117 



Saps and Exudations. 



nail pruned tree send up two or three main poles from its thickened, shortened 

 trunk, or does it turn into a misshapen caricature of a tree like a pollard willow ? 

 And, did Mr. Golledge tar over the top of his stumped ten-year old tree ; if not, 

 did it escape disease, canker, etc. ?, for, if so, the disease bogie must be more of a 

 myth than ever. Apologising for this rambling communication, and enclosing 

 card, yours, &c. 



H. V, A. 



Western Province, January 25th. 



BRITISH OPINIONS ON THE CEYLON RUBBER INDUSTRY. 



I. 



0, Mincing Lane, London, E,C, 



17th January 1906. 



Dear Sir,— We notice with interest that a Rubber Exhibition on an extensive 

 scale is to be held in Ceylon. We think this is an excellent idea, and have no 

 doubt it will be most useful. You are, no doubt, aware by this time that a mem- 

 ber of our firm— Mr. A. O. Devitt, who is thoroughly conversant with rubber, its 

 treatment, preparation, etc.— is on a visit to Ceylon and the Straits and Malay 

 States, with the express object of giving information and advice to all interested in 

 rubber, whether as planters or merchants, and as he has gone at the special request 

 of friends largely interested, and carries with him special letters of introduction to a 

 large number of planters and others, we have no doubt a pleasant and useful 

 exchange of ideas will result. 



We do not think Ceylon planters or merchants need trouble about manu- 

 facturers opening works in Ceylon, which they are not likely to do— but it certainly 

 is important that they should learn from our partner, or others, the lines upon which 

 business cau be done, and we have no doubt will be done, as the industry developes 

 and increases. He takes with him all details relating to rubber, and will be only too 

 happy to afford every information possible.— We are, dear Sir, yours faithfully, 



LEWIS & PEAT. 



II. 



11 & 15, Fenchurch Street, 



London, E.C., Jan. 19th. 



Dear Sirs,— You ask for our opinion as to the advisability of establishing a 

 manufactory for India Rubber in your Island. We think it almost impossible.- Tbi 

 varieties used are so many, and such a large proportion come from Brazil, whi^fa 

 will be the leading source of supply lor generations. The '"heat" of your eotult^ps; 

 climate would probably prevent good manufacture. From experience and knowledge . 

 of this important trade for close on half-a-century, we consider your planters, ,vn ilie' 

 long run, will get the best results by selling their rubber here,, where^we; have 

 competition from all the world. The freight and charges per pound are insignificant,;, 

 notwithstanding interested reports, and there are buyers of all varieties^ regularly. 

 We have urged extension of planting for years past in our annual reports, &c„ -and, 

 as we said in the valuable one sent you on the 3rd inst., we rejoice at the prosperous 

 results. Do not let planters go into the manufacturing trade, or grudge even "middle^ 

 men earning a trifle out of their abundant profits, and do not expect any serious 

 reductions in the supply of Brazil Rubber— now 36,900 tons —for many years. 



We are at Planters' and Merchants' service, and do our vbest to obtain high 

 prices for their rubbers. Concentrated action and selling in this market will, we 

 are sure, produce planters the best results in the long run.— We are, dear Sirs, yours 

 faithfully, 



S. FIGGIS & CO. 



