158 COFFEE PLANTERS’ MANUAL. 
General Transport, I have been liberal in some mat- 
ters that need not be entered upon till the estate 
be in bearing, such as roads. Of course an estate 
cannot be worked without roads, and he who has 
plenty of money will do wll to open them early. 
But I am all along supposing a man who has not 
plenty, and who therefore will only do what is absol- 
utely necessary at first, leaving complete and finished 
work to be done when the means to do it with come 
to hand. Now in this respect were I to-be very ex- 
acting, I would for the first two years make £10 
spent on roads do the work for which I have allowed 
£50. Besides, the item which I am charged with 
having omitted, General Transport, consists chiefly of 
bringing the superintendent’s provisions and those 
of his coolies to the estate. As I have supposed the 
ease of the estate until bearing being managed by a 
neighbouring superintendent, no allowance on that 
score was necessary, while as regards rice to the coo- 
lies, it is generally supplied at a rate that covers 
its transport, unless in very out-of-the-way districts. 
{ adhere therefore to my figures, and I will tell you 
furtber that they are not framed upon new Dimbula 
experience with soft soil and small holes, nor on the 
plan of shirking work and stinting expenditure. My 
calculations are based upon proper work and 18 inch 
holes, and are the same as they were 20 years ago, 
About that time, the young estate I referred to was 
planted under my inspection by a very careful man- 
ager of an adjoining estate, and brought into bearing 
for £10 an acre. Of course it had the advantages of 
the old estate adjoining supplying lines, bungalow, 
tools, and other conveniences with which the new 
estate in the same connection had not to be taxed. 
The estate opened and brought into bearing for £8 
an acre was not connected with any previous estate 
in the district. The books which I saw proved my 
figures correct. I do not say everybody can do this, 
nor will all seasons of soils admit of it. But I in- 
stance these to shew what can be done under favour- 
ing circumstanees, while the average rate allowed by 
me is fifty per cent higher. In that estimate too I 
am borne out by such men as * and many others, 
all practical planters, who would not spend a penny 
anless absolutely necessary, nor stint a penny that 
was actually required. I do not, however, wish to 
be drawn into a discussion of estimates or anything 
else at present. I shall let every one say his say, 
and if there be anything of importance to answer 
* Several of our most experienced planters are here 
mentioned,—Ep. C. OQ. . 
