Ficus elastica.—

The future supply of India-rubber being a matter of so much interest, it will be interesting to note Mr. Mann's operations in the cultivation of this important species in Assam, which are detailed in his report for 1876-77, received at Kew at the beginning of last year:—

"The planting of caoutchouc-trees has not as yet emerged altogether from the experimental stage, for although no doubt remains that the tree will grow most luxuriantly in the locality chosen, the different ways in which the young trees have been planted did not all succeed equally well. The plants planted in cane baskets in the forks of trees, although many of them are alive and healthy, remained stationary, or almost so. Many of the trees planted simply in the ground also did badly, and there is no doubt that Rubber-trees should not be planted in this way.

"The trees planted on low split stumps or in earthenware cylinders on low stumps of trees, on piles of wood put crossways and mixed with earth, and on small mounds of earth about 2 to 3 feet in height, have all done exceedingly well; all plants will in future be planted on mounds of earth, stumps, piles of wood, or what-ever is most handy, raised about 3 feet from the ground."

Mr. Mann found that the best cuttings do not transplant so well as seedlings, and that raising plants from seed is the method of propagation which must be chiefly depended on.

In a subsequent report, which reached Kew at the close of last year, he gave further particulars of this enterprise, explaining, amongst other matters, that "drainage about the roots is insured by planting upon mounds." The total area under cultivation at Charduar was page 39 572 acres, 112 acres additional having been cleared for planting.