17 



It is a curious point that the colonies were so long in developing 

 the colour. This is probably explained by the absence of necessary 

 oxygen, which could only enter the tissues as the moisture evaporated. 



The infection lasted for a month to six weeks and disappeared 

 almost as suddenly as it had appeared, without the certain source of 

 contamination being discovered. The natural conclusion is that it 

 was introduced by pool water which a tapping coolie was using to 

 dilute the latex, it is hardly possible (as was suggested) that the bark 

 was the primary host, as great care in sieving the finest particles of 

 this from the latex would not prevent the bacteria from being washed 

 into it. 



The colour in the crepe is almost completely removed by pro- 

 longed soaking in methylated spirit. 



(Sd.) C. J. Brooks, F. I. C, 



Sarawak. 



SMOKED RUBBER. 



A letter from Mr. H. A. Morss published in the India-rubber 

 journal, Nov. 4, 1910, is of some interest to planters. Mr. Morss is a 

 manufacturer of rubber covered wires and cables, and has been experi- 

 menting with plantation rubber mostly from Ceylon. His experience 

 is that while plantation rubber is clean and on the whole has good 

 mechanical qualities only smoked rubber is suitable for his purpose. 

 He has been unable to make a compound with acid-cured rubber which 

 will stand the searching chemical tests necessarily applied. On the 

 other hand, he has been able to do fairly well with smoked Ceylon 

 although owing to varying quality he cannot depend upon it for the 

 highest class of work. 



Here are two points to be observed the advantage of smoke-cured 

 over acid-cured in electrical work, and the importance of regularity in 

 quality of the rubber. — Ed. 



BROWN'S SPECIFIC 



FOR 



AND 



DIARRHOEA. 



To be had at the Singapore Dispensary and of Miss Brown, 

 Grassdale, River Valley Road, Singapore : : : : 



