against the weight of green stems. Of “Ribbons” I obtained 
from 5 per cent, to 7 per cent, with the Eke machine. 
This machine was loaned to me by a spinner who desired to have 
the “Black (or Brown) Ribbons” which Mr. Anderson saw and 
desgised. The spinner’s object was defeated by his bankruptcy 
and the Liverpool refuse destructor took delivery instead. 
I have had both varieties analysed in London. The analyst 
found little difference in the two varieties and showed that the 
actual weight of pure filasse was little more than two per cent, 
against the gross weight of green stems. Under the circumstances 
one is not surprised to hear of a loss of fifty per cent, in the treat- 
ment of “ Ribbons.” 
I may mention that at the figure which Mr. Anderson quotes, 
(i.e., ^37.10 s.) for China Grass, the production of Faure fibre 
would be very profitable. At the same time I think that any 
planter would be ill-advised to cultivate a single acre of ramie 
before he has signed a contract with Some sound spinning firm. 
I am, etc., 
C. E. S. Baxendale. 
Jugra Estate, 
Selangor. 
NOTICE. 
Tobacco Expert wanted for the Transvaal. 
Mr. Joseph Burtt Davy, State Agrostologist and Botanist of the 
Transvaal writes : — “ I am anxious to know whether you could 
“ recommend a trained tobacco expert of scientific ability who 
“ would be capable of taking charge of tobacco-investigations and 
“ experiments in this Colony. We are badly in need of such a man, 
“ but he seems to be hard to find.” 
NOTICE. 
It is suggested that subscribers who are not residents of Singa- 
pore should send Money Orders in preference to Cheques in order 
to avoid the loss due to Bank discount. 
