CHINESE TRADE. 4^1 



panded : but thefe fmall and tender leases 

 are accounted the beft of all ; they are fcarce, 

 and exceedingly dear. 



The fecond crop, or the firft for thofe 

 who colle£t the leaves only twice a-y^, is 

 gathered about the end of March, or the be-i 

 ginning of April, Part of the leaves have 

 then attained to maturity j and though the 

 other part have acquired only half their fize, 

 they are both collcded without any diftinc- 

 cion^ 



The third, or the fecond for fome, and 

 kft crop^ is more abundant, and is coUedcd 

 about the end of April, or the begmning of 

 May, when the leaves have attained to their 

 full growth, either in fize or number. Tliere 

 are fome people who neglect the two firft 

 crops, and who confine themfelves entirely 

 to this J the leaves of which are fek£ted with 

 great care, and diftributed into clafTcs ac- 

 cording to their fize and goodnefs. Tea 



ought 



