14 CULTIVATION AND MANUFACTURE OF TEA. 



above as regards the advantages of each for Tea cultivation. 

 I have seen and studied Tea gardens in all the districts 

 named, except No. 2. What I know of the Dehra Dhoon 

 is from what I have read, and what is generally known of 

 the climate. 



Before, however, comparing each district, we should 

 know what are the necessities of the Tea plant as regards 

 climate and soil. Tea, especially the China variety, will 

 grow in very varying climates and soils, but it will not 

 flourish in all of them, and if it does not flourish, and flourish 

 well, it well certainly not pay. 



The climate required for Tea is a hot damp one. As a 

 rule, a good Tea climate is not a healthy one. The rainfall 

 should not be less than 80 to 100 inches per annum, and 

 the more of this that falls in the early part of the year the 

 better. Any climate which, though possessing an abundant 

 rainfall, suffers from drought in the early part of the year is 

 not, cater is paribus, so good as one where the rain is more 

 equally diffused. All the Tea districts would yield better 

 with more rain in February, March, and April ; and there- 

 fore some, where fogs prevail in the mornings at the early 

 part of the year, are so far benefited. 



As any drought is prejudicial to Tea, it stands to reason 

 hot winds must be very bad. These winds argue great 

 aridity, and the Tea plant luxuriates in continual moisture. 



The less cold weather experienced where Tea is, the 

 better for the plant. It can stand, and will grow in, great 

 cold (freezing point, and lower in winter, is found in some 

 places where Tea is), but I do not think it will ever be 

 grown to a profit on such sites. That Tea requires a tem- 

 perate climate was long believed and acted upon by many 

 to their loss. The climate cannot be too hot for Tea if the 

 heat is accompanied with moisture. 



Tea grown in temperate climes, such as moderate eleva- 



