765 



rarity and costly nature of many of its perishable contents, or the sci- 

 entific value it possesses from the admirable arrangement followed. 

 Some of the teas exhibited have never before been seen in England : 

 whilst these and others command prices, in the China market, six 

 times greater than the most expensive fetch, when sold retail, in Eng- 

 land. Some are so perishable, that the voyage injures, and the sub- 

 sequent keeping and exposure in the Exhibition ruins, them ; whilst 

 all are curious and highly instructive ; circumstances quoted, to show 

 how regardless of every consideration but the complete illustration of 

 this branch of commerce, Mr. Ripley has been. 



The Jury regret to find that the rules of the Royal Commissioners 

 preclude Mr. Ripley from receiving any stronger proof of the high 

 estimation in which his collection is held, than the award of a Prize 

 Medal. The following scanty data are recorded for the information 

 of the public, on a branch of industry which has never before been 

 adequately illustrated. 



Full chests of various Pekoe teas are exhibited, some of which fetch 

 50s. per tb in the China market ; whilst 7s. is the very highest price 

 any of the sort will fetch in England, and this only as a fancy article. 

 The plain and orange-scented Pekoes now fetch little with us, but as 

 caravan teas, are purchased by the wealthier Russian families. The 

 finest, however, never leave China, being bought up by the manda- 

 rins ; for though the transit expenses add 3*. to 45. per tt>. to the value 

 when sold in Russia, the highest market-price in St. Petersburgh is 

 always under 505. Among these scented teas are various caper 

 teas, flavoured with Chloranthus flowers, and the buds of some spe- 

 cies of plants belonging to the orange tribe. Magnolia fuscata, Olea 

 flowers, &c. 



The Cong-souchongs or Ning-yong teas are chiefly purchased for 

 the American market. Oolong tea is the favourite drink in Calcutta, 

 though less prized in England, its delicate flavour being injured by 

 the length of the voyage. 



For delicacy no teas approach those usually called " Mandarin 

 teas," which being but slightly fired, and rather damp when in the 

 fittest state for use, will bear neither transport nor keeping. They are 

 in great demand among the wealthy Chinese, and average 20s. per 

 lb., in the native market. The pouchongs, souchongs, and congos, 

 better illustrate the English trade, and are of the most admirable 

 description. 



Of the Moyune district teas, there are eight varieties ; they are 

 much prized in the American markets, but not so much so in 



