.4*S 
ported as free from moisture, very strong, and vulcanising well. It 
will be* remarked that the percentage ol resins and albuminous 
matter was very small, and the amount of mineral matter present 
almost nil. The analysis shows the rubber to be composed as 
follows : — 
Caoutchouc 
95 '5° P er cen t 
Resins, etc. 
3'co 
Albuminous matter 
, , * 
1-25 
Mineral matters 
025 
lOO'OO 
This is a splendid analysis and a matter on which Ceylon plan- 
ters have to be congratulated, as few rubbers can show such a high 
percentage of caoutchouc or pure rubber, and so little resins, & c. 
This analysis will be read with much interest by rubber-growers, 
showing the constituents of the rubber to be about as perfect as 
the raw article can show. 
The Tropical Agriculturist , Vol.XXlV, p. 328. 
EXPLOITABLE SIZE FOR BAEAU SWAMPS. 
In the Bindings Bakau forms one of the chief items of Revenue, 
but is now completely worked out owing to indiscriminate and 
unsystematic fellings. 
It takes about 12 years to step into the pole stage and in another 
8 years reaches a 6-inch diameter. Bakau begins with a conical 
bole and attains cylindricity with the completion of the pole stage, 
so that if felled at this size a greater part of it could be utilized as 
fuel. It would also fix the age most favourable for the natural 
regeneration of the species, as a crop of well established seedlings 
ordv now appear. Regeneration is hardly noticeable in a thicket, 
owing to the dense shade and sterile seeds produced. Bakau comes 
into importance as a regenerator at 4 inches diameter and if re- 
moved soon after, the forests would not only be thrown back in 
strength for a period of 5 to 8 years, but would also result in clean 
fellings and deteriorate in density and composition especially in the 
case of a mixed crop. 
Bakau under 6 inches diameter is used lor fishing stakes only 
and not appreciable as fuel, it is only matured Bakau that can be 
used immediately after conversion as the woody* cells are saturates 
with resinous products. The specific gravity is heavier than sea 
water. Wood smaller than 6 inches diameter is a bit sappy and 
the fibres not being properly differentiated nor the xylem bundles 
completely liquified, fires do not travel quite so fast along the tis- 
sues resulting in a smoky fuel, splits take lire more readily as they 
dry quicker, 
