5§2 
THE TROPICAL 
AGRICULTURIST. [Feb. 1, 1904. 
all Britishers like ourselves, and benefit Lanca- 
shire. I cannot too seriously impress on all parties 
concerned the great need of at once, and in the 
most scientific and energetic manner possible, 
encouraging the growth of cotton in the territories 
referred to. It would be nothing if England voted 
£500,000 for cotton growing. The Briiish Cotton 
Growing Association has done a good deal and is 
continuing to do so. The matter is most important. 
Every day 1 am more impressed with the necessity 
of England making a more practical study of her 
position than she has done. The cotton industry 
is not tire only one that is liable to terrible depres- 
sion. Most industries at present are mucb ia the 
same way. As regards cotton growing, anything 
which is done now to grow it is merely making an 
insurance fund for the millions of Lancashire ; in 
addition to which there is the benefit to our 
Colonies and the residents therein. I have most 
satisfactory reports on the f ossibilities of cotton 
growing from both the West Indies and West 
Africa, and also on the possibilities of largely 
increasing the present supply from Egypt and 
India. But what troubles me is that we do not 
take the thing up in a sufficiently energetic 
manner.— I am yours faithfully, 
Alfred L. Jones. 
INSPECTOR OF PE.^KL FISHERIES. 
MR. HOKNELL'S NEW APPOINTMENT. 
We learn that Mr. Hornell is ap 
pointed Inspector of Pearl Fisheries for one 
year. Capt. Legge was relieved of this 
duty on representation being made by the 
Chamber of Commerce, pointing out that 
the duties of Master-Attendant in Colombo 
were increasing, that the harbour works 
were nearing completion, and that it was 
inadvisable to have the Master-Attendant 
absent from the Harbour Board meetings so 
often, and from the harbour so long. This 
was placed before Grovernment, who agreed 
to the request conveyed. Mr. Hornell' s 
appointment is, we understand, on the recom- 
mendation of Dr. Herdman ; and a more 
suitable appointment could scarcely be made 
if scientific attention during the intervals 
are to go hand in hand Avith future Ceylon 
Government Pearl Fisheries. The new office 
is in addition to that of Marine Biologist. 
THE FIRST VISIT TO THE BANKS. 
Mr. Hornell is now in Colombo and goes 
to inspect the Banks a fortnight hence in the 
Ready," towing the ''Mohideen Bux" which 
will form his headquarters. 
LEASE OF CROWN LAND IN ANURA- 
DHAPURA DISTRICT. 
MP. H STOREY APPLIES FOR 669 ACRES. 
Application has been made to the Government 
Agent, Norih-Central Province, by Mr H Storey 
of Warakamure estate, Matale, on behalf of Mr 
Robert Uolme Storey of Lancaster, County of 
Lancaster, and 9 Bentinck Mansions, Bentinok 
street, London, W, England, for the lease of 
Nadu Tivu, an island in the Mahaweli ganga in 
the Meda pattu of the District of Tamankaduwa 
in the North Central Province, in extent 669 acres 
1 rood and 18 perches, for the purpose of experi- 
mental cultivation of coconuts, rubber and fruits 
only ; and it is proposed to lease the said land to the 
said applicant under the usual conditions at a rent 
of 50 cents per acre per annum, for 6 years with the 
option of purchase at RlO per acre at the end of 
that period. 
PLANTING AND OTHER NOTES. 
Various By-Products— are dealt with in 
our pages in a way that should be of 
use to many planters. Camphor is fully 
gone into and an experienced hand elsewhere 
tells us much that is valuable about cassava, 
pepper, &c. 
~The Introduction of Indian Teak— (Tec 
tonagrandisj into the tenitory of the British. 
East African Piotectorate is to be attempted ; 
and large quantities of seed from this country 
have been sent to the Forest authorities there for 
experimental cultivation. It is believed that 
climate and soil are favourable for the experi- 
ment.— M. Mail. 
The Latest Book on Rubber— is just to 
hand, "Rubber, Gntta»Percha and Balata " 
by Franz Clouth. This, the English edition, 
is published by Messrs. Maclaren and Sons, 
Shoe Lane, London B.C. at 123. 6d. The 
following are the headings of the chapters on 
Rubber: — Introduction, Historical, Natural 
history, Production of raw rabbet. Com- 
mercial points, Chemical and physical pro- 
perties of raw rubber. Production of soft 
rubber goods, Vulcanisation, Chemical and 
physical properties of vulcanised soft rubber 
Hard rubber. Ebonite, Regenerated and 
artificial rubber. Maps and illustrations are 
given, but we reserve our review for a future 
occasion. 
Tea Company Meetings.— Our pages this 
month contains the reports of several 
Company meetings. Best ;of these is the 
Glasgow Estate Company which, with its 
tea crop sold in advance last year, was 
sure of a fine dividend : it is 24 per 
cent as against 22 last year. The estimate 
(owing to abnormal weather) was nearly 
18,500 lb. short, but the price about 4 cents 
better. The Directors get R70U extra feet 
from last year's balance (R4,353) making is 
R3,653 and about the same (R3,613) is carried 
forward this time. — The Agra Ouvah presents 
another good result with a final dividend 
of 9 per cent, making 16 for the year, as 
against 17^ last year, while R300 nearly is 
carried forward, as against R102.— The Ruan- 
wella Tea Company pays 5 per cent, though 
a very big deficiency— about 25 per cent— 
on the estimate was realised, the price 
being no less than 11 cents higher ! Nearly 
R2,OU0 is carried forward as against 
Rl,500 last year, with only a 2 per 
cent dividend, so the Company is in 
a strong position.— The Upper Maskeliya 
Estates Company was barely 5,000 short of 
estimate. The final 7 per cent makes 12 
for the year, a highly satisfactory result- 
more especially as R2,900 nearly is carried 
forward, as against R2,200 last year, with the 
same dividend. The famous Brunswick green 
teas have no doubt done a fair share toward 
securing this result.— In every case our 
congratulations can unreservedly be offered 
to the management, Directors, and share- 
holders alike. 
