*59 
of handles of weapons and the like. It is never likely to be of com- 
mercial value. 
Nepenthes. 
Several species of pitcher plants common in the Peninsula have 
strong tough stems used chiefly for binding hedges and the like. 
GERMINATING PARA RUBBER SEEDS. 
The following notes on germinating Para rubber seed is taken 
from the proceedings of the Agri- Horticultural Society of Madras 
October to December, 1904, p. 138 “ In these gardens, we have 
been in the habit, for the last 3 years, of germinating seeds to sup- 
ply to the planters on the Nilgiris. The first year, the plan of sowing 
direct in pots and pans was adopted with very poor results. In the 
second and third years, a system on the plan of a seed-tester was tried. 
Platforms were erected, about 4 feet from the ground, and on these 
old sacking was stretched (coir matting would be preferable). Over 
these was placed a little powdered charcoal to assist in retaining 
moisture. The seeds were then placed on this and covered with 
more sacking and the whole kept damp by occasional watering. 
The seeds were examined every day and as soon as any showed signs 
of germinating they were, removed and potted off. Seventy-five 
percent, of a case of seeds received from Peradeniya germinated 
after this treatment in spite of having been delayed bv the Madras 
Customs authorities for over 3 weeks.'” 
This plan might be well worth trying in cases where seeds have 
been long delayed in transit -to the estate. 
Editor. 
NOTE ON TERMES GESTROI. 
In the Annual Report of the Botanic Gardens for 1878, I find 
that Mr. Murton reports “The white .ants have caused the death 
of some fine specimens of coniferae for’ which class they seem to have 
a great predilection. A large specimen of Dammar a Orient alls , 
one of Araucaria Bid will, one of A. Coo hi and one of Dacrydium 
Hors field 1, have fallen preys to their ravages. All attempts to" arrest 
their progress by applications of kerosene and gastar in quantities 
iv t sufficient to kill the trees, proved useless ; moreover, the roots and 
all the vital action of the plant is quite destroyed below the surface 
before any signs of failing or decay is betrayed in the branches and 
foliage. ” E 
There can be little doubt that this termite was T. gestroi , which 
was attacking the conifers as it does the rubber. The insect, how- 
ever, seems to have quite disappeared shortly afterwards, as it is 
hardly alluded to again. Ihe Gardens had not long been founded, 
and had apparently been somewhat neglected till 1875, when Mr! 
Murton took charge. Under improved cultivation, the termite 
