INCREASE OF SALARY. 
specially, but if tlie whole estate can be managed so 
much the better. But we have uot the coolies. Take 
50 acres, keep constantly weeding it, say once every three 
or four weeks, never allow the weeds to get over three 
or four inches high. Stick to that rule, and we will 
soon get them under. In the meantime never mind the 
buildings-, they will be patched up, till we see how the 
coffee comes round. After that takes place, we will 
be better able to judge what will be the requirements 
of the place.” 
Mr. Sharp was satisfied wifh this advice, and told 
Mr. Brown to “ go ahead,” that Y. Z. & Co. in Co- 
lombo were his agents, he would find they would always 
promptly meet all his requisitions. As for himself, 
he was off to Bombay, ancl would probably be back 
in three or four months, when he would visit and 
make up his mind finally as to what was to be done. 
But,” says he, ‘‘by the bye, what is your own salary?’ 
Twelve pounds ten shillings per month,” says Biowii. 
Mr. Sharp looked very griive, almost sad, and Mi-. 
Brown thought he considered it too much, and it was 
“ all up ” with him, but Mr^ Sharp at last said ; — “ For 
the work before you, if you do it thoroughly, as I believe 
you will, this salary is too sniadl. Put yourself down 
for £200 per annum, that is monthly pay at that rate, 
and it will remain an open question, subject to the 
state of the work and prospects of recovering the 
coffee, whether or not, when I next see the place, you 
will not receive a I’urther advance. 1 am quite con- 
vinced that one of the great present obstacles to the 
planting interest is the low rate of pay to superin- 
tendents. They take no interest in their situations; 
Make a man’s place worth keeping and taking care of, 
and he will naturally endeavour to make his own ser- 
vices worth your retaining. I merely briefly give you 
my views on this matter. If you attend to my in- 
terest, you will find it is your own interest to do so, 
and that, while attending to my interest, you are also 
doing so to your own ? But although I am liberal I 
will have no money wasted, nothing is to be done for 
show or brag. I hear some managers boast of the sums 
of money spent, without any reference as to how it is 
spent. Beware of this. Rather boast of your economy, 
and of the comparative cheapness any work has cost, 
as set against the original estimate.” 
Mr. Brown asked, “ What is the meaning of ori- 
ginal estimate,?” 
Mr. Sharp looked hard at him and put both his 
hands into his pockets, where he kept them in mo- 
tion as if he was trying to find some coin, but 
could n’t. “Do you mean to tell me,” said he, “that 
you — you entrusted with the charge of a very import^ 
