279 



serving to protect the flowers from animals; while the occurrence of 

 poisonous substances in latex is no doubt an efficient means of pro- 

 tection against certain animals. It is not uncommon to find insects 

 in the neighbourhood of Hevea plantations bearing masses of 

 coagulated latex on all parts of their bodies in such quantity as to 

 considerably hinder their movement ; and it is believed that the 

 insects pests of Hevea would cause considerably greater damage, were 

 it not for the protection offered by the latex. 



The occurrence of these two functions of latex is clear; but, they 

 are in all probability not primary functions and can only be regarded 

 as incidental. With regard to the two first named functions, the one 

 of conducting food-miterial and the other of receiving products of 

 excretion, it is uncertain as to which was the primary one. 



The relation of latex to the life of the parent possesses far more 

 than a mere scientific interest. The recognition of the laticiferous 

 tubes as a means of conducting plastic fooil material is of itself of 

 primary importance, inasmuch as such problems of practical im- 

 portance as tapping, systems of tapping, bark renewal, etc., are 

 closely connected with it, while an accurate knowledge of the signi- 

 ficance and mode of formation of caoutchouc must be of considerable 

 value to the practical cultivator. 



KEITH BANCROFT, b.a. 



Paris Green 



London Purple 

 Soda Arseniate 

 CARBON BISULPHIDE 



State quantities and we shaH 

 be pleased to quote you :: 



The George Town Dispensary, Ltd. 



IPOH, PERAK. F.M.S. 



