IO COFFEE : ITS CULTIVATION AND PROFIT. 



allowed to grow higher than this, the difficulties 

 of efficient cultivation and picking are enhanced. 



The branches of the plant are placed in pairs 

 on opposite sides of the stem, each pair having 

 its longitudinal axis at right angles to the next. 

 In shape the leaves are similar to those of the 

 Portuguese laurel, smooth and polished on the upper 

 surface, pale red-green when just unfolded, and 

 dark olive when older. This contrast of colour 

 is pleasing and striking when the plants are making 

 new growths. In Sumatra and elsewhere, we read, 

 these tender young leaves are used as a common 

 beverage amongst the natives, who attribute to 

 them many advantages. They " possess slightly 

 tonic and stimulating qualities/' without the ex- 

 citing effects of the decoction from the roasted 

 bean. Though naturally far cheaper as a drink 

 than the preparation of berries, and less marked 

 in its effects on the nervous system, it probably 

 requires an educated taste to be appreciated ; and 

 neither the efforts of Dr. Gardner, who patented 

 and exhibited a process in the Great Exhibition 

 of 1851 for the preparation of Coffee-tea, nor several 

 other efforts in the same direction, have, as yet, 

 served to bring the drink into popular use. Occa- 

 sionally, young and soft shoots and leaves are 

 used by the Singhalese to flavour their curries, 

 but these two uses sum up the purposes to which 

 this portion of the plant can be applied. 



From the axil of each pair of_leaves ; when Jhe 



