October r, 1881.] THE TROPICAL AGRICULTURIST. 
395 
of requirements that might be made up to the sources from which supplies are most 
likely to be drawn. 
The Sub-Committee would point out that seeds of the better varieties of cinchonas 
are almost unobtainable in Ceylon by private applicants, and that these might be obtained 
from the Indian Government plantations at Darjeeling and at Ootacauiand, and also from 
the Dutch Government at Java. They would also beg to instance that it is equally 
impossible to obtain seeds of any of the species yielding India rubber, and they cannot 
but think Government influence could secure a supply from South America and elsewhere. 
I have, &c, 
A. PHILIP, 
Secretary. 
REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONERS. 
TnE Commissioners having duly and very carefully considered the questions referred 
to them for report, are of opinion that it is not the function of the Government Botanical 
Gardens to supply seeds and plants of new products in quantities, but that it consists in 
I terminates with their successful introduction and acclimatization. 
The Commissioners recognize the fact that the above object has been and is now kept 
in view in the administration of the Botanical Establishment in Ceylon. They therefore 
have requested the Director of the Botanical Gardens to refer to the records of Peradoniya 
Gardens, and to furnish a statement of the new economic plants or varieties that have, 
from time to time, been introduced into Ceylon, shewiug the success of each so far as the 
records at his disposal and the existing plants in the Gardens afford information ; and 
the same having been furnished, is attached hereto. ( Vide appendix D.) 
On a careful consideration of the letter addressed by the Secretary of the Planters' 
Association to the Colonial Secretary, under date of 14th May, 1881, the Commissioners are 
of opinion that great benefit would result if, having due regard to the interests of private 
enterprise, the organization of Government in regard to the various colonies and in 
foreign countries' were made use of for the purpose of facilitating the purchase in those 
places of seeds and plants of new cultures required in Ceylon. 
The Commissioners would have been glad to have had before them an outline of a 
Bdheme approved by the Sub-Committee of the Planters' Association ; but, failing this, 
fch'ey submit for the consideration of Government the following scheme which appears to 
them to meet the requirements of the occasion : — 
1 . — That the Planters of Ceylon should form a standing committee, or should 
appoint some permanent body to communicate with Government, and that the Planters' 
Association Bhould be communicated with and asked if it will undertake this duty. 
2. — That this committee shall from time to time send in to the Colonial Secretary 
Lists .of such plants and seeds as are required, the quantity needed, and the names of the 
applicants, with a certificate that each application is bond fide y the seeds and plants for 
the persona] requirements, of the applicant, and not for purposes of re-sale or export 
3. — That in the case of sufficiently large demands, Government shall be prepared to 
ascertain whether it lie possible and desirable to obtain seeds and plants in such quantities; 
and, if so, at whal price they can be supplied to the committee. 
4. -That Government shall inform the committee of the result of its enquiries, and 
on reoeipl of payment shall take steps to procure the plants and seeds desired, and 
forward the same to the committee for distribution. 
■ >.— That the disposal of the plants and seeds to the applicants must be wind I v 
muna-ed by the committee, as also all correspondence and other communications with ;l 
individual planters. 
