366 



usually do not thrive as well if they grow at all, as those at the top 

 and bottom of the slopes. This appears to be due to the action of 

 underground water currents which interfere with the growth or 

 action of roots. 



The greater part of the hills of Sarawak, at least that portion 

 which I have seen, are sandstone or limestone, and a great area of 

 the diluvium of the lower country is therefore very sandy. But the 

 Lundu Hills which 1 visited are granitic, composed of a fine-grained 

 granite. Below the base of the hills is a flat open plain of consi- 

 derable size, formerly cultivated with Tobacco. The soil here is 

 less sandy and more argillaceous, with sandy mounds or small hills 

 scattered about it. This seemed to be the most suitable ground for 

 Para rubber I saw in Sarawak, and it is here that Mr. MoiR has 

 secured a concession for rubber planting. The soil is fairly dry, 

 and full of humus for a considerable depth. A good deal of pepper 

 has been planted here on the sandier spots. Another likely spot is 

 along ihe Kuching River near Santubong, I had not time to visit 

 this but heard that . somewhere here Chinese were planting Para- 

 rubber. 



H. N. RIDLEY. 



