1839.] extent and produce of the Tea Plantations in Assam. 523 



servile, crafty, and demoralized race in India. This vile drug has kept, 

 and does now keep, down the population ; the women have fewer chil- 

 dren compared with those of other countries, and the children seldom 

 live to become old men, but in general die at manhood ; very few old 

 men being seen in this unfortunate country, in comparison with others. 

 Few but those who have resided long in this unhappy land know the 

 dreadful and immoral effects, which the use of Opium produces on the 

 native. He will steal, sell his property, his children, the mother of his 

 children, and finally even commit murder for it. Would it not be the 

 highest of blessings, if our humane and enlightened Government would 

 stop these evils by a single dash of the pen, and save Assam, and all 

 those who are about to emigrate into it as Tea cultivators, from the 

 dreadful results attendant on the habitual use of Opium ? We should 

 in the end be richly rewarded, by having a fine, healthy race of men 

 growing up for our plantations, to fell our forests, to clear the land 

 from jungle and wild beasts, and to plant and cultivate the luxury of 

 the world. This can never be effected by the enfeebled Opium-eaters 

 of Assam, who are more effeminate than women. I have dwelt thus 

 long on the subject, thinking it one of great importance, as it will 

 affect our future prospects in regard to Tea ; also from a wish to be- 

 nefit this people, and save those who are coming here, from catching 

 the plague, by our using timely measures of prevention. 



Monthly outlay of the present standing Establishment. 



Superintendent, 

 1st Assistant to Do. 



2nd Do. Do 



1 Chinese Black-Tea maker, 

 1 Ditto Assistant to Ditto 

 1 Ditto Tea-box maker, 

 1 Ditto Interpreter, 



1 Ditto Tea. box maker, 



2 Ditto Green-Tea makers, at 15 : 8 : 6 each, 

 1 Ditto Tea-box maker, 

 1 Ditto Lead-canister maker, 

 24 Native Black- Tea makers, at 5 each , . . 

 12 Native Green-Tea makers, at 5 each, 

 1 Native Carpenter, . . 

 1 Coolie Sirdar, 



Carried over,... 1,122 14 



Co's 



. Rs. 



500 











100 











70 











55 



11 



C 



11 



1 



6 



45 











45 











15 



8 



6 



31 



1 







33 



4 



6 



22 



3 







120 











60 











4 











10 











