GKEAT DIFFERENCES OF CLIMATE. 39 



conjunction with a mean temperature, increasing 

 from 64° to 77° as the season advances, between 

 the vernal equinox and the summer solstice, or the 

 season of spring, when the vegetation of the shrub 

 is in its greatest state of activity ; and where in- 

 tervals of rain are followed by a succession of 

 bright weather and increasing heat : the one being 

 necessary to the production of a rapid and luxuriant 

 growth of leaves, and the other to fragrance and 

 excellence of quality.* 



* The climate found the most suitable at Java for the cul- 

 tivation of tea, is that of the mountainous regions situated at 

 3500 to 4000 feet above the sea ; where the air is so cool that 

 Fahrenheit's thermometer at sun-rise indicates 58° in the morn- 

 ing ; and 74° at two o'clock in the afternoon. On still higher 

 elevations, even 5000 feet and more, the tea will be highly fla- 

 voured : but in lower districts the flavour deteriorates in propor- 

 tion as the situation is low. Both this author and Von Siebold 

 agree that the tea tree requires an atmosphere of much fog and 

 dew, which is generally found in elevated sites. Mr. Jacobson 

 further observes that it requires much freshness, coolness, and 

 exposure to gentle breezes. {Handboek v. d. Kultuur en fa- 

 brikatie von Thee, d. J. J. L. L. Jacobson, d. 2. § 15. Batavia, 

 1843.) 



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