395 
Rubber Preparation in the Botanic Gardens, 
Singapore. 
Plates VIII & IX. 
We give with this number two photographs showing the method 
of preparation of Para rubber in the Botanic Gardens. Plate VIII 
shows the shed.with table on which are the enamel plates for 
holding the latex, a muslin strainer on a rattan frame and acetic 
acid bottle. In front of Mr. MACHADO standing up, is the mangle 
through which the rubber cakes are passed when set to press them 
and on the back of the seat is the rubber drying and ready for 
smoking. Plate IX shows a Javanese holding the rubber collected 
from ioo trees in the morning. The tree behind him is one of the 
biggest Para rubber trees in the gardens, planted in 1884. 
By an accident the two last plates were numbered 13 & 14 in- 
stead of 6 & 7. 
PARA RUBBER FROM THE BOTANIC 
GARDENS. 
New York, 
September 30th, 1 go 3, 
H. N. Ridley, Esq,. 
Director, Botanic Gardens, 
Singapore , Straits Settlements. 
My Dear Sir : — Yours of July 29th, was duly received, enclosing 
samples of rubber from the latex of the Hevea BrazUiensis. I would 
say, that I have not had the product analysed because as far as 
manufacturers go the analysis means nothing to them. I have, 
however, had it subjected to physical tests and have secured expert 
opinion regarding it. I would say, that the rubber is, as far as I 
can see, equal to washed and dried fine Para of the best quality. 
It is exceedingly tough and as it has a very small percentage of 
moisture and no foreign matter in it, it would bring a higher price 
than the best crude Para now on the market. Were the rubber to 
be shipped in quantity I would suggest, that instead of sending it 
in thin sheets, these sheets be pressed into blocks, and thus avoid 
the rapid oxidation which would otherwise set in. 
I want to thank you for sending me these samples as the matter 
is one in which I am very much interested. 
Yours faithfully, 
HENRY C. PEARSON, 
Editor “ India Rubber World, " 
