been obtained by exsiccation of tlie sap of F. columnaris [Fitzgera ld],
rh n s liardeiied sap of this species resembles in many respects that
of F. snbracemosa and F. variegata, called Getali Lahoe, Imt differs
apparently by its^ greater solubility in cold alooliol, and by tbe
portion insoluble in alcohol being of a pulverulent instead of a
viscid character. The mode of exsiccation affects much the properties
of the product. Tlie tree also in culture should form a magnificent
retreat for singing birds and for epiphytal orchids.
Ficus Cunninghami, Miquel.
Queensland, iu tlie eastern dense forest-regions to about 28" S.
Mr. J . O’Sliauesy designates this as a tree of sometimes monstrous
growth, the large spreading branches sending down roots, whicli
take firm hold of tlie ground. One tree measured was 38 feet iu
circumference at 2 feet from the ground, the roots forming walllike
abutments, some of which extended 20 feet from the tree.
Several persons could conceal themselves in the large crevices of tlie
trimk, while the maiu-braiiches stretched across a space of about 100
feet. A kind of caouteliouc can be obtained from tliis tree. A still
more gigantic Fig-tree of Queensland is F. colossea (F. v. M.), but it
may not be equally hardy, not advancing naturally to extra-tropical
latitudes. This reminds us of the great Council-tree, F. altissima,
from Jav a , where it grows iu mountains ou calcareous ground F.
eugenioides (F. v. M.), from North- aud East-Australia, attains a
height of 100 feet, and produces also columnar air-roots. I t is com-
paratively hardy, reaching extra-tropie latitudes.
Ficus elastica, Roxburgh.*
Upper India, to the Chinese boundary, known as far as 28° 30'
north-latitude, extending to Burmah and the Malayan Islands. A
large tree, yielding its milk-sap copiously for the kind of caoutclionc
called Assam-Rubber. Roxburgh ascertained 80 years ago, that
india-rubber could be dissolved in cajaput-oil (very similar to
eucalyptus-oil), and th a t the sap yielded about one-third of its weight
of caoutcliouo. 'This tree is not of quick growth in the changeable
and often dry climate of Melbourne ; but there is every prospect,
th a t it would advance very rapidly in any of our mild liumid forest!
gullies, and that copious plantations of it there would call forth a
new local industry. 'This tree has grown in Assam to 112 feet with
100 aerial roots in thirty-two years [Markham]. In moist warm
climes, according to observations there by Mr. Gustave Mann
branches lopped off and planted will speedily establish themselves’
biiigle branches attain a length of 50 f e e t; the root-orown will
attain a diameter of 200 feet exceptionally [Haeckel], The import
of caoutchouc into the United Kingdom in 1884 amounted to
198,000 cwt., representing a value of £2,266,000, of which F.
elastica must have furnished a considerable proportion; in 1883 the
value of unworked rubber imported there was estimated at J
£3,500,000 [ J . G. Baker]. Markham and Collins pronounce the
caoutchouc of P. elastica not quite so valuable as th a t of the
Heveas and Castilloas of South-America. Heat and atmospheric
moisture greatly promote the growth of F. elastica. Like most other
Frig-trees, it is easily raised from seed. A tree of F. elastica is
tapped in Assam .when twenty-five years old. After fifty years the
yield is about 40 lbs. of caoutchouc every third year, and lasts till
the tree is over 100 years old. 'The milky sap, flowing from cuts in
the stem, is poured into boiling water and stirred till it gets firm ; or
the sap is poured into large bins partly filled with water ; the fluid
caoutoliouo-mass after a while floats on the surface, wlien it is taken
out and boiled in irou-pans, after the addition of two parts of water,
the whole being stirred continuously ; after coagulation the caoutchouc
is taken out and pressed, and if ueoessary boiled again, then
dried, and finally washed with lime-water. The sap from cuts into the
branches is allowed to dry on the trees [ J . Collins]. Dr. S. Kurz
states, th a t F. laccifera (Roxburgh) from Silhet is also a caoutchouc-
tree, and th a t both this and F. elastica yield most in a ferruginous
clay-soil on a rooky substratum ; furtlier, tliat both can bear dryness,
but like shade in youth. Several other species of tropical figs,
American as well as Asiatic, are known to produce fair caoutchouc,
but it is questionable, whether any of them would prosper in extra-
tropical latitudes ; nevertheless for the conservatories of botanic
gardens all such plants should be secured with a view of promoting
public instruction. To give some idea of the vastly increasing
extent, to which “ R u b b e r” is now required, it may be slated, th a t
a t Wetzell’s factories in Münden and Hildesheim alone during 1884
were produced 100,000 lbs. of surgical articles; 100,000 lbs. valves,
buffers and washers; 150,000 lbs. hose and b e ltin g ; 200,000 lbs.
insertion-sheets aud tucks-paekings; 250,000 dozens of fancy-coloured
balls, irrespective of other rubber-articles ; this factory which exists
since 1868, is employing 600 workmen and operating with machinery
equal to 300 horse-power. Caoutchouc has been recommended also
for iuuer-liuing of war-sbips [G. A. F. Wilson]. Ficus Vogelii
(Miquel) yields in Liberia and Lagos a kind of rubber, landed by
Messrs. Warne and Christy. 'The Columbian Rubber-tree is Sapium
biglaudulosnm (J . Mueller).
Ficus infectoria, Roxburgh.
India, ascending to 5,000 feet. Probably hardy where frosts are
only slight, and then adapted for street-planting. Brandis and
Stewart found its growth quicker than th a t of Siris or Albizzia
prooera. F . religiosa (Linné) ascends to the same height, aud is
of quick growth in moist climates. I t bears well the clime of
Beloochistan. I t is one of the trees on which the lac-insect exists.
The fruits of some huge Himalayan species—for instance, H. virgata,
F . glomerata (Roxburgh) and F . Roxburghii (Wallich)—are edible.
The curious 'Tikoua from Yun-Nau, introduced into France by the
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