'* (11) Although these waters abound in fish of great variety, it. is very doubtful whether their 
edible qualities are such as to warrant the inauguration of any scheme for export. 
“ (12) A few Chinamen have for some years been engaged in the collection and export to the 
East of Beche de Mer, considerable quantities of which are found on the extensive coral reefs. 1 do 
not, however, anticipate that the industry is likely to develop on a large scale. 
(13) Good results would be more likely to accrue from the development of pearl fishing. The 
pearl oyster is found in the southern waters of both islands and small pearls are frequently brought in 
by the native fisherman. A concession for pearl fishing was granted to a European some 15 years 
ago, but the fact that he was not very successful may probably be attributed more to bis lack of 
experience and of proper outfit than to lack of pearls. 
M (14) I have the honour to propose that a small Department be formed, which might be called 
the Bureau of Science, under the control of Dr. Aders, who at present holds the post of Economic 
Biologist; that, it should be the duty of this Department to pursue scientific research in all branches 
affecting the Protectorate, and that it should work in conjunction with the various Imperial scientific 
bureaus, keeping in close touch also with the scientific Departments of sister Colonies and Protec¬ 
torates on this coast. The new Department would undertake most of the work now done 
by Dr. Aders in connexion with the Health Department and would carry out all investigations required 
by the Agricultural or any other Department which needed its assistance.” 
EASTERN COLONIES. 
CEYLON. 
No reply to the despatch has been received from this Colony. 
FEDERATED MALAY STATES. 
The High Commissioner forwarded a full report by the Chief Secretary. 
Sir Edward Brockman said that the Federated Malay States were fortunate in having considerable 
credit balances, and were thus in a position to undertake research work without financial anxiety. 
The two great industries in the country are rubber growing and tin mining, and there is a tendency 
to confine investigations to problems connected with these two industries. 
As regards mechanical power, the main source of such power a few years ago was wood, and the 
destruction of forests for firewood has been immense and has had to be checked. Coal lias been found 
in Selangor and is being worked on a satisfactory scale. The Selangor coal is of a highly inflammable 
nature and cannot be used for bunkering. It is, however, the intention of the colliery owners to erect 
briquettiug plant, and if this is successful it will enable the coal to be exported. Coal deposits in 
the State of Perils are now being investigated. Water power is used to a limited extent. One of the 
needs in the way of research is to survey thoroughly all the rivers and streams in British Malaya, and 
in connection with this systematic observations of the rainfall are absolutely necessary. 
Oil has not yet been found in the Federated Malay States, but there is reason to believe that in 
Brunei there is a large and accessible oil field. 
As regards agriculture, the Government of the Federated Malay States has made very liberal 
provision for agricultural research in so far as the staff of scientific officers is concerned, and, but for 
the war, that staff would have been a strong one. The research earned out by the Department of 
Agriculture has included research of the fundamental character to which the Secretary of State lias 
drawn special attention. 
Although rubber is the chief agricultural product and receives most notice, rice, coconuts, and 
other products are not neglected. A coconut estate has been purchased by Government for research 
purposes. The African oil palm and the castor oil plant are now engaging attention. 
Systematic investigation as to rainfall is of importance to agriculture as well as in connection 
with water power, and it is proposed to enlarge the Meteorological Department. 
A scheme has been approved for the establishment of studentships for research in tropical agricul¬ 
ture and provision has been made for one such studentship in 1920. In the uist instance a scholar will 
be selected from Cambridge, but subsequently from Oxford, Edinburgh, Trinity College, Dublin, and 
the Imperial College of Science. 
As regards forestry, the activities of the Forest Department in the past have been mainly devoted 
to securing the forests against depredation and to creating new reserves, and in this respect Sir Edward 
Brockman considers that all that is necessary is being done. Little actual research has been under¬ 
taken. The translation of a standard work on the economic plants of Netherland India has been 
be<mn and it is hoped that, when this has been completed, it may be possible with the assistance of 
r ... - t - -t *1 __i. 1Vlr.l rt TT Drtnnirtii o o 1 TV* T Q Y" 1TI 
detailed account ot tne Malayan commercial umutus «mu q— e—■ . \ . , 
it is proposed to publish an account of the principal minor forest products, which already lime a 
commercial value and would probably find new markets if more were known of them. A concession 
has been granted for the manufacture of acetic acid by the distillation of wood. 
In regard to minerals, the Geological Department yyas established in 1908 and has l/caui engaged 
on economic geological work and on a systematic geological survey. ntil1912 the staff consisted of 
one geologist only. Since that date it has been gradually increased, until it now con.-,isk of two 
c/onWid-R and two chemists A further increase is under consideration. About one-thn d ot the Malay 
Peninsula 5ias^ b«*n ^"urveyed geologically, and it is regarded as desirable that the survey of the 
Federated Malay States should be completed, and that surveys of the Straits Settlements, including 
