Introduction. xi 



&c., without which I might have found myself in 

 some difficulty. My calculations have been framed 

 with considerable care, and with a sincere wish to 

 avoid misleading anyone by flowery or over-sanguine 

 representations. Possibly, nevertheless, they may 

 still in some cases prove unduly favourable, but if 

 so, I can honestly state my conviction that, in an 

 equal number at least, actual experience under fairly 

 favourable circumstances will yield more profit- 

 able returns than those set down ; and such tables, 

 it should always be borne in mind, are based on the 

 assumption that circumstances will be fairly favour- 

 able, it being only under such circumstances that 

 prudent men should think of investing their capital 

 in this or any other cultivation. 



No allowance has, it is true, been made for a high 

 rate of interest on capital, and it will be evident 

 that those who may have to take such an additional 

 charge into account, must make up their minds to a 

 much longer and more arduous struggle than is 

 here shown, to free their property from incum- 

 brance. 



In an appendix will be found a chapter giving 

 instructions for the medical treatment of Coolies 

 and others on coffee estates, in the absence of pro- 

 fessional assistance, written by my old and valued 

 friend Dr. Mair, formerly of Madras, and this part 

 of the work I commend to the estate manager as 



