3M 



likely that we shall find any tree in our forests which will supply 

 an article as suitable for the various purposes for which the bark 

 of the Cork-oak is used. It is worth recording, however, I think, 

 that for bottle corks in Singapore, the Chinese are using in consider- 

 able quantity the pithy midrib of the leaf of the sago palm. The 

 dead leaves are taken and stript of the leaflets, the rachis on which 

 the leaflets are set is cut up for corks. They are used for milk- 

 bottles chiefly where the cork once drawn is not required again. 

 It may be doubted whether the texture is sufficiently close to be 

 used for wine or any volatile liquid, but for many purposes the 

 pith would do as well and would be certainly cheaper. Many years 

 ago it was used at our local Museum in the place of Cork for insect 

 boxes, and we may yet find other uses for this waste product. 



H. X. R. 



Rubber plants for Sale. 



The Resident Councillor of Malacca writes that he has of over- 

 stock eight thousand seedlings of Para rubber, and six hundred 

 plants of Rambong (Ficus clastica) to dispose of. Para rubber 

 plants for 3 cents apiece, or if over three thousand are taken 2\ 

 cents; Rambong plants at 25 cents each. 



A Gambier Disease. 



Specimens of diseased Gambier shoots were lately sent to the 

 Botanic Gardens from Indragiri. The disease does not appear to 

 have done very much harm at present but the facts are worth not- 

 ing. The terminal shoots wither turn black and die. Examination 

 shewed no trace of any fungus but the stems were swollen and 

 split in parts. The shoots were much infested with coccus, and 

 with the specimens were sent some examples of a bug which is 

 not rarely to be seen on herbage. A species of Centrotus, a small 

 boat-shaped brown bug armed with sharp recurved horns over its 

 back. I have no notes as to the life history of this animal, nor can 

 I find that anything has been recorded as to its habits, but it be- 

 longs to a destructive group of insects and may be responsible for 

 the damage. 



Singapore Flower Show. 



It is proposed to hold a Flowc: Show in Singapore in the end 

 of Julv. The exhibition includes Ferns, Selaginellas, and flower- 

 ing plants of all kinds, and is open to the Colony and Federated 

 Malay States. The exact date will be fixed later, and schedules 

 of the prizes will be sent out in about a month or earlier to any 

 applicant. 



