It has also been noticed that several, samples coming forward 
have contained small pieces of cotton; this is apparently caused by 
pieces of cotton waste becoming mixed with the rubber and getting 
rolled in. 
Another point that we should like attention drawn to is that 
Crepe rubber is continually coming forward showing stains down the 
edges caused by oil exuding from the bearings of the machines. 
We also note that the No. I Scrap Crepe is very often very 
streaky. This can be avoided by twisting the lengths while passing 
through the creping machine, and an immense improvement in 
appearance is game* \ 
We may say, in conclusion, that when dealing with large crops, 
we think that the making of thick gristly Crepe is extremely hard to 
improve upon both from the points of view of the producer and 
consumer. 
Block Rubber is still being very successfully produced by the 
Lanadron Company, but this method of treatment has not been 
generally adopted by other estates. 
Grading and Sorting 
We cannot too strongly advise Planters to pay great attention to 
the grading and sorting, as if one small piece of inferior or 
discoloured Rubber is found in a package, this piece, however small, 
is bound to be shown in the sample drawn, and upon which the 
Rubber is Sold. 
When grading, standard grades should be fixed upon and strictly 
adhered to, and pieces which vary in colour should be kept separate. 
We should say that two grades are sufficient for Sheet, and four, 
at the outside five, for Crgpe, viz., I Pale, 2 Brown, 3 Scrap, 4 Bark 
and Shavings. (It is possible another pile will sometimes be neces- 
sary between the Pale and Brown or between the Brown and Scrap.) 
Packing and Weighing, Marking, &c. 
The packing and weighing of rubber is of the greatest importance 
and the choice of a suitable packing case is somewhat limited. 
Many Planters adhere to the Veneer case, the best known make 
being the “Venesta.” These cases have many advantages, being ex- 
tremely strong, and the wood having a smooth surface there is no 
danger of loose sawdust or splinters adhering to the contents and 
spoiling the rubber. 
The only disadvantage of this case in the past has been that 
when once opened for sampling purposes it was difficult to dose them 
down again satisfactorily, but the Venesta Company, realizing this 
now makes a Special Rubber Case which obviates this defect. Messrs. 
Riddy & Hale, Ltd., London, are also making a Special Patent Veneer 
