November 2, 1891.] THE TR0P5CAL AGRICULTURIST. 
361 
To the Editor. 
MK MAITLAUD KIRWAN'S TEA PAPER, 
Billiter Square Buildings, 
London, E. 0., Oct. lat, 1891. 
Dkab Sib, — I notice the attack made upon my 
paper linings by Messrs. W. H. Davies & Co., 
contained in their letter appearing in your over- 
land issue of 4th September. 
Wholesome criticism is good if based upon 
reasonable grounds, but that of Messrs. Davies & 
Co. appears to have for its foundation the views 
expressed in a letter to them of a London firm 
whose name is discreetly concealed. Two reasons 
are given for endeavouring to show why these 
linings are a "worthless article" for the purpose 
in view. First, because they are said to be porous, 
and secondly, the supposition that the trade would 
not give as good a price for tea packed thus, as 
fori lead-lined packages. 
With regard to the fir.tof these rexsons it appears 
to me that his proof of the pudding is in 
the eating, and we have uovtr had these linings 
pretty extensively tried with complete success. The 
remarks in Messrs. Wilsoo, Smithett & Co.'s. Cir- 
cular from time to time respecting them and the 
testimony of those who have made trial of them 
ought I think to bo the best proof of their efficacy 
in protecting and preserving the tea ; and as regards 
the enclosed certificate from perhaps one of 
the highest authorities ou these matters, may prove 
of interest to any who are still sceptical on this 
point. 
As regards the second reason given for condemn- 
ing the paper, I may say at once that it is not borne 
out by facts. It has been found that the 
trade buy the paper-lined packages as 
readily as the others, and eo far from their 
giving a lower price, in some instances a 
farthing more has been secured ; and I think I 
am justified in saying that since these new 
linings have been introduced there has been a distinct 
enquiry for teas packed thus, the opinion being 
that this paper obviates entirely the tinny flavor 
imparted to all teas to a more or lees degree 
by the lead. 
As to the perquisite obtained for the lead, the 
head partner of a large firm of grocers, witb whom 
I conferred ou this point some time ago laughingly 
assured me that if the quality of the tea was good 
there need be no fear on that score, and his 
words have been amply confirmed. 
In conclusion let me say, that I am satisfied 
after repeated trials, that these linings are thorough- 
ly suitable in every respect for the packing of tea ; 
nevertheless I will always be grateful to 
receive suggestions which might in any way 
farther that to perfect the articles. 
With regard however to the wholesale attack 
made by Messrs. Davies & Co. on the linings, had 
this film made trial of them and found them 
in.idequato in preserving the tea, their letter 
would have assuredly deserved a heating. As it is, 
doubtless their remarks will be received at their 
proper value. 
It is I understand generally known that this 
firm are sellers of the tea lead, and it is not un- 
natural to suppose that they would dislike seeing 
uny new aniolo brouRht for\vftrd in competition 
therewith.— N our obedl, aerviiul, 
J. M, MAITLAND KIRWAN. 
P. S. — Annexed is copy of letter received from 
the brokers relative to the last shipment in these 
linings, which speaks for itself. 
Copy of letter received from Messrs. Wilson, 
Smithett &0o., /■« Paper Lining for Tea Chests. 
Dear Sir, — Referring to our Report on Elkadua Tea 
per " Goorkha " we notice that the Pekoe and Pekoe 
Souchong like the same grades in the "Jiengal" ship- 
ment are packed in paper lined packages. We have 
carefully inspected all these teas and find them to be 
in excellent condition, the paper lining in each instance 
proving quite damp and air proof. — -Yours faithfully, 
(Signed) Wilson, Smithett & Co. 
Messrs J. M. Kirwan & Co. 
(Removed from 17, Bloomsbury Square. 
Dr. Redwood, p. i. c, p. c. s., T. Home Redwood, 
F. c. s., p. I. c, A. J. de Hailes, p. i. c, p. c. s.. Analysts 
and Consulting Chemists. 
2, Fisher Street, Red Lion Square, W.C., 
London, 30th Sept. 1891. 
Messrs. J. M. Kirwan & Co., Billiter Square Buildings, 
London. 
We hereby certify that we have tested the paper 
supplied by Messrs. J. M. Kirwan & Co., for the purpose 
of lining tea chests, and we have found it to be of a 
remarkably fine and pure quality. We are of opinion 
that it would preserve to the tea its delicate aroma 
without imparting any extraneous flavour. — T. Hokne 
Redwood, A. J. de Hailes. 
SUBSTITUTES FOR TEA LEAD. 
61, Old Broad St., E. 0. 
Dear Sir, — I have observed of late several articles 
and communications which have appeared in the 
columns of the Ceylon Observer and those of the 
Tropical Ayriciiltarist touching upon the very great 
difliculty in the supplying of tea lead to Indian and 
Ceylon planters. As the writers point out, upon the 
proper solution of this difiBoulty, the price of tea in 
London markets is dependent to a very large extent ; 
and its importance, in view of the remarkable growth 
of the Indian and Ceylon Tea trade, cannot very 
well be over-estimated. Suggestions have been 
made for the substitution for tea lead of parch- 
ment-prepared paper or an admixture of lead and 
paper ; but while it is claimed for these substitutes 
that they answer as well as the lead and are to 
be had at a reduced cost, the advantages do 
not appear in practice to have made them- 
selves particularly manifest. I have given the 
matter very careful consideration for some five 
years past, my attention having first been drawn 
to the subject at a time when the Indian; ii 
trade had not attained to nearly its present pro- 
portions, and when the necessity for reducing the 
coat of the lead was not so apparent. The re- 
markable growth of the tea trade in India and 
Ceylon coupled with the demand for cheap tea in 
the London markets has however forced this ques- 
tion very specially upon my attention ; and I feel 
that the time is ripe commercially for the sub- 
mitting to those interested a practical method 
whereby the price of tea-lead to the Indian 
planters can be reduced considerably below i's 
current price. My estimate is based upon personal 
knowledge of the lead supply and of the tea trade, 
and also upon the best practical advice as well 
as the published testimony of exports ; and it is 
very far from being a sanguine one, for I have 
left the very widest margin for any difficulties 
which might by any possibility present themselves. 
I do not myself believe that any satisfactory sub- 
stiute for tea-lead will be found, and I should like 
it to be clearly understood that I propose to supply 
the real article. My project aims solely at the re- 
duction of the cost. In justice to myself however I 
cannot make this project public property, but as I 
