THE OUTER HIMALAYAH. 31 



produced which would exceed the total exports from 

 China I The former Government plantation at Assam 

 is in the hands of a company ; in Kumaon, Gurhwal, 

 Deyrah Dhoon, and Kangra, the Government planta- 

 tions are ripe to be handed over to private individuals. 

 Already in Kumaon and Gurhwal numerous settlers are 

 engaged, and in Deyrah Dhoon a large company is heing 

 established, and individual enterprise is also not wanting. 

 In Kotgurh, too, there is a private plantation. 



To the Commissioners of Kumaon and Gurhwal, 

 Messrs. H. Eamsay and J. H. Batten, tea cultivation in 

 those provinces owes its present perfection. 



In Kangra valley alone, until lately, no independent 

 settler was to be found; but thanks to the representations 

 by Major Lake, Commissioner of the trans-Sutlej States, 

 to the Punjaub Government, a special commissioner for 

 the tea interests has been appointed to the Kangra dis- 

 trict, and this beautiful valley now bids fair to be one of 

 the most favourite resorts of the settler. 



Applicants for lands are very numerous ; not only 

 private gentlemen, but officers of the civil and military 

 services, are among them. It is as yet a question whe- 

 ther the Government will sell their tea plantations entire 

 or in lots.* By some it is thought that to grant to a 

 wealthy company large tracts of country suitable for tea 

 cultivation, or entire existing plantations, would be the 

 only sure way of extending the manufacture of tea. By 



* Since writing the above it seems doubtful whether the Govern- 

 ment will part with their existing plantations or not. To the settler 

 Government plantations are a great boon, as from them he can obtain 

 seeds and plants. 



