TESTING, BLENDING AND PREPARING. 163 



pour on the briskly boiling water and allow it to draw 

 from three to five minutes by the watch, first seeing 

 that the cups are thoroughly clean and dry, or, better 

 still, heated or rinsed with boiling water before weighing 

 or putting in the tea, as cups used for drawing other sorts 

 of tea will impart the flavor of those previously tested to 

 the last if not properly washed and dried before using 

 again ; also see that the water is briskly boiling before 

 pouring it on the leaves, as water not properly boiling 

 will cause the leaves to float. If large cups are used the 

 quantity of leaves should be increased proportionately, 

 say to that of a dime in weight for an ordinary tea-cup. 

 It is customary with some brokers and tea-testers to cover 

 the cups with a lid or saucer during infusion, but this 

 precaution is not absolutely necessary; still it has its 

 benefits, as it prevents the vapor and aroma from escap- 

 ing, both valuable factors in the exact testing of tea. 

 The water used should be as soft and pure as can be 

 obtained ; boiled briskly and used only at the boiling point. 

 That is, it must boil, but not overboil, for if it be allowed 

 to do so for even a few minutes it will not extract the 

 full strength and flavor of the leaves. Expert tea-testers 

 are most particular in this respect, watching their kettles 

 so that the water may be used the minute it boils, and if 

 any water remains in the kettle it is poured off and 

 refilled with fresh water before using again, as the effect 

 of using water that has been boiled a second time is the 

 same as that of water which has been overboiled. In 

 testing teas by infusing or drawing five important 

 points are to be considered: Body, Color, Strength, 

 Flavor and Aroma of the Liquor, the tea combining 

 these qualities in the highest degree proving, of course, 

 the best. On removing the lids, if used, inhale the 

 vapor slowly, noting its .aroma. at the same time; next 



