D2 COTTON IN THE MADRAS PRESIDENCY. [Isx. SEASON. 



CHAP, siderable extent with the character of the Ryots, and with 



the mode of carrying on the Cotton trade in this country. 



Both these points will be largely illustrated in the following 

 paras ; and as Mr. Finnic was also a man of sense and shrewd- 

 ness, his own observations, extracted and condensed from 

 his official letters, will throw considerable light upon the 

 actual condition of the Cotton trade and cultivation in the 

 Madras Presidency ; though they may convey a generally 

 unfavorable impression respecting the possibility of any 

 great improvements being speedily carried out through the 

 aid of American seed or American machinery. 



127 First season, 1845-46 : Mr. Finnic 's first impres- 

 sions of Tinnevelly. Mr. Finnie proceeded toTinnevelly 

 in October 1845. His ostensible objects were to distribute 

 American Cotton seed amongst the Ryots, and to exhibit 

 the working of some small sized saw gins. It seems also to 

 have been expected that he should cultivate some American 

 Cotton, partly to test the capabilities of the district, and 

 partly to instruct the Natives in the improved method of 

 cultivation. On reaching Tinnevelly however he found that 

 the sowing season was over, and accordingly he could do 

 little beyond recording his first impressions, and submitting 

 26th le j a e n' a pl an f operations to the authorities. As regards the 

 R 8 e 4 tu'rif ar1 ' capabilities of the Tinnevelly district, he appears to have at 

 p. ^g ^ me f orme( j a favourable opinion. Both the New 

 Orleans and the Sea Island varieties might, he thought, be 

 grown in Tinnevelly ; the New Orleans in the vicinity of 

 the hills, where it would receive the benefit of both mon- 

 soons ; and the Sea Island on the coast, about seven to fifteen 

 miles from the Sea, where it would be near enough to enjoy 

 the benefit of the Sea breeze, and far enough off" to secure a 

 better soil than could be obtained immediately on the shore. 

 As regards the Native cultivation he was less sanguine. 

 The Natives sowed their Cotton broad cast, frequently with 



