52 
circumstances and lay the results before the world they will have 
done much for this undoubtedly splendid fibre. 
The address of the Association is that of the Honorary Secretary, 
D. Edwards-Radclyffe, Ramie Growing Association, Staines. 
CO-OPERATION REQUIRED. 
Under this title ds an article in the India rubber Journal (October 
22 ) which points out that there is a difficulty in obtaining Co-opera- 
tion between the manufacturers of rubber goods and people collecting 
rubber, a planter suggests. c “ Surely it would be possible to get 
together from amongst the manufacturers a small representative 
Committee who would go thoroughly into the question of the best 
form of preparing rubber. He points out how conflicting the 
opinions of the manufacturers are on the subject. He then 
suggests that a subscription should be started among planters 
and planting companies so that first of all a fund could be got 
together sufficient to put through the work thoroughly. The manu- 
facturers would select one or two good men to carry out the tests and 
pay them for their services. A paid secretary would be at the 
service of the Committee to relieve them of all clerical work. He 
considers that a subscription might be started among planters and 
companies for a fund to carry out the work, and is sure all planters 
would subscribe and that a committee of manufacturers could be 
got together to select experts and consult on the subject. 
The editor of the India-Rubber Journal points out that at least 
£ 1,000 would be necessary and is dubious as to the planters sub- 
scribing this amount and points out that in isolated instances manu- 
facturers have devoted a good deal of time to experiments in 
cultivated rubber but do not care to make the results public property, 
and others have gbne into the matter in a half-hearted way, knowing 
quite well that they would not be able to spend the time needed to 
make their investigations anything but of the most preliminary 
nature. T his is naturally the result of isolated experiments and 
there is a good deal to be said for having such experiments carried 
out systematically. The planter wants to know from the manu- 
facturer exactly what he wants and to be brought into closer 
connection with him. The plan proposed does not however wholly 
commend itself. It would probably prove too expensive or at least 
unnecessarily so, and would require an up-to-date laboratory as well 
as chemical experts who could devote a great deal of time to the 
subject. Fortunately we have an establishment which is thoroughly 
capable of making the investigations and is in touch with the manu- 
facturers and planters. This kind of investigation is exactly the 
kind that the Imperial Institute is intended for. It possesses a good 
laboratory and an excellent staff, and it would be far more to the 
purpose to utilize its services in connection with such experiments. 
The saving of expense in secretaries and what not is obvious. If a 
suitable experimenter could be found to devote his whole time to 
the rubber industry working in connection with the planter in the 
Colonies and the manufacturer in England the result would soon be 
