2 79 
serving to protect the flowers from animals; while the occurrence of 
poisonous substances in latex is no doubt an efficient means of pro- 
tection against certain animals. It is not uncommon to find insects 
in the neighbourhood of Hevea plantations bearing masses of 
coagulated latex on all parts of their bodies in such quantity as to 
considerably hinder their movement ; and it is believed that the 
insects pests of Hevea would cause considerably greater damage, were 
it not for the protection offered by the latex. 
The occurrence of these two functions of latex is clear; but, they 
are in all probability not primary functions and can only be regarded 
as incidental. With regard to the two first named functions, the one 
of conducting food-material and the other of receiving products of 
excretion, it is uncertain as to which was the primary one. 
The relation of latex to the life of the parent possesses far more 
than a mere scientific interest. The recognition of the laticiferous 
tubes as a means of conducting plastic food material is of itself of 
primary importance, inasmuch as such problems of practical im- 
portance as tapping, systems of tapping, bark renewal, etc., are 
closely connected with it, while an accurate knowledge of the signi- 
ficance and mode of formation of caoutchouc must be of considerable 
value to the practical cultivator. 
KEITH BANCROFT, B.A. 
Paris Creen 
London Purple 
Soda Arseniate 
CARBON BISULPHIDE 
State quantities and we shall 
be pleased to quote you :: 
The George Town Dispensary, Ltd. 
IPOH, PERAK, F.M.S. 
