rich alluvial soil adapted to the growth of rice. It therefore
Lame
The right of property in these Chinese being allowed, Sir Henry Pottinger's arrangement led them to expect payment for the land which they had been ordered to abandon, and some covered by roads.
of which has been other of fever Tentertain no doubt of the valley being rendered as healthy as any locality when the obvious causes have been removed by drainage, which has been ordered to be effected completely before the rains. What has been formerly imperfectly done appears to have had a beneficial effect, as two English houses which were previously abandoned, have been again tenanted for many months without injury to the inhabitants.
Once rendered habitable, and available, this locality will become valuable to Government, and repay the outlay which has been incurred. It is almost the only level ground on the north of the island, and its vicinity to the town of Victoria gives it importance. A portion of the land (that in Soskunpor Valley) I contemplate letting to Chinese for the growth of all other vegetables, except Rice.
I enclose a Letter from the Committee appointed by Sir Henry Pottinger, dated 28 February 1844. From this it appeared, that the value of Rice Land per Mow varied between 20 and 40 Dollars; but a great error was committed in assuming above 9 mows to the acre, instead of three,