x Introduction. 



at more or less distant intervals. Recent researches, 

 by Dr. W. W. Hunter of the Indian statistical 

 department, based upon the entire existing records 

 of Indian rainfall (which, however, extend over only 

 some sixty-three years), seem to prove, that the 

 seasons of minimum rainfall in the Madras Presi- 

 dency (in which all the coffee districts are situated) 

 have recurred in cycles of eleven years, corre- 

 sponding to the periods of minimum sun's spots. 

 Assuming this theory to be correct, and that the 

 excessively prolonged drpught which occurred in 

 the Wynaad in the spring of 1876 corresponded 

 with the end of the last of these cycles, the planters 

 of that and adjacent districts would have fair grounds 

 for the consoling expectation, that no similarly 

 trying season is likely again to befall them for nearly 

 a decade an ample period, if well used, within 

 which to adopt precautionary measures, such as 

 providing shade and irrigation appliances, by 

 which the effects of a dry season may be more or 

 less mitigated. 



Before concluding the estimates given towards 

 the end of the work, I was fortunate enough to 

 meet with my old friend Mr. W. Sabonadiere, 1 an 

 experienced Ceylon planter, and to obtain from him 

 information on several points, such as the present 

 cost of land in Ceylon, of erecting stores, bungalows, 

 1 Author of the " Coffee Planter of Ceylon." 



