136 FINAL DESICCATION OF BLACK TEA. 



have already begun to assume their black appear- 

 ance. A considerable quantity of moisture having 

 also been dissipated by this mode of drying, the fire 

 is now covered with the ash of charcoal or burnt 

 paddy husk, which not only serves to moderate its 

 heat, but prevents smoke in the event of any 

 leaves falling accidentally through the sieves. 



The leaves are then sifted, and again undergo the 

 process of drying, twisting, and turning, as before ; 

 which is repeated once or twice more, until they 

 become quite black, well twisted, and perfectly 

 dry and crisp. As the leaves dry, they obviously 

 must occupy less space in the sieves : the quantity 

 is consequently increased from time to time, in 

 order that each sieve may be full. In this part of 

 the process, as the leaves give out little moisture, 

 the mouth of the drying-tube is nearly closed. 



The drying-tube is always removed from the 

 fire, and placed on a tray on the ground, before 

 the sieve is taken out, when the tea requires turn- 

 should be taken up at one time, and placed between the hands 

 held side- ways, with the thumbs uppermost ; the left hand is 

 kept stationary, while the right is brought back, drawing back 

 the leaves at the same time, until the fingers touch the palm of 

 the left hand. It is then advanced, pressing the leaves slightly 

 against the left, until the palm is brought on a line with the 

 fingers of the left hand. The pressure is then relieved, and the 

 leaves brought back as before. This is clone with much celerity, 

 and continued until no more leaves remain in the hands, for 

 the leaves are projected forward by this movement. The pres- 

 sure being all in one direction, the twist of the leaf becomes so 

 likewise. 



