6 
It further authorises District Magistrates, on the request of a majority of two-thirds 
of the Penghulus or of the padi planters, to frame rules, subject to confirmation by 
the Resident, prescribing the dates on which the various operations of planting and 
harvesting on bendang lands shall take place, and to impose penalties for the breach 
of such rules. 
The object of the Order is to ensure simultaneous cultivation of all bendang land 
in occupation, so as to prevent the harbouring of vermin, especially of rats, which are 
a scourge in this country. 
It is, however, quite possible to fill the statute book with enactments of this kind, , 
and with very little result unless the District Magistrates bestir themselves and rouse 
the Indolent and fatalist Malays to action. 
SEED. 
17. The District Magistrate, Krian, makes a good suggestion, to the effect that 
he be permitted to purchase some 5,000 gantangs of seed padi from Kedah, Siam, and 
Burmah, to be distributed for planting next season. The experiment would be of 
interest and value. The Acting Assistant Indian Immigration Agent points out that 
the natives are alive to the importance of obtaining new seed, and interchange seed 
amongst one another. 
xxi. April 1st, 1892 . I enclose copy of a memorandum by Mr. W. Scott, Inspector of Mines, on the 
subject of Straits and Rangoon grain. 
The State Commissioner of Lands recommends that the question of improved 
modes of cultivating padi and of the selection of the best variety of seed should be 
taken up by an expert, either in the Colony or the Native States, but I think it possible 
that these questions have already engaged the attention of the British authorities in 
India and Burmah, who would be glad to communicate the conclusions at which they 
have arrived. Doubtless, too, much valuable information is at the disposal of the 
Netherlands Indian Government in Java. 
DHOLL AND RAGI. 
1 8. On the subject of the trial of dholl, ragi and other Indian food grains I am 
not in a position to offer any opinion, knowing nothing of the nature of these cereals 
nor of the soil and climate necessary for their successful cultivation. 
19. I beg to express my regret that, owing to my absence on official duty in 
Upper Perak in February and March, this report has been delayed, and is less full 
than I should have wished to make it. 
I have, &c., 
3 W. H. TREACHER, 
Acting British Resident. 
