USE OF MACHINERY. 245 



imperial Gunpowder. Other simple contrivances 

 might be invented. Mr. Jacobson of Java has in- 

 vented an instrument, a kind of cylinder, for the 

 purpose of turning and tossing the leaves (To- 

 ching) especially after rainy weather, previously to 

 roasting.* He has also intimated his intention 

 of inventing an instrument to perform the whirling 

 motion which takes place in the sieves analogous 

 to the tossing and tumbling the leaves with the 

 hands. Novel modes of producing and regulating 

 the heat, and even of drying the leaves, may be 

 devised; but it is important first to learn, and render 

 familiar, the Chinese methods, before any experi- 

 ments are tried which are likely to affect the quality 

 of the tea. 



* See plate in the Appendix. 



b 3 



