Ixxii. 



Appendix :— Proceedings of 



7. Lac. The Secretary stated, that the sample before- the 

 meeting was the produce of the Chermes Lacea, an insect 

 which produces two very valuable articles of commerce, 

 namely, Shellac and Lac dye, both which substances are 

 largely consumed in the Arts and Manufactures in Europe; 

 it is extensively exported from India, but as it is described 

 as being abundant in Badulla, there is every prospect of its 

 becoming a valuable article of export from Ceylon also. 



The Lac belongs to the same class and order of Insects 

 as the Cochineal, and whilst the latter only produces crimson 

 dye, the former produces the substance called Shellac as well. 

 On macerating a portion of the sample before the Society in 

 hot water, the crimson colour was seen to be imparted to 

 the water, whilst the shellac floated on the surface, and became 

 quite soft and pliant. The colouring matter is altogether 

 derived from the bodies of the insects which reside in the 

 cellular structure of the substance, as it is found on the tree; 

 it is this cellular substance, which appears to be useful in 

 protecting the insect from ants and other enemies, that yields 

 the Shellac. 



It would be well worth while to draw attention to the 

 cultivation of the Lac, instead of the Cochineal insect ; as the 

 plants productive of the former — (the Gyrocarpus Jacqnmi 

 is one) — as well as the insect itself, are already abundant in 

 the jungle, whilst the Cochineal plant and insect are still 

 strangers to the soil and climate of Ceylon. 



8. Kittui fibres. A black horse hair like substance, produced 

 from the Jaggery Palm, used by the natives for making ropes, 

 of which specimens were laid on the table, also a brush made 

 with the fibre, for which purpose it appears to be as well 

 adapted as bristles, being quite as strong and almost as elastic, 

 If procurable in Urge quantities,it might prove a useful product. 



2. Sulphur stone^ described by Mr. Ondaatje as follows : 



I haye now the pleasure of submitting the accompanying specimen 

 of Sulphur stone, and shall be glad to be favoured with your opinion. 



Sulphur exists, in Bintenne in combination with iron pyrites in great 

 abundance. 



