nto the _descascador_, where the
membrane is removed. Subsequently it passes through a series of other
ventilators, which eliminate whatever impurities have remained and
convey the coffee into a polishing machine (_brunidor_). There the coffee
is subjected to violent friction, which not only removes the last atoms
of impurity but gives the beans a finishing polish. The coffee is then
ready for the market.

I spent a most instructive day inspecting the fazenda of Conselheiro
Antonio Prado and having things clearly explained by his intelligent
overseer, Mr. Henrique P. Ribeiro.

From that place I drove across country, through endless groves of coffee
trees--for miles and miles--as far as the next great coffee estate,
belonging to the Dumont Company, an English concern, with an authorized
capital of L800,000, the estates being valued at L1,200,000. It is not
often one sees an estate so beautifully managed and looked after in a
country like Brazil. The buildings, the machinery, the "drying terraces,"
everything was in capital order. To indicate on what scale the Company
does business, it will be sufficient to state that in 1911 the coffee
crop amounted to 109,368 cwts., which realized on a gross average 56_s._
101/2_d._ per cwt. This crop was not as plentiful as in the previous year,
when 110,558 cwts. were harvested. The gross profit for the year up to
June 21st, 1911, was L123,811 2_s._ 5_d._, which, less London charges,
still showed the substantial sum of L119,387 11_s._ 8_d._ There had been
a considerable rise in the rate at which coffee was sold in 1911--viz.,
56_s._ 101/2_d._ per cwt. as compared with 41_s._ 81/2_d._ the previous year;
but notwithstanding the high price, the high rate of exchange, and the
cost of laying the coffee down in London--which had risen on the estate
by 1_s._ 111/2_d._ and by 1_s._ 31/2_d._ in respect of charges between the
estate and London, the Company had been able to earn a profit of 20_s._
43/4_d._ per cwt.

I was taken round the estate by Mr. J. A. Davy, the general manager,
whose good and sensible work was noticeable at every turn. The trees
seemed in excellent condition and likely to have a long life on the
specially suitable rich red soil, and with sufficient breathing space
allowed to maintain them in good health. The soil was of such unusual
richness in that particular spot that no artificial stimulation was
required in order to keep the trees healthy and vigorous. One could walk