China] 



ORIENTAL COMMERCE. 



505 



and nearly the size of a nutmeg, composed of the leaves of black tea, 

 generally of the best kind, gummed together. It is sometimes brought to 

 England as presents. 



Brush Tea — so called from the leaves being twisted into small cords, 

 like packthread, about 1| to 2 inches long; usually three of these arc tied 

 together at the ends by different coloured silks. These are made both of 

 green and black tea, and, like the former, only imported as presents. 



There are many different growths of Singlo and Hyson teas, and also 

 some difference in the manner of curing them, according to the skill or fancy 

 of the curer. This occasions difference of quality in the teas, as does also 

 a good or bad season ; a rainy season, for instance, makes the leaves yellow, 

 and a cold season nips the trees, and makes the leaves poor. The Chinese 

 at Canton also sell all sorts of old teas for new, after they have prepared 

 them for that purpose, either by tatching or firing, and mixing them with 

 new teas ; but these deceits may, upon strict inspection, be discovered ; but 

 where the advice of a person resident at Canton can be obtained, it is prefer- 

 able to depending on your own judgment. The taste in England should 

 be the guide ; as teas, which may please the sight and palate at Canton, 

 may, in the course of the voyage, lose their flavour, and be comparatively 

 of little value. 



The following are a few of the chops of Hyson teas brought to 

 the Canton market, with the number of chests usually contained in a 

 chop, and a description of their quality, according to the technical terms 

 of the trade :— 



Cicala. 



Tien Huug 104 best in market. 



Hung Hung.. . . . 10U mid, and good mid. 

 Hung Hee ...... 140 middling. 



Wun Hec 151 ditto. 



Cow Mow Uiii middling and better. 



CAet&r. 



Cow long . . 170 middling nnd better. 



Mnn Kee 140 ditto. 



Khee Kee 110 ditto, 



Hmng Cbee 265 good middling. 



Wo Hung 13-1 middling. 



The surface of a chest of tea often carries a superior appearance to the 

 middle or bottom ; it is therefore necessary to have some of them turned out. 

 In the Company's teas about five in every 100 of the black teas are turned 

 out, but in greens not so many, as the exposure to the air injures the appear- 

 ance of the teas. Of teas purchased from the merchants >vho do not belong 

 to the Hong, it is necessary to be very particular in examining them, as they 

 arc often falsely packed. 



