74 
RUBBER PLANTING IN CEYLON 
serious. While 1 was at the botanic gardens, Mr. Ridley was treating 
the eyes of his fox terrier, who had just killed a cobra, and in the fight 
got his eyes full of poison. 
Returning from the botanic gardens, 1 called upon Messrs. Hutt- 
nach Brothers, to whom 1 had letters of introduction. They are large 
traders, sending shiploads of rattan from Singapore, and bringing great 
cargoes of coal from Japan. They are also agents for tin mines in 
Johore, and incidentally handle much Gutta-percha. They were of the 
MALAY HOUSE IN JOHORE. 
opinion that the Marconi system was already affecting the gutta market, 
as there was much stock in Singapore, and according to their advices, 
a great deal unsold in England. Through their courtesy I was taken 
to the Chinese merchant quarters and shown the reboiling process that 
prepares the gutta for the markets of Europe and America. We first 
visited the offices and storehouses of the Teck Wall Liong Co., where 
we met the senior member of the firm, a very polite, intelligent Celestial 
who spoke good English. Our interview took place in a fine anteroom 
furnished in Chinese fashion, with many sturdy ebony chairs set close 
