Sept. 1006. J 



Correspondence. 



that they are able to make. The Natal teas from Mr, Gilbert's estate are excellently 

 made and finished ; that is the A. samples. The B. samples are not nearly as good, 

 some of them being little better than rubbish. The flavour of the teas is much 

 like China tea, but in appearance the A. samples resemble Cachar teas. We append 

 Messrs. Forbes & Walker's report, for which we thank them ; and we congratulate 

 Mr. Gilbert on his progress in spite of the difficulties to be contended with in a 

 country like Natal. — Ed.] 



REPORT ON SAMPLES OF NATAL TEAS. 



(A) Samples 1— 5 representing Broken Orange Pekoe, Broken Pekoe, Pekoe 

 No. 1, Pekoe No. 7, and Pekoe Souchong. 



These samples in appearance are satisfactory, being well made, clean and 

 well graded. The liquors are plain with fair quality and strength. The infusions 

 are somewhat dull. 



{B) Sample.— This is Broken Pekoe of fair appearance and tips. The liquor 

 is the same character as " A " but of inferior quality. 



(B) Sa)tiples 1—4.— These are all flaky broken teas rather stalky and 

 reddish. The liquors are common and unattractive. Infusions are dark. 



"A" Samples are useful teas and might be described as ordinary, fair 

 medium teas. 



" B " Sample is a common to medium tea. 



"C " Samples would rank amongst common China red leaf sittings. 



(Signed) Forbes & Walker. 



RUBBER GROWING. 



Dear Sir,— I am interested in a rubber proposition, in a country which has 

 not yet reached the stage of production on a large scale, though trees have been 

 sucessfully grown experimentally and on a small scale, and I shall be much indebted 

 if you will be good enough to give me the benefit of your views on the following 

 points, viz :— 



(1.) What is the lowest rainfall necessary for the successful cultivation of 

 rubber, on land which is not periodically flooded, as for instance some of the 

 Brazilian forests ? 



(2.) Is a planter, with general and w T ide experience in the cultivation of 

 tropical plants but with none as to rubber, likely to be successful in growing it, with 

 Herbert Wright's book as his main guide, supplemented by such information as he 

 can gather from planters in his country, who may or may not have had actual 

 experience of the successful production of rubber ? 



Yours faithfully, 



T. S. TURNBULL. 



Manchester, 3rd August, 1906. 



[ (1) If this refers to Para rubber, we should say the lowest rainfall is usually 

 from 65 to 75 inches, well distributed. The tree will not stand long droughts. 



(2.) It depends on the plants. Rubber cultivation is as yet so absolutely in 

 its infancy, and we know so little about methods of tapping, yield, &c, that any 

 man with common sense and adaptability should be able to get on well enough with 

 it. Mr. Wright's book will give him most of what is already known upon the 

 subject, but probably within 5 years will be hopelessly out-of-date.— Ed.] 



