MANIPULATION OF HYSON TEA. 217 



noise described by Kcempfer ; and were quickly 

 stirred about, first with one hand, and then with 

 the other ; the roaster being frequently obliged to 

 change the hand on account of the excessive heat. 

 For the same reason, almost at the end of every 

 turn, he raised the leaves about six inches above 

 the surface of the stove, shaking them on the palm 

 of the hand to separate them, and to disperse the 

 steam. This process was continued until the heat 

 appeared to be more than the roaster could bear. 

 He then gave them two or three brisk turns round 

 the Kuo, when suddenly collecting them together 

 in a heap, he passed them to another man who 

 stood in readiness with a basket to receive them. 

 The few leaves which remained were speedily swept 

 out with a damp cloth, kept in readiness upon the 

 top of the stove for that purpose. 



The process of rolling is much the same as that 

 employed in the rolling of black tea, the leaves 

 taking the form of a ball. After the ball was 

 shaken to pieces, these people twisted the leaves 

 again between the palms of the hands, the right 

 hand passing over the palm of the left, using a 

 slight degree of pressure, as the hand was advanced 

 from the body, and easing it again as it returned, 

 as described under the article Poey (p. 135.); so 

 that the leaves might be twisted regularly, and in 

 the same direction. They were then spread out in 

 sieves, and placed on stands in a cool room. 



The sooner the leaves are roasted again after 



