Handbook of the federated Malay states - Sabrizain.org

30 Handbook of the
outlay per acre until the time when a return may be
expected ; the period which must elapse before the return
comes in ; the cost of subsequent upkeep of the estate and
of the preparation of the produce for the market ; the future
market prospects of different descriptions of produce, so far
as it is possible to foresee them.
These and other analogous matters should be most carefully
weighed by the young planter before he commits himself to
the acquisition of a particular class of land or to the cultiva-
tion of a particular crop. He should estimate most carefully
how far his capital will go, and limit his operations to a scale
which will leave him a safe margin of funds up to the time
that the crop begins to come in, when he can extend his
estate in proportion to the prices he realises.
The few particulars regarding cultivation which are given
in Appendix B, are intended to be considered as approximate
guides only. The figures will always vary according to
locality, ruling rates of labour, cost of materials, current
market prices, and other uncertain data, and what is there
set out is given only in order to furnish a very general idea
of the expenditure which may probably be incurred.
In the same way, the young investor is warned not to risk
his money in mining adventure until practical experience
gained in the country has taught him exactly what to expect,
and he is in possession of reliable information regarding the
cost of his scheme and the probable results to be obtained
from the selected area.
The Federated Malay States offer a varied amount of
amusements to those who have the time and means to take
advantage of them.
Cricket is played in every town, and is very popular.
Inter- State matches are played annually, and there are regular
fixtures against the Singapore and Penang clubs. The
cricketers of the Federated Malay States include many
excellent performers. Matches are played throughout the
day, and the heat is not found at aU unbearable.
Football has attracted much attention of late years, and is
much appreciated, though the game is hardly suited to the
climate. It is only played after 5 p.m.
Hockey has also been recently introduced. Grolf is as
dominant in the Federated States as in other parts of the
world. There are links close to all the chief towns.
Lawn tennis can also be played everywhere, weather
permitting. The courts are all grass.