Chap. XXII. 



TEA-CULTURE IN INDIA. 



387 



not grow so naturally. If plucking is commenced 

 too early and continued, the energies of the plants 

 are weakened, they are long in attaining any size, 

 and consequently there is a great loss of produce in a 

 given number of years. A bush that has been pro- 

 perly treated may when eight years of age yield from 

 two to three pounds of tea per annum, while another 

 of the same age, but not a quarter of the size from 

 over-plucking, may not produce more than as many 

 ounces. 



The same remarks apply also to plants which 

 become unhealthy from any cause ; leaves ought 

 never to be taken from such plants ; the gatherers 

 should have strict orders to pass them over until they 

 get again into a good state of health. 



2. On Climate. — I have already stated that eastern 

 Gurhwal and Kumaon appear to me to be the most 

 suitable spots for the cultivation of the tea-plant in 

 this part of the Himalayas. My remarks upon cli- 

 mate will therefore refer to that part of the country. 



From a table of temperature kept at Hawulbaugh 

 from November 28th, 1850, to July 13th, 1851, 

 obligingly furnished me by Dr. Jameson, I observe 

 that the climate here is extremely mild. During the 

 winter months the thermometer (Fahr.) was never 

 lower at sunrise than 44°, and only on two occasions 

 so low, namely on the 15th and 16th of February, 

 1851. Once it stood as high as 66°, on the morning 

 of February the 4th, but this is full ten degrees 

 higher than usual. The minimum in February must, 

 however, be several degrees lower than is shown by 



2 c 2 



