124 CULTIVATION AND MANUFACTURE OF TEA. 



building. The leaf withers well in such frames, for heat 

 ascends, and much heat is given out by dholes. 



It signifies not though where leaf is spread as long as 

 there is space and light. Houses made of iron and glass 

 would be far the best for withering leaf, for, if well 

 ventilated, all the necessary agents for withering, detailed 

 in the last page, would be present. I do not doubt the day 

 will come when these will be used, for properly withered 

 leaf is a necessity for good Tea.* 



In dry weather, when leaf comes in from the garden, 

 spread it thinly anywhere and turn it once early in the 

 night. It will generally be withered and ready to roll next 

 morning. If not quite ready, then put it outside in the sun. 

 Half an hour's sunning will probably finish it. 



In wet weather, if there is any sun when it comes in, or 

 any time that day, take advantage of the sun to wither the 

 leaf partly, so much that, with the after withering all night 

 under cover, it will be ready next morning. If not ready 

 next morning, put it out in the sun, if there is any, till it is 

 ready. 



In very wet and cloudy weather, when there is no sun 

 and continual rain, so that the leaf cannot be put outside 

 (for remember that outside, when there is no sun, the light 

 alone will wither it), artificial withering of some kind must 

 be resorted to. I have mentioned the only means I know of 

 for doing this. 



As properly withered leaf is an important point in 

 making good Tea, it is well worth while to keep one or two 

 men, according to the quantity of leaf, for that work alone. 

 They soon learn the best way to do it, and if made 

 answerable the leaf is properly ready for the rollers, the 



* Note to 3rd edition I am now sending out the glass necessary for a 

 glass withering house to be erected on the garden just finished in the Western 

 Dooars. 



