CEYLON COCOA ESTATE 95 



which would probably vex them ; for, however 

 mistaken they may be, these visits to the Saami 

 places are to them real acts of devotion, to 

 which they attach much importance ; a Saami 

 oath being as binding on them, as our most 

 solemn oaths are on us. 



The head Kangany who went to India to 

 marry his daughter has returned, having ac- 

 complished his mission quite to his satisfaction. 

 To show that some really reliable natives are 

 to be found, though I grieve to say they are 

 the exceptions, I may mention that he arrived 

 on the evening of the very day he had fixed six 

 weeks ago. We were in hopes that he would 

 bring with him some additional coolies, and 

 especially a few of low caste who would 

 condescend to carry our " beef box " and 

 occasionally fill gaps about the bungalow. 

 But there is so much work at present in his 

 part of India (Travancore) in opening up new 

 coffee and tea estates, that he failed to persuade 

 anyone to come to Ceylon. The dearth on 

 Raneetotem of pariah coolies causes us con- 

 tinual perplexity, for none but they will act as 

 kitchen cooly, or as horse-keeper, or fetch our 

 meat supplies. This very day we were in 

 absolute danger of famine, for the man who 

 usually takes the "beef box" has hurt his leg, 

 two other pariahs were engaged on necessary 

 Estate work, and the fourth has run away to 



