My application was denied, on the plea that the Revenue Department could not upset a report of the Settlement Officer who had been upon the ground and thoroughly understood the whole matter. I went to the Collector and laid the whole subject before him, asking for justice, omitting all mention of anything unpleasant that had occurred. He wrote to the Department stating that he had spent some days at these villages; that they were models, not only of the district but of all India; that he had never seen any to compare with them; that they were like villages at home; that he was surprised and delighted to find that such improvements could be made in India; but it was all due to the energy and personal attention of Mr. Japhet, who had spent large amounts of money in the improvements. He hoped, therefore, that the Board would reconsider its decision, as it would only be just to Mr. Japhet to make some concession. The reply was that in view of the representations of the Collector the assessment would be reduced to ten per cent. above the former rate, but “further than that it would not be advisable, etc.” This was a gain, and somewhat satisfactory. If a robber waylays you, and empties your pockets, it is better to accept a sovereign that he generously offers you out of your own purse, than go without supper and bed. I had then the pleasure of re-stocking my tank with fish and in the evening after it was finished, at our assembly, we had a kind of a jubilee meeting, thanking our stars that another settlement officer would not come again for thirty-three years. CHAPTER XXXV. This arbitrary assessment of lands without regard to the expense of the improvements, is one of the greatest drawbacks to the prosperity of India where there is not a permanent settlement. I have been told by many zemindars that any improvement of their villages would only be to their detriment, that the digging of wells and tanks, the planting of trees and the enrichment of the soil, would only increase their assessment. I have known of villages where lands were allowed to remain idle, and become barren several years before the settlement, so that they might be assessed as waste land. As soon as the settlement was made these lands were again cultivated. The Government forces the people to become deceivers. My experience showed me that the zemindars were correct in their statements. That if one did not wish to be punished for making improvements he should do nothing. It is a pitiable condition in which to place the people by a civilized government that is continually appointing commissions to formulate voluminous reports and getting the opinion of scientific book farmers on the improvement of the agricultural condition of India. What is the inducement for any one to plant a tree, dig a well or tank, or improve the soil, when he knows as sure as the sun rises, that the Government will fine him for all he does?