TEA. 



115 



To make sheet lead boxes, a model one of wood (a little smaller than the box 

 for which the lead is intended) is formed, which has a hole in the bottom, and a 

 transverse bar of wood to assist in lifting it up, instead of a lid. The lead is 

 then shaped on this model and soldered. This being done, the model is re^. 

 moved by the transverse bar, and by pressing, if necessary, through the hole.- 

 The lead box is then papered over, in case there should be any small holes in 

 it, to prevent the action of air on the tea, and, when dry, transferred to the 

 wooden box for Avhich it was intended. 



The manufactory. — The rooms of the manufactory ought to be larga and 

 airy, and to consist of — 1st, a black tea manufactory; 2nd, a green tea manu- 

 factory ; 3rd, winnowing room ; and 4th, airing room. At Almorah the black 

 tea manufacturing room is 53 feet long by 20 broad, and the other three, 20 by 

 24. The walls are 18 feet in height. 



Implemmts required in manufacturing . — In the body of this report I have 

 noticed all the different kinds of implements required. I may however, again 

 briefly notice them, and give a short account of each. Cast-iron Pans — In 

 the manufactory there are two kinds in use, one received from China, the other 

 from England. Both are considered equally good by the tea manufacturers, 

 though in firing green tea they prefer the Chinese ones, as they are thinner, 

 and are thus by them better able to regulate the heat. The Chinese pans are 

 two feet two inches in diameter, and 10 inches in depth, by about one-eighth 

 ot an inch in thickness. 



The English pans are two feet two inches in diameter, and eight inches in. 

 depth, and rather thiclcer than the Chinese. 



The oven for making black tea is made of kueha brick. In height it is two 

 feet nine inches, in length, three feet, and in breadth three feet one inch. Door 

 one foot five inches in height, and 11 inches in breadth. The base of the oven 

 is 10 inches elevated above the floor of the manufacturing room. 



The oven with double pans for manufacturing green tea, is also built of 

 kueha bricks. It is three feet in height and three feet in breadth ; base of 

 oven one foot in height. Door one foot six inches in height, and 10 inches in 

 breadth. The pans are placed horizontally. 



A bi'ush made of split bamboo, used in sweeping the tea leaves out of 

 the pniis. 



A basket for receiving tea from the pan when ready to be rolled. It is 2 

 feet long, and 1| feet broad, and gradually increases in depth from before 

 backwards to 6 inches. It is made of bamboo. 



The mat made of b'amboo for placing on the table "when the tea leaves are 

 about to be roUed. It is 8 feet long and 4 feet broad. 



A flat basket made of bamboo for spreading out the tea leaves when they 

 have been rolled on the mat. These flat baskets are of various sizes, varying 

 from 3 to o feet in diameter. 



A flat sieve basket of 2 feet in diameter, made of bamboo, upon which the 

 rolled tea leaves are placed, and which is deposited in the centre of the double- 

 coned basket. 



Double-coned baskets. The height of these baskets varies from 2 feet 2 inches 

 to 2 feet 6 inches, external diameter 2 feet 8 inches. In the centre there are 

 some pegs of bamboo to support the flat sieve basket on which the tea rests. 



Forked sticks for turning leaves. 



Choolahs. These are formed of kueha bricks, and are 10 inches high, lOf 

 inches deep, and generally about 2 feet in diameter. 



Funnel made of bamboo to allow the heated air from the choolahs to pass 

 through the tea ; it is seldom used, the Chinese tea manufacturers preferring 

 one made in the tea basket by the hand. 



Oven for firing green tea made of kueha bricks. The pans are inclined at an 

 angle of 50. In front the oven is 3 feet 2 inches in height, behind 4 feet 

 8 inches, length 5^ feet, breadth 3 feet. Door 10 inches from the base, 1 foot 

 2 inches high, and 7 inches wide. 



Frames for placing baskets. The first being inclined. 



Baskets for collecting leaves. ^ 

 Shovel, &c., used in regulating the fire. 



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