May i, 1895.] THE TROPICAL AGRICULTURIST. 
747 
the best form of advertising is through the great 
Expositions that are held periodically throughout 
the States and Canada. In this connection I 
would mention that a wrong impresson is apt 
to be held by many as to the frequency of 
these Expositions. Compared with Europe, it is 
like having one in London one year, another 
in St. Peterburg the following year, another in 
Paris, another in Constantinople, another in Berlin, 
and another in Madrid, all at intervals of a year. 
One naturally forgets the extent of this vast country. 
Another indisputable fact is, that such Expositions 
should be attended by recognised Official Commis- 
sioners appointed by the Government of the country, 
(in this case Ceylon) the Planters' Association and 
Chamber of Commerce. A Representation under- 
taken by some private party or firm, often as a 
speculation, never receives that attention, considera- 
tion, or acknowledgement from the officials of such 
exposition, as does that where the Commission is 
specially appointed by the country represented. The 
many advantages accruing to the latter mode are 
obvious. I have had experience of both ways, and 
unhesitatingly condemn the former method. In this 
connection I would mention that at the approaching 
Atlanta and Cotton States' International Exposition, 
(to which Mr. Bierach has given a great deal of time, 
thought and trouble,) a saving to Ceylon of $4,000 
or $5,000 can be effected for spaec~alone, if the Com- 
missioners are appointed and recognised by Ceylon ! 
Now at present rates of exchange, this is about equal 
to R17,000, a large sum and an amount that would go 
a very long way towards furnishing a "permanent 
plant" for these expositions. This "plant " euters 
largely into my scheme. I understand Mr. Bierach 
has gone into this part of it minutely and has fur- 
nished plans and specifications to the " Committee 
of Thirty." The Pavilion should be put in hand at 
once in Ceylon, and after use at Atlanta, should be 
stored until the great Canadian International Ex- 
position is ready to receive it in April 1896. (To 
this I will refer later.) It would then be available 
for the great Exposition to be held in Baltimore in 
1897, and so on. I would suggest having eight natives 
as attendants, (four Sinhalese men, two Tamil 
men and two Tamil women, the latter married cou- 
ples.) These to be selected for bright appear- 
ance, willingness to work, physique, and good 
general character, the Tamil women should be 
good looking, (and I would add, young) and wear 
lots of jewelry in their ears, also nose ornaments, 
The Sinhalese should be active, not sleepy or lazy. 
These Natives should be under contract to serve for 
from three to fire years, and when not engaged at 
Expositions, my idea is to employ them assisting in 
giving those valuable Tea Demonstrations at the 
large leading Grocery stores in the different cities 
all over the country. On this point I have gained 
valuable information. Space has been offered in many 
such stores, and aid would be given by several Firms 
in helping out such demonstrations, in the way of 
local advertising, posting bills, invitations to customers, 
use of crockery etc., provided Native attendants were 
sent by the Ceylon Planters in charge of somo com- 
petent person, who knew both them and his subject, 
and who could talk interestingly to the guests. Mr. 
R. Valentine Webster, who knows the requirements 
of the country well, informed mc ho highly approved 
of this part of my scheme, and would support it as 
practicable, and I trust it will meet with your approval. 
Should such 1)0 the case and the services of Mr. 
liioracb and myself lie availed of by the " Com- 
mittee of Thirty." I would suggest that when not 
engaged at pome huge Exposition, tho Natives be 
divided into two parties. |t\vo Sinhalese and a married 
couple of Tamils in each party,) and with one. Mr. 
Bierach in the North and Eastj and myself with the 
other in the South and West, continue to do all in 
our power in the large cities as mentioned above, 
and also at the Pure Food Exhibitions and cookery 
demonstrations periodically held. As tho time ap- 
proached for another large Exposition, our forces could 
be joined onca moro, and with greater experience 
on each succeeding occasion greater economy and 
efficiency would bo gained. The American people 
liko novelty, and if they see that Ceylon goes. 
to the expense of sending real Natives all this 
distance, they will know that we mean business 
and must have a good article for sale, and one in 
which we ourselves have great faith. 
By adopting this mode of carrying on the work 
a great saving can be effected, as no large outlay 
need be incurred in passage money to and from 
Ceylon on the ocasion of each succeeding exposi- 
tion; we would all be on the spot, and perhaps 
only on such occasions as the great Baltimore 
Exposition (to be as large as Chicago one was they 
say), a few extra natives would have to be sent over 
from Ceylon, and a larger assortment of exhibits. 
Again referring to the Canadian Exposition, I have 
been in correspondence with the Director-General 
thereof, in Montreal and Loudon latterly, and he 
informed me that " he had had applications from 
half-a-dozen different parties, in reference to a 
Ceylon Exhibit." I deemed it advisable in the 
interests of Ceylon, to write in reply, requesting 
the Director-General " to refrain from making any 
binding arrangements, or entering into any con- 
tracts with anyone or any Firm in reference to 
Ceylon, until he heard from either you, the Planters' 
Association of Ceylon, Mr. Bierach, or myself." I 
also asked him to let me know who the several 
parties were. I am confident the Director-General 
will comply with my request, as he knows it is 
my desire to have Ceylon properly represented at 
the Exposition, and is well aware of the interest 
I take in that country, and of my work at Chicago 
and here. I trust the course I have taken will meet 
with your approval, and also with that of the 
Planters' Association of Ceylon. 
Advertising in Daily Newspapers will not 
pay so well as in a judicious selection of 
Weekly and Monthly Papers and Magazines, and 
as the latter reach the Homes and are read 
by the ladies of the family, I think it would 
be more advisable to utilize the Magazines in prefer- 
ence to the bulk of Dailies. Of course the best time 
to use the Dailies would be a few days prior to, and 
during the visit of a commissioner and natives to 
give Tea Demonstrations and " Talks" in the different 
towns when the local papers should be used. I have 
found great interest attaches to anything about Ceylon, 
when it comes as it were, direct from one who knows 
the country and his subject, and I have on several 
occasions written articles for the different newspapers, 
and given information to reporters and interviewers 
that was greatly appreciated. It is my desire to 
continue the work so well begun at Chicago, and 
latterly here, and having now gained a great deal 
of experience that is valuable, I trust my services 
may be availed of in conjunction with those of Mr. 
Bierach of New York, who, I know is thoroughly to 
be depended upon as hardworking, steady, and of 
unimpeachable integrity, with his soul in his work 
and his heart in Ceylon Tea. 
I trust your approval will be given to the Atlanta 
Exposition Scheme after you have gone well into it 
with Mr. Bierach, and as it appears to me from the 
reports of late meetings of the ''Committee of Thirty," 
all that they deem necessary to their sanctioning and 
carrying out Mr. Bierach's proposition, is your ap- 
proval, I feel confident this will bo gained and the 
scheme go through. I venture to suggest in such a 
case, that a short cable message be sent to A. Melville 
White Esq., intimating your approral, so as to save 
time, and allow of the carved work on the Pavilion and 
paintings, (a necessarily slow operation.) being taken 
in hand at once. A joint Committee of the Planters' 
Association and Chaniberof Commerce would doubtless 
be formed to solicit subscriptions and exhibits. 
My services are at your disposal at a few hours' 
notice, and like the British Army, " I am ready 
to go anywhoro and do anything," for Ceylon. 
Trusting your labours will bens successful as I know 
you wish them to lie, and that your mission on 
behalf of our brother Planters will leavo many 
pleasant recollections engraven on tho tablets of your 
memory, and that you will enjoy good health during 
your stay in this country. 
I am, gontlemcu, yours faithfully, 
(Signed) Thomas A. Cockuvk'n, 
