122 CULTIVATION AND MANUFACTURE OF TEA. 



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. 1 



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 object is generally 

 attained. In this and every thing else in Tea manufacture, 

 give different men different departments, and make them 

 answerable. Much trouble to the manager, who should 

 supervise all, and much loss to the proprietor from bad Tea, 

 will then be avoided. 



1 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. 



