220 



to think not. Thirtv-five fruits more, of half normal size were 

 dug-out of the bunch and, when stripped of the calyx-leaves and 

 their peduncle cut otf, were found to weigh altogether 4 ozs. 



Size and shape of fruit of "Elaeis" 



with calyx leaves and dry stigma 



on top — Weight 17 grammes. 



The largest of the 206 fruit is here represented in shape and 

 size, but they were mostly of less symetrical shape, with depressions 

 on one side and a more conical apex. 



Their colour was bright orange at the base shading abruptly 

 into deep purple and almost black at the apex. 



So far the labour employed on these 7 lbs. -i ozs. of fruit had 

 taken 45 minutes, but it should be borne in mind that it was per- 

 formed under the writer's own supervision and in his presence,, 

 without the loss of one minute, and, secondly that the tree was a 

 very low one, the fruit being only 8 -feet from the ground. 



Further still, no time was put down for transport which is a 

 larger question than appears at first sight. Dealing with coconuts, 

 the crop of nuts can be hurled towards the transporting cart or 

 Avagon, by successive throws of 20 to 30 yards at a time, or more 

 if the ground is a sloping one, and the job of loading is an easy 

 one and (piickly done, but with the hedgehog-like bunches of Elaeis^ 

 each bunch must be handled by hand, and gingerly at that, for 

 they refuse to roll of tlieir ow7i accord, and the unloading at the 

 store must proceed in the same way. Taken altogether, climbing- 

 up the tree, hacking through the leaves and the peduncle, getting- 

 down again, and carrying the bunches to the cart, the writer is of 

 opinion that the coolie cannot, in a nine hours' day, visit more 

 than 9 trees, and assuming a crop of two bunches per tree, his 

 day's work is summed up by 18 bunches, which means that, at a 

 daily wage of 75 cents, each bunch brought to the factory and 

 split ready for treatment, will cost over 4 cents. Moreover, the 

 work is so hard, so unpleasant that it is very doubtful if our or- 

 dinary class of coolie will stand it. It is pretty certain that coolies 

 accustomed to the comparatively leisurely work of rubber or coco- 

 nut estates will not look at it, and unless extra wages are paid it 

 will be difficult to recruit the class of men required. 



