or rather completing 
the denudation of considerable iei of uncultivated land formerly 
covered with fine timber trees. 
e, &c. 
(Bizni m H. TREACHE 
'The Right Hon (yos SN 
Sir Michael Hicks-Beach, M.P., 
&c. 
Yei Office. 
Royat GARDENS, Kew, to COLONIAL OFFICE. 
Sin, Royal Gardens, m June oe 
I am desired by Mr. Thiselton Dyer to inform you t 
inquiry was made at Kew r espectin an experiment cindéstitken in i die 
years 1876-78 to establish the African Oil Palm (Eleis guineensis) in 
Labuan. 
2. The seeds for the poos were obtained by Kew at the request of 
the Colonial Office, and fi copy of a despatch enclosed in your 
letter of the 18th Conia: 1878, it appears that 700 plants were raised 
on the island of Daat, most of which were irgend transplanted in 
July of t year. No information later than 1878 has reached this 
lishme 
3. i view of the inquiry = mentioned, and for the purpose of 
ting the records respecting a very interesting experiment, Mr. 
Thiselton Dyer will be glad if the Secretary of State will approve y. 
A reference being made to the Government of Labuan to obtain 
(Signed) D. Morris. 
Sir Robert G. W. Herbert, K.C.B., 
Colonial Office. 
