REPORT ON THE CAOUTCHOUC OE COMMERCE. 
21 
Mode of P reparation, — The first or “ loaf ” kind obtained from 
the lower parts of the stem and roots the only kind prepared 
artificially. The millc is poured into boiling water, and stirred till 
it gets sufficiently firm to be carried about without being clammy 
or sticking together. Messrs. Martin, Richie, & Co., of Tezpore, 
to prepare their Caoutchouc, poured the milk into large wooden 
boxes or bins 6 feet square, and partly filled with water, the 
Caoutchouc after a time floating on the top. The Caoutchouc 
(being still fluid) was then taken out and boiled over a slow fire in 
iron pans 4 to 6 feet in diameter, and 2 to 2-| feet deep, 2 parts of 
water being added to the Caoutchouc, and the whole stirred con- 
stantly. As soon as the Caoutchouc coagulated into a mass, it was 
taken out with iron forks and pressed, and again boiled and pressed, 
and then dried in the sun, and finally washed over with lime. 
Assam Caoutchouc is shipped from Calcutta in baskets made of 
split rattans, and generally covered with a “ gunny ” bag. These 
“ baskets ” weigh about 3 cwt. each. The Caoutchouc has a peculiar 
mottled appearance, and consists of pieces from a cream or flesh 
colour to that of a bright pink, verging into red. It is very glossy, 
and sometimes covered with a film (oxidized ?) of a greyish white 
colour. The Caoutchouc is either in the form of separate balls of a 
stringy character, or large masses or irregular blocks. Though it • 
is somewhat improved during the last year or two, it has always 
been noted for the large admixture of bark and ^earthy matters. 
Some “ block ” Assam has been known to yield 35% of bark, clay, 
and sand. During the past year Assam Caoutchouc has obtained 
2 s per lb (Para, same date, 3a. Id.) This Caoutchouc, which I 
saw, was very pure, and in small balls. Mr. Leeds’ specimens, 
which were only an average of that collected at the Silligoree 
Camp, I valued at the same time at 2s. Ocl. to 2s. Id., it being 
slightly “ barky,” owing to the hill men being unused to collection. 
\X the request of Mr. Leeds I had furnished him with a few hints 
on the subject, and was glad to find they had had such a good effect. 
Mr Leeds insisted, and rightly too, on the Caoutchouc being pure 
and unadulterated. . 
Mr. Mann gives the forest revenue derived from Caoutchouc in 
the Durrung, Luckimpore, and Nowgong districts for the years 
1861 to 1870 as 83,733 rupees,* the total for 1869-70 being 23,940 
rupees. 
* Printed as “ inaunds ” in the Report. 
