3.1 



The other exhibition consisted of fine examples of Para and 

 Rambong rubbers. 



By direction of the Committee a Medal was awarded in recogni- 

 tion of excellence of exhibit which I should appreciate for myself 

 if the Resident allows me to retain it. 



4. July 13th visited Penang Gardens and obtained 2 boxes of 

 various plants including six seedlings Flint unia clastica (Kicksia 

 africana) Lagos rubber, an important addition to the gardens here. 



I also saw Mr. Curtis' specimens and planting of Getah Percha 

 Dichopsis (Palaquium) gutta. 



Some large trees were fruiting at the time of my visit and the 

 difference in trees growing side by side, only to be seen in the 

 fruit, was noted. 



It is important to collect herbarium specimens of all varieties 

 of Dichopsis for systematic classification, as otherwise in forming 

 plantations it will not be improbable that the best variety for plant- 

 ing may be mistaken. 



5. Dichopsis does not appear to be fruiting on the Larut Hills 

 at present. 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



Botanic Gardens, 

 Singapore, 6th August \ 1901. 



A correspondent writes : — 



It is not very easy to advise you about your Ficus elastica trees. 



I can only say in a general way that you must be careful not to 

 cut away aerial roots without due consideration, from the fact that 

 you are reducing your area of stem for tapping purposes later. 

 The same principle as governs tree-pruning should apply, that is 

 where they appear to be too crowed, crooked or deformed, or grow- 

 ing inwards, cut away but not otherwise. 



" Ficus elastica. — Can you give me any information re treatment 

 " of these. I have trees years old 30' across and about 20-25' 

 "high; they are throwing down so many aerial roots from branches 

 "that it is nothing else than a dense mass of small aerial roots be- 

 " fore you can get at the stem of the tree, — should branches be cut 

 "off close to the ground, — how far up, and should only a few aerial 

 " roots be left for sapping purpose later on. Any information 

 "you can give me will be much appreciated". 



Some months ago considerable interest was awakened by the 

 local Pr^ss quoting an account of the delicious flavour of the fruit 

 of the Cherimoyer, and the question was asked would it grow in 

 the Straits. The following correspondence settles the point : — 



PER A DEN I YA, 



/ j/7/ May , rgoi. 



