No. 199.] 135 



foliage continued to advance in grow'th. In May, one plant, twenty 

 inches in height and circumference, withstood, unprotected, all the 

 severe frost of February, and is coming out this month (May) in 

 numerous buds. It shows conclusively the strength, vigor and hardi- 

 hood of the plant uninjured by the heat in packing, and the rigor of 

 tlie winter. On the 20lh Sept. the first tea bud came into full 

 blossom. Ths number of plants and of buds blooming beautifully 

 and daily increasing. The blossoms still continue to develop and 

 probably Avill until spring. On the 20th Dec. I had sixteen plants in 

 full blossom, and as they drop off in aboutfour days, other plants take 

 the place of those that have finished blossoming, and we see a pleasing 

 union of winter and spring all giving promise of a harvest of seed 

 next autumn, when the blossoms of this year mature their fruit. 



The climate, soil, and general aspect of the garden, although not 

 such as I would wish, owing to the haste in which I, an entire 

 stranger, with the cases of tea plant in my hand, was obliged to take 

 up, the land still agrees wonderfully with the plants, and leaves no 

 room to doubt that future plants, the arrival of some of which I 

 expect next month, planted out in a more genial soil, more favorable 

 aspect, and a climato equally salubrious, will find a domicil, at least 

 equally agreeable and propitious to their growth. My expectations are 

 fully realized so far, and I feel that I have abundant reason to be 

 deeply thankful to the Great Author of vegetation for the signal 

 blessing upon the undertaking. My plantation at Golden Grove is 

 now under cultivation, and designed to receive the plants and seeds 

 ©f this spring's importation. Yours truly, 



JUNIUS SMITH. 



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