274 TEMPERATURE FOR GUNPOWDER 



and Congou 4*48. But if Hyson and Gunpowder 

 tea in analysis lose less water by desiccation than 

 black tea, this may arise as much from the leaves 

 of these teas being less absorbent of moisture in 

 consequence of their greater hardness and compact- 

 ness of form, as from high drying. 



Still if we examine the close compact globular 

 form of Gunpowder tea, and bear in mind its con- 

 sequent superior gravity and ease of gravitation 

 among leaves kept in constant motion, the inference 

 seems to be, that this form, though first accidental, 

 must finally be derived from a greater impression 

 of heat. Moreover, if after breathing on these 

 leaves we examine their yellow discoloured speckled 

 appearance, which arises from burning, we shall 

 be the more confirmed in that opinion. In fine, 

 there can be no doubt that these leaves by reason 

 of their superior weight and roundness of form, 

 are constantly sifting through the other leaves, 

 and making their way to the sides and bottom of 

 the vessel in which they are dried; and thus 

 coming in frequent contact with the most heated 

 parts of a vessel of high thermal conducting power, 

 it necessarily follows, that they must be more 

 highly dried than the other leaves with which they 

 are mixed, and even occasionally become scorched 

 and burnt. It is familarly known to dealers that 

 Gunpowder tea frequently possesses an agreeable 

 burnt flavour, highly appreciated, and which en- 

 hances its value. Yet the Hyson leaves with 



