599 



iarge number were up. On examining the seed beds it was found that 

 there were still many seeds quite sound that showed signs of germi- 

 nating. Occasional seedlings kept coming up until the end of Sep- 

 tember. In addition to above a batch of 50 young stumps — i.e., young 

 plants cut back leaving about four inches of stem — were also received 

 from Messrs. Mollison & Co. The plants were packed in bundles, the 

 roots being wrapped in damp moss ; several shoots had started to grow 

 on the journey. The plants on arrival were put in nursery beds in 

 dense shade, which was gradually reduced as the plants became more 

 accustomed to the light. All the plants lived and are now forming 

 good bushes. 



A permanent plot of 350 plants was put out in September, planted 

 10' x 10'. Three hundred plants were distributed to different estates 

 for trial. The raising of camphor from cuttings on a large scale has 

 not, I regret to say, so far proved successful. 



Tapioca. — A series of manuring experiments with tapioca (Mani- 

 hot utilisima) were initiated in June. The object being to note the 

 effects of various chemical manures on the growth and weight of the 

 crop. For this purpose 12 plots, each roth of an acre, were laid out. 

 The experiment was divided into two sections : 



a (6 plots). The manure was applied and lightly chang- 

 kolled in as soon as the cuttings had started to grow 

 freely. 



b (6 plots.). The manure was applied and changkolled in 14 

 days before planting. 

 The manures used, with the rate of application per acre, were as 

 follows : 



No. 1, marked N., 80 lbs. of sulphate of ammonia, containing 



about 20 per cent, nitrogen ; 

 No. 2, marked N.P., 80 lbs. of sulphate of ammonia, 100 pounds 

 concentrated superphosphate, containing about 40 per cent, 

 phosphoric acid P 2 . 0'\ ; 

 No. 3, marked N.P.K., 80 lbs., sulphate of ammonia, 96 lbs., con- 

 centrated superphosphate, and 160 lbs., sulphate of potash 

 containing about 50 per cent, potash, K 2 . O., of the remaining 

 plots three were used as controls, and in three the planting 

 distances were varied. As this experiment is not yet com- 

 plete no figures are yet available. A report on the results 

 will be published later. 

 Pisang or Banana (Musa sapientum vars.). — A collection of 66 

 varieties of pisangs was obtained from Mr. A. Hale, District Officer, 

 Larut and Krian, in October. The plants have been put in well-pre- 

 pared holes and are doing well. Mr. Hale is a great believer in the 

 banana, and has gone to a good deal of trouble to get his present large 

 collection together. An interesting article on banana cultivation by 

 Mr. Hale appeared in the " Agricultural Bulletin of the Straits and the 

 Federated Malay States, " Vol. V., No. 6 



Coco-nuts (Cocos nucifcra). — A collection of 20 named varieties of 

 coconut was obtained at Kuala Kangsar. They have been put in 

 nursery beds and will be available for planting in the present year. 



