16 THE NATURE AND CULTIVATION OF COFFEE. 



creased, as much of the land in cultivation is not yet 

 bearing. 



The railroad now in process of formation from 

 Colombo to Kandy, and the immense benefits resulting 

 from the successful operation of the road ordinance, in 

 opening new roads, will much facilitate transport in 

 Ceylon, and will impart additional impetus to the culti- 

 vation. 



The effects of elevation may be stated to be, the 

 lower parts produce much sooner and generally larger 

 crops, but with some uncertainty, as they are more 

 dependent on the seasons ; the estates on the higher 

 ranges produce smaller but more steady crops, and 

 seldom are in full bearing till the fifth year. It is fre- 

 quently stated that the higher the elevation the finer 

 the quality of the coffee, but this is very doubtful, and 

 practical experience proves that the quality of the 

 coffee is more influenced by cultivation than elevation, 

 and even were it the case, it will be admitted by all 

 that ten cwts. of coffee per acre at an average price 

 more than compensates for the few shillings extra per 

 cwt. on thirty to forty per cent, less produce. 



Many circumstances, however, affect climate be- 

 sides elevation. The neighbourhood of high moun- 

 tain ranges generally attracts fog, cloud, and rain, and 

 the base of large hills will be generally found moister 

 and warmer than the same elevation some distance 

 from the high land. It will be obvious that at a low 

 elevation far more moisture is necessary than at a 

 higher and colder atmosphere. At 2000 feet 80 to 

 100 inches more rain is necessary than at 4500 feet. 

 Again, aspect has much to do with climate ; a south- 



