THE LAND AVAILABLE 238 



and condition of the buildings upon it, &c. If the price 

 is fixed at $1 per tree, then half-trees would be rated at 

 50 cents, and quarter-trees at 25 cents, and these totals 

 give the value of the estate. 



Another method is to find the average number of bags 

 of 165 lb., each produced by an estate during at least five 

 previous years, and to multiply this number by 100 to 150 

 as a factor, according to locality, facility for transport 

 condition and number of buildings, &c., when the result 

 will give the value in dollars, low condition standing at 100, 

 and prime condition at 150, according to valuator's 

 judgment. An estate giving 200 bags on an average of 

 previous five years, the factor fixed at 140, would be valued 

 at $28,000, or £5,833 6s. 8d. 



It will be seen that in both methods the procedure is 

 empirical, and resting entirely upon the experience of the 

 valuer, in his estimation of field conditions. The acreage 

 is generally known, and plans of the lands are generally 

 available for the inspection of intending purchasers and 

 their valuers. If any uncultivated land adjoins, which 

 might be used for extending cultivation, this will generally 

 be separately bargained for, or the rate of purchase raised 

 on the cultivated portion to cover it. In making an 

 important purchase buyers should insist upon an accurate 

 count pi trees, with detailed reports on their quality, 

 cpfxdition and age, &c., &c. 



The employment of a licensed surveyor of lands is a 

 matter also in the hands of the purchaser. There are 

 ofiicers available, whose services can readily be obtained 

 and whose work is of a very reliable character, as they 

 are only admitted to practice after a strict examination 

 carried out by the Government Survey Office. Previous 

 surveys may, in general, be relied upon, but where the 

 price is large, and the estate an old one, it is as well that 

 the buyer should have the boundaries checked, in case of 

 encroachment having occurred. 



The working expenses of a plantation may be calculated 

 at £3 to £5 per acre annually, more or less, according to 



