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It was stated that this species of Aleurites is one of the trees grown in China for the production of Chinese wood-oil (Tung oil) and that it occurs in Fokien Province intermixed with Aleurites cordata, which was formerly considered to be the sole source of wood-oil. It was thought therefore that it would be of interest to have an examination made of the oil from the seeds of the new species in order to determine its quality in comparison with that of the Tung oil of commerce, which appears to be prepared indiscriminately from the seeds of Aleurites cordata or Aleurites Fordii.

Description of Sample.

The sample consisted of two bags of nuts weighing 500 were fresh and in good condition on arrival.

grams. The kernels of the nuts

Examination of the Oil.

On extraction with light petroleum the kernels were found to contain 58.3 per cent. of oil, which is equivalent to a yield of 36-4 per cent. from the entire nuts.

The oil was light in colour, and on exposure to air in a thin layer it dried in a day at the ordinary temperature, giving a varnish-like residue. On heating in a water-oven at 100 e. the oil dried and formed a resin-like solid.

The constants" of the oil were determined and found to agree well with those recorded for commercial samples of Tung oil.

The examination has shown that the oil extracted from these seeds of Aleurites Fordii is very similar in composition to the Tung oil of commerce. It is however lighter in colour and produces a lighter-coloured varnish on drying, so that it is probably a purer product.

It is impossible, with the small amount of material available, to determine whether the oil of Aleurites Fordit, if prepared on a large scale by a commercial process, would be superior in quality and value to the mixed wood-oil of commerce derived from the two species. Technical trials would be necessary in order to determine this point, and for such trials about two gallons of the oil or one hundredweight of the seeds would be required.

It is suggested that this quantity of the oil should be forwarded if possible for further experiments, or, if the pure oil is not readily obtainable, a larger consignment of the seeds should be sent. It could then be determined whether there would be any advantage in preparing Tung oil from the seeds of Aleurites Fordi alone in preference to obtaining it from the mixed seeds of Aleurites Fordii and Aleurites cordata as at present.

(sd.)

W. R. DUNSTAN.

18th October, 1906.

Rubber. In response to enquiries made in 1905 as to the suitability of Para Rubber for Hongkong, a request was addressed to Singapore for a small quantity of plants for trial. The Straits Government courteously responded and in July, 1905, a wardian case of plants and seeds was received. The plants, 100 in all, were immediately transferred to Sokunpo Nursery and planted in a sheltered position. The seeds failed to germinate. As all the young Rubber trees except 11 died during the subsequent winter it must be reluctantly admitted that this valuable tree is unsuited to our climate.

Edgeworthia.-1,000 cuttings of this Japanese paper plant were obtained from Japan in December, 800 being planted at Kanghau and 200 in the Upper Albany Nursery. They remained in good condition up to July, but gradually succumbed to the continued tropical conditions, until by September only one or two per cent. survived. These few are being carefully perserved in the hope of getting a stock of acclimatized cuttings.