22 



Coagulation. 



Samples of rubber prepared at Kuala Kangsarhave been reported 

 on as equal to good Para (Brazilian) and would fetch best Para 

 prices. I have always found the latex to coagulate readily with 

 only the addition of a pinch of alum and by placing immediately in 

 smoke both putrefaction and mould are avoided. If the rubber is 

 sound the market value depends on the state of dryness in which 

 it is received. What has been prepared at Kuala Kangsar has 

 been kept smoked until shipped. A parcel sent to London 3-0- 

 years ago was reported to have lost 26\ per cent, in washing and 

 the manufacturers thought that if sent home in bulk the less would 

 reach 30 per cent. This, however, is a question for the planter 

 himself, smoke has a chemical action in the coagulation of latex 

 from Hevea"* as well as saving decomposition, and assists in 

 gradually drying. To be as dry as possible depends on the time 

 the rubber has been kept smoked, and I am of opinion that dry 

 marketable rubber could not be prepared under two months. 

 Whether # centrifugalization will prove a practical method with 

 Hevea is still in its infancy. I understand that the globules of 

 caoutchouc in the latex of Hevea do not separate readily, as is the 

 case with some other latices, and owing to its chemical combina- 

 tion the latex of Hevea will be probably best prepared by the 

 natural method. 



Topping. 



Some correspondence has reached me with reference to the ad- 

 vantages of topping Hevea trees. The only advantage I am aware 

 of, would be the production of a heavy canopy which would assist 

 in keeping down weeds. Otherwise it seems theoretically wrong. 

 It has been proved by experiment and investigation that the latex 

 runs most freely and contains more caoutchouc at the base of the 

 tree, and the yield of latex in the branches is small and deficient 

 in the essential properties of caoutchouc.^ The trunk evidently 

 performs its part as a manufacturing agent and should be left intact. 



I have observed that trees which are " forked" low down do not 

 yield readily. If not due to injury " forked " trees is caused by 

 planting the seeds too deeply. The seeds should be pressed into 

 the soil of a nursery bed, but never covered, as if so, the seeds 

 germinate with 2 or 3 stems 



Summary. 



I have not seen any published accounts on Hevea (excepting 

 Brazilian) where as good results are obtained as in Malaya, either 

 in rate of growth, seed production, dimensions, yield and adapt- 

 ability. 



Rambong. 



India Rubber (Ficus elastica). A sample of 5 .V lbs. was sent to 

 London, with the Para parcel, for sale and opinion. It was reported 



* Vide— Proff. Biffen's report, 

 v Vh1i\-- Parkin's Ceylon Reports. 



