No. 216] 305 



tures of its surface, seem particularly well adapted to the growth of 

 the tea plant. The sublimity of the Blue Ridge, subdued to a gen- 

 tle elevation, shaping its course from east to west, and sloping off in 

 an inclined plane to the southward, presenting a sunny aspect on the 

 one hand, and mountain barriers against the rude storm and boister- 

 ous winds of the north, on the other; point out this location as one 

 destined to form extensive gardens for the future cultivation of the 

 tea plant. 



Its central position, in conjunction with the physical advantages, 

 which show themselves on every side, lead us to pitch upon this dis- 

 trict, as best suited, under all circumstances, for the formation of 

 nurseries of tea plants, as the basis of extended plantations and cul- 

 tivation in those parts of the country, which the linger of nature has 

 pointed out as suitable to the growth of tea. We are now about the 

 centre of the tea growing provinces of China, in respect to the par- 

 allel of latitude, but not in respect to the extent of country. The 

 portion of Alabama, pointed out as suitable to the cultivation of the 

 tea plant, would not equal in extent one of the seven tea growing 

 provinces of China, l.Ying in whole or in part, between the 30th and 

 35th degree of latitude. 



Mississippi, lat. 30" and 3^'^. Divested of mountains and hilly 

 districts, flooded to a great extent during the spring and rainy sea- 

 sons of the year, by the overflowings o'' the River Mississippi, and 

 spreading out a vast alluvial and rich cotton growing soil, does not 

 seem to possess any of the requirements for the successful cultivation 

 of the tea plant. A conclusion, drawn, it will be observed, from a 

 Chinese practical view of the matter in their own country, without 

 knowing how far the same requirements will be applicable to our 



own. 



Louisiana, lat. 29^ and 30°. This State, it may be remarked, is 

 not exempt from any one of the objections which overrule Mississippi 

 as a candidate for the honors of the tea pot. We must relinquish 

 all claims upon her in favor of the great staples of sugar and cotton; . 

 and cannot confer upon her, we fear, the additional boon of growing 

 her own tea. 



Arkansas, lat, 33° and 36° 32'. The middle and western parts of 

 this State, are described as hilly and mountainous,* and no doub^ 



•Murray's Encyclopedia of Geography, vol. 3, p. 577. 



[Am. I>'st.] U , 



