Coagulation. 
Samples of rubber prepared at Kuala Kangsar have been reporLed 
on as equal to good Para (Brazilian) and would fetch best Para 
prices. I have always found the latex to coagulate readily with 
only the addition of a pinch of alum and by placing immediately in 
smoke both putrefaction and mould are avoided. If the rubber is 
sound the market value depends on the state of dryness in which 
it is received. What has been prepared at Kuala 'Kangsar has 
been kept smoked until shipped. A parcel sent to London 3 i 
years ago was reported to have lost 26^ per cent, in washing and 
the manufacturers thought that if sent home in bulk the loss would 
reach 30 per cent. This, however, is a question for the planter 
himself, smoke has a chemical action in the coagulation of latex 
from Hevea* as well as saving decomposition, and assists in 
gradually drying. To be as dry as possible depends on the time 
the rubber has been kept smoked, and I am of opinion that dry 
marketable - rubber could not be prepared under two months. 
Whether centrifugalization will prove a practical method with 
Hevea is still in its infancy. I understand that the globules of 
caoutchouc in the latex of Hevea do not separate readily, as is the 
case with some other latices, and owing to its chemical combina- 
tion the latex of Hevea will be probably best prepared by the 
natural method. 
Topping. 
Some correspondence has reached me with reference to the ad- 
vantages of topping Hevea trees. The only advantage I am aware 
of, would be the production of a heavy canopy which would assist 
in keeping down weeds. Otherwise it seems theoretically wrong. 
It has been proved by experiment and investigation that the latex 
runs most freely and contains more caoutchouc at the base of the 
tree, and the yield of latex in the branches is small and deficient 
in the essential properties of caoutchouc . t The trunk evidently 
performs its part as a manufacturing agent and should be left intact. 
I have observed that trees which are “ forked” low down do not 
yield readily. If not due to injury “ forked ” trees is caused by 
planting the seeds too deeply. The seeds should be pressed into 
the soil of a nursery bed, but never covered, as if so, the seeds 
germinate with 2 or 3 stems. 
Summary. 
I have not seen any published accounts on Hevea (excepting 
Brazilian) where as good results are obtained as in Malaya, either 
in rate of growth, seed production, dimensions, yield and adapt- 
ability. 
Rambong. 
India Rubber {Ficus e last tea). A sample of 5 b lbs. was sent to 
London, with the Para parcel, for sale and opinion. It was reported 
* Vide. — Proff. Biffen’s report, 
t Vide— Parkin’s Ceylon Reports, 
