186 BOHEA TEA. 



long rake, with which the charcoal when in a perfect 

 state of ignition is stirred and spread out. At the 

 end of each chamber, opposite the folding doors, is a 

 square opening or window which closes with a shut- 

 ter, opening outwards, so that a thorough draught 

 may be produced as required, to ignite the charcoal 

 or to cool the tea when sufficiently roasted. For 

 this latter purpose the doors are also opened to 

 produce a draught through the building. On the 

 ground, or tiled floor, a channel is constructed, or 

 a receptacle built up about sixteen inches in width, 

 extending nearly the whole length of each chamber. 

 Into this receptacle or open stove, the charcoal is 

 placed in heaps at convenient distances till properly 

 ignited, when it is raked and spread out. An open 

 frame-work rudely constructed of small spars, and 

 divided into six tiers, or heights, receives the baskets, 

 and thus occupies either side of each chamber, the 

 charcoal being placed in the centre between the 

 two frames. These frames are raised on square 

 pillars of brick-work about two feet in height, and 

 at such intervals as may be necessary to support 

 the superincumbent weight. The baskets are 

 placed on the stands in single rows on their sides, 

 having their mouths towards the fire. The mouth 

 of each basket is closed with a thin sheet of lead, 

 mostly a piece of an old tea canister, in order to 

 protect the tea from the extreme heat of the fire. 

 The backs of the baskets are some inches distant 

 from the wall, so that a free circulation of heat may 



