of cooh- lines and also several acres of low-lying land which f intend 
to utilise for the growth of “padi ” (rice). 
Experiments 7 - Experiments on the extraction and coagulation of the latex 
in the extrac- of Hevea braziliensis have been made at S’tiawan (Perak). A re- 
tion of rubber. p or t 0 f the work carried out there was furnished, a copy of which 
forms the subject of appendix C. The results, so far obtained. 1 
consider entirely justify the great interest taken in this product. 
Although it has not been definitely decided at what age tapping 
operations can profitably commence, it will be seen, from the report 
attached, that an average yield of fib. of dry commercial rubber 
vvas obtained from 6- to 7-year-old trees growing under somewhat 
unfavourable conditions, while 9-year-old trees gave an average of 
2 11 ). The largest amount obtained from one tree (9 years old) was 
5 lb. ii oz. of dry marketable rubber. 
Disparity in 8 . One of the most notable features in connection with these 
>’ ie1cl experiments was that of the disparity in yield of trees of similar age 
and dimensions, and growing under precisely the same conditions, 
and apparently possessing neither specific nor varietal distinction. 
This fact makes it very essential that experiments — if they are to 
be conclusive — must be conducted on a large number of trees. It 
is probably accounted for by the cells, constituting the laticiferous 
tissue, being more intercommunicative in some trees than is the case 
in others. When possible, propagation should be from those trees 
which are known to yield freely. 
9. A few trees, 3^ years old, and which had a circumference of 
32 inches at 3 ft. from the ground, were tapped on the Petaling Es- 
tate and an average yield of 6 oz. obtained. This is evidently too 
young", as the amount of rubber obtained was quite of proportion to 
Age at which the labour entailed. It is questionable whether trees under five 
tapping years of age can be tapped profitably, but experiments in this direc- 
might com- tJ 0 n are difficult owing to the scarcity of trees of the requisite age. 
mence A . ... 
Other experi- I0 * Other experiments are in progress and will be continued 
ments from time to time with a view to deciding any question that may 
arise with regard to the extraction and coagulation of iatex. 
The African 11. Among other new plants introduced lately from the Botanic 
rubber. Gardens, Gold Coast, was Kickxia africa.ua , the well-known and 
important African rubber plant. Some seeds of this species have 
been distributed among the planters and some sent to the Singa- 
pore and Penang Botanic Gardens. This is the first time, I 
believe, that the true African rubber plant has been introduced, 
and, judging from the growth during the last six months, it promises 
to be a success. 
Seeds of ornamental trees, palms, etc., were given to the Chair- 
man of the Public Gardens Committee. 
Estates 12. A considerable portion of my time during the year under 
visited. review has been occupied in visiting estates throughout the Native 
States. A thorough grasp of the state of agriculture has been 
gained thereby, together with the opinion of the planters on various 
agricultural matters. 
r-i 
