A CEYXON TEA FACTOKY 35 



importAncc nmongRt such ingredient* arc an essential 

 oil, whiih gives the beverage its Havour, and nn 

 alkaloid known as theino, which gives to the beverage 

 its stimulating power. 



The object of subjecting the natural leaves to a 

 process of manufacture is to preserve these ingredients, 

 and to make it possible to extract their best qualities 

 quickly and simply- 



The principal operations in a tea factory are : 



1. Withering. 



2. Rolling. 



3. Roll-breaking. 



4. Fermenting. 



5. Firing. 



G. Sorting into grades. 



7. Bulking. 



8. Packing into chests. 



WiTHKRiNO. — The leaves are withered in order to 

 make them pliable, so that they will not break up 

 during the "next process, which is rolling. A good 

 wither makes them soft to the touch like velvet, or 

 an old kid glove. 



In going over the factory at Dambatenne, we first 

 visit the Withering Room, which is situated above- 

 stairs. The scene here is typical of one of the prettiest 

 sights in the industrial world. Many a time after 

 witnessing it, when you are drinking a cup of tea in a 

 house, shop or garden far away from the tea-lands, 

 there will rise up before your mind's eye the picture 

 of a long and lofty mom. fitted on «>a< h side with row 

 upon row of wide .'^helves, reaching from floor to ceiling ; 

 on the leaf-strewn pathway between these shelves. 



