Chap. XVII. BLACK-TEA DISTRICT. 
291 
the Min stretching far across to the other hills ; the city 
of Foo-chow-foo, with its pagodas, temples, and watch- 
towers, standing in the centre of the plain ; and the 
broad river winding smoothly along in its course to the 
sea ; mountain towering above mountain, and the whole 
striking the mind with wonder and admiration. 
Among these mountains, and at a height of 2000 and 
3000 feet above the level of the sea, I found the black- 
tea district, which I was anxious to see, and the existence 
of which had been denied by my affectionate friends the 
mandarins. Having been in several green-tea countries 
further north, I was desirous to ascertain clearly whether 
the plant was the same species in both places, or whether, 
as generally believed, they were difierent. I was now 
fort,unate enough not only to find an extensive tea- 
district, but also to be present when the natives were 
picking and preparing the leaves ; and I not only pro- 
cured specimens for my herbarium, but also a living 
plant, which I afterwards took to the green-tea hills of 
the north, and found, on minute comparison, that it was 
identical with the Thea viridis. In other words, the i 
black and green teas which generally come to England \ 
from the northern provinces of China are made from the 
same species, and the difference of colour, flavour, &c., 
is solely the result of the different modes of preparation. 
The natives amongst these hills were much surprised 
at the sight of a foreigner, and came crowding from all 
quarters to see me ; they were, however, much more civil 
and respectful than their countrymen in the lowlands 
and at Foo-chow-foo. 
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