14 CULTIVATION AND MANUFACTURE OF TEA. 



from what I have read, and what is generally known of the 

 climate. 



Before, however, comparing each district, we should know 

 what are the necessities of the Tea plant as regards climate 

 and soil. Tea, especially the China variety, will grow in very 

 varying climates and soils, but it will not flourish in all of 

 them, and if it does not flourish, and flourish well, it will cer- 

 tainly not pay. 



The climate required for Tea is a hot damp one. As a 

 rule, a good Tea climate is not a healthy one. The rainfall 

 should not be less than 80 to 100 inches per annum, and the 

 more of this that falls in the early part of the year the better. 

 Any climate which though possessing an abundant rainfall 

 suffers from drought in the early part of the year, is not 

 cceteris paribus so good, as one where the rain is more 

 equally diffused. All the Tea districts would yield better 

 with more rain in February, March, and April ; and therefore 

 some, where fogs prevail in the mornings at the early part of 

 the year, are so far benefited. 



As any drought is prejudicial to Tea, it stands to reason 

 hot winds must be very bad. These winds argue great aridity, 

 and the Tea plant luxuriates in continual moisture. 



The less cold weather experienced where Tea is, the better 

 for the plant. It can stand, and will grow in, great cold 

 (freezing point, and lower in winter is found in some places 

 where Tea is), but I do not think it will ever be grown to a 

 profit on such sites. That Tea requires a temperate climate 

 was long believed and acted upon by many to their loss. The 

 climate cannot be too hot for Tea if the heat is accompanied 

 with moisture. 



Tea grown in temperate climes, such as moderate eleva- 

 tions in the Himalayas, is quite different to the Tea of hot 

 moist climates, such as Eastern Bengal. Some people like it 

 better, and certainly the flavour is more delicate ; but it is 



