November, 1912.] 



357 



them, have planted rubber on such high land as they possess in conjunc- 

 tion with their paddy fields. This I think is the direction in which 

 further progress is possible. If without disturbing his present vocation 

 as a peasant who is employed in making (with difficulty) a living out of 

 his ancestral land by growing the food crops necessary (often only partial- 

 ly) for feeding himself and his family, the goiya can improve his circum- 

 stances by growing rubber on a small scale on his oiviti lands, boundaries 

 and bunds, he will be doing as much as is possible in taking advantage of 

 the opportunities presented to him. — Yours faithfully, 



N. WICKREMARATNE. 



THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION AND 

 AGRICULTURE. 



The British Association has raised Agriculture to the dignity of a 

 Section. The significance of this announcement may not be fully under- 

 stood by all Agriculturists nor indeed is it quite capable of explanation in 

 view of the fact that the British Association is one for the ad vancement 

 of Science. — ("The British Association for the Advancement of Science.") 



It marks, in a way, an epoch : suggesting the question : Has the British 

 Association neglected its duty towards Agriculture ? We suppose that 

 four-fifths of the human race are engaged in Agriculture and that alone 

 might have been considered as sufficient claim tor recognition. But 

 Agriculture has not lagged behind other Sciences in achievement. 



It can point to the great merino wool breeding industry of Australia 

 and New Zealand and the perfection of texture, staple and cover that 

 has been accomplished ; to the stables and stockyards of England ; the 

 vineyards of Europe ; the cotton fields of America ; the products of the 

 tropics. It can claim to have followed the explorer into the dark con- 

 tinent and to be converting its vast wastes into farms and plantations, 

 and to be compelling the fertile fallow soils of Asia to produce what had 

 previously been considered a monopoly of undisturbed nature. 



These and other triumphs have been won without any assistance 

 from the British Association for the Advancement of Science. It is indeed 

 a great step that the British Association has at length recognised Agri- 

 culture ; it will be a greater when Agriculture can look to the British 

 Association tor guidance. 



DUMBARA TOBACCO. 



London Brokers' Report. 

 On the 24th of August last a sample of the Dumbara Tobacco grown 

 in that district from the Sumatra seed was sent to Peradeniya and 

 forwarded to Messrs Gray, Dawes & Co. of London for a Broker's report. 

 The following has now been received :— 



London, September 30, 1912. 

 We give you below copy of Brokers' report and valuation on the 

 sample of Tobacco forwarded, in accordance with your letter of 26th 

 August last : — 



Ceylon Tobacco.— This is a well grown leaf of good texture, but the 

 colours are too red and the flavour and burning not suitable for cigar use, 

 Sumatra and Borneo are the principal leaf now used and it is impossible 

 to displace these growths. For cutting purposes it is a little too thin, but 

 it might find some favour if at a cheap price of 4d, to 5d. per lb. packed 

 in dry condition; 



