Chemical components and water repellent property of rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis) from Bangladesh were determined. The speciesfrom Bangladesh was found to possess about the same amount of water, alcohol-benzene and causticsoda solubles compared to that from Malaysia. Bangladeshi rubberwood contains higher amount of holocellulose than that from Malaysian rubberwood. Water repellent property of the species was found to be lower than that of teak. Considering the cellulose content and water repellent property, the species seems to be suitable for chemical pulping, conversion products and various indoor uses.

Studies in the mangrove plantations and adjacent areas revealed little chance for the natural
development of a second rotation crop in the existing plantations. In some islands of Noakhali
Coastal Afforestation Division, gewa (Excoecaria agallocha) showed promising performance
towards development of a second rotation crop. Of the available saplings and poles, E. agallocha
alone constituted 35 and 70 percent respectively. Studies on the scope of natural regeneration of
this species for sustainable development of mangrove plantations may be undertaken.

Acacia mangium seeds were subjected to six one-day pre-sowing treatments and their effects
on germination and seed deterioration in germination medium were studied under laboratory
conditions. The pretreatments were imparted by soaking the seeds, with and without funicle,
(a) in tap water (25^C) for three hours, (b) in boiled water (immediately after removing from heat
source) for one hour, (c) in boiling water for 30 seconds, and (d) treating with 95% sulphuric acid
for two minutes. Hot and boiling water treatments produced maximum germination, and at the
same time maximum damage to seeds. Other treatments had little effect on germination. A dry- •
weight analysis ofseed parts recorded 21% funicle, 30% seed coat, 47% cotyledon and 2% embryo
of the total weight.