22 3 
usual way to obtain the gutta from the stem, but even this is an 
improvement for formally all the gutta in the leaves was wasted. 
Whether the leaves from a tree that has been cut down contains 
more gutta than those plucked from the tree while still growing is 
another point requiring testing, for the Malay gutta collectors 
always hasten to lop the branches off as soon as the tree is felled 
their idea being that if this is not done little gutta will be obtained 
from the stem as it all runs into the leaves. In the absence of 
seeds, which is the best of all methods of propagation, I have seen 
but one way in which these trees can be produced in large numbers 
for forming plantations, and this depends on the possibility of get- 
ting a sufficient supply of young saplings to work on. Of all other 
forms of cuttings which we have tried the successes have not 
averaged one per cent. The method I refer to was briefly dis- 
cribed in No. 2 of this Bulletin in “Elementary Notes on the Pro- 
pagation of Plants ” and consists in laying down small saplings 
the size of a lead pencil in a horizontal position until they have 
made shoots 3-4 inches long at right angles to the stem, the latter 
being then cut clean through on either side of the shoot at about 
an inch or an inch and a half distant, and planted rather deeply in 
beds or boxes in clayey soil and kept cool and damp until rooted. 
By this method plants a foot high can be produced in about a year 
and a half when they are ready for planting. In regard to forming 
plantation there is little or no information available, as no one has 
had much experience in the matter, but so far as my own observa- 
tions go I am of opinion that partial shade is absolutely necessary 
in the earlier stages of growth, the amount to be reduced gradually 
as the trees acquire age. 
“ WHITE ANTS AND RUBBER/ 
By E. V. Carey. 
In the successful cultivation of Para Rubber. ( Hevea Brazi- 
hensis), Rembong [Ficus Elastic a), and coconuts, there is certain- 
ly no factor which demands closer attention on the part of the 
planter than the extermination of the Termes gestroi. Perhaps 
I should scarcely use the word “ extermination,” because to en- 
tirely destroy and rid an estate of these pernicious insects is an 
obvious impossibility, inasmuch as they devour both growing and 
dead wood with seemingly equal impartiality, their presence being 
only revealed when living trees are the temporary object of their 
attention. 
Upon this subject you, Sir, have already written, Mr. W. W. 
Bailey has contributed a long and interesting article, and Mr. Pears 
of Muar has also had something to say ; I should like now to give 
you the result of my own personal observation in the hope that a 
little additional grist to the mill may help to sustain the interest in 
this important question, which the articles before referred to have 
certainly awakened. 
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