CEYLON COCOA ESTATE 31 



containing a pine apple and plantains, the 

 other, eggs, two pounds of raisins, two pounds 

 of sugar, some cocoanut toffee, and a tin of 

 mixed biscuits, the last, to my amusement, 

 bearing the ubiquitous brand " Made in 

 Germany." Rob made a little speech of thanks. 

 I, not understanding or speaking a word of 

 Tamil, was at a loss what to do to show my 

 gratitude, but I nodded, and smiled, and 

 proceeded then and there to eat one of the 

 plantains. 



The Kangany and his wife then knelt on the 

 ground at my feet, and prostrated themselves 

 touching the earth with their forehead. This 

 was somewhat embarrassing, for though this 

 estate is called by the coolies Raneetotem, I 

 am not at all accustomed to playing the part of 

 a ranee on this or any other stage. Rob 

 gave them a return present and as soon as they 

 had gone a short distance, sent the sheep back 

 to them with a great many thanks, and a 

 polite message that he would not deprive them 

 of it. I believe this was expected and great 

 beating of tom-toms notified their approval ; 

 and so ended a truly Eastern scene. Only a 

 pencil and brush could do justice to the 

 picturesque group in their many coloured 

 cloths and turbans, and the rich brown skins 

 against the sombre green background. Above 

 all the exquisite rosy tints of sunset, whilst in 



