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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 6

3. Hevea,.—

3. Hevea,.—

Burma.—

Major Seaton reports:—"At Mergui eight Para India-rubber trees, the survivors of the batch of seedlings received from Dr. King in 1877, continue to do well in the office compound, and vary in height from 8 feet to 25 feet. They are large enough to admit of a considerable number of cuttings being taken from them."

Calcutta.—

Dr. King reports:—" Pará rubber, of which fourteen plants were alive in the garden at the date of last report, continues be as disappointing as ever. Most of these 14 plants are still alive, but they have not grown much, and it is quite clear to me that it is vain to hope that this species can ever be cultivated to profit in this part of India. Plants may be coaxed into growing in conservatories, but the species is by far too thoroughly tropical to withstand without protection the vicissitudes of the climate of Northern India. As I have before reported, I believe it is useless to try it anywhere in India except in the south of Burma or the Andamans, and perhaps in Malabar. I learn from Dr. Thwaites that in the Botanic Garden at Peradeniya, in Ceylon, there are plants of Hevea of about 30 feet high, and that these are of the same age as the plants here, the highest of which is barely 6 feet in height."

Jamaica..—

Mr. Jenman reported:—"I regret to say that there are page 20 only two plants of the Pará rubber in the garden, one which I brought with me, and which is now a vigorous young tree 10 feet high, the other, the only one saved out of a case of 16 plants sent from Kew Gardens over two years ago, but which unfortunately on its arrival in Kingston was locked up in the Custom House for a fortnight, to the influence of which, after the voyage, all but the one succumbed. The atmospheric conditions of this district appear favourably adapted to the successful cultivation of the Para rubber."

Zanzibar.—

Dr. Kirk states:—"The Pará rubber is a less quick grower than the Ceara, and does not branch. It is 10 feet high."