603 



After all the value of rubber is determined by its analytical 

 contents and it would be much more instructing were we to receive 

 the analysis of samples sent home, instead of a valuation, which 

 may or may not be correct. 



We know (or at least should do so) exactly what the require- 

 ments of the manufacturers are and should leave no stone unturned 

 to supply them with a product such as they require. That this can 

 be done, there is little doubt and I suggest it is now time to inves- 

 tigate the matter thoroughly otherwise it mav be the case of "give 

 a dog a bad name etc." The matter rests entirely with the planters 

 themselves and will be entirely due to their efforts as to whether 

 cultivated rubber from the Straits (or Malay Peninsula) finds a 

 ready sale on the European markets at a higher price than even 

 " Fine Para." 



I remain, Dear Sir, 



Yours faithfully, 



FRANCIS PEARS. 



NOTE. — It is to be hoped that the large body of Planters in the 

 Peninsula whose interests lie in the direction indicated above, will 

 avail themselves of the pages of this Bulletin to record the result 

 of their experiments and to give expression to their opinions on 

 this vital question. — Editor. 



PROPAGATION OF STEPHANOTIS. 



Dear Sir, 



Would it be too much to ask you for hints on the propagation 

 of Stephanotis by cuttings or otherwise? 1 have tried the Marcot- 

 tage system described in the October issue of the Agricultural 

 Bulletin but so far without success. 



Yours truly, 



B. BERRINGTOX. 



We generally find that with Stephanotis simple cuttings are 

 preferable to Marcotting. The cuttings should be taken from old 

 wood, at least of one year's growth. The cuttings of about two 

 joints, start growth, in fairly good soil with plenty of sand, usually 

 readily enough. The soil must of course he kept damp but not 

 saturated, and the cuttings should be put round the sides of the 

 pot so as to press against it. Of course as in all cuttings, care 

 must be taken to cut just below a joint, as it is only from joints 

 that roots are produced. — Editor. 



TANNING CROCODILE SKINS. 



Dear Sir, 



I am writing to you as Editor of the Agricultural Bulletin in 

 the hope that you may also be able to help me in the matter of 



