53 



attained, both more cheaply, and in a better manner than could 

 be done by isolated endeavours. Rubber is used for avast amount 

 of manufactures, and the manufacturers require different styles, and 

 classes of rubber. A permanent rubber expert would be in touch 

 with all the different classes of manufacturers. He would be able 

 to give advice, as to the suitability of any kind of rubber for any 

 different purposes. Planters at home on leave, and managers in 

 town could consult him, on any necessary point. In fact he could 

 become an authority on rubber cultivation and manufacture from 

 the germination of the seed to the end of the history of the rubber 

 as reclaimed rubber. 



The planter in the Colonies and the merchant at home hardly yet 

 realize fully the potentiality of the Imperial Institute. It is rapidly 

 developing into a most important engine for the development of 

 Agriculture and Commerce, and the co-operation required is with 

 the Institute on the part of all planters, merchants and manufacturers 

 in the Empire, and its dependencies. 



H. N. R. 



PLANTATION RUBBER. 



Falling-off in Quality of Biscuits and Sheet. 



Sir, — We should like, through your medium, to draw Planters' 

 attention to the falling-off in the preparation of Ceylon biscuits 

 and sheets compared with what it was when we recommended them 

 to continue to ship their produce in one or other of these forms. 

 Recently numerous marks have suffered severely in price in conse- 

 quence of their roughness and black colour, and in many cases 

 mouldy and resinous surfaces, upon their arrival here. In our 

 opinion, the delects arise from want of care in curing, whether 

 from want of factory space, or from hurrying ; and that imperfectly- 

 cured lots deteriorate on the voyage home and fermentation goes 

 on, resulting in the resin exuding and spoiling both biscuits and 

 sheets. That this can be avoided is proved by the high standard 

 maintained by such marks as Culloden, Heatherley, etc., from 

 Ceylon; Bukit Rajah, Selangor, Pataling, Jebong, etc., from the 

 traits and F. M. S. Of course, the Lanadron block leaves nothing 

 to be desired ; but everyone is not as yet in a position to block their 

 rubber, and as a difference in price varying from 3d. to 6d. per lb. 

 has often of late been made between fine biscuits, sheets, etc , and 

 the dark discoloured and inferior lots, we venture to suggest that, as 

 manufacturers have more or less got over their prejudice against 

 crepe rubber, planters should send it home in this form, and, we 

 think, they will greatlv decrease the evil referred to. In other 

 words, it is much better to send home good crepe than bad biscuits 

 °r sheets. Good scrap creoe is also realizing excellent prices and 

 c hi P crepe up to and over 45, 



Recently, with larger supplies, buyers have been discriminating 

 much more, and we find 5*. 6d. @ 5s. Sd. being paid for fine pale 



