S3 
attained, both more cheaply, and in a better manner than could 
be done by isolated endeavours. Rubber is used for a vast amount 
of manufactures, and the manufacturers require different styles, and 
classes of rubber. A permanent rubber expert would be in touch 
with all the different classes of manufacturers. He would be able 
to give advice, as to the suitability of any kincj of rubber for any 
different purposes. Planters at home on leave, and managers in 
town could consult him, on any necessary point. In fact he could 
become an authority on rubber cultivation and manufacture from 
the germination of the seed to the end of the history of the rubber 
as reclaimed rubber. J 
The planter in the Colonies and the merchant at home hardly yet , 
realize fully the potentiality of the Imperial Institute. It is rapidly 
developing into a most important engine for the development of 
Agriculture and Commerce, and the co-operation required is with 
the Institute on the part of all planters, merchants and manufacturers 
in the Empire, and its dependencies. 
J H. N. R. 
PLANTATION RUBBER. 
Falling-off in Quality of Biscuits and Sheet. 
Sir, — W e should like, through your medium, to draw Planters’ . 
attention to the falling-off in the preparation of Ceylon biscuits 
and sheets compared with what it was when 3 ve recommended them 
to continue to ship their produce in onq or other of these forms. 
Recently numerous marks have suffered severe^ in price in conse- 
quence of their roughness and black colour, and in many cases 
mouldy and resinous surfaces, upon their arrival. here. In our 
opinion, the defects arise from want of care/ in curing, whether 
from want of factory spade, or from hurrying; and that imperfectly- 
cured lots deteriorate on the voyage home and fermentation goes 
on, resulting in the resin exuding and spoiling both biscuits and 
sheets. That this can be avoided is prpved by the high standard 
maintained by such marks as Culloden, Heatherley, etc., from 
Ceylon ; Bukit Rajah, Selangor. Pataling, Jebong, etc., from the 
Straits and F. M. S. Of course, the Lanadron block leaves nothing 
to be desired ; but everyone is not as yet in a position to block their 
rubber, and as a difference in price varying from 3 d. to 6 d. per lb. 
has often of late been made between fine biscujts, sheets, etc , and 
the dark discoloured and inferior lobs, we venture to suggest that, as 
manufacturers have more or less got over their prejudice against 
crepe rubber, planters should send it home in this form, and, we 
think, they will greatly decrease the evil referred to. In other 
words, it is much better to send home good crepe than bad biscuits 
or sheets. Good scrap crepe is also realizing excellent prices and 
chip crepe up to and over 45, 
Recently, with larger supplies, buyers have been discriminating 
much more, and we find 5$- 6 <a?. @ being ’paid for fine pale 
i 
