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Rambong ( Ficus elastica ) has proved to be less productive than 
was expected, and younger trees, though yielding well to start with, 
have afterwards given disappointing results. Rambong has proved 
less hardy than Hevea and more subject to the attacks of caterpillars 
etc. Cases to have occured in which these trees have been serious- 
ly affected by the calcining of arsenical ores. This process of treat- 
ing arsenical tin ores is one that has become a most serious source 
of danger alike to the health and comfort of the Community, and is 
a menace to all surrounding vegetation. The effect is said to spread 
for at least ten miles and we are aware that at least five miles from 
the main centre of calcining operations the jungle is being destroyed. 
We are able to inform you however that Government is taking strong 
measures and forbidding the calcining of arsenical tin ores, unless 
done in proper furnaces which will concentrate the arsenic so as to 
prevent the fumes becoming a danger to health, comfort or property. 
The question of limiting the export of Rubber Seed has been 
under discussion, but without the co-operation of Ceylon, it is 
impossible to approach Government on the subject; and from cor- 
respondence carried on with the Planters' Association of Ceylon it 
would seem as if that co-operation could not be looked for by us. 
Seed oil.— No large quantity has so far been exported and the 
additional profit to be derived on this account remains a matter for 
conjecture. 
Coffee. 
The prices obtained during the year have assisted greatly towards 
bringing Rubber into production at a low figure, but it is very 
doubtful with the bright prospects of Rubber and the increased land 
charges, whether new land will be taken up for the cultivation of 
coffee alone, or even whether land at present under coffee will be 
continued as such. Prices on the whole have been favourable and 
altogether the success of the year before last, although modest, has 
continued to attend this branch of the planting industry during the 
past year. 
Coconuts. 
This product with the exception of a few Estates may be at pre- 
sent classed as a Native product. The satisfactory increase of some 
10,000 acres bringing the cultivated acreage up to approx. 100,000 
acres, valued at 17 million dollars would appear to reflect credit on 
the action taken by the Government in establishing a Department 
for the guidance to Natives as to protection against beetles. 
The Oil Mill at Kuala Selangor, it is satisfactory to note, con- 
tinues as a source of profit to its owners and may be pronounced a 
complete success. 
Praedial Produce Enactment. 
Your Committee have approached Government for protection 
under this Enactment and have hopes that Latex and Bark from 
Rubber will be included in the Enactment. 
