Dutchmen. and backed by capital fromHolland. though several companies were also formed with English capital. and some even with a combination of both. On East Coast of Sumatra. by Consul Lederer: After the rough preparation of the soil the young tobacco plants. which have been grown in nurseriesfrom seeds. are planted in the open field. The laborers employed are all Chinese coolies. and each cooly receives a field for planting. the working of which he has to look after solely. The coolies all live on the estate. in light wooden sheds. in gangs of eight to ten men. Each gang has its overseer. also of Chinese origin. and from five to ten gangs are superintended by a European assistant. or the manager himself If the estate issmall. Amiddiesized estate cultivates about350 to 400fields per year. employs about an equal number of field coolies. besides about fifty to one hundred Javanese. Boyans. and Malays. who are used for building sheds. sorting tobacco. etc. The field coolies are paid by the quantity and quality they deliverto the shed. By quality is understood the size and general appearance of the leaves. The leaf is generally ranged under four categories: First length of leaf.15 inchesor more. second length of leaf. 12 to 15 inches. third length of leaf. 9 to 12 inches. fourth length of leaf. less than 9 inches.