43 
RUBBER IN SOUTHERN INDIA. 
By H. N. Ridley. 
The account of rubber planting in Southern India in the 
Administration Report of Madras, 1904 to 1905, just received, is not 
a very encouraging one. Twenty-two trees of Landolphia 
Florida are said to be doing well, though somewhat damaged 
by monkeys. Of Ceara rubber a single plant at Kistna has 
produced 50 healthy seedlings, seed planted in South Canara, 
North Malabar, North Coimabatore, failed completely to germinate. 
There are however 2 acres at Kanoth and Manantoddy and a 
few full grown trees at other places. Some of these have been 
tapped but no results recorded. 
Ficus Elastica apparently failed entirely, except a few plants 
protected from seed and sand blow. v 
Para rubber seed failed to germinate at Arcot, in North 
Malabar, 15 out of 535 germinated and five plants survive, in 
South Malabar of 535 seeds, 64 germinated and the rats, monkeys 
and porcupines ate all but 8 plants. There are 24 trees in 
good condition in one spot in South Malabar. 
The small percentage of germination suggests that the seeds 
were a bad lot, or that there was something wrong with the 
planting, but anyway it is clear that Para rubber is not suited 
for the climate. 
Kickxia Africana, 22 plants exist in South Malabar, but are 
poor in growth, and damaged by a boring caterpillar. It is h 
worthless plant anyway. 
On the whole this part of India does not seem to offer a field 
to the rubber planter. Ceara seems the most likely plant to do 
in this region, but even that does not promise* well. Obviously 
no time or money should be wasted over Para rubber. 
COLONIAL FRUITS.^ 
It is officially announced that three further exhibitions of 
Colonial Fruits and Vegetable Produce will be held by the 
Council of the Royal Horticultural Society, Vincent Square, 
Westminster London, on March 22nd and 23rd, June 6th and 
7th, and December 4th and 5th, 1906 Full particulars may be 
obtained by intending exhibitors from the Secretary* to the 
Society. 
It will be remembered that a collection of Fruits preserved 
from Penang received a Silver Medal last year at one of these 
Exhibitions, and it may be hoped that again those who have the 
opportunity of sending samples of fruit, fresh or preserved, or 
of vegetables suitable for the trade of -the European markets may 
take steps to prepare specimens for exhibition in London. 
The Director of Gardens will be pleased to forward any 
samples sent to him in time for one of these exhibitions. — Ed. 
