187 
MINOR ECONOMIC PRODUCTS. 
Visit to Experimental Plantation. 
W HBN a visit was paid to the Department of Agriculture on the 
26th April an inspection was made ‘of the experimental 
plantation and nurseries. The visitors were shown round part 
of the grounds by Mr. F. G. Spring (Agriculturist) who gave 
demonstrations on various plants of commercial value and it was 
evident that a keen interest was taken in respect of many of the 
crops. The visitors were first shown Patchouli ( Pogostemon 
patchouli ) and in dealing with this plant it was remarked that there 
was a fair demand, at present, for the dried leaf as a source of 
Patchouli oil. Some time was then spent in a five-acre 1>lock of four 
years old African oil palms ( Elseis guineensis ) just commencing to 
fruit. The suitability of the palm and its culture in Malaya were 
freely discussed. Its possibilities, as a plantation crop, were dealt 
with and it was remarked that large areas might be planted without 
affecting the market to any extent. A young rubber clearing, under 
terraced conditions, was viewed and the benefits derived from this 
system of planting, on hill land, were explained. Some interest was 
shown in a number of medicinal plants such as Ipecacuanha, 
Groton tiglium (croton oil), Erythroxylon coca (cocaine), Cinchona 
ledgeriana and C. succirubra, Chenopodium, and Papaya as a source 
of commercial Papain. Mr. Spring referred to the question of green 
manuring and dealt with Centrosema plumieri and the Sarawak Bean 
in particular. The following fibre plants were pointed out — Sisal, 
Manila, Mauritius and Bowstring hemps. Plants yielding various 
commercial products such as oils, dyes and spices were inspected as 
well as fodder and other grasses, fruits, economic and ornamental 
trees and plants. 
On returning to the Offices the party was shown exhibits 
of economic products, which were grown and prepared locally. 
These consisted of — Tobacco, African Oil Palm fruits and a specimen 
of the oil, Camphor oil, Chenopodium seed, Ipecacuanha root, Fibres, 
Patchouli, Tuba root, Cinchona bark, Avocado pears, Indian corn, 
Artichoke tubers. Seed of Centrosema plumieri, Canavalia ensi- 
formis and Sarawak Bean ( Dolichos Btosei ) were also exhibited. A 
collection of photographs consisting of a large variety of crops 
grown on the experimental plantations was on view. 
73 
