134 FINAL DESICCATION OF BLACK TEA. 



which arises from the leaves, for a considerable 

 degree of moisture still remains, though no more 

 can be expressed by the process of rolling. The 

 leaves also retain their green and vegetable ap- 

 pearance. 



The leaves are thus suffered to remain about 

 half an hour, when the drying-tube is removed 

 from the fire, the sieve taken out, and the leaves 

 turned. The turning is performed by the follow- 

 ing simple and effectual method. Another sieve of 

 equal size is placed over the one containing the 

 leaves ; and both held horizontally between the 

 hands. Then by a sudden turn, the two sieves are 

 reversed, the bottom one being brought to the top 

 in the action of turning. It is then removed, and 

 the leaves are found in the lower sieve completely 

 turned, without being mixed or scarcely deranged. 

 They are then placed over the fire, and suffered to 

 remain as before.* 



* Mr. Jacobson ridicules this mode of turning the leaves ; 

 to me, however, it seemed a simple and an effectual method. A 

 large quantity being contained in the sieve does not increase the 

 difficulty of turning it. Indeed I thought at the time it appeared 

 a preferable mode to the one very accurately described by him, 

 which I also saw practised by a man from the Ankoy country. 

 But I must defer to his opinion, because he has great practical 

 experience to guide him. The method here alluded to is de- 

 scribed by Mr. Jacobson (§ 400.) as follows : 



When the second roasting is completed the leaves must no 

 longer be spread out, but be pressed closely together into small 

 heaps, a little flattened at the top. In placing them on the 

 drying sieves, each heap is taken up between the hands, and the 



