The Cotton Supply Association wants more cotton, and cheaper cotton,
and thinks it can get it from India without injuring the people. An American acre yields 400 lb. of cotton and an Indian -acre only 70 lb. Consequently, if the ryot could be taught the American system of cultivation his crop might be doubled, cotton would fall, and yet India would be no poorer. Consequently, the Association urges Government to send a few "practical gardeners" to teach the natives agriculture. Why cannot the members send them themselves, or, better still, buy and farm an estate in Broach, and test the matter once for all, or, better still, supply prizes— good heavy prizes in tangible gold—for the ryot who gets most cotton out of an acre. The native is not such a fool as his cus- tomers think him, and though he would certainly resent being taught his own trade, is very inventive if he sees cash to be made. No Englishman taught him to grow rice, the most difficult of all 'cultivations, requiring, as it does, the constant aid of the hydraulic 'engineer.
Previous page
