72 SOIL THE MOST SUITABLE. 



but these gales occur but seldom, and only during 

 the great heats of summer, from July to September, 

 when the principal gatherings of the leaves are over.* 



Yon Siebold (Nippon, part 6.) observes that the 

 Japanese husbandmen consider that hilly sites, 

 elevated from about 700 to 800 feet above the 

 sea, and intersected by brooks and streams, are the 

 most suitable to the cultivation of tea, as in the 

 vicinity of Uresino ; and again, in the fertile valley 

 of the River Jodo, in the district of Udsi, where 

 the open flats, not the steep ridges of the hills, are 

 selected for this purpose, and the plantations so 

 arranged as to enjoy the morning sun.f 



With respect to an eastern aspect being the 

 best, the Chinese possibly may not mean due east, 

 but any point between south and east, as south- 

 east. All the Chinese and Japanese accounts agree 

 that a full exposure to the sun is desirable, as 

 other circumstances will prove in the progress of 

 this examination. The morning sun is also sup- 

 posed to have a beneficial influence on vegetation, 

 while the dew is yet on the leaves, and especially on 

 flowers, as exciting their odorous secretions ; and if 



* Mild and seasonable rains are desirable, and also gentle 

 breezes ; but easterly winds are to be dreaded. If a northerly 

 wind blows in the night, the growth of the leaves is thereby 

 checked ; and should an easterly gale prevail, the quantity of 

 leaves will be diminished. (Mr. Reeves' M.S. Papers.') 



■j* The tea tree delights particularly in vallies, or in the 

 declivities of hills, and upon the banks of rivers, where it enjoys 

 a southern exposure to the sun. (Lettsom: on the Tea Tree.) 



