WE CHAT OVER A CUP OF TEA 3 



So accustomed have you become to the popular and 

 limited meaning of the name " tea-leaves," that my 

 request has called up before your mind's eye a damp 

 ma4i8 of tlabby, brown bodies, that have been drowned 

 in a teapot. Do not blot out this somewhat un- 

 pleasant picture, for in a moment it will help to 

 serve a very useful purpose. Here, now, is a picture 

 of those same bodies as I can see them in their 

 natural state ; they are young but strong-looking green 

 leaves, living on the summit of a bush in a sunny, 

 P^astern land. Look at these companion pictures of the 

 same tea-leaves, letting j*our eyes linger now on the 

 one which shows them in the heyday of their career, 

 now on the other which tells of a journej' ended and a 

 purjiose served ; and as you look, think quietly by your- 

 selves for a few minutes. You should find it quite 

 easy just now not only to think, but to give rein to your 

 imagination ; for you have been drinking tea, which is a 

 tonic with the magical power of persuading people to 

 make the very best of their faculties. . . . 



What is the result of your reflections ? I feel certain 

 that you are now thinking of tea-leaves not as refuse, 

 but as the prime source of tea ; and I am equally sure 

 that there are a thousand and one questions you want 

 to ask me. all in a breath, about the tea industry. 1 will 

 tell you the chief events that make up the past history 

 of tea ; then, if you will accept me as your guide, I will 

 take you to plaws where you can gather first-hand 

 information by the easy and pleasant method of watch- 

 ing how things are done. 



