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RUBBER IN SOUTHERN INDIA. 



By H. N. Ridley. 



The account of rubber planting in Southern India in the 

 Administration Report of Madras, 1904 to 1905, just received, is not 

 a very encouraging one. Twenty-two trees of Landolphia 

 Florida are said to be doing well, though somewhat damaged 

 by monkeys. Of Ceara rubber a single plant at Kistna has 

 produced 50 healthy seedlings, seed planted in South Canara, 

 North Malabar, North Coimabatore, failed completely to germinate. 

 There are however 2 acres at Kanoth and Manantoddy and a 

 few full grown trees at other places. Some of these have been 

 tapped but no results recorded. 



Ficus Elastica apparently failed entirely, except a few plants 

 protected from seed and sand blow. 



Para rubber seed failed to germinate at Arcot, in North 

 Malabar, 15 out of 535 germinated and five plants survive, in 

 South Malabar of 535 seeds, 64 germinated and the rats, monkeys 

 and porcupines ate all but 8 plants. There are 24 trees in 

 good condition in one spot in South Malabar. 



The small percentage of germination suggests that the seeds 

 were a bad lot, or that there was something wrong with the 

 planting, but anyway it is clear that Para rubber is not suited 

 for the climate. 



Kickxia Africana, 22 plants exist in South Malabar, but are 

 poor in growth, and damaged by a boring caterpillar. It is a 

 worthless plant anyway. 



On the whole this part of India does not seem to offer a field 

 to the rubber planter. Ceara seems the most likely plant to do 

 in this region, but even that does not promise well. Obviouslv 

 no time or money should be wasted over Para rubber. 



COLONIAL FRUITS. 



It is officially announced that three further exhibitions of 

 Colonial Fruits and Vegetable Produce will be held by the 

 Council of the Royal Horticultural Society, Vincent Square, 

 Westminster London, on March 22nd and 23rd, June 6th and 

 7th, and December 4th and 5th, 1906 Full particulars may be 

 obtained by intending exhibitors from the Secretary to the 

 Society. 



It will be remembered that a collection of Fruits preserved 

 from Penang received a Silver Medal last year at one of these 

 Exhibitions, and it may be hoped that again those who have the 

 opportunity of sending samples of fruit, fresh or preserved, or 

 of vegetables suitable for the trade of the European markets may 

 take steps to prepare specimens for exhibition in London. 



The Director of Gardens will be pleased to forward any 

 samples sent to him in time for one of these exhibitions. — Ed. 



