3*4 
likely that we shall Hnd any tree in our forests which will supply 
an article as suitable for the various purposes for which the bark 
of the Cork-oak is used, ft is worth recording, however, I think, 
that for bottle corks in Singapore, the Chinese are using in consider- 
able quantity the pithy midrib of the leaf' of the sago palm. The 
dead leaves are taken and stript of the leaflets, the rachis on which 
the leaflets are set is cut up for corks. I hey are used tor milk- 
bottles chiefly where the cork once drawn is not required again. 
It may be doubted whether the texture is sufficiently close to be 
used for wine or any volatile liquid, but for many purposes the 
pith would do as well and would be certainly cheaper. Many years 
ago it was used at our local Museum in the place of Cork for insect 
boxes, and we may vet And other uses for this waste product. 
H. N. R. 
Rubber plants for Sale. 
The Resident Councillor of Malacca writes that he has of over- 
stock eight thousand seedlings of Para rubber, and six hundred 
plants of Rambong {.Ficus elastica ) to dispose of. Para rubber 
plants for 3 cents apiece, or if over three thousand are taken 2 \ 
cents; Rambong plants at 25 cents each. 
A Gambier Disease. J 
Specimens of diseased Gambier shoots were lately sent to th- v 
Botanic Gardens from Indragiri. The disease does not appear to 
have done very much harm at present but the facts are worth not- 
ing. The terminal shoots wither turn black and die. Examination 
shewed no trace of any fungus but the stems were swollen and 
split in parts. The shoots 'were much infested with coccus, and 
with the specimens were sent some examples of a bug which is 
not rarely to be seen on herbage. A species of CentroHis, a small 
boat-shaped brown bug armed with sharp recurved horns over its 
back. I have no notes as to the life history of this animal, nor can 
I find that anything has been recorded as to its habits, but it be- 
longs to a destructive group of insects and may be responsible for 
the damage. 
Singapore Flower Show. 
It is proposed to hold a Flower Show in Singapore in the end 
of July. The exhibition includes Ferns, Selaginellas, and flower- 
ing plants of all kinds, and is open to the Colony and Federated 
Malay States. The exact date will be fixed later, and schedules 
of the prizes will be sent out in about a month or earlier to any 
applicant. 
