SS TEA 



To estimate prices with any degree of certainty is no 

 easy task for the average grocer ; in fact even the 

 experienced taster is not always infallible. By per- 

 severing and making comparative tests a very fair idea 

 of values will eventually be obtained. The principal 

 object to be kept in view is, that the best result at a 

 given price, has to be produced, consequently the value 

 of each tea, which will eventually become part of the 

 blend, will be entirely gauged by its usefulness for that 

 purpose. To illustrate this truth, assume a selection 

 of teas ranging in price say from lOd. to Is. is under 

 consideration. It may be better to buy one at Is., 

 although the leaf is inferior to another at lOd. ; while, 

 on the other hand, by using one part of a thin tea at 

 lOd. and one part of a thick liquoring kind at lid. a 

 result equal to buying at Is. may be obtained at a saving 

 of ld. per Ib. 



Surprise is often expressed that particular teas 

 fetch higher prices than on the face of it are justified. 

 The reason is not far to seek. Certain teas iind 

 favour in particular districts ; consequently outside 

 these districts the same teas are not appreciated to an 

 equal extent. This is exemplified in the case of certain 

 " Curly-leaf Pekoes/' They are handsome in appear- 

 ance, but the liquor is not in proportion to the style ; 

 notwithstanding the light cup they are very popular 

 for shipping purposes, and as a consequence fetch high 

 prices. Another example may be quoted. A few years 

 ago, Indian Dusts gradually rose in price until they 

 became almost prohibitive for the home trade. This 

 was brought about by the fact that in the manufacture 

 of brick tea in the East, Indian Dusts were found to be 

 indispensable, the natural result followed and the 

 market advanced. At the present time, however, this 

 grade of tea is more reasonable in price. 



