17 
It is a curious point that the colonies were so long in developing 
the colour. This is probably explained by the absence of necessary 
oxygen, which could only enter the tissues as the moisture evaporated. 
The infection lasted for a month to six weeks and disappeared 
almost as suddenly as it had appeared, without the certain source of 
contamination being discovered. The natural conclusion is that it 
was introduced by pool water which a tapping coolie was using to 
dilute the latex, it is hardly possible (as was suggested) that the bark 
was the primary host, as great care in sieving the finest particles of 
this from the latex would not prevent the bacteria from being washed 
into it. 
The colour in the crepe is almost completely removed by pro- 
longed soaking in methylated spirit. 
(Sd.) C. J. Brooks, F. I. C., 
Sarawak. , 
SMOKED RUBBER. 
A letter from Mr. H. A. Morss published in the India-rubber 
journal, Nov. 4, 1910, is of some interest to planters. Mr. Morss is a 
manufacturer of rubber covered wires and cables, and has been experi- 
menting with plantation rubber mostly from Ceylon. His experience 
is that while plantation rubber is clean and on the whole has good 
mechanical qualities only smoked rubber is suitable for his purpose. 
He has been unable to make a compound with acid-cured rubber which 
will stand the searching chemical tests necessarily applied. On the 
other hand, he has been able to do fairly well with smoked Ceylon 
although owing to varying quality he cannot depend upon it for the 
highest class of work. 
Here are two points to be observed the advantage of smoke-cured 
over acid-cured in electrical work, and the importance of regularity in 
quality of the rubber. — E d. 
BROWN S SPECIFIC 
FOR 
DYSENTERY 
AND 
DIARRHOEA. 
To be had at the Singapore Dispensary and of Miss Brown, 
Grassdale, River Valley Road, Singapore : : : : 
