PREFACE. Vll 



To look down upon such a region, as I have done 

 very many times, bursting into usefulness in the face of 

 great odds, inevitably impresses on the observer a con- 

 sciousness of the vast amount of wealth and energy 

 constantly devoted to this productive and widespread 

 industry, hinting at the great possibilities that are open- 

 ing up for its furtherance in new lands, while at the 

 same time explaining the constant demand for works 

 on the subject by both those who supply the motive 

 power in the form of home capital for all such under- 

 takings, and those who go abroad to accept the practical 

 portion of the task. 



My enterprising Publishers think there is an oppor- 

 tunity for rendering assistance to both parties by the 

 preparation of a handbook which shall be at once 

 concise and yet full of practical information, equally 

 useful at home or in the hands of the young assistant 

 making his first voyage to the tropics ; up to the day 

 in its data, containing the latest figures on production 

 and profits, and hints on every matter, in fact, that can 

 be required by either of the two great divisions of 

 investors in Coffee already mentioned those who embark 

 capital in it, and those who dedicate their lives and 

 energies to the profession. 



The outcome of my task undertaken with due doubts 

 in my abilities, and carried through with a genuine 



