61 



CHAP. 

 III. 



CHAPTER XXX. 



FOUR YEARS OF EXPERIMENTAL CULTURE UNDER 

 DR. WIGHT AT COIMBATORE. 



1845 TO 1849. 



Position of the Cotton experiment in 1845. Five 86 

 years had now elapsed since the American planters had first 

 landed at Madras, and commenced their operation s in Tinne- 

 velly under the superintendence of Captain Hughes. Of 

 this period four seasons of experimental Cotton Culture had 

 been carried on at Coimbatore, entirely under the superin- 

 tendence of Dr. Wight, with the exception of a few months 

 at the commencement of the first season. The results, as re- Minute by 



the Mar- 



gard the fitness of the soil and climate of Coimbatore for the 

 cultivation of American Cotton, have been duly set forth in 1345. p 

 the preceding Chapter. No progress however, worthy of the asl? 

 name, had been made in extending the American Culture 

 and American machinery amongst the Natives. This sub- 

 ject led to much discussion. The Marquis of Tweeddale's 

 Government proposed the abandonment of the Cotton Farms 

 at Coimbatore altogether ; and suggested that operations, 

 like those suggested by Mr. Simpson, should be carried on 

 by the Planters themselves ; as practical men, capable of gain- 

 ing the confidence of the Natives, and of placing before them 

 in the clearest light the superiority of American Cotton, and 

 the improved methods of cultivating the plant and cleaning 

 the wool. Ultimately it was decided that both plans should 

 be carried out ; that Dr. Wight should continue his experi- 

 mental Farming operations in Coimbatore, whilst the Plant- 

 ers should carry on independent operations in Bellary and 

 Tinnevelly. 



