Ceylon.—

The enterprise of the planters, and the necessity of obtaining a speedy return for invested capital, has led to much more rapid methods of harvesting the bark crop being adopted in this island than at the first commencement of the enterprise would have been thought possible. The following statement appeared in the "Ceylon Observer" for Sept. 13th, 1878:—" Over large areas in Ceylon it seems as if Cinchona officinalis came to maturity in four and a half years, while if trees begin to show signs of canker or decay at even two and a half years, the bark ought at once to be utilized. Bark of such trees will pay well for the gathering. We once sent to Messrs. Howard a specimen of bark from three and a half years old trees. The verdict was, 'good' marketable bark as it stands.'"