l88 CULTIVATION AND MANUFACTURE OF TEA. 



All this is hopeful for our Indian Teas, as we can manu- 

 facture the greenish Tea they like that is, we can do it if 

 they won't take our black, but they have begun to do so. 



The above mode of manufacture in Japan is new to us 

 in India. 



The process of steaming the Tea is as follows : As soon as 

 picked it is at once steamed, all damp or wet leaves being thrown on 

 one side, excepting those that may be a little wet with dew. In order 

 to obtain the proper application of heat, a few leaves are put into a 

 shallow basket, spread out evenly, and the lid put on ; the basket is 

 then placed over a charcoal fire box or stove, a perfume is at once 

 perceived. When the greeny smell has subsided, the leaves are 

 removed, spread on a piece of new matting, and fanned briskly so as to 

 draw out the heat. After the lapse of some little time the Tea is placed 

 in a tray, and then undergoes a firing process, the length of which 

 is regulated either by the minute hand of a watch or the beats of a 

 pulse, and depends a good deal on the manipulator's own ideas. 



JAVA.* 



Much of this Tea goes to Holland and Northern Germany. 

 I know Tea cultivation in Java is carried out very carefully 

 and very successfully, but this one fact is all I know as to 

 Java or its Teas. 



AMERICA. 



That the proper climate for Tea can be found there (a 

 huge Continent to choose from !) goes without saying. But 

 equally sure is it that Tea will not pay except labour is 

 cheap. 



By the extract below, it appears Georgia has been 

 selected for experimental Tea cultivation,' and I doubt not 

 it is a good selection : 



* Much about Java and its Teas can be found in a book entitled "Java, 

 or How to Manage a Colony," by J. W. B. Money. Crown 8vo, 2 vols. 

 Hurst and Blackett. 



