Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 4, 1802).djvu/219

Rh  in smoking, &c.; or by age; the impression of savoury substances is gradually weakened, and this organ at length greatly impaired. The most certain method of preserving such useful sense, consists in adopting the strictest temperance, both with respect to food, and drink: in this manner, we may at all times not only partake with pleasure of our homely provision, but also relish with a superior degree of satisfaction the more luxurious dishes, that may occasionally be introduced at our tables. At all events, it is one of the most humiliating sensations, which daily reminds us of our animal nature.  TEA-TREE, or Thea, L. a genus of shrubs consisting of two species; namely, 1. the Bohea, or Black Tea; and, 2. the viridis, or Green Tea; both of which are natives of China and Japan, where they attain the height of 5 or 6 feet.

The Tea-tree produces flowers similar to these of the, and which are succeeded by fruits of the size of sloes, two or three growing together:—it may be propagated in the temperate climates of Europe, as well as in the Indies, by setting the seeds in holes, about five inches deep, and at regular distances from each other. No particular care is requisite in its culture; but the ground must be cleared of weeds: at the expiration of three years, the leaves are fit to be gathered. Great pains are taken in collecting them singly, at three different times; namely, about the middle of February; in the beginning of March; and in April. Although some writers assert, that they are first exposed to the steam of boiling water, and then dried on copper plates; yet we understand from indubitable authority, that such leaves are simply dried on iron plates, suspended over a fire, till they become dry and shrivelled: when cool, they are packed in tin boxes, to exclude the air, and in that state exported to Europe. It is, however, remarkable that the fresh leaves of this shrub, when used for tea, occasion giddiness, and stupefaction; which noxious properties are dissipated, by roasting them over a moderate fire. Nor is it advisable to drink infusions of this narcotic vegetable, till it be kept at least for 12 months.

Since the commencement of the 17th century, the consumption of tea-leaves has become so general, that, according to the most accurate calculations, there are at present 30 millions of pounds weight annually imported into Europe; three-fifths (or, during war, three-fourths) of which are brought to London, in British vessels. Thus, we are every year drained of a sum of money which, if it were applied to the improvement of national agriculture, would support many thousand industrious families; by whose labour, during six weeks in the year, all the British empire might be provided with native teas. Nay, it is still more surprizing, that, though every intelligent mind will attest the truth of this remark, yet no landed proprietor, who is in any manner connected with commercial speculations, or who has the least interest in the affairs of India, will rise in a legislative capacity, with a view to remedy, or at least to check, this serious evil; an evil which, like a slow cancer, consumes the vital principle, and exhausts the best sources of a country.

As the Tea-tree grows 