MANUAL OF THE nIlAGIRI DISTRICT. 457 



preparation to secure seeds for second crops. Considering the short CH. XXV 11. 

 time these experiments have been in progress, the Committee beg to a^„. ,7.^7.. ...... 



observe that the high appearance of the farm shows not only the 



capabilities of the soil, but that the exertions of the Superintendent 

 in overcoming the many difficulties Avhich he must have had to 

 encounter in the commencement of operations of so novel a description 

 have been great indeed. Several spots of ground at Kaity laid out as 

 gardens are in a most flourishing condition, and the Committee have 

 no reason to doubt but that the expectations which might have been 

 entertained when these experiments were resolved on will be realized to 

 the fullest extent. From a memorandum submitted by Major Crewe it 

 appears that the farm at Kaity consists at present of about 150 acres, 

 chiefly ai^able, with an extensive garden, the whole in its infancy, calling 

 for enclosure, preparation of lands, roads, water-courses, &c., and that 

 there are two large gardens at Ootacamund to be kept up." 



Major Crewe had asked for a permanent establishment of 30 

 men for the farm, 8 for the garden at Bishopsdown, and 6 for 

 that at Stouehouse. The Committee recommended the mainte- 

 nance of a permanent establishment of 50 men and 3 overseers^ to 

 be selected from the tent lascars. They proceed : — 



"Major Crewe has stated that good workmen cannot be procured on 

 the Hills at a lower rate than 8 rupees per month (the pay and batta 

 of the lascars at present employed being, however, within a fraction 

 of Rupees 10). This appears high wages, but on the formation of all 

 infant settlements and establishments a certain latitude must be 

 granted, and the Committee have no doubt that, as the settlers on the 

 Hills increase, the wages of woi'k-people of all descriptions will fall to 

 a lower scale. As a set-off against the expenses which have already 

 been incurred and the expenditure px'oposed to be continued, Major 

 Crewe states that last year, being the first, Rupees 2,000 were carried 

 to the credit of Government, arising out of the produce and seeds, and 

 that this season affords every expectation of realizing Rupees 5,000. 

 Further, as Major Crewe justly observes, that, as the several grounds 

 get into heart and the farm improved by culture and sheltered by 

 enclosures and plantations, a considerable annual increase must result." 

 Major Crewe had written as follows on the public usefulness 

 of the farm : — 



" Sums ah'eady realized from the produce of the farm, as well as those 

 to be derived this season will afford adequate means to justify the 

 expense incuri'ed in prosecuting this undertaking. Some stress also 

 may be laid on its great public accommodation from the seeds and 

 vegetables afforded to the local community and from the dissemin- 

 ation of the former of every description and of the best qualify 

 throughout India. Its utility is also showing itself by the encourage- 

 ment and aid afforded to industi-ious but needy persons in the erection 

 of cottages and the culture of potatoes and other saleable articles, 

 whereby they will earn their livelihood." 



After remarking that the Anglo-Indians — Rieley, Jones, and 

 Joyce — with their families had already settled on the Hills and had 



68 



