( 49 ) 
this being necessary at intervals of 15 to 18 months 
at low elevations, and 3 to 4 years at high elevations. 
The plants are in full bearing when about 6 years 
old, and continue to yield for many years. 
Plucking consists in nipping off by hand the tender 
terminal leaves with the bud and the shoot. The 
pluckings are brought into the factory where they 
are withered, dried, rolled, and finally sifted into 
various grades for export. 
Owing partly to lack of suitable land at the neces- 
sary elevations, the cultivation of tea has not been 
developed in this country. Small isolated areas are, 
however, to be found, the product being consumed 
by the native population. 
