( 10 ) 
London, commenced work here on November 17, and other visitors have also mad« use of the 
laboratory for small periods. Besides the investigation of many points in economic botany, the 
Director has been occupied during the year in a thorough revision of the Ceylon and Indian 
PodostemacecB, a' little studied order of plants of much botanical i^iter est. Mr. Parkin has made a 
very extended study of the coagulation of latex, chiefly in rubber-yielding plants, and has also 
'yyorked at some other problems in Physiological botany. 
The completion of the late Dr. Trimen's " Flora of Ceylon" has been vigorously pushed on by 
Sir J. D. Hooker, and towards the end of the year the fourth volume, containing the remainder of 
the Dicotyledons and the Monocotyledons to the end of Eriocaulonece, was published, as well as the 
last series of 25' plates. The final volume is well in hand and will contain the Cypercicece and the 
Grasses. 
Receipts prom Sales. 
The receipts of the year were 
At Peradeniya 
Hakgala 
Henaratgoda ... 
Annradhapura 
Biidulla 
Sales. 
Rs. ( 
1,694 
475 
2.292 
29 
76 
64 
5 
85 
49 
9 
Purcliasers. 
277 
77 
118 
29 
19 
Total 
4,568 12 
520 
The total given in the revenne returns for 1898 is Rs. 4,433-78 ; this is due to the amouni 
received in December, 1897, being credited to revenue for January 1898, whilst that received in 
December. 1898 is credited for 1899. ^ ^ ' ''. 
The estimated value of plants and seeds supplied gratis is Rs. 1,531-76. 
The high price of Para rubber seed has swelled the receipts considerably. Other economic 
plants have also been sold in some considerable quantity. 
Expenditure. 
The total cost of the Department for the year 1898 has been Rs. 52,713-44, and special vote 
towards Mr. J. B. Carruthers' expenses, £150. 
JOHN C. WILLIS, 
Peradeniya, January 25, 1899. Director. 
