224 EVERYDAY LIFE ON A 



fields of England were left barren in dread 

 expectations of the same event. 



January 20th. — A gang of twenty new coolies 

 arrived yesterday with their Kangany. They 

 are fresh from the Indian coast, and looked 

 bewildered at their new surroundings, as well 

 as way-worn and weary, having walked many 

 miles to reach this Estate. The two women 

 appeared so utterly exhausted that I longed to 

 give them some refreshment, but alas ! they 

 were of so high a caste that they would have 

 scorned to partake of anything from our 

 bungalow, so nothing could I do, except watch 

 the curious procession file past, the Kangany 

 leading the way, whilst some fine strong men, 

 carrying on their heads all the worldly goods of 

 the party, brought up the rear. Some of the 

 coolies carried little children on their shoulders, 

 or astride on their hips, whilst others had 

 fowls of nondescript character under their 

 arms. One old crone was scarcely human 

 in her ugliness, but poor creature, one's heart 

 went out to her in compassion, for she appeared 

 almost too tired to put one foot before the 

 other. 



When once settled down in Ceylon the 

 Indian coolie finds himself much better off 

 than at home. Here, he gets regular wages, 

 good Lines to live in, medical attendance, and, 

 (on a cocoa estate,) plenty of firewood, jak fruit, 



