13 : 
drink, for which purpose it is sold in a dry state. It is prepared by 
iling it in an earthen kettle, and is drunk with salt. The greater 
bulk, however, is sold by the Mandalay brokers to merchants i in Lower 
where it i 
an im rtant part, and no ceremony is aper a the consump- 
tion of that article. The tea remains in the same basket from the time 
it is bought at the gardens until it is sold by the merchant to the actual 
consumer. Large numbers of baskets are to be seen at every wharf 
along the Irawady banks and in the bazaars throughout the country. 
ROYAL GARDENS, Kew, To INDIA OFFICE. 
Roya! Gardens, Kew. 
Sir, November 26th, 1894. 
I wAvE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your ae z 
October 30, with enclosures, relating to Leppett tea. The spec 
referred to were subsequently received. 
The information given by Mr. W. A. Graham is extremly 
interesting. 
8. The identification of the plant E the product with 
Eleodendron orientale appears to have been due to Dr. McClelland. 
It is on the face of it improbable as this species is limited to Mauritius 
and Madagascar =. is unknown in Burma or indeed any part of our 
British possessio 
. There can be little doubt from a an Eu of the cs el 
Uppét 
per Shan hills. "rhe Flentification is Tth 
i 
F 
P 
© 
=] 
ee 
m 
"a 
interesting as rendering it probable that the Burmese were acquainted 
vh the bir of the tek stet before its discovery in Assam by 
Euro It further indicates the existence of a new area suitable 
for the bá indus stry. 
I am, &c. 
(Signed) W. T. THISELTON-DYER. 
€ EO! Godley, K.C.B., 
a Office, Whitehall, S. W. 
Inpia Orrice ro ROYAL GARDENS, Kew. 
India Office, Whitehall, S.W. 
Sm, 20th September 1895. 
In continuation of previous ere es I am directed by 
the Secretary of State for India to = py of a letter 
received from the Government of In da regarding Lo ebd. tea MÀ 
theifera), together with vm ‘specimens o he plant, and also a copy of 
uable report by Mr. A. Bruce on the tea a of the 
