228 CULTIVATION AND MANUFACTURE OF TEA. 



Meanwhile the principal difficulty in the way seems to be the 

 shifting of the long wire pulling rope over the row of bushes. Let 

 those interested in the subject try to devise a speedy and economical 

 method of doing this. Yours, &c., C. B. FERGUS, C.E. 



Siligori, ijth December, 1882. 



As TO STEAM-PLOUGHING ON TEA GARDENS. 



Sir, As promised, I give you a letter regarding the question as to 

 whether steam-ploughing could be wholly or partially introduced as 

 a substitute for manual labour in Tea gardens. I have been in com- 

 munication with several of the leading makers of steam-ploughing 

 machinery in England, but notably with Messrs. Howard, of Bedford, 

 and Messrs. Barford and Perkins, of Peterborough. These gentlemen 

 forwarded me their illustrated catalogues in duplicate, one set of 

 which I sent to you. 



The first question that ensues in regard to the subject is, " Would 

 it pay, even if found feasible ?" 



In Assam, Cachar, Sylhet and other places, where labour is scarce, 

 it is probable that the introduction of steam cultivation would be a 

 great boon to the Tea planter. The first cost of a steam-ploughing 

 apparatus' with ropes, plough, and everything complete as in use in 

 England on what is called the " single system, " that is, working with 

 only one engine, is about 950. This is heavy, but as a much lighter 

 cultivator would be used for Tea, I think the cost might be reduced to 

 .00 say Rs. 10,000 on the garden. Under moderately favourable 

 circumstances the machinery, making all allowances for native atten- 

 dants, and the usual difficulties we have to encounter in India through 

 their laziness and stupidity, should cultivate 800 to 1,000 acres per 

 month of twenty working days. The remaining ten days might be 

 occupied in the rains by taking the engine and gear from place to place 

 where it might be required ; for, as the expense of a steam-ploughing 

 engine and apparatus would be too much for any concern, except a 

 very large one, to bear, I suggest that two, three, or four gardens unite 

 and purchase one. There need be no clashing or quarrelling about 

 terms at the end of the season : each should pay his share of the 

 cost of fuel, up-keep, wages, &c., according to the number of days 

 it was on each garden. It would thus be to the interest of 

 each manager to forward it on to the man whose turn was next, 



