The tea-tree loves to grow in valleys, at the foot of mountains, 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 Peking, as well as about Canton;
and it is observed that the degree of cold at Peking is as severe in
winter as in some parts of Europe. However, the best tea grows in a
mild, temperate climate, the country about Nanking producing better
tea than either Peking or Canton, betwixt which places it is situated.
The root resembles that of the peach-tree; the leaves are green,
longish at the point, and narrow, an inch and half long, and jagged
all round. The flower is much like that of the wild rose, but smaller.
The fruit is of different forms, sometimes round, sometimes long,
sometimes triangular, and of the ordinary size of a bean, containing
two or three seeds, of a mouse colour, including each a kernel. These
are the seeds by which the plant is propagated, a number, from six to
twelve, or fifteen, being promiscuously put into one hole, four or
five inches deep, at certain distances from each other. The seeds
vegetate without any other care, though 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, and as it then bears few leaves, and grows
slowly, it is cut down to the stem, which occasions an exuberance of
fresh shoots and leaves the succeeding summer. In Japan, the tea-tree
is cultivated round the borders of the fields, without regard to soil,
but as the Chinese export great quantities of tea, they plant whole
fields with it. The tea-trees that yield often the finest leaves, grow
on the steep declivities of hills, where it is dangerous and in some
cases impracticable to collect them. The Chinese are said to vanquish
this difficulty by a singular contrivance. The large monkeys which
inhabit these cliffs are irritated, and in revenge they break off the
branches and throw them down, so that the leaves are thus obtained.
The leaves should be dried as soon as possible after they are
gathered. The Chinese are always taking tea, especially at meals; it
is the chief treat with which they regale their friends, but they use
it without the addition of sugar and milk. Tea was first introduced
into Europe by the Dutch East India Company very early in the
seventeenth century, and a great quantity of it was brought over
from Holland by Lord Arlington and Lord Ossory about the year 1666,
at which time it sold for 60s. per pound. Tea exhilarates without
intoxication, and its enlivening qualities are equally felt by the
sedentary student and the active labourer. Dr. Johnson dearly loved
tea, and drank great quantities of this elegant and popular beverage,
and so does P.T.W.
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