194 
Calculation of the results shows that in two weeks the seeds kept 
in air had lost 6 per cent, of their weight, and those in dried charcoal 
20 per cent, the latter being about the extreme limit of desiccation : 
the light seeds took fifty days to reach this. 
Further observations, made for the purpose of ascertaining the 
cause of the decrease in weight, gave negative indications that this is 
due to the loss of water; and it is thought that it takes place on 
account of the presence of a definite ferment in the seed. 
The fact that the trials were commenced late in the bearing 
season make it impossible to ascertain if the poor germinating power 
is the indirect result of some imperfection in the flower, or irregularity 
in fertilization. It was noted, however, that the embryos of all the 
seeds examined appeared to be normal, and there was the interesting- 
observation that out of about 320 capsules all were trilocular and 
thiee-seeded, except two, which possed four loculi and four seeds. 
The seeds in the abnormal capsules were subjected to a germination 
test, and three out of the eight gave sprouts. Attention is drawn to 
the faint possibility that a tendency toward irregularity in the floral 
organs of Hevea brasiliensis is indicated, with the consequent produc- 
tion of a low germinating power in the seed that is eventually borne 
The improbability of the correctness of such a suggestion is, however 
pointed out. 
The final conclusions from the investigation are given as 
follows : - 
(1) Seeds of Hevea Brasiliensis lose weight rapidly after matu- 
rity, the loss being apparently due to desiccation. 
(2) 1 he loss of weight appears to coincide with loss of germina- 
ting power. 
(3) Desiccation apparently takes place, in some instances, even 
before dehiscence of the capsule. 
(4) Probably, without special precautions, Hevea seeds will lose 
their germinating power within two or three weeks after the ripening 
of the capsules. 
The matter of practical importance that can be deduced from 
these results is that no Hevea seed should be sold until it has been 
selected rigorously by weight, and there is the additional indication 
that no unnecessary exposure, or loss of time in planting, should be 
allowed after the seeds have been received. 
f West Indian Agricultural News. Vol. X. No. 233 p. Til). 
