November 2, 1891.] THE TROPICAL AGRICULTURIST. 
361 
To the Editor. 
ME MAITLAND KIEWAN'S TEA PAPEE. 
Billiter gquaro Buildings, 
London, E. C., Oot. Ist, 1891. 
Deab Sir, — I notice the attaok made upon my 
paper linings by Messrs. W. H. Davies & Co., 
contained in thoir letter appearing in your over- 
land issue of 4lh 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 loiter to them of a London firm 
whose name is discreetly concealed. Two reasons 
are given for endeavouring to show why these 
linings arc a “worthless article” for the purpose 
in view, h'int, because they arc said to bo porous, 
and secondly, the supposition that the trade would 
not give ns good a price for tea packed thus, ns 
fori load-lined packages. 
With regard to the fir. t of these roisors it appears 
to me that his proof of the pudding is in 
the eating, and wo have now had these linings 
pretty extensively tried with complete luooess. The 
remarks in Messrs. 'Wilton, Smithett efe Oo.'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 oertiflento from perhaps one of 
the highest authorities on these matters, may prove 
of interest to any who are slill 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 ns 
readily as the others, and so f.ar 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 lets degree 
by the lead. 
As to the perquisite obtained for the lend, the 
head partner of a large firm of grocers, w'ith whom 
1 conferred on this point some time ago langbingly 
assured me that if the quality of the tea was good 
there need bo no fear on that score, and his 
words have been amply confirmed. 
In conclusion let mo 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 bo grateful to 
receive suggestions which might in any way 
further that to perfect the articles. 
With regard however to the wholesale attack 
made by Messrs. Davies & Co. on the linings, had 
this firm made trial of them and found them 
inadequate in preserving the tea, their letter 
Would have assuredly deserved a hearing. As it is, 
doubtless thoir remarks will bo 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 
any now article brought forward in ourapetition 
therewith. — Your obedl. servnnt, 
J. M. MAITLAND KIEWAN. 
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. W'ilson, 
Smithett AOo., re Paper Lining tor Tea Chests. 
Dear Sir, — Eeforriug to our Eeport on Elkadna Tea 
er “ Goorkha " we notice that the Pekoe and Pekoe 
ouohong like the same grades in the “Bengal" ship- 
ment are packed in paper lined packages. Wo have 
carefully inspected all these teas and find them to be 
in oxoellont condition, the paper lining in each instance 
proving quite damp and air proof.— Yours faithfully, 
(Signed) WmsoN, Smithett & Co. 
Messrs J. M. Kirwan d: Co. 
(Eemoved from 17, Bloomsbmw Square. 
Dr. Itodwood, f. i. c., v. c. s., T. Horne Uedwood, 
F. c. s., p. I. c., A. J. do Hailes, f. i. c., t. c. s.. Analysts 
and Consulting Chemists. 
2, Fisher Street, Red Lion Square, W.O., 
London, 30th Sept. 1891. 
Messrs. J. M. Kirwan & Co., Billiter Square Buildings, 
London. 
Wc hereby certify that we have tested the paper 
supplied by Messrs. J. M. Kirwan & Co., lor tho 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 tho tea its delicate aroma 
without imparting any extrancons flavour. — T. Horne 
Uedwood, A. J. de Hailes. 
SUBSTITUTES FOR TEA LEAD. 
61, Old Broad St., B. 0. 
Dear Sib, — I have observed of late several articles 
and oommnnications which have appeared in the 
oolumns of the Ceylon Ohsener and those of the 
Tropical Ayrkn/lnrist touoKing upon tho very great 
difficulty in the supplying of tea load to Indian and 
Ceylon planters. As the writers point ont, upon the 
proper solution of this difflcnlty, 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 eubetitation for tea lead of parch- 
ment-prepared paper or an admixture of lead and 
paper ; but while it is claimed lor 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 praotica to have made them- 
selves particularly manifest. I have given the 
matter vety careful coneideration for some five 
years past, my attention having first been drawn 
to tho Bubjeot at a time when the ludiauiii 
trade bad not attained to nearly its present pro- 
portions, and when the necessity for reducing the 
cost 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 speoially upon my attention ; and 1 feel 
that the time is ripe ooramercially for the sub- 
mitting to those interested a practical method 
whereby the price of tea-lead to the Indian 
planters oan be reduced considerably below iis 
current price. My estimate is based upon personal 
knowledge of the lead supply and of the lea 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 load will bo fonnd, and I should like 
it to bo olearly understood that I propose to supply 
the real article. My project aims solely at the re- 
duction of the cost. Injaatioe to myself however I 
cannot make this project public property, but as 1 
40 
