The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Natural History of the Tea-Tree, with Observations on the Medical Qualities of Tea, and on the Effects of Tea-Drinking, by John Coakley Lettsom

TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE

The long-form ſ character has been replaced by the modern s.

Footnote anchors are denoted by [number], and the footnotes have been placed at the end of the book.

There is one large very wide table on [page 24] of the original book. This has been split into six parts, with the first column replicated for readability. The two footnotes specific to this table have been placed under the table, as in the original book, and are marked by † and ‡.

The [list of Plates] in the original book, and in this etext, is at the end of the book.

There are frequent abbreviated references to Kæmpfer’s Amœnitatum Exoticarum (Amœn. Exot. and similar).

Changes to the text are noted at the very [end of the book.]

[ click here for larger image.]

Green Tea
Fig. 1 to Fig. 17

Painted & Engraved by J. Miller.
Publish’d according to Act of Parliament Dec. 10th 1771.

THE
NATURAL HISTORY
OF THE
TEA-TREE,

WITH OBSERVATIONS ON

THE MEDICAL QUALITIES OF TEA,

AND ON THE

EFFECTS OF TEA-DRINKING.

A NEW EDITION.

BY JOHN COAKLEY LETTSOM, M. D.

LONDON.

PRINTED BY J. NICHOLS;

FOR CHARLES DILLY.

1799.

ADVERTISEMENT.

In the year 1769 was printed an inaugural dissertation, intituled, “Observationes ad vires Theæ pertinentes.”

In the year 1772 was published, “The Natural History of the Tea tree, with Observations on the Medical Qualities of Tea, and Effects of Tea-drinking,” which not only contained a translation of the Thesis, but likewise the natural history of this vegetable, and which having been long out of print, it was thought a second edition would be favourably received by the publick.

In Sir George Staunton’s Embassy to China, lately published, there are some remarks on Tea, which are occasionally referred to in the present edition; and they are referred to with the satisfaction of confirming the relation first offered to the publick in 1772.

As the Preface inserted at that time affords some hints respecting the introduction of the Tea-tree into Europe, it is prefixed to the present edition.

PREFACE

TO

THE FIRST EDITION, 1772.

The subject of the following Essay being now in general use among the inhabitants of this kingdom, as well as in many other parts of Europe, and constituting a large part of our commerce, it cannot but afford pleasure to the curious to possess the history of a shrub, with the leaves of which they are so well acquainted.

Many treatises have been published on the uses and effects of Tea; a few writers have likewise given some circumstances relative to its natural history and preparation, the indefatigable Kæmpfer particularly; but these circumstances lie so dispersed, and the accounts which have been given of the virtues and efficacy of Tea are in general so contradictory, and void of true medical observation, that it still seemed no improper subject for a candid discussion. The reader may at least have the satisfaction of seeing, in a narrow compass, the principal opinions relative to this subject.

Within these three or four years we have been successful enough to introduce into this kingdom a few genuine Tea plants. There was formerly, I am told, a very large one in England, the property of an East-India captain, who kept it some years, and refused to part with either cuttings or layers. This died, and there was not another left in the kingdom. A large plant was not long since in the possession of the great Linnæus, but, I am informed, it is now dead. I know several gentlemen, who have spared neither pains nor expence to procure this ever-green from China; but their best endeavours have, in general, proved unsuccessful. For, though many strong and good plants were shipped at Canton, and all possible care taken of them during the voyage, yet they soon grew sickly, and but one, till of late, survived the passage to England.

The largest Tea plant in this kingdom is, I believe, at Kew; it was presented to that royal seminary by John Ellis, Esq. who raised it from the seed. But the plant at Sion-house, belonging to the Duke of Northumberland, is the first that ever flowered in Europe; and an elegant drawing has been taken from it in that state, with its botanical description. The engraver has done justice to his original drawing, which is now in the possession of that great promoter of natural history, Dr. Fothergill, to whom I have been indebted for many dried specimens and flowers of the Tea-tree from China. If the reader compare this plate with the following description, he will have as clear an idea of this exotic shrub, as can at present be exhibited.

A few young Tea plants have lately been introduced into some of the most curious botanic gardens about London; hence it seems probable that this very distinguished vegetable will become a denizen of England, and such of her colonies as may be deemed most favourable to its propagation.

In regard to the effects of Tea on the human constitution, one might have imagined that long and general use would have furnished so many indisputable proofs of its good and bad properties, that nothing could be easier than to determine these with precision: yet so difficult a thing is it to establish physical certainty in regard to the operation of food or medicines on the human body, that our knowledge in general, even with respect to this article, is very imperfect. Nevertheless, I have endeavoured to avail myself of what has been written on this subject by my predecessors with the appearance of reason, as well as of the conversation of learned and ingenious men now living, together with such experiments and observations as have occurred to me, so as to furnish the means of a more extensive knowledge of the subject.

With respect to the present edition, subsequent information has enabled me to enlarge it with some important additions. Since the period of the original publication, the Tea-tree has been introduced into many of our gardens, and afforded the means of ascertaining its botanical characters. I have, at the same time, the pleasure to observe, that the first edition has received the approbation of some of the most distinguished botanists. Linnæus, as well as Haller, as soon as they had perused it, conveyed to me their approbation, in the kindest manner: Murray and Cullen, and recently Schreber, have made frequent references to its authorities. If these distinguished characters have approved the former, I am encouraged to hope that the present edition will not be less favourably received by the publick.

CONTENTS.

THE

NATURAL HISTORY

OF THE

TEA-TREE.

PART THE FIRST.

SECTION I.
CLASS XIII. ORDER I.

POLYANDRIA MONOGYNIA.

Nomina trivialia
Thea bohea & viridis.

The common names
bohea and green Teas.[8]

There is only one species of this plant; the difference of green and bohea Tea depending upon the nature of the soil, the culture, and manner of drying the leaves. It has even been observed, that a green Tea-tree, planted in the bohea country, will produce bohea Tea, and so the contrary.[9]

SECTION II.

SYNONYMA.

Many authors have at different times treated upon this subject; some who never saw the Tea-tree, as well as others who have seen it[10]. I shall enumerate those who are mentioned in the Species plantarum of Linnæus[11].

Thea; Hortus Cliffort. 204. Mat. Med. 264. Hill. Exot. t. 22.

Thee; Kæmpfer. Japan. 605. t. 606.

Thee frutex; Barthol. Act. 4. p. 1. t. 1. Bont. Jav. Amstel. fol. 87 ad 88.

Thee Sinensium; Breyn. Cent. 111. t. 112. incon. 17. t. 3. Bocc. Mus. 114. t. 94.

Chaa; Casp. Bauhin. Pinax Theatri Botanici. Basil. 1623. 4to. p. 147.

Evonymo affinis arbor orientalis nucifera, flore roseo; Pluk. Alm. Botan. Stirp. nov. tradens. 1200. Lond. 1705. fol. 139. t. 88. fig. 6.

In the Acta Haffniensia, we meet with the first figure of this tree; but, as it was taken from a dried specimen, it does not illustrate the subject very well. Bontius published another, and though drawn in India, where he might have seen the plant, it does not much surpass the preceding. The figure given by Plukenet is better than either of the former; and after his, Breynius published one still better: but of all the engravings formerly executed, that given by Kæmpfer must be allowed to be the most accurate[12]; yet even this icon, like all the others published by this industrious naturalist, is extremely imperfect; although he certainly saw the living plants which he has represented, however expert the Chinese may be in deception[13].

SECTION III.

AUTHORS UPON TEA.

Besides the Authors already mentioned, several others have given some account of this exotic ever-green, the principal of which are added for the farther information of those who may be desirous of consulting these writers on the subject.

Johann. Petr. Maffeus Rerum Indicarum libro VI. pag. 108. & lib. XII. pag. 242. Ludov. Almeyd. in eodem opere lib. IV. select. epist.

Petr. Jarric. tom. III. lib. II. cap. XVII.

Matth. Ric. de Christian. exped. apud Sinas, lib. I. cap. VII.

L. Baptista Ramusio, le Navigationi e viaggi nelli quali si Contienne la Descrittione dell’ Africa, del paese del prete Joanni del mar Rosso, Calicut, isole Moluchese la Navigazione interno il mondo. Venet. 1550. 1563. 1588. 3 Vol. Fol. Vol. III. p. 15.

Translation in English of Giovanni Botaro,[14] an eminent Italian author. Printed in 1590.

Texeira, Relaciones del origen de los Reyes de Persia y de Hormuz. Amberes, 1610. p. 19.

Fischer’s Sibirische Geschichte, 1639. Vol. II. p. 694.

Alois Frois, in Relat. Japonicâ.

Nicol. Trigaut. de Regno Chinæ, Cap. III. p. 34.

Linscot. de Insulâ Japonicâ, Cap. XXVI. p. 35. Ha. 1599. Fol. et Belgiæ Amst. 1644. Fol.

Bernhard. Varen. in descriptione Regni Japoniæ, Cap. XXIII. p. 161.

Johan. Bauhin. Histor. Univers. Plantarum, 1597. Tom. III. lib. XXVII. cap. I. p. 5. b.

Alex. Rhod. Sommaire des divers voyages et missions Apostoliques du R. P. Alexandre de Rhodes de la compagnie de Jesus à la Chine, et autres Royaumes de l’orient, avec son retour de la Chine, à Rome; depuis l’année, 1618, jusques à l’année, 1653, p. 25.

Dionysii Joncquet, Stirpium aliquot paulò obscurius officinis, Arabibus aliisque denominatarum, per Casp. Bauhin, explicat. p. 25. Ed. 1612.

Simon Pauli, Quadripartitum Botanicum, classe secundâ, pag. 44. Ibidemque classe tertiâ, pag. 493.

Simon Pauli, Comment. de abusu Tobaci et herbæ Theæ, Rostock. 1635. 4to. Strasburgh. 1665. Argent. 1665. 4to. Francf. 1708. 4to. London, 1746. 8vo.

Wilhelm. Leyl. epistol. apud Simon Pauli in Comment. de abusu Tobaci, &c. p. 15. b.

Jacob. Bontii de Medicina Indorum, lib. IV. Leid. 1642. 12mo. et cum Pisone, Leid. 1658. Fol. Belgiæ, Oost en Westindische waarande, Amstel. 1694. 8vo. Anglicè. An Account of the Diseases, Natural History, and Medicines, of the East Indies: London, 1769, 8vo.

Beginne ende voortgang van de Vereenighde Neederlande, 1646, 2 vol. et sub titulo, Recueil des Voyages faits pour L’Etablissement de la Campagnie des Indes Orientales, Amstel. 1702. 12mo. 10 Vol.

Joann. Nieuzofs, Gezantschap an den Keizer van China, p. 122. a.

Erasmi Franciss. Ost- und West-Indischer wie auch Sinesischer Lust- und Stats-Garten, p. 291.

Nicol. Tulpii, Observ. Medic. lib. IV. cap. LX. p. 380. Leidæ, 1641. 8vo.

Adam. Olearii, Persionische Reise-Beschreibung, 1633. p. 325. lib. V. cap. XVII. p. 599. Fol. 1656. Hamburg. 1698. Amstel. 1666. 4to.

Johan. Albert, von Mandelslo, Morgenlandische Reise-Beschreibung, lib. I. cap. XI. p. 39. Edit. 1656.

Olai Wormii, Mus. lib. II. cap. XIV. p. 165. Hafn. 1642. 4to.

Gulielm. Piso, in Itinere Brasilico, Cliviæ, 1661. 8vo.

Athanas. Kircher, Chin. Illustrat. Ed. 1658. cum figura Fruct. Theæ.

Simon de Molinariis, Ambrosia Asiatica, sive de virtute et usu Theæ, Genuæ, 1672. 12mo.

De Comiers, le bon usage du Thee, du Coffee, et du Chocolat, pour la Preservation et pour la Guerison des Malades, Paris, 1687. 12mo.

Marcus Mappus, de Thea, Coffea, et Chocolata. Argent. 1675 et 1695. 4to.

Oliv. Dappers, Beschryvinge des Keizerryts van Taising of Sina, Amstel. 1680. Fol. p. 226.

Nic. Blegny, du bon usage du Thé, du Caffé, et du Chocolat. Lyon. 1680. 12mo. Abrégé du traité du Caffé, &c. Lyon. 1687. 12mo.

John Overton, Voyage to Surat, London, 1696. 8vo.

John Overton, Essay upon the Nature and Qualities of Tea, London, 1735. 8vo.

Paul Sylvestre du Four, de l’usage du Thè, Caphè, et Chocolat. London, 1671. et auctius, 1684. 1686. 12mo. Hunc libellum Jacobus Sponius Latinè reddidit, et edidit cum titulo, Tr. nov. de potu Theæ, Coffeæ, Chocolatæ, Paris. 1685. 12mo. cum figuris.

Pechlin, Theophilus Bibaculus, Franckfort, 1684. 4to.

Franc. Mich. Disdier, Beschreibung des Caffée, The, Chocolate, und Tobaks, Hamb. 1684. 12mo.

Bern. Albini, Disputatio de Thea, Francf. Viadr. 1684. 4to.

Arnold. Montan. Gudenswaerdige Gesandtchappen aen de Kaisaren van Japan. 1684.

J. Chamberlane, manner of making Tea, Coffee, and Chocolate, Lond. 1685. 12mo. p. 46.

Republiques des Lettres, tom. III. Fev. 1685.

Petri Petivi, Carmen de Thea; et Joh. Georg. Heinichen de Theæ encomiis. Lugdun. 1685. 4to.

Corn. Bontekoe, van The, Coffy, en Chocolate. Haag. 1685. 8vo. Spanius de Thea, Coffea, et Chocolata.

Christian. Kursner, de potu Theæ. Marpurg, 1681.

Jan. Abraham. à Gehema, Weetstreit des Chinesisehen Thea mit Warmen Wasser. Berlin, 1685, 8vo. Francf. 1696. 8vo. sub titulo, Zwanzig gesundheits regeln.

Steph. Blankaart, gebrugk en misbruyk van de Thee. Haag. 1686. 8vo.

The Natural History of Coffee, Tea, Chocolate, and Tobacco, with a Tract of the Elder and Juniper Berries. Lond. 1683. 4to.

Henrici Cosmii, magnæ naturæ œconomia cum demonstratione Theæ, Coffeæ, Chocolatæ, Francf. Lips. 1687. 12mo.

Elias Comerarius, in disputationibus de Thea et Coffea, Tubingae, 1694. 8vo.

Le Compte’s Journey through the Empire of China. Lond. 1697. 8vo. p. 228.

Joh. Ludov. Apinus, obs. 70. Decur. 3. Miscell. Curios. 1697. Andr. Cleyerus, Dec. 2. an. 4ti. pag. 7. Dan. Crugerus, Dec. 2. Ann. 4ti. p. 141. Riedlinus Lin. Med. Ann. 4ti. Dom. Ambros. Stegmann, de Decoct. Theæ. Vol. V. p. 36.

Sir Thomas Pope Blount’s Natural History, 8vo. London, 1693.

Wilh. Ulrich Waldschmidt, de usu et abusu Theæ in genere. Kiel. 1692. 8vo.

Ejusdem, an potus herbæ Theæ ecsiccandi et emaciandi virtute pollerat? Kiel, 1702. 4to.

P. Duncan, Avis Salutaire contre l’Abus du Coffè, du Chocolat, et du Thè. Rotterdam, 1705. 8vo. London, 1766. 8vo.

Groot misbruyk van de Theæ en Coffæ. Haag, 1695. 4to.

Philosophical Transactions, V. I. an. 1665, 1666. Monday, July 2, 1766.

Plukenetii, Amalth. Botan. Londini, 1705, p. 79. 139.

Renaudot, anciennes relations de la Chine et des Indes. Paris, 1718, p. 31.

Kæmpfer, Amœnit. Exotic. Lemgov. 4to. 1712, p. 618.

Les Lettres curieuses et edifiantes des Jesuites, passim.

Car. Frid. Luther, de potu Theæ, Kiel, 1712. 4to.

J. Cunningham, de variis speciebus Theæ, Agricultura Chinensi, &c. n. 280.

Levuh. Frid. Meisner, Disputatio inaugur. de Thea, Coffea, Chocolata. Nuremb. 1721, 8vo.

Botanicum Officinale, or a compendious Herbal of such Plants as are used in Physic, by Joseph Miller. Lond. 1722. 8vo.

Labat, Nouveau Voyage aux Iles de l’Amerique. Paris, 1721.

Joh. Henricus Cohauson, Niewe Thee Tafel. et de Thea, Coffea, &c. à Christ. Helwig. Amstel. 1719. 8vo. Germanicè, 1722. 8vo.

Short’s Dissertation upon the Nature and Properties of Tea, &c. London, 1730. 4to.

Ancient Accounts of India and China, by two Mahommedan Travellers. London, 1732.

L’Abbé Pluche, Le Spectacle de la Nature, à Paris, 1732.

Les Entretiens Physiques d’Ariste et d’Edoxe, par le pere Reynault. Paris, 1732. tom. 3.

John Arbuthnot, M. D. Essay concerning the Nature of Aliments. Lond. 1735. 8vo.

Casp. Neumann, vom Thee, Coffee, Bier und Wein, Leips. 1735.

J. Franc. le Fevre, de natura, usu, et abusu, Coffeæ, Theæ, Chocolatæ. Vesuntione, 1737. 4to.

R. James, Treatise on Tea, Tobacco, Coffee, and Chocolate, translated from Simon Pauli, Comment. &c. London, 1746, 8vo.

Barr. Rarior. 128. t. 904.

Du Halde, Description génerale Historique, Chronologique, Politique, et Physique, de la Chine, Paris, 1735. Fol. 4 vol. Haag. 1736. 4to. 4 vol. History of Japan, Lond. 1735. 8vo. 4 vol.

Astley’s Collection of Voyages, 4 vol. 4to. Lond. 1746.

The true Qualities of Tea. Anonymous. Lond. 1746. 8vo.

Petr. Kalms, Wästgöta Resa, Stockholm, 1746. 8vo. translated by Forster, Lond. 1772. 8vo. 2 vol.

James Stevenson, Treatise on Tobacco, Tea, Coffee, and Chocolate, Lond. 1746. 8vo.

Chambers’ Encyclopædia, Lond. 1752. Fol. Tom. II.

Mason on the Properties of Tea, 1756. 8vo.

The good and bad Effects of Tea considered, Anonymous, Lond. 1758. 8vo.

Linnæi Amœnit. Acad. V. VII. p. 241.

Newmann’s Chemistry, by Lewis. Lond. 1759. 4to. p. 373.

Hanway’s Journal of eight Days Journey. London, 1759. 8vo. 2 vol. p. 21. vol. II.

Hanway’s Observations on the Causes of the Dissoluteness amongst the Poor. Lond. 1772. 4to. p. 73. et passim.

L’Abbé Jacquin, de la Santé utile à tout le Monde, à Paris, 1763. 8vo. p. 190.

Burmanni Fl. Indica, Lugd. Bat. 1766. p. 122.

Linnæi Sp. Plant. Vindobonæ. 1746. p. 734. Syst. Nat. Vind. 1770. Tom. II. p. 365.

Linnæi Mat. Med. Vind. 1773. p. 136. Conf. Murray, appar. Med. Bergii Mat. Med. &c.

Encyclopedie, ou Dict. Raisonné, Neufch. 1765. Fol. Tom. XVI. Thè.

M. de Begne de Presle, de Conservateur de la Santé, ou Avis sur les Dangers, &c. à Paris. 1763. 12mo. Dangers du Thè, p. 118.

Concorde de la Geographic, ouvrage postume de l’Abbé Pluche, Paris, 1764. 12mo.

Will. Lewis, Experimental History of the Materia Medica, Lond. 1768. 4to. p. 518.

Hart’s Essays on Husbandry. Lond. 1768. p. 166.

Tissot on Diseases incidental to literary and sedentary Persons, by Kirkpatrick. Lond. 1769. 12mo. p. 145.

Romaire, Dictionaire d’Histoire naturelle. Paris, 1769. 8vo.

Milne’s Botanical Dictionary, Lond. 1770. 8vo.

Brookes’ Natural History. Lond. 1772. 6 vol. with a plate of the Tea Plant.

Osbeck’s Voyage into China, by Forster. Lond. 1771. 8vo. 2 vol.

Young’s Farmer’s Letters, Vol. I. p. 202. & 299.

Buc’hoz, Dissertation sur le Thè sur la recolte, et sur les bons et mauvais effets de son infusian. Paris.

Blackwell’s herbal. Lond. 1739. t. 351.

Thunberg, Flora Japon. Lipsiæ, 1784. p. 225.

Cullen’s Mat. Med. Edinb. 1789. Tom. II. p. 309.

Murray, Appar. Medic. Gotting. 1787. Tom. IV. p. 226.

Grozier’s general Description of China. London. 2 vol. 8vo. Vol. I. p. 442.

Fougeroux de Bondaroi, in Rozier, obs. et mem. sur la Physique, Tom. I. f. 1.

Woodville’s Supplement to Medical Botany. Lond. 1794. p. 116, with a figure.

Sir George Staunton, An authentic Account of an Embassy, Lond. 1797. Vol. I. p. 22. and particularly Vol. II. p. 464.

SECTION IV.

ORIGIN OF TEA.

As China and Japan[15] are the only countries known to us, where the Tea shrub is cultivated for use, we may reasonably conclude, that it is indigenous to one of them, if not to both. What motive first led the natives to use an infusion of Tea in the present manner is uncertain; but probably in order to correct the water, which is said to be brackish and ill-tasted in many parts of those countries[16]. Of the good effects of Tea in such cases, we have a remarkable proof in Kalm’s journey through North America, which his translator gives us in the following words:

“Tea is differently esteemed by different people, and I think we would be as well, and our purses much better, if we were without tea and coffee. However, I must be impartial, and mention in praise of Tea, that if it be useful, it must certainly be so in summer, on such journies as mine, through a desart country, where one cannot carry wine, or other liquors, and where the water is generally unfit for use, as being full of insects. In such cases it is very pleasant when boiled, and Tea is drank with it; and I cannot sufficiently describe the fine taste it has in such circumstances. It relieves a weary traveller more than can be imagined, as I have myself experienced, together with a great many others, who have travelled through the desart forests of America: on such journies Tea is found to be almost as necessary as victuals[17].”

About the year 1600, Texeira, a Spaniard, saw the dried Tea leaves in Malacca, where he was informed that the Chinese prepared a drink from this vegetable; and, in 1633, Olearius found this practice prevalent among the Persians, who procured the plant under the name of Cha orchia, from China, by means of the Usbeck Tartars. In 1639, Starkaw, the Russian Ambassador, at the Court of the Mogul, Chau Altyn, partook of the infusion of Tea; and, at his departure, was offered a quantity of it, as a present for the Czar Michael Romanof, which the Ambassador refused, as being an article for which he had no use[18].

This article was first introduced into Europe by the Dutch East India Company, very early in the last century; and a quantity of it was brought over from Holland about the year 1666[19], by Lord Arlington and Lord Ossory. In consequence of this, Tea soon became known amongst people of fashion, and its use, by degrees, since that period, has become general.

It is, however, certain, that before this time, drinking Tea, even in public coffee-houses, was not uncommon; for, in 1660, a duty of four-pence per gallon was laid on the liquor made and sold in all coffee-houses[20].

So early as 1678, Cornelius Bontekoe, a Dutch physician, published a treatise, in his own language, on Tea, Coffee, and Chocolate[21]. In this he shews himself a very zealous advocate for Tea, and denies the possibility of its injuring the stomach, although taken to the greatest excess, as far as one or two hundred cups in a day. To what motive we are to impute the partiality of Dr. Bontekoe, is uncertain at this period; but as he was first physician to the Elector of Brandenburgh, and probably of considerable eminence and character, his eulogium might tend greatly to promote its use: however, we find its importation and consumption were daily augmented; and, before the conclusion of the last century, it became generally known among the common people in England.

It is foreign to my subject, or it would perhaps afford to a speculative mind no inconsiderable satisfaction, to trace the consumption from its first entrance at the Custom-house to the present amazing imports. At this time upwards of twenty-three millions of pounds are annually allowed for home consumption; and the East India Company have generally in their warehouses a supply at least for one year.

The following account of the importation of Tea, from 1776 to 1795, as related by Sir George Staunton (Vol. II. p. 624), may be satisfactory to the Reader:

An Account of the Quantities of Teas exported from China, in English and Foreign Ships, in each Year from 1776 to 1795, distinguishing each Year.

[ click here for larger image.]

† Most of these foreign ships went to China, previous to the Commutation Act, which passed into effect in England in September, 1784.

‡ Part of these should have arrived in 1780.

It is probable that the Dutch, as they traded considerably to Japan about the time Tea was introduced into Europe, first brought this article from thence. But now China is the general mart, and the province Fokien, or Fo-chen[22], the principal country, that supplies both the Empire and Europe with this commodity.

SECTION V.

SOIL AND CULTURE.

To the ingenious Kæmpfer we are principally indebted for any accurate information respecting the culture of the Tea Tree; and, as his account was composed during his residence at Japan, greater credit is certainly due to it. We shall give what he says upon this subject, and then state the accounts we have been able to collect of the Chinese method.

Kæmpfer tells us, that no particular gardens or fields are allotted for this plant, but that it is cultivated round the borders of rice and corn fields, without any regard to the soil. Any number of the seeds, as they are contained in their seed vessels, not usually less than six, or exceeding twelve or fifteen, are promiscuously put into one hole, made four or five inches deep in the ground, at certain distances from each other. The seeds contain a large proportion of oil, which is soon liable to turn rancid; hence scarce a fifth part of them germinate, and this makes it necessary to plant so many together.

The seeds vegetate without any other care; but the more industrious annually remove the weeds, and manure the land. The leaves which succeed are not fit to be plucked before the third year’s growth, at which period they are plentiful, and in their prime.

In about seven years the shrub rises to a man’s height; but as it then bears few leaves, and grows slowly, it is cut down to the stem, which occasions such an exuberance of fresh shoots and leaves the succeeding summer, as abundantly compensates the owners for their former loss and trouble. Some defer cutting them till they are of ten years growth.

So far as can be gathered from authors and travellers of credit, this shrub is cultivated and prepared in China, in a similar manner to what is practised in Japan; but as the Chinese export considerable quantities of Tea, they plant whole fields with it, to supply foreign markets, as well as for home consumption.

The Tea-tree delights particularly in vallies; or on the declivities of hills, and upon the banks of rivers, where it enjoys a southern exposure to the sun; though it endures considerable variations of heat and cold, as it flourishes in the northern clime of Pekin, as well as about Canton[23], the former of which is in the same latitude with Rome; and from meteorological observations it appears, that the degree of cold about Pekin is as severe in winter, as in some of the northern parts of Europe[24].

SECTION VI.

GATHERING THE LEAVES.

At the proper seasons for gathering the Tea leaves, labourers are hired, who are very quick in plucking them, being accustomed to follow this employment as a means of their livelihood. They do not pluck them by handfuls, but carefully one by one; and, tedious as this may appear, each person is able to collect from four to ten or fifteen pounds in one day. The different periods in which the leaves are usually gathered, are particularly described by Kæmpfer[25].

I. The first commences at the middle of the last moon, immediately preceding the vernal equinox, which is the first month of the Japanese year, and falls about the latter end of our February, or beginning of March. The leaves collected at this time are called Ficki Tsjaa, or powdered Tea, because they are pulverised and sipped in hot water (Sect. IX. I). These tender young leaves are but a few days old when they are plucked; and, because of their scarcity and price, are disposed of to princes and rich people only; and hence this kind is called Imperial Tea.

A similar sort is also called Udsi Tsjaa, and Tacke Sacki Tsjaa, from the particular places where it grows. The peculiar care and nicety observed in gathering the Tea leaves in these places deserve to be noticed here, and we shall therefore give some account of one of them.

Udsi is a small Japanese town, bordering on the sea, and not far distant from the city of Miaco. In the district of this little town, is a pleasant mountain of the same name, which is thought to possess the most favourable soil and climate for the culture of Tea, on which account it is inclosed with hedges, and likewise surrounded with a broad ditch for farther security. The trees are planted upon this mountain in such a manner as to form regular rows, with intervening walks. Persons are appointed to superintend the place, and preserve the leaves from injury or dirt. The labourers who are to gather them, for some weeks before they begin, abstain from every kind of gross food, or whatever might endanger communicating any ill flavour to the leaves; they pluck them also with the same delicacy, having on a thin pair of gloves[26]. This sort of imperial or bloom Tea[27] is afterwards prepared, and then escorted by the chief surveyor of the works of this mountain, with a strong guard, and a numerous retinue, to the emperor’s court, for the use of the Imperial family.

II. The second gathering is made in the second Japanese month, about the latter end of March, or beginning of April. Some of the leaves at this period are come to perfection, others not arrived at their full growth; both however are promiscuously gathered, and are afterwards sorted into different classes, according to their age, size, and quality; the youngest particularly are carefully separated, and are often sold for the first gathering or Imperial Tea. The tea collected at this time is called Tootsjaa, or Chinese Tea, because it is infused, and drank after the Chinese manner (Sect. IX. I.) It is divided by the Tea-dealers and merchants into four kinds, distinguished by as many names.

III. The third and last gathering is made in the third Japanese month, which falls about our June, when the leaves are very plentiful and full grown. This kind of Tea, called Ban Tsjaa, is the coarsest, and is chiefly drank by the lower class of people (Sect. IX. III.)

Some confine themselves to two gatherings in the year, their first and second answering the preceding second and third. Others have only one general gathering[28], which they make also at the same time with the preceding third or last gathering: however, the leaves collected at each time, are respectively separated into different sortments.

The Chinese collect the Tea at certain seasons[29], but whether the same as in Japan, we are not so well informed, most probably, however, the Tea harvest is nearly at the same periods, as the natives have frequent intercourse, and their commercial concerns with each other are very extensive[30].

SECTION VII.

METHOD OF CURING OR PREPARING TEA IN JAPAN.