Three clarifications are proposed in analyzing the layered structure of tropical rain forests, following difficulties and examples discussed by P. W. Richards in "The Tropical Rain Forest" (Cambridge University Press, 1952). (1) Immature trees of a higher stratum should be neglected in locating a lower stratum. (2) The height used in locating strata should be the level at which lateral branches are no longer shed (lower limit of permanent branching) which remains unchanged. (3) The criterion of maturity should be that main lateral branches are no longer shed, thus diminishing present subjectivity of judgement. Application to some figures in the book suggests the B stratum as only A stratum trees held in suspended development because of prior arrival of the A stratum trees.