DEHRA 231 



The tea when packed was kept in store for three years 

 before it was disposed of, for till that period had expired 

 it was not considered to be fit for consumption. 



Having described the process of " firing " the tea, I 

 must say a few words regarding the bowls in which 

 it was conducted. They were always pointed out to 

 visitors as great curiosities, for, though made of cast- 

 iron, they had all the appearance of being formed of 

 the finest beaten copper ; they were equally thin 

 and delicate, and with surfaces similarly smooth and 

 even. They were imported from China, for neither 

 in India, nor even in England, was the secret of their 

 manufacture understood. 



The plantations had been established, and were 

 carried on, by the Government, not for profit, but with 

 the object of introducing the cultivation of tea among 

 the natives of the Doon, and elsewhere where the 

 climate was favourable. The establishments were 

 consequently conducted with a liberality and at an 

 expense which for private firms would have been 

 hardly possible. The result was the production of a 

 tea not now, I imagine, easily attainable. The tea 

 when made much resembled that described by former 

 travellers as made especially in China for the Emperor 

 and the highest nobles. 



In colour it was a pale yellow, and when poured out 

 diffused all around a most agreeable aroma. 1 must 

 add, however, that till one had become accustomed 

 to it the flavour to an English taste was not agreeable. 

 The tea was also extremely dear. The price at the 

 plantations for the very finest qualities was as much 



