552 



4. In a few instances the rows had been extended into a sandy 

 soil at the foot of a hill, and the difference in the rate of growth 

 between trees planted in peaty soil, and trees of the same age 

 planted in sandy soil, was most noticeable, the latter not being 

 much more than half the size of those mentioned above. 



The trees were all grown from rooted cuttings which were about 

 18" high when planted. 



5. Soils such as the one described above, contain a high per- 

 centage of nitrogen, but, when newly opened, are generally very 

 sour, owing to the large amount of stagnant water they contain ; 

 which, by excluding the air from the soil has prevented proper 

 oxidation, resulting in an accumulation of acids injurious to plant 

 life. 



The highly retentive properties of peaty soils necessitates a much 

 more elaborate system of draining than is generally practised when 

 opening up new agricultural land, as it is necessary to rid the soil 

 of this surplus moisture and the acids it contains in solution. 

 Heavy applications of lime are also beneficial as they neutralise the 

 effects of the acids, and thereby render the soil "sweet" and fit for 

 the cultivation of plants; while burning the soil, although attended 

 with a loss of nitrogen, is recommended on the grounds that it 

 increases the supply of avaialble mineral plant food, which is usually 

 deficient in peaty soils. 



6. It is apparent, from what has been said above, that this class 

 of soil, although persistently condemned for the cultivation of other 

 products, is eminently suited to the growth of Ficus, which, due to 

 its epiphytic nature is able to obtain its necessary food supplies 

 close to the surface, and thus avoids coming in contact with the 

 injurious acids previously referred to. 



I have the honour to be, 

 Sir, 



Your obedient Servant, 

 (Signed) STANLEY ARDEN, 

 Superintendent Experimental Plantations. 



PARA RUBBER STUMPS. 



Plate VIII. 



In this number we give an instructive photograph taken at Kong 

 Baik Estate in September 190 1, shewing Para rubber trees grown 

 from stumps. That is to say, tall young trees removed after about 

 a year or two's growth. As will be seen, the tops of the trees have 

 been cut off and the plant allowed to throw out side shoots. Trees 

 of almost any size can be shifted in this manner, and rarely fail to 

 start growing again. It is essential to cut the tops off when plant- 

 ing, as newly planted stumps with the full head on, are apt to be 

 so much shaken by the wind, that the new young roots cannot 

 retain their hold in the soil and are constantly broken. The stumps 

 very soon begin to throw up shoots from the top or rather just 



