j02 
from there proceeded to Kuala Pahang and Kuantan during the 
months of July and August. I was pleased to find a very marked 
improvement in several of the mukims, and that in the absence’ 
of my Sub- Inspectors many of the Penghulus saw that the 
kampongs were afterwards well maintained. Something too has 
been effected in persuading the natives to plant up the vacant 
places, with young trees. 
The squirrels as a whole are not nearly so numerous or doing 
so much harm as they previously did- 
The dry disease referredto in my last report seems fortunately 
to be gradually disappearing; the trees in the plantation which I 
experimented upon have recovered from its effects, directly 
indicating that with proper care and attention, even after the 
disease sl^ows itself, it can be to a great extent effectually treated. 
Mr. Duff's plantation at Kuala Pahang, which I visited during 
mv tour, is entirely neglected now, and there is no one in charge 
of it or any coolies retained for its upkeep. Unfortunately a fire 
had occurred on the evening of the day previous to our visit. 
The fire evidently started from the Chinese plantation of 80 acres 
just above, and after passing over the whole of this area continued 
its course over about 15c acres of Mr. Duff’s estate. The damage 
done is very consicferable. . I should say some thousand trees 
have been destroyed beyond recovery, while several thousand 
have been retarded very' much in their grow th and w ill takr a 
year, if not more, to come round. 
At the Agri-Horticultural Show, held in Singapore 
about the middle of August, there were, as at the two previous 
shows, a great many fine exhibits of coconuts, and though the 
Straits were w r ell represented, the Federated Malay States again 
succeeded in carrying off the highest awards in this section. 
Prospects. — Although it is gratifying to be able to state 
that coconut planting still finds a certain amount of favour among 
the native community, the further extension of the cultivation is 
not so promising or making the strides, which with greater facili- 
ties from Government, it might do. Considering the enormous 
profits that assuminglv will ultimately from the culture of Para 
rubber, it is not surprising that those interested in it regard with 
equanimity the material rise in the quit-rent introduced in 1905, 
wdiich naturally comes about as a consequence. At the same 
time there is not the slightest doubt that this higher rate has 
proved detrimental as regards the extension of other products, 
and the cultivation of coconuts has unfortunately fallen within 
this category. 
Under the circumstances, and recognising the very great 
importance of a mixed cultivation of products throughout the 
States, as far as possible, I am of opinion that it is a matter that 
deserves to receive further consideration from Government. 
