20 EVERYDAY LIFE ON A 



instead of outside, on the cemented barbecue 

 in the sunshine. 



As Ceylon cocoa has become more abundant, 

 the price has gone down. It was at one time 

 sold for one hundred shillings a hundred-weight, 

 and even more, whilst now it only commands 

 from fifty to eighty shillings according to the 

 quality ; but even at the lower rate it yields 

 a handsome return. How true it is that no 

 one can foresee the far reaching effect of their 

 slightest action. The kindly impulse of our 

 late Queen, to send a Christmas gift of chocolate 

 to her soldiers in the field proved a perfect 

 godsend to Ceylon cocoa planters. The 

 price immediately rose to nearly its old level, 

 owing to the sudden and urgent demand, but 

 fell again somewhat when that demand was 

 over. Still, as I said before, it yields a very 

 good, and sufficient profit. 



An enterprising family of Planters have now 

 established a flourishing Cocoa and Chocolate 

 Manufactory. Although it has only been 

 established a few years they have already a 

 large business with Australia and India, as 

 well as Europe, and it is much to be hoped 

 that their enterprise and industry will be re- 

 warded by financial success. 



