4 IN 



ported as free from moisture, very strong, and vulcanising well. It 

 will be remarked that the percentage of resins and albuminous 

 matter was very small, and the amount of mineral matter present 

 almost nil. The analysis shows the rubber to be composed as 

 follows : — 



Caoutchouc ... ... 95'50 per cent. 



Resins, etc, ... ... yco 



Albuminous matter ... 125 



Mineral matters ... ... 0*25 ,, 



1 00" 0( ' 



This is a splendid analysis and a matter on which Ceylon plan- 

 ters have to be congratulated, as few rubbers can show such a liigia 

 percentage of caoutchouc or pure riibbar, and so little resins. &c. 

 This analysis will be read with much interest by rubber-growers, 

 showing the constituents of the rubber to be about as perfect as 

 the raw article can show. 



The Tropica! Agriculturist , Vol. XXIV, p. 328. 



EXPLOITABLE SIZE FOR BAKAU SWAMPS. 



In the Dindings Bakau forms one of the chief items of Revenue, 

 but is now completely worked out owing to indiscriminate and 

 unsystematic fellings. 



It takes about 12 years to step into the pole stage and in another 

 8 years reaches a 6-inch diameter. Bakau begins with a conical 

 bole and attains cylindricity with the completion of the pole stage, 

 so that if felled at this size a greater part of it could be utilized as 

 fuel. It would also fix the age most favourable for the natural 

 regeneration of the species, as a crop of well established seedlings 

 only now appear. Regeneration is hardly noticeable in a thicket, 

 owing to the dense shade and sterile seeds produced. Bakau comes 

 into importance as a regenerator at 4 inches diameter and if re- 

 moved soon after, the forests would not only be thrown back in 

 strength for a period of 5 to 8 years, but would also result in clean 

 fellings and deteriorate in density and composition especially in the 

 case of a mixed Cfop. 



Bakau under 6 inches diameter is used for fishing stakes only 

 and not appreciable as fuel, it is only matured Bakau that- can be 

 used immediately after conversion as the woody cells are saturated 

 with resinous products. The specific gravity is heavier than sea 

 water. Wood smaller than 6 inches diameter is a bit sappy and 

 the fibres not being properly differentiated nor the xylem bundles 

 completely liquified, fires do not travel quite so fast along the tis- 

 sues resulting in a smoky fuel, splits take fire more readily as they 

 ■Irv quicker. 



