We are thus naturally led to consider

3rd.-SOME OF THE DIFFICULTIES WHICH HAVE BEEN SUPPOSED TO IMPEDE THE PROFITABLE CULTIVATION OF COTTON, AND ITS COMMERCE IN INDIA.

Intimately mixed up with almost every portion of the records of which this volume professes to offer a summary, there exist complaints against various difficulties and obstacles, mostly accompanied by confident assertions, to the effect that the removal of what was in each case animadverted upon, would certainly be followed by sudden and striking results.

The impression which must be strongest on the mind of any one studying this subject in the light of subsequent experience is, that these predictions have been almost invariably falsified by the event.

The extent to which this statement might be illustrated by example is embarrassing. The Ganges Canal, however, may furnish a fair instance. Many assertions were made to the effect that as soon as this canal should have been opened to any considerable length, Cotton would be obtainable along its banks to an unlimited extent. This increase of Cotton cultivation was to have been one of the most prominent results, if not the most prominent result, of the increased facilities of irrigation. I have no means of ascertaining accurately how the relation between the different crops within the influence of the Ganges Canal has been affected by the advent of its water supply: but this at all events is certain; namely, that the promised results as to Cotton have not even remotely been realized, if indeed any relative increase of the crops has been effected: in presence of a fact of this kind, it is not easy to form a fair estimate of the value of complaints now made, alleging that the want of irrigating power elsewhere forms an obstacle to the spread of Cotton cultivation, as for instance has lately occurred in the case of the Jullundur Doab, and, indeed, of many other parts of India. When the

E

subject of the irrigation of Cotton is theoretically discussed, the form which the question generally assumes is, whether or not the crop can pay the expenses of irrigation? When a practical solution presents itself, it comes in a different form, as thus:-given the water supply, will Cotton pay better than any thing else to which the new advantage can be turned? and obviously as long as other crops do pay better, it cannot be for the general good that Cotton should be grown.

The possibility of growing, by the aid of irrigation, Cotton of an improved quality, affects the latter question in a way almost too palpable to need mention:-thus, it is certainly good husbandry to grow sugar on an acre of irrigable land, which would yield, if sown with Cotton, 100 lbs., worth 14d. per lb. ; but the question would be radically altered if the acre yielded 400 lbs., worth 23d. or 3d. per lb.

Again, there can be no more doubt that improved means of transport would be a great gain to the country, than that a great extension of canals of irrigation would be desirable; the question for us is, whether we are at liberty to conclude that were any given road constructed, Cotton, rather than something else, would be carried along it? because, if this cannot be rendered fairly probable, the absence of this road ought not to be set down as an obstacle to the increased cultivation of Cotton, so long as other branches of agriculture flourish in spite of the want. On the other hand, even although it be not admissible to conclude that certainly any new canal, or any new road, will materially increase the available supply of Cotton, yet there is always room to hope that such may be the case, and it is certain that the bulky nature of Cotton renders it far more dependent on cheap transport than many other kinds of agricultural produce.

Precisely similar observations apply to the question of land tenure, which was long asserted by many, to be an obstacle of the most fatal kind to any increase in the cultivation of Cotton: here as

elsewhere, radical and most important changes have taken place, but it remains to be proved that the results, as regards Cotton, were correctly anticipated.

Enough, it is hoped, has now been advanced to show that to whatever extent the absence of irrigation works, the paucity of roads, the nature of the land tenure, &c., were obstacles in the way of the healthy growth of the Cotton Trade, these were all secondary influences, and of minor importance compared to those inherent evils which would have stunted the growth of the trade, no matter how favorable all extraneous circumstances might have been.

In conclusion, I would express a hope that the analysis of evidence presented in this introductory chapter will be found, if brief, at least clear and impartial. Some of the matter discussed, being still subject of controversy, would have been passed over in silence, had such a course been thought consistent with the object of the compilation, which is to furnish an abstract of all the evidence on record, which directly concerns the question of Cotton cultivation in India; and the reader has not been left without ample materials from which he may judge for himself whether or not the conclusions suggested be warranted by the evidence adduced.

PART I.

Section I.

LOWER PROVINCES OF BENGAL.

A PERSON proposing to obtain, concerning any country, information which should throw light on its capabilities for producing some particular commodity, would, I presume, first of all enquire into those general physical conditions, on the correct appreciation of which his ultimate success must always, in a great measure, depend.

General aspect of Bengal.

If we approach our subject from this point of view, and consider Bengal as including the vast area extending from the southern extremity of the Arracan territory, to the north-east frontier of Upper Assam, thence to the boundary of Goruckpore, and southwards to the northern limits of the country of the Northen Sircars, we shall find that in reference to its Cotton producing capabilities it may conveniently be divided into three portions, each of which presents to the agriculturist certain natural peculiarities clearly definable, sometimes even strongly contrasted, and always of primary importance to him.

Detailed information not available.

Before proceeding to indicate these divisions,

I must remind the reader that the sources from which the information contained in this volume is derived, can lay claim neither to the depth attainable by scientific research, nor to the copiousness which systematic investigation would have ensured: we have instead, a vast accumulation of desultory observations, which, although often very

interesting in themselves, and often suggestive of the most important conclusions, most frequently only show, to quote the words of Dr. Royle, "How little attention has been paid, or at least how little "information is given us respecting the attention that was paid, to "all the points essential to ensure success in culture, and improve"ment in produce. Also how seldom any attempts are made, or "reasons given, to explain the cause of failure. We find, as was to "be expected, equal inattention to, if not ignorance of, the princi"ples. The majority also appear wise only after personal experience, "and paying little attention to that of their predecessors. For "we find that the same course is followed, the same results are obtained, "and eontinue to be announced as new, although we have had "them on record for a series of years."

It is then obvious that if such be the nature of our materials, we must content ourselves with a very superficial view of such a question as the physical aspect of the country.

The three fold division above spoken of is on this wise :

The Seaboard.

The Alluvial Flat.

The Uplands.

And we shall now place before the reader a short sketch of each in

turn.

1st. THE SEABOARD.

From Cape Negrais on the south-east, all round the head of the Bay of Bengal to below Point Palmyras on the south-west, a band of country, of a width not accurately definable, stretches along the coast, characterised as a whole by peculiarities of soil, climate, &c., which serve to render it distinct from the inland country beyond, and which, in

*D. F. Royle, Culture and Commerce of Cotton in India, page 92.