192 
herring bone incision for 8 days, viz., from March 23 to April 1 
{excluding March 30) and with two similar incisions from April 2 
to April 16 (excluding April 12). 
The trees were about fourteen years old, and of the following 
dimensions : Girth at 4 ft. 6 ins. from the ground, No. L, 38^ inches, 
No. II., 38, No. III., 37, No. IV., 38^; total girth, 152 inches, 
average, 38 inches. Total rubber obtained,, ten pounds and two 
ounces, scrap, two pounds two ounces, average per tree, three pounds 
one ounce. 
This is a very fair average return of rubber from these trees. 
The product seems to be good, though the preparation of the 
sample was not perfect. 
VALUATION OF RUBBERS. 
(a) From the Botanic Gardens, Singapore. 
The followingireport on the samples of rubber from the Botanic 
Gardens has been obtained through the Eastern Products Company 
of Singapore : — 
“ The samples received from Singapore have been submitted for 
valuation in Antwerp ancj-our friends quote u§ the following prices : 
No. 1. Pancake form 4s. to 4s. id. per lb. 
,, 2. Scrap 3s. to 3 s. 3 d. „ 
“ The quality is said to be very good and we are sure to be able 
to realise with satisfaction large quantities of this produce. 
“ The moment is very favourable, as the price for Para rubber has 
gfone up 20 per cent, during the last three months. It is preferable 
that the rubber should be rolled out in sheets a little thicker than 
the type No. 1. The goods must be very dry. It can also be sent 
in the form of pancakes and packed in cases of two piculs.” 
Through the same firm the following additional report has been 
received : — 
“ Your samples of Malay Para rubber to hand ; we have carefully 
examined the two samples. No. 1 is fine quality, we cannot 
suggest any improvement in its shape or cure. It is exactly 
similar to Ceylon grown Para rubber. It is in very good demand 
and this quality is selling well at 4s. to 4 s. id. per lb. No. 2 
is the scrap rubber from No. 1. It is fine, clean, strong, and we 
value it at 35. to 3s. 3d., at which price similar lots are 
selling from Ceylon. The rubber need not be in quite such thin 
pieces but special care must be taken to have the rubber properly 
dry before packing, as dampness sets up heat and stickiness which 
are fatal to any rubber and deteriorates its value considerably. 
“The packing must be made in cases of 1 to 3 cwt., but cases of 
2^ cwt. are recommended. If your Singapore firm starts with a 
trial shipment of say 5 to 10 cwts. they will soon judge for them- 
selves the importance of continuing this business.” 
Dr. P. H. Ledeboer, Ph.D. 
