FOOTNOTES:

FOOTNOTES:[1]Among several hundred specimens of dried Tea-flowers that I have examined, scarcely one in twenty was perfect. Some had three petals only, some nine, and others the several intermediate numbers. The greatest number consisted of six large petals, and externally three lesser ones of the same form. But the flowers, which blossomed on the Tea-plant belonging to the duke of Northumberland, from which this description is taken, consisted in general of six petals. One of the flowers indeed appeared to have eight petals; however, the number in the flowers in most plants vary considerably, which may account for the mistake of Dr. Hill, and professor Linnæus (who described this plant on Dr. Hill’s authority), who make the green and bohea Tea two distinct species, giving nine petals to the former, and six to the latter. See Amœn. Acad. Vol. VII. p. 248. Hill. Exot. t. 22. Kæmpfer. Amœn. Exot. p. 607. Breyn. Exot. Plant. Cent. 1. p. 111. Hist. de. l’Acad. des Sciences, 1776, p. 52.[2]In a flower I received from that accurate naturalist, J. Ellis, F. R. S. &c. I counted upwards of 280 filaments; and, in another I had from Dr. Fothergill, there appeared to be nearly the same number.[3]Kæmpfer describes the Antheræ as being single.[4]Authors differ widely respecting the size of this tree. Le Compte says, it grows of various sizes from two feet to two hundred, and sometimes so thick, that two men can scarcely grasp the trunk in their arms: though he afterwards observes, that the Tea-trees, he saw in the province of Fokien, did not exceed five or six feet in height. Journey through the empire of China, London, 1697, 8vo. p. 228. Du Halde quotes a Chinese author, who describes the height of different Tea-trees, from one to thirty feet.Description génerale historique, chronologique, politique, et physique de la Chine, Paris, 1755. Fol. 4 Tom. History of China, London, 1736. 8vo. Vol. IV. page 22. See also Guil.Piso in Itinere Brasilica.But Kæmpfer, who is chiefly to be depended upon, confines the full growth to about a man’s heighth. Amœn. Exot. Lemgov. 1712, 4to. pag. 605. Probably this may be a just medium; for Osbeck says, that he saw Tea-shrubs in flower-pots, not above an ell high.Voyage to China, Vol. I. p. 247. See also Eckeberg’s account of theChinese husbandry, Vol. II. p. 303.[5]When the peduncles increase in thickness towards their extremities.[6]No author has hitherto remarked this obvious circumstance; even Kæmpfer himself says, that the leaves terminate in a sharp point. Amœn. Exot. p. 611.[7]When the upper surface of the leaf rises in several places in roundish swellings, hollow underneath.[8]Whether the wordTeais borrowed from the JapaneseTsjaa, or the ChineseTheh, is not of much importance. By this name, with very little difference in pronunciation, the plant here treated of is well known in most parts of the world.[9]I have examined several hundred flowers, both from the bohea and green Tea countries, and their botanical characters have always appeared uniform. SeeDirections for bringing over seeds and plants from distant countries, by John Ellis, Esq. Sir George Staunton’sEmbassy, Vol. II. p. 464, says, “Every information received concerning the Tea plant concurred in affirming that its qualities depended upon the soil in which it grew, and the age at which the leaves were plucked off the tree, as well as upon the management of them afterwards.”[10]See Jac. Breynii Exotic. Cent. I. p. 114, 115.[11]Vol. I. p. 734.[12]Amœnit. Exotic. p. 618, et seq. See also his history of Japan by Scheuchzer. Lond. 2 Vol. Fol. App. p. 3. Geoffr. Mat. Med. Vol. II. p. 276. Other figures of this shrub are represented in PisoItinere Brasilico, Kircher’sChina Illustrata, andDutch Embassy.[13]Osbeck, in hisvoyage to China, speaking of the Camellia, says, “I bought one of a blind man in the street, which had fine double white and red flowers. But, by farther observing it in my room, I found that the flowers were taken from another; and one calyx was so neatly fixed in the other with nails of bamboo, that I should scarce have found it out, if the flowers had not begun to wither. The tree itself had only buds, but no open flowers. I learned from this instance, that whoever will deal with the Chinese, must make use of his utmost circumspection, and even then must run the risk of being cheated.” Vol. VII. p. 17. Mocquet in hisTravels and Voyages, An. 1606, l. 4. p. 264, relates a curious piece of deception practised by a Chinese of Canton. “A Portuguese,” he says, “bought a roasted duck at a cook’s shop in Canton. Seeing it look well, and appearing to be very fat, he carried it with him on-board his vessel, to eat it; but, when he had put his knife within it to cut it up, he found nothing but the skin, which was upon some paper, ingeniously fitted up with little sticks, which made up the body of the duck; the Chinese having very dexterously plucked away the flesh, and then so well accommodated this skin, that it seemed to be a true duck.”[14]This writer observes, that the Chinese have also an herb, out of which they press a delicate juice, which serves them for a drink instead of wine: it also preserves their health, and frees them from all those evils “that the immediate use of wine doth breed unto us.” By the use the modern Chinese make of Tea (who are a sober people) it can be nothing else. Anderson’sChronolog. Deduction of Commerce.[15]Some authors add Siam also. Vid. Sim. Pauli Comment. et Wilh. Leyl. epist. apud Simon. Pauli comment. Nich. Tulpius observ. Medicin. lib.IV.cap. lx. Lond. 1641.[16]Le Compte’sJourney through the Empire of China, p. 112. Staunton’sEmbassy, Vol. II. p. 96. and particularly p. 68.[17]Kalm’sTravels into North America, Vol. II. p. 314. The following note is added by the ingenious English translator in the 2d edition, Vol. II. p. 141:“On my travels through the desart plains, beyond the river Volga, I have had several opportunities of making the same observations on Tea; and every traveller in the same circumstances will readily allow them to be very just.” Forster, ibid.See Brydone’sTour through Sicily and Malta, Let. 6. In letter 20, he says, “We have travelled all night on mules; and arrived here about ten o’clock, overcome with sleep and fatigue. We have just had an excellent dish of tea, which never fails to cure me of both; and I am now as fresh as when we set out.” Captain Forrest, in his Voyage to New Guinea, relates several instances wherein the sailors experienced the exhilarating effects of this infusion.[18]Fischer’sLibirische Geschichte, Vol. II. p. 694-697. Monthly Magazine, Vol. VI. p. 60.[19]Hanway’sJournal of Eight Days Journey, Vol. II. p. 21. The same author observes, that Tea sold at this time for sixty shillings a pound. Anderson, in his “Chronological Deduction of Commerce,” remarks, that the first European author that mentions Tea wrote in the year 1590. However, by the preceding catalogue, it will appear, that this subject had been considered much earlier.In Renaudot’sanciennes Relations, Paris, 1718, p. 31, mention is made of two Arabian travellers who visited China about the year 850; and related, that the inhabitants of that empire had a medicinal beverage, named chah or sah, which was prepared by pouring boiling water on the dried leaves of a certain herb, which infusion was reckoned an efficacious remedy in various diseases.[20]By an act made this year, the duties of Excise on malt liquor, cyder, perry, mead, spirits, or strong waters, coffee, tea, sherbet, and chocolate, were settled on the King during his life. Then it was that Coffee, Tea, and Chocolate, were first mentioned in the statute book. Noorthouck, in hisHistory of London, remarks, that King Charles II. issued a proclamation for shutting up the coffee-houses, &c. about a month after he had dined with the Corporation of London, at Guildhall, on their Lord-Mayor’s day, Oct. 29, 1675. At this feast the King afforded the Citizens abundant matter for animadversion, in which they indulged themselves so much to his dissatisfaction, and that of hiscabalministry, that a proclamation was issued December 20, for shutting up and suppressing all coffee-houses; “because, in such houses, and by occasion of the meeting of disaffected persons in them, divers false, malicious, and scandalous reports were devised and read abroad, to the defamation of his Majesty’s government, and to the disturbance of the quiet and peace of the realm.” The opinions of the judges were taken on this great point of stopping people’s tongues, when they sagely resolved, “that retailing of Coffee and Tea might be an innocent trade; but as it was used to nourish sedition, spread lies, and scandalize great men, it might also be a common nuisance.” In short, on a petition of the merchants and retailers of Coffee and Tea, permission was granted to keep open the coffee-houses until the 24th of June next, under an admonition, that the masters of them should prevent all scandalous papers, books, and libels, from being read in them; and hinder every person from declaring, uttering, or divulging all manner of false or scandalous reports against government or the ministers thereof. Thus, by a refinement of policy, the simple manufacturer of a dish of Coffee or Tea was constituted licenser of books, corrector of manners, and arbiter of the truth or falsehood of political intelligence over every company he entertained! And here the matter ended. Chap. 15.In May 1784 an act was passed, called the Commutation Act, “for repealing the several duties on Tea, and for granting to his Majesty other duties in lieu thereof; and also several duties on inhabited houses.”[21]The second edition was published under the title of Van The, Coffy, en Chocolate. Haag. 1685. 8vo. The late Baron Van Swieten censures this physician for his remarkable bias in favour of this exotic. Comment. Vol. V. p. 587.Est modus in rebus, may be as aptly applied to Dr. Bontekoe as to Dr. Duncan.[22]In this province, this shrub is called Thee, or Te; and as the Europeans first landed here, that dialect has been preserved. Le Compte’sJourney through the Empire of China, p. 227. Du Halde’sHistory of China, Vol. IV. p. 21.[23]The best Tea grows in a mild temperate climate; the country about Nankin producing better Tea than either Pekin or Canton, between which places it is situated. It has been asserted, that no Tea-plants have yet died in England through excess of cold; but the contrary, I know, has happened. The plant in the Princess Dowager’s garden at Kew flourished under glass windows, with the natural heat of the sun, as now do those at Mile-end, in the possession of the intelligent Botanist J. Gordon. The Tea-plant belonging to Dr. Fothergill thrives in his garden at Upton, exposed to the open air, and the plant introduced into the Botanic garden at Chelsea had one leaf which measured five inches and a quarter in length.[24]Du Halde and other authors have observed, that the degree of cold in some parts of China is very severe in winter. In the inland parts of North America, and on extensive continents, the degrees of heat and cold are found to be much more violent than in islands or places bordering on the sea in the same latitude, as the air that blows over the sea is liable to less variation in these respects, than that which blows over large tracts of land.[25]Amœnitat. Exotic.p. 618, et seq. History of Japan. Appendix to Vol. II. p. 6, et seq.[26]The same cautions are not used previous to collecting other sorts of Tea.[27]This cannot be the sort to which also the Dutch give that name, as it is sold upon the spot to the princes of the country, for much more than the common bloom Tea is sold for in Europe. Kæmpfer,Amœnit. Exotic.p. 617. History of Japan, Appendix, p. 9.Neumann’s Chemistryby Lewis, p. 373.[28]In this case the under leaves, which are harsh and less succulent, are probably left upon the trees. See Eckeberg’sChinese Husbandryin Osbeck’s Voyage, Vol. II. p. 303.[29]Du Halde’sHistory of China, Vol. IV. p. 21.[30]Du Halde, Vol. II. p. 300. Kæmpfer observes, in hisHistory of Japan, that the trade between these nations has continued from remotest antiquity; formerly the Chinese had a much more general intercourse with the Japanese than they have at present; the affinity in the religion, customs, books, learned languages, arts and sciences of the Chinese with the latter, procured them a free toleration in Japan.History of Japan, Vol. I. p. 374.[31]Some writers mention copper pans, and suppose that the green efflorescence which appears on copper may increase the verdure of green Tea; but, from experiments that I made, there does not appear any foundation for this supposition. SeeSect.VIII.[32]Sir G. Staunton,Embassy to China, observes that the Tea leaves are each rolled separately between the fingers of a female, Vol. II. p. 465.[33]This should be carefully attended to, in curing the fine green Teas, to preserve their verdure and perishable flavour. SeeSect.VIII. ad finem.[34]This is also done in China. See Eckeberg’sChinese Husbandryin Osbeck’s Voyage, Vol. II. p. 303.[35]Journey through the Empire of China.[36]Upon this subject, seeSect.VII. and VIII. It may be doubted also whether the conclusion of Le Compte’s relation is not erroneous, as it is improbable that any leaves should of themselves take so perfect a curl as that in which Tea is brought into Europe. No materials are used but iron and earthen for drying Tea, as observed innote 1, p. 33.[37]There are several disgusting circumstances attending the preparation of Tea. Osbeck says, the Chinese servants tread the Tea into the chests with their naked feet.Voyage to China, Vol. I. p. 252. Sir George Staunton makes a similar remark, Vol. II. p. 466.[38]Du Halde’sHistory of China, Vol. IV. p. 21. Osbeck’s Voyage to China, Vol. I. p. 246, et seq.[39]The Chinese have another kind of Hyson Tea, which they call Hyson-utchin, with narrow short leaves. Another sort of green Tea they name Go-bé, the leaves of which are narrow and long.[40]Padre sutchong has a finer taste and smell than the common sutchong. The leaves are large and yellowish, not rolled up, but expanded, and packed up in papers of half a pound each. It is generally conveyed by caravans into Russia. Without much care, it will be injured at sea. This Tea is rarely to be met with in England.[41]There is a sort of Tea called lin-kisam, with narrow rough leaves. It is seldom used alone, but mixed with other kinds. By adding it to congo, the Chinese sometimes make a kind of pekoe Tea. Osbeck’sVoyage to China, Vol. I. p. 249.[42]The best bohea Tea is named by the Chinese tao-kyonn. An inferior kind is called An-kai, from a place of that name. In the district of Honam near Canton, the Tea is very coarse, the leaves yellow or brownish, and the taste the least agreeable of any. By the Chinese it is named Honam té, or Kuli té.[43]This renders what has been observed at the conclusion ofSect.I. more probable.[44]A certain moderate degree of heat preserved the verdure and flavour better than a hasty exsiccation. In the first case, it is necessary to repeat the roasting oftener.[45]Infusions of fine bohea Teas do not differ a great deal in colour from those of green. To spirit they equally impart a fine deep green colour.[46]I am informed by intelligent persons, who have resided some time at Canton, that the Tea about that city affords very little smell whilst growing. The same is observed of the Tea plants in England; and also of the dried specimens from China. We are not hence to conclude, that art alone conveys to Teas when cured the smell peculiar to each kind; for our vegetables, grasses for instance, have little or no smell till dried, and made into hay.[47]See Thunberg’sFlora Japonica, from which work the Botanic History of the Olea Fragrans is chiefly taken.[48]The hundredth part of a grain of copper, dissolved in a pint of liquor, strikes a sensible blue with volatile alkalies.Neumann’s Chemistry, by Lewis, p. 62. The finest imperial and bloom Teas shewed no sign of the presence of this metal by experiment.[49]See Shorton Tea, p. 16. Boerhaave attributed the verdure of green Tea to this substance.[50]“It is confidently said in the country, that no plates of copper are ever employed for that purpose. Indeed, scarcely any utensil used in China is of that metal, the chief application of which is for coin. The earthen or iron plates are placed over a charcoal fire, which draws all remaining moisture from the leaves, rendering them dry and crisp.” Sir G. Staunton’sEmbassy, Vol. II. p. 465.[51]Kæmpfer, Amœnit. Exot. p. 625.History of Japan, Vol. II. App. p. 10. 16.[52]Osbeck’sVoyage to China, Vol. I. p. 299.[53]This is called koitsjaa, that is, thick Tea, to distinguish it from that made by infusion.[54]An inferior kind of Tea is infused, and drank in the Chinese manner.Sect.VI.II.andSect. IX.I.[55]History of China, Vol. IV. p. 22.[56]In public roads, and in all places of much resort in Japan, and even in the midst of fields and frequented woods, Tea booths are erected; as most travellers drink scarcely any thing else upon the road. Kæmpfer’sHistory of Japan, by Scheuchzer, Fol. Vol. II. p. 428.[57]Myrica Gale. Goule, Sweet Willow, or Dutch Myrtle. Hudson’s Fl. Angl. p. 368. Linn. System. Natur. Vol. III. p. 651. A plant of peculiar fragrance, found in the North of England, Brabant, and other Northern countries. Simon de Molingriis was the first who opposed this opinion of Simon Paulli, by shewing the difference betwixt this species of myrtle and the oriental Tea. See also Wilh. Leyl.epist. apud Sim. Paulli comment. &c.[58]Figures of the same were published in theActa Haffniensia, and German Ephemerides, Dec. 11. Ann.IV.[59]Nouveau Voyage auxIles de l’Amerique, Paris, 1721, 12mo. 6 vol.[60]This shrub I have frequently met with in the West-Indies.[61]Two specimens of this plant are now in the physic garden at Upsal. About the year 1755, they were brought over from China by M. Lagerstrom, a director of the Swedish East-India Company, under the supposition of being Tea-plants, till they appeared in blossom, when they proved to be this species of Tsubakki, called by Linnæus, Camellia. Spec. Plant, p. 982. This celebrated Naturalist says, “That the leaves of his Camellia are so like the true Tea, that they would deceive the most skilful botanist; the only difference is, that they are a little broader.” Amœnit. Academ. Vol. VII. p. 251. See also Ellis’sDirections for bringing over foreign Plants, p. 28. A Camellia was brought in 1771 from China in good health; the leaves of this shrub end in a double obtuse point (obtusely emarginated) like those of the Tea tree, which makes them still more liable to be mistaken for those of the latter. Kæmpfer observes, that the leaves of a species of Tsubakki are preserved, and mixed with Tea, to give it a fine flavour. Amœnit. Exotic. p. 858. It is now a common plant in the green-houses about London.[62]Mich. Frid. Lochner,de novis Theæ et Coffeæ Succedaneis. Hall. 1717. 4to.Veronica officinalis. Flor. Suec.p. 12.Veronica Chamædr. Fl. Suec.p. 18. PechlinTheophilus bibaculus, Franckfort. 1684. Francus,de Veronica vel Theezantem. Coburg. 1690. 12mo. 1700. 12mo. Paris, sub titulo,le Thè de l’Europe. 1704 and 1707, 12mo. Frid. Hoffmande infusi Veronicæ efficacia præferenda herbæ Theæ, Hall. an. 1694. 4to.[63]Fr. Afforty & Jos. de Tournefortergo potus ex Salvia salubris, 1695. Wedel, de Salvia, 4to. 1707. Jena.Paulini nobilis salviaAng. Vindel. an. 1688. 8vo.[64]Simon Paullide abusu Theæ et Tabaci. Strasburg, 1665. Lond. 1746.[65]Botanical writers celebrate this herb for its many virtues; hence arose the Italian proverb, “Vende la tonica, et compra la Betonica.”[66]In the year 1776, an act was passed for the more effectual prevention of the manufacturing of ash, elder, sloe, and other leaves, in imitation of Tea; and to prevent frauds in the revenue of Excise in respect to Tea, 17 George III. chap. 29, being an amendment of the act 4 George II. intituled, “An Act to prevent Frauds in the Revenue of Excise with respect to Starch, Coffee, Tea, and Chocolate.” In the Appendix, from Sir George Staunton’sEmbassy to China, this is particularly detailed.[67]Joseph SererLettera sopra la bevanda del Caffé Europæo, Veron. An. 1730. Rose leaves are here substituted for those of Tea. Godofred. ThomasiusThea ex Rosisin CentIII.Nat. curiosor. n. 199. See also Cent. vij. obs. 15. by J. A. Fischer.[68]SeeNeumann’s Chemistry, by Lewis, p. 375. J. Adrian. Slevogt,De Thea Romana et Silesiaca, an. 1721. Aignan.le prêtre Medecin, avec un Traité du Caffé, et du Thé de France. Paris. an. 1696. 12mo. This author, whose name is probably corrupted, prefers balm leaves to those of the Asiatic Tea.M. Fr. Lockner,de novis et exoticis Thee et Cafe succedaneisNoriberg. 1717. 4to. Et in Eph. Nat. Cur. Cent. vj.J. Franc. Nic. Faber,de Thea Helvetica, Basil. 1715. 4to.J. Georg. Siegesbeck,de Theæ et Caffeæ succedaneisin Kanoldiana collectione, an. 1722. Jan.Zanichelliobzervazioni intorno all abusodella Coffea ed alla vertute di innuovo Te-Venegiano. Venez. 1755. 4to.K. Collegii medici Rundgiorelse om den misbruk som Thee, och Caffe drickande är unders kastot, samt anwisning pa Swenka örter, at Brucka i stâlle for TheeStokholm, 1746. 4to.Conf. Murray, appar. Medicam. Vol. IV. p. 232. & seq.[69]In some parts of Europe, however, Tea is yet a stranger. See Brydone’s Tour through Sicily and Malta, Let. 6.[70]SeeDirections for bringing over seeds and plants from the East-Indies, by J. Ellis, F. R. S. &c. in which particular directions are given, both to choose the proper seeds, and to preserve them in the best manner for vegetation. See also the Naturalist’s and traveller’s companion, containing instructions for discovering and preserving objects of natural history,Sect.III. We may observe here, that the best method of bringing over the parts of flowers intire is to put them in bottles of spirit of wine, good rum, first runnings, or brandy. In the directions, &c. above-mentioned the learned naturalist has not recommended this easy method of preserving the parts of fructification; but in a future edition, I am informed he purposes to do it. Flowers of the Illicium Floridanum, or starry anniseed tree, published in the last volume ofPhilosophical Transactions(LX.) were sent to him in this manner.In a paper by John Sneyd, Esq. inserted in theTransactions of the Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Vol. XVI. p. 265, a method of preserving seeds is related, which appears to have been highly successful; this is merely by packing up seeds in absorbent paper, and surrounding the same by raisins, or brown moist sugar; which, by experiment, seems to afford that genial moisture requisite to preserve the seeds in a state fit for vegetation.Thouin, in his directions to the unfortunate navigator Pèrouse, recommends the seeds to be placed “in alternate layers of earth or sand, in tin boxes, which must be closed up exactly, and placed in solid cases, which should be covered with waxed cloth; the boxes should be put in a part of the ship the least accessible to moisture, and the most sheltered from extreme heat or cold.” Vol. I. p. 278.[71]“The carrying of trees cannot be done, with any hope of success, except in boxes, wherein they may vegetate during the voyage. For this purpose it is necessary to have a box forty inches long by twenty broad, and as much in depth, with a dozen holes bored through the bottom, for the superabundant water to run off. Its upper part must be composed of a triangular frame, upon which lattice work of iron wire must be fitted, with glazed frames and window shutters, to keep up a free circulation of air, encrease the warmth when necessary, and keep out the cold.” Pèrouse’sVoyage, Vol. I. p. 283.[72]Another method has succeeded with some North American seeds, by putting them into a box, not made too close, upon alternate layers of moss, in such a manner as to admit the seeds to vegetate, or shoot their small tendrils into the moss. In the passage, the box may be hung up at the roof of the cabin; and, when arrived here, the seeds should be put into pots of mold, with a little of the moss also about them, on which they had lain. This method has procured us seeds in a state fit for vegetation, which had often miscarried under the preceding precautions; and therefore might be tried at least with Tea and other oriental seeds. In order to succeed more certainly, some of the Tea seeds, in whatever manner they may have been preserved, should be sown when the vessel arrives at St. Helena, and also after passing the tropic of Cancer, near the latitude of 30 degrees North.[73]The high price of labour in this country may prove the principal objection to this prospect. In China provisions are very cheap. Osbeck says, that a workman who lives upon plucking of Tea-leaves, will scarce be able to get more than one penny a day, which is sufficient to maintain him.Voyage to China, Vol. I. p. 298.[74]The following extract from Gerard’s Herbal, p. 780. ed. 1636. though foreign to the subject of this Essay, is so curious, that it may not be deemed improper to transcribe it. “Potatoes grow in India, Barbarie, Spaine, and other hot regions, of which I planted diuers rootes (that I bought in the Exchange in London) in my garden, where they flourished untill winter, at which time they perished and rotted.” At this date, he adds, “they were roasted in the ashes; some, when they be so roasted, infuse them, and sop them in wine; and others, to give them the greater grace in eating, do boile them with prunes, and so eate them. And likewise others dresse them (being first roasted) with oile, vinegar, and salt, every man according to his own taste and liking.”“These rootes (he observes) may serue as a ground or foundation wheron the cunning confectioner, or sugar-baker, may worke and frame many comfortable delicate conserves, and restorative sweete meates.”In 1664 J. Foster published his “England’s Happyness increased by a Plantation of Potatoes,” 4to.“Captain Hawkins is said to have brought this root from Santa Fè, in New Spain, A. D. 1565. Sir Walter Rawleigh soon after planted it on his lands in Ireland; but, on eating the apple, that it produced, which is nauseous and unwholesome, he had nearly consigned the whole crop to destruction. Luckily the spade discovered the real potatoe, and the root became rapidly a favourite eatable. It continued, however, for a long time to be thought rather a species of dainty than of provision; nor, till the close of the 18th century, was it supposed capable of guarding the country where it was fostered, from the attacks of famine.” Andrews’sHistory, Vol. I. p. 408. Comp. Mocquet’sTravels, p. 54.Shakespeare, very early also in this century, mentions this root in the Merry Wives of Windsor, one edition of which, in 4to. was printed in 1619. Vide Scene III. Falstaff.[75]Compare Joh. Ludov. Hannemane de potu calido in Miscell. curios. Simon Paulli de abusu Theæ et Tabaci. Tissot on the diseases of literary and sedentary persons, &c. with Waldsmick in Disput. var. argum. &c.[76]See Percival’sExperimental Essays, p. 119, et seq. wherein many ingenious experiments and observations are related.[77]In this experiment, four ounces of infusion were drawn from two drachms of each kind of Tea, and one grain of sal martis added to the respective infusions.SeeNeumann’s Chemistryby Lewis, page 377. Short, on theNature and Properties of Tea, p. 29. The first author I have met with, that tried this experiment, was J. And. Hahn, who wrote in the year 1722.De herbæ exoticæ Theæ infuso, ejusque usu et abusu, Erford, 4to. Though it should be premised, that Nic. de Blegny, who published his work, intituled,Le bon usage du Thé, &c. in 1680, takes notice of the astringency of Tea, from which quality he deduces many of its virtues. Vid. Act. Eruditor. V. vi. page 49. Ann. 1688.[78]J. Andr. Hahn takes notice also of the odour of the water distilled from Tea.[79]The same author prepared an extract from this Tea, though in a less proportion than my experiment afforded, or what Neumann relates from his.[80]Theæ infusum, nervo musculove ranæ admotum, vires motrices minuit, perdit. Smith, Tentamen inaugurale de actione musculari. Edinburgh, p. 46. Exper. 36.[81]Two drachms of this odorous water were given to a delicate person. He was soon after affected with a nausea, sickness, general lowness, and debility, which continued for some hours, which he observes usually follows the use of superfine green Tea.Smelling forcibly at the same has occasioned similar effects upon some delicate people. Dr Blegny, who wrote in 1680, attributes considerable virtues to this fragrant odour, which he recommends to be breathed into the lungs, where it acts as a sedative, according to his own relation, producing sleep, and relieving pains of the head. Agreeable to Counsellor De Blegny’s experience, I know a lady, frequently troubled with a nervoushead ache, who used to hold her head over a hot infusion of Tea, and thus receive the fragrant exhalation, which always affords her the most instantaneous and effectual relief.[82]Arboribus primum certis gravis umbra tributa estUsque adeo, capitis faciant ut sæpe dolores,Si quis eas subter jacuit prostratus in herbis.Est etiam in magnis Heliconis montibus arbosFloris odore hominem tetro confueta necare.Lucretius, B. 6.[83]Vol. I. p. 282. Ed. 2.[84]In some parts of Scotland the common people give children large draughts of sugar and water to destroy worms. See also Boerhaav.Elem. Chemiae, Tom. II. p. 160. Historisch Verhaal. &c. inde Voorreeden Bezoar. London, 1715, 8vo. Slare de Sacchar. et lapid. Van. Swieten Commen. v. V. p. 586. Duncan, in hisAvis Salutaire, frequently introduces sugar as an agreeable poison, though he offers no proof in support of this epithet. Dr. Robertson, in hisHistory of Charles V.Vol. I. p. 401, 8vo. observes, that “some plants of the Sugar-cane were brought from Asia; and the first attempt to cultivate them in Sicily was made about the middle of the 12th century. From thence they were transplanted into the southern provinces of Spain. From Spain they were carried to the Canary and Madeira Isles, and at length into the New World. Ludovico Guicciardini, in enumerating the goods imported into Antwerp, about the year 1560, mentions the sugar which they received from Spain and Portugal as a considerable article of import. He describes that as the product of the Madeira and Canary islands. Deseritt. de Paesi Bassi, p. 180, 181. The sugar-cane was either not introduced into the West-Indies at that time, or the cultivation of it was not so considerable as to furnish an article in commerce. In the middle ages, though Sugar was not raised in such quantities, or employed for so many purposes, as to become one of the common necessaries of life, it appears to have been a considerable article in the commerce of the Italian States.” It is, however, well ascertained, that the Sugar Cane is indigenous to South America, and the West Indies. Moseley onSugar, p. 29.[85]Granger’s Sugar Cane, 4to. p. 109. See also p. 9.Dulces bibebant ex arundine succos.Lucan.Μελι καλαμινον το λεγομενον σακχαρι.Arrian.[86]Whytt’sWorks, 4to. p. 642.[87]From these instances of the deleterious effects of Tea, one might be led to suppose that the same unhappy consequences would frequently attend those who are employed in examining and mixing different kinds of Tea in China; but there the Teas are mixed under an open shed, through which the air has a free current, by which the odour and the dust are dissipated: but in London this business is usually done in a back room, confined on every side.[88]Van Swieten, in hisCommentarieson Boerhaave’s aphorisms, speaks of the effects of Tea and Coffee in the following manner. “Vidi plurimos, his potibus diu abusos, adeo enervatum corpus habuisse, ut vix languida membra traherent, ac plures etiam apoplexia et paralysi correptos suisse.” Tom. III. § 1060, p. 362, de paralysi.[89]VideTrattato di Medicina preservation: Scritto da Carlo Gianella. Veron. 1751. p. 112. Simon Pauli, who took a pleasure in opposing the use of Tea, indulges himself with the irony of the following lines:Drinct Wiin and warff,Drinct Beer and verdarff,Drinct Waater and starff:Or;Drink Wine, and profit;Drink Beer, and grow thin;Drink Water, and die.[90]See Du Halde’shistory of China, V. III. p. 362. He observes here, that bleeding is not entirely unknown amongst the Chinese.[91]The late Owen Salusbury Brereton, Esq. a gentleman well known among the learned, had in his possession a MS. dated “apud Eltham, mense Jan. 22, Hen. viij.” intituled, “Articles devised by his Royal Highness (the title of Majesty was not given to our Kings till a reign or two after), with Advice of his Council, for the Establishment of good Order and Reformation of sundry Errors and Misuses in his Household and Chambers.” In p. 85, “The queen’s maids of honour to have a chet loaf, a manchat, a gallon of ale, and a chine of beef, for their breakfasts.” Compare theArchæologia, published by the Society of Antiquaries of London, Vol. III. p. 157. Hume’sHistory of England, Vol. IV. p. 499.Historia delle cose occorse nel regno d’Inghilterra in materia del Duca di Notomberlan dopo la morte di Odvardo vi. Venice, 1538.[92]Philosophical Transactions, Vol. LX. 1770. p. 368, & seq.[93]SistensObservationes ad vires Theæ pertinentes. Lugd. Batav. 1769.[94]See Anson’sVoyage round the World, 8vo. p. 366, and many later authorities.[95]See likewise Du Halde’sHistory of China, Vol. II. p. 75, 130, et seq. Les Lettres Curieuses et Edifiantes des Jesuites.[96]Milton’sParadise Lost.[97]Vid. Alex. Rhod. Sommaire, &c. J. N. Pechlin. Obs. xxvii. de Remed. Arthr. Prophylact. p. 276. Baglivius indoloribus calculosis et podagricis eam specialiter commendavit, p. 117. Vogel. Mat. Med. Thee Folia. Sir G. Staunton, Vol. II. p. 68, 69.[98]By long boiling, water is certainly freed from some of the earthy and saline substances it may contain, and thereby rendered considerably softer; but it is by no means altered in these respects by infusing with Tea. See Percival’sExperiments and Observations on Water, p. 27 et 33.[99]This is particularly remarked, as one of the good effects of Tea, by De Blegny, who wrote in 1680, which he probably copied from Alex. Rhod.Sommaire des divers Voyages, &c.printed in 1653. See also Chamberlayn onCoffee, Tea, and Chocolate, p. 40. Le Compte’sMemoirs and Observations, p. 227. Home’sPrincipia Medicinæ, p. 5.Cheynæi Tractatus, p. 89. Percival’sExperimental Essays, p. 130. Tissot on theDiseases of Literary and Sedentary persons, p. 145, & seq. Dr. Kirkpatrick, in his notes upon this Work, relates the case of a Lawyer, who had been troubled for some time with the gravel and stone, and taken many medicines in vain; till at length he resolved to try the effects of Tea, an account of which is given by himself in the following words. “I had never used myself to Tea, so that the drink was new to me. I took a quarter of an ounce of fine bohea Tea, and, pouring a quantity of boiling water upon it, suffered the infusion to stand till it grew cold. I then poured it off clear, and drank three cups of it in the morning, at the distance of about an hour between each, two cups fasting, one after breakfast, and a fourth two hours after dinner. The first day, the only effect produced was a more plentiful discharge of urine; but the second day I voided in the morning twelve large fragments, a nucleus of the size of a small pea, with some gravel; and what gave me more satisfaction was, that the use of the Tea kept my body open as in perfect health.”[100]See Percival’sExperimental Essays, p. 126. Duncan, in hisAvis Salutaire, takes occasion to be merry upon the use and influence of Tea and hot liquors; whilst he would not deprive voluptuous persons of their idol, he would prevent it from burning its adorers, asMolochdid. Methuselah, he observes, who lived near 1000 years, was a water-drinker; but, since the time of Noah, the first wine-drinker, the life of man is contracted, and diseases augmented.[101]See Dr. Walker’s excellent Remarks, inMemoirs of the Medical Society, Vol. II. p. 43.[102]Essays on Husbandry, p. 166.[103]Vol. I. p. 202, and 299.[104]If we include the quantity smuggled into this kingdom, the consumption might be calculated at half a million more.[105]Compare Sir George Staunton’sEmbassy, vol. I. p. 22.

[1]Among several hundred specimens of dried Tea-flowers that I have examined, scarcely one in twenty was perfect. Some had three petals only, some nine, and others the several intermediate numbers. The greatest number consisted of six large petals, and externally three lesser ones of the same form. But the flowers, which blossomed on the Tea-plant belonging to the duke of Northumberland, from which this description is taken, consisted in general of six petals. One of the flowers indeed appeared to have eight petals; however, the number in the flowers in most plants vary considerably, which may account for the mistake of Dr. Hill, and professor Linnæus (who described this plant on Dr. Hill’s authority), who make the green and bohea Tea two distinct species, giving nine petals to the former, and six to the latter. See Amœn. Acad. Vol. VII. p. 248. Hill. Exot. t. 22. Kæmpfer. Amœn. Exot. p. 607. Breyn. Exot. Plant. Cent. 1. p. 111. Hist. de. l’Acad. des Sciences, 1776, p. 52.

[2]In a flower I received from that accurate naturalist, J. Ellis, F. R. S. &c. I counted upwards of 280 filaments; and, in another I had from Dr. Fothergill, there appeared to be nearly the same number.

[3]Kæmpfer describes the Antheræ as being single.

[4]Authors differ widely respecting the size of this tree. Le Compte says, it grows of various sizes from two feet to two hundred, and sometimes so thick, that two men can scarcely grasp the trunk in their arms: though he afterwards observes, that the Tea-trees, he saw in the province of Fokien, did not exceed five or six feet in height. Journey through the empire of China, London, 1697, 8vo. p. 228. Du Halde quotes a Chinese author, who describes the height of different Tea-trees, from one to thirty feet.Description génerale historique, chronologique, politique, et physique de la Chine, Paris, 1755. Fol. 4 Tom. History of China, London, 1736. 8vo. Vol. IV. page 22. See also Guil.Piso in Itinere Brasilica.But Kæmpfer, who is chiefly to be depended upon, confines the full growth to about a man’s heighth. Amœn. Exot. Lemgov. 1712, 4to. pag. 605. Probably this may be a just medium; for Osbeck says, that he saw Tea-shrubs in flower-pots, not above an ell high.Voyage to China, Vol. I. p. 247. See also Eckeberg’s account of theChinese husbandry, Vol. II. p. 303.

But Kæmpfer, who is chiefly to be depended upon, confines the full growth to about a man’s heighth. Amœn. Exot. Lemgov. 1712, 4to. pag. 605. Probably this may be a just medium; for Osbeck says, that he saw Tea-shrubs in flower-pots, not above an ell high.Voyage to China, Vol. I. p. 247. See also Eckeberg’s account of theChinese husbandry, Vol. II. p. 303.

[5]When the peduncles increase in thickness towards their extremities.

[6]No author has hitherto remarked this obvious circumstance; even Kæmpfer himself says, that the leaves terminate in a sharp point. Amœn. Exot. p. 611.

[7]When the upper surface of the leaf rises in several places in roundish swellings, hollow underneath.

[8]Whether the wordTeais borrowed from the JapaneseTsjaa, or the ChineseTheh, is not of much importance. By this name, with very little difference in pronunciation, the plant here treated of is well known in most parts of the world.

[9]I have examined several hundred flowers, both from the bohea and green Tea countries, and their botanical characters have always appeared uniform. SeeDirections for bringing over seeds and plants from distant countries, by John Ellis, Esq. Sir George Staunton’sEmbassy, Vol. II. p. 464, says, “Every information received concerning the Tea plant concurred in affirming that its qualities depended upon the soil in which it grew, and the age at which the leaves were plucked off the tree, as well as upon the management of them afterwards.”

[10]See Jac. Breynii Exotic. Cent. I. p. 114, 115.

[11]Vol. I. p. 734.

[12]Amœnit. Exotic. p. 618, et seq. See also his history of Japan by Scheuchzer. Lond. 2 Vol. Fol. App. p. 3. Geoffr. Mat. Med. Vol. II. p. 276. Other figures of this shrub are represented in PisoItinere Brasilico, Kircher’sChina Illustrata, andDutch Embassy.

[13]Osbeck, in hisvoyage to China, speaking of the Camellia, says, “I bought one of a blind man in the street, which had fine double white and red flowers. But, by farther observing it in my room, I found that the flowers were taken from another; and one calyx was so neatly fixed in the other with nails of bamboo, that I should scarce have found it out, if the flowers had not begun to wither. The tree itself had only buds, but no open flowers. I learned from this instance, that whoever will deal with the Chinese, must make use of his utmost circumspection, and even then must run the risk of being cheated.” Vol. VII. p. 17. Mocquet in hisTravels and Voyages, An. 1606, l. 4. p. 264, relates a curious piece of deception practised by a Chinese of Canton. “A Portuguese,” he says, “bought a roasted duck at a cook’s shop in Canton. Seeing it look well, and appearing to be very fat, he carried it with him on-board his vessel, to eat it; but, when he had put his knife within it to cut it up, he found nothing but the skin, which was upon some paper, ingeniously fitted up with little sticks, which made up the body of the duck; the Chinese having very dexterously plucked away the flesh, and then so well accommodated this skin, that it seemed to be a true duck.”

[14]This writer observes, that the Chinese have also an herb, out of which they press a delicate juice, which serves them for a drink instead of wine: it also preserves their health, and frees them from all those evils “that the immediate use of wine doth breed unto us.” By the use the modern Chinese make of Tea (who are a sober people) it can be nothing else. Anderson’sChronolog. Deduction of Commerce.

[15]Some authors add Siam also. Vid. Sim. Pauli Comment. et Wilh. Leyl. epist. apud Simon. Pauli comment. Nich. Tulpius observ. Medicin. lib.IV.cap. lx. Lond. 1641.

[16]Le Compte’sJourney through the Empire of China, p. 112. Staunton’sEmbassy, Vol. II. p. 96. and particularly p. 68.

[17]Kalm’sTravels into North America, Vol. II. p. 314. The following note is added by the ingenious English translator in the 2d edition, Vol. II. p. 141:“On my travels through the desart plains, beyond the river Volga, I have had several opportunities of making the same observations on Tea; and every traveller in the same circumstances will readily allow them to be very just.” Forster, ibid.See Brydone’sTour through Sicily and Malta, Let. 6. In letter 20, he says, “We have travelled all night on mules; and arrived here about ten o’clock, overcome with sleep and fatigue. We have just had an excellent dish of tea, which never fails to cure me of both; and I am now as fresh as when we set out.” Captain Forrest, in his Voyage to New Guinea, relates several instances wherein the sailors experienced the exhilarating effects of this infusion.

[17]Kalm’sTravels into North America, Vol. II. p. 314. The following note is added by the ingenious English translator in the 2d edition, Vol. II. p. 141:

“On my travels through the desart plains, beyond the river Volga, I have had several opportunities of making the same observations on Tea; and every traveller in the same circumstances will readily allow them to be very just.” Forster, ibid.

See Brydone’sTour through Sicily and Malta, Let. 6. In letter 20, he says, “We have travelled all night on mules; and arrived here about ten o’clock, overcome with sleep and fatigue. We have just had an excellent dish of tea, which never fails to cure me of both; and I am now as fresh as when we set out.” Captain Forrest, in his Voyage to New Guinea, relates several instances wherein the sailors experienced the exhilarating effects of this infusion.

[18]Fischer’sLibirische Geschichte, Vol. II. p. 694-697. Monthly Magazine, Vol. VI. p. 60.

[19]Hanway’sJournal of Eight Days Journey, Vol. II. p. 21. The same author observes, that Tea sold at this time for sixty shillings a pound. Anderson, in his “Chronological Deduction of Commerce,” remarks, that the first European author that mentions Tea wrote in the year 1590. However, by the preceding catalogue, it will appear, that this subject had been considered much earlier.In Renaudot’sanciennes Relations, Paris, 1718, p. 31, mention is made of two Arabian travellers who visited China about the year 850; and related, that the inhabitants of that empire had a medicinal beverage, named chah or sah, which was prepared by pouring boiling water on the dried leaves of a certain herb, which infusion was reckoned an efficacious remedy in various diseases.

In Renaudot’sanciennes Relations, Paris, 1718, p. 31, mention is made of two Arabian travellers who visited China about the year 850; and related, that the inhabitants of that empire had a medicinal beverage, named chah or sah, which was prepared by pouring boiling water on the dried leaves of a certain herb, which infusion was reckoned an efficacious remedy in various diseases.

[20]By an act made this year, the duties of Excise on malt liquor, cyder, perry, mead, spirits, or strong waters, coffee, tea, sherbet, and chocolate, were settled on the King during his life. Then it was that Coffee, Tea, and Chocolate, were first mentioned in the statute book. Noorthouck, in hisHistory of London, remarks, that King Charles II. issued a proclamation for shutting up the coffee-houses, &c. about a month after he had dined with the Corporation of London, at Guildhall, on their Lord-Mayor’s day, Oct. 29, 1675. At this feast the King afforded the Citizens abundant matter for animadversion, in which they indulged themselves so much to his dissatisfaction, and that of hiscabalministry, that a proclamation was issued December 20, for shutting up and suppressing all coffee-houses; “because, in such houses, and by occasion of the meeting of disaffected persons in them, divers false, malicious, and scandalous reports were devised and read abroad, to the defamation of his Majesty’s government, and to the disturbance of the quiet and peace of the realm.” The opinions of the judges were taken on this great point of stopping people’s tongues, when they sagely resolved, “that retailing of Coffee and Tea might be an innocent trade; but as it was used to nourish sedition, spread lies, and scandalize great men, it might also be a common nuisance.” In short, on a petition of the merchants and retailers of Coffee and Tea, permission was granted to keep open the coffee-houses until the 24th of June next, under an admonition, that the masters of them should prevent all scandalous papers, books, and libels, from being read in them; and hinder every person from declaring, uttering, or divulging all manner of false or scandalous reports against government or the ministers thereof. Thus, by a refinement of policy, the simple manufacturer of a dish of Coffee or Tea was constituted licenser of books, corrector of manners, and arbiter of the truth or falsehood of political intelligence over every company he entertained! And here the matter ended. Chap. 15.In May 1784 an act was passed, called the Commutation Act, “for repealing the several duties on Tea, and for granting to his Majesty other duties in lieu thereof; and also several duties on inhabited houses.”

In May 1784 an act was passed, called the Commutation Act, “for repealing the several duties on Tea, and for granting to his Majesty other duties in lieu thereof; and also several duties on inhabited houses.”

[21]The second edition was published under the title of Van The, Coffy, en Chocolate. Haag. 1685. 8vo. The late Baron Van Swieten censures this physician for his remarkable bias in favour of this exotic. Comment. Vol. V. p. 587.Est modus in rebus, may be as aptly applied to Dr. Bontekoe as to Dr. Duncan.

[22]In this province, this shrub is called Thee, or Te; and as the Europeans first landed here, that dialect has been preserved. Le Compte’sJourney through the Empire of China, p. 227. Du Halde’sHistory of China, Vol. IV. p. 21.

[23]The best Tea grows in a mild temperate climate; the country about Nankin producing better Tea than either Pekin or Canton, between which places it is situated. It has been asserted, that no Tea-plants have yet died in England through excess of cold; but the contrary, I know, has happened. The plant in the Princess Dowager’s garden at Kew flourished under glass windows, with the natural heat of the sun, as now do those at Mile-end, in the possession of the intelligent Botanist J. Gordon. The Tea-plant belonging to Dr. Fothergill thrives in his garden at Upton, exposed to the open air, and the plant introduced into the Botanic garden at Chelsea had one leaf which measured five inches and a quarter in length.

[24]Du Halde and other authors have observed, that the degree of cold in some parts of China is very severe in winter. In the inland parts of North America, and on extensive continents, the degrees of heat and cold are found to be much more violent than in islands or places bordering on the sea in the same latitude, as the air that blows over the sea is liable to less variation in these respects, than that which blows over large tracts of land.

[25]Amœnitat. Exotic.p. 618, et seq. History of Japan. Appendix to Vol. II. p. 6, et seq.

[26]The same cautions are not used previous to collecting other sorts of Tea.

[27]This cannot be the sort to which also the Dutch give that name, as it is sold upon the spot to the princes of the country, for much more than the common bloom Tea is sold for in Europe. Kæmpfer,Amœnit. Exotic.p. 617. History of Japan, Appendix, p. 9.Neumann’s Chemistryby Lewis, p. 373.

[28]In this case the under leaves, which are harsh and less succulent, are probably left upon the trees. See Eckeberg’sChinese Husbandryin Osbeck’s Voyage, Vol. II. p. 303.

[29]Du Halde’sHistory of China, Vol. IV. p. 21.

[30]Du Halde, Vol. II. p. 300. Kæmpfer observes, in hisHistory of Japan, that the trade between these nations has continued from remotest antiquity; formerly the Chinese had a much more general intercourse with the Japanese than they have at present; the affinity in the religion, customs, books, learned languages, arts and sciences of the Chinese with the latter, procured them a free toleration in Japan.History of Japan, Vol. I. p. 374.

[31]Some writers mention copper pans, and suppose that the green efflorescence which appears on copper may increase the verdure of green Tea; but, from experiments that I made, there does not appear any foundation for this supposition. SeeSect.VIII.

[32]Sir G. Staunton,Embassy to China, observes that the Tea leaves are each rolled separately between the fingers of a female, Vol. II. p. 465.

[33]This should be carefully attended to, in curing the fine green Teas, to preserve their verdure and perishable flavour. SeeSect.VIII. ad finem.

[34]This is also done in China. See Eckeberg’sChinese Husbandryin Osbeck’s Voyage, Vol. II. p. 303.

[35]Journey through the Empire of China.

[36]Upon this subject, seeSect.VII. and VIII. It may be doubted also whether the conclusion of Le Compte’s relation is not erroneous, as it is improbable that any leaves should of themselves take so perfect a curl as that in which Tea is brought into Europe. No materials are used but iron and earthen for drying Tea, as observed innote 1, p. 33.

[37]There are several disgusting circumstances attending the preparation of Tea. Osbeck says, the Chinese servants tread the Tea into the chests with their naked feet.Voyage to China, Vol. I. p. 252. Sir George Staunton makes a similar remark, Vol. II. p. 466.

[38]Du Halde’sHistory of China, Vol. IV. p. 21. Osbeck’s Voyage to China, Vol. I. p. 246, et seq.

[39]The Chinese have another kind of Hyson Tea, which they call Hyson-utchin, with narrow short leaves. Another sort of green Tea they name Go-bé, the leaves of which are narrow and long.

[40]Padre sutchong has a finer taste and smell than the common sutchong. The leaves are large and yellowish, not rolled up, but expanded, and packed up in papers of half a pound each. It is generally conveyed by caravans into Russia. Without much care, it will be injured at sea. This Tea is rarely to be met with in England.

[41]There is a sort of Tea called lin-kisam, with narrow rough leaves. It is seldom used alone, but mixed with other kinds. By adding it to congo, the Chinese sometimes make a kind of pekoe Tea. Osbeck’sVoyage to China, Vol. I. p. 249.

[42]The best bohea Tea is named by the Chinese tao-kyonn. An inferior kind is called An-kai, from a place of that name. In the district of Honam near Canton, the Tea is very coarse, the leaves yellow or brownish, and the taste the least agreeable of any. By the Chinese it is named Honam té, or Kuli té.

[43]This renders what has been observed at the conclusion ofSect.I. more probable.

[44]A certain moderate degree of heat preserved the verdure and flavour better than a hasty exsiccation. In the first case, it is necessary to repeat the roasting oftener.

[45]Infusions of fine bohea Teas do not differ a great deal in colour from those of green. To spirit they equally impart a fine deep green colour.

[46]I am informed by intelligent persons, who have resided some time at Canton, that the Tea about that city affords very little smell whilst growing. The same is observed of the Tea plants in England; and also of the dried specimens from China. We are not hence to conclude, that art alone conveys to Teas when cured the smell peculiar to each kind; for our vegetables, grasses for instance, have little or no smell till dried, and made into hay.

[47]See Thunberg’sFlora Japonica, from which work the Botanic History of the Olea Fragrans is chiefly taken.

[48]The hundredth part of a grain of copper, dissolved in a pint of liquor, strikes a sensible blue with volatile alkalies.Neumann’s Chemistry, by Lewis, p. 62. The finest imperial and bloom Teas shewed no sign of the presence of this metal by experiment.

[49]See Shorton Tea, p. 16. Boerhaave attributed the verdure of green Tea to this substance.

[50]“It is confidently said in the country, that no plates of copper are ever employed for that purpose. Indeed, scarcely any utensil used in China is of that metal, the chief application of which is for coin. The earthen or iron plates are placed over a charcoal fire, which draws all remaining moisture from the leaves, rendering them dry and crisp.” Sir G. Staunton’sEmbassy, Vol. II. p. 465.

[51]Kæmpfer, Amœnit. Exot. p. 625.History of Japan, Vol. II. App. p. 10. 16.

[52]Osbeck’sVoyage to China, Vol. I. p. 299.

[53]This is called koitsjaa, that is, thick Tea, to distinguish it from that made by infusion.

[54]An inferior kind of Tea is infused, and drank in the Chinese manner.Sect.VI.II.andSect. IX.I.

[55]History of China, Vol. IV. p. 22.

[56]In public roads, and in all places of much resort in Japan, and even in the midst of fields and frequented woods, Tea booths are erected; as most travellers drink scarcely any thing else upon the road. Kæmpfer’sHistory of Japan, by Scheuchzer, Fol. Vol. II. p. 428.

[57]Myrica Gale. Goule, Sweet Willow, or Dutch Myrtle. Hudson’s Fl. Angl. p. 368. Linn. System. Natur. Vol. III. p. 651. A plant of peculiar fragrance, found in the North of England, Brabant, and other Northern countries. Simon de Molingriis was the first who opposed this opinion of Simon Paulli, by shewing the difference betwixt this species of myrtle and the oriental Tea. See also Wilh. Leyl.epist. apud Sim. Paulli comment. &c.

[58]Figures of the same were published in theActa Haffniensia, and German Ephemerides, Dec. 11. Ann.IV.

[59]Nouveau Voyage auxIles de l’Amerique, Paris, 1721, 12mo. 6 vol.

[60]This shrub I have frequently met with in the West-Indies.

[61]Two specimens of this plant are now in the physic garden at Upsal. About the year 1755, they were brought over from China by M. Lagerstrom, a director of the Swedish East-India Company, under the supposition of being Tea-plants, till they appeared in blossom, when they proved to be this species of Tsubakki, called by Linnæus, Camellia. Spec. Plant, p. 982. This celebrated Naturalist says, “That the leaves of his Camellia are so like the true Tea, that they would deceive the most skilful botanist; the only difference is, that they are a little broader.” Amœnit. Academ. Vol. VII. p. 251. See also Ellis’sDirections for bringing over foreign Plants, p. 28. A Camellia was brought in 1771 from China in good health; the leaves of this shrub end in a double obtuse point (obtusely emarginated) like those of the Tea tree, which makes them still more liable to be mistaken for those of the latter. Kæmpfer observes, that the leaves of a species of Tsubakki are preserved, and mixed with Tea, to give it a fine flavour. Amœnit. Exotic. p. 858. It is now a common plant in the green-houses about London.

[62]Mich. Frid. Lochner,de novis Theæ et Coffeæ Succedaneis. Hall. 1717. 4to.Veronica officinalis. Flor. Suec.p. 12.Veronica Chamædr. Fl. Suec.p. 18. PechlinTheophilus bibaculus, Franckfort. 1684. Francus,de Veronica vel Theezantem. Coburg. 1690. 12mo. 1700. 12mo. Paris, sub titulo,le Thè de l’Europe. 1704 and 1707, 12mo. Frid. Hoffmande infusi Veronicæ efficacia præferenda herbæ Theæ, Hall. an. 1694. 4to.

[63]Fr. Afforty & Jos. de Tournefortergo potus ex Salvia salubris, 1695. Wedel, de Salvia, 4to. 1707. Jena.Paulini nobilis salviaAng. Vindel. an. 1688. 8vo.

[64]Simon Paullide abusu Theæ et Tabaci. Strasburg, 1665. Lond. 1746.

[65]Botanical writers celebrate this herb for its many virtues; hence arose the Italian proverb, “Vende la tonica, et compra la Betonica.”

[66]In the year 1776, an act was passed for the more effectual prevention of the manufacturing of ash, elder, sloe, and other leaves, in imitation of Tea; and to prevent frauds in the revenue of Excise in respect to Tea, 17 George III. chap. 29, being an amendment of the act 4 George II. intituled, “An Act to prevent Frauds in the Revenue of Excise with respect to Starch, Coffee, Tea, and Chocolate.” In the Appendix, from Sir George Staunton’sEmbassy to China, this is particularly detailed.

[67]Joseph SererLettera sopra la bevanda del Caffé Europæo, Veron. An. 1730. Rose leaves are here substituted for those of Tea. Godofred. ThomasiusThea ex Rosisin CentIII.Nat. curiosor. n. 199. See also Cent. vij. obs. 15. by J. A. Fischer.

[68]SeeNeumann’s Chemistry, by Lewis, p. 375. J. Adrian. Slevogt,De Thea Romana et Silesiaca, an. 1721. Aignan.le prêtre Medecin, avec un Traité du Caffé, et du Thé de France. Paris. an. 1696. 12mo. This author, whose name is probably corrupted, prefers balm leaves to those of the Asiatic Tea.M. Fr. Lockner,de novis et exoticis Thee et Cafe succedaneisNoriberg. 1717. 4to. Et in Eph. Nat. Cur. Cent. vj.J. Franc. Nic. Faber,de Thea Helvetica, Basil. 1715. 4to.J. Georg. Siegesbeck,de Theæ et Caffeæ succedaneisin Kanoldiana collectione, an. 1722. Jan.Zanichelliobzervazioni intorno all abusodella Coffea ed alla vertute di innuovo Te-Venegiano. Venez. 1755. 4to.K. Collegii medici Rundgiorelse om den misbruk som Thee, och Caffe drickande är unders kastot, samt anwisning pa Swenka örter, at Brucka i stâlle for TheeStokholm, 1746. 4to.Conf. Murray, appar. Medicam. Vol. IV. p. 232. & seq.

M. Fr. Lockner,de novis et exoticis Thee et Cafe succedaneisNoriberg. 1717. 4to. Et in Eph. Nat. Cur. Cent. vj.

J. Franc. Nic. Faber,de Thea Helvetica, Basil. 1715. 4to.

J. Georg. Siegesbeck,de Theæ et Caffeæ succedaneisin Kanoldiana collectione, an. 1722. Jan.

Zanichelliobzervazioni intorno all abusodella Coffea ed alla vertute di innuovo Te-Venegiano. Venez. 1755. 4to.

K. Collegii medici Rundgiorelse om den misbruk som Thee, och Caffe drickande är unders kastot, samt anwisning pa Swenka örter, at Brucka i stâlle for TheeStokholm, 1746. 4to.

Conf. Murray, appar. Medicam. Vol. IV. p. 232. & seq.

[69]In some parts of Europe, however, Tea is yet a stranger. See Brydone’s Tour through Sicily and Malta, Let. 6.

[70]SeeDirections for bringing over seeds and plants from the East-Indies, by J. Ellis, F. R. S. &c. in which particular directions are given, both to choose the proper seeds, and to preserve them in the best manner for vegetation. See also the Naturalist’s and traveller’s companion, containing instructions for discovering and preserving objects of natural history,Sect.III. We may observe here, that the best method of bringing over the parts of flowers intire is to put them in bottles of spirit of wine, good rum, first runnings, or brandy. In the directions, &c. above-mentioned the learned naturalist has not recommended this easy method of preserving the parts of fructification; but in a future edition, I am informed he purposes to do it. Flowers of the Illicium Floridanum, or starry anniseed tree, published in the last volume ofPhilosophical Transactions(LX.) were sent to him in this manner.In a paper by John Sneyd, Esq. inserted in theTransactions of the Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Vol. XVI. p. 265, a method of preserving seeds is related, which appears to have been highly successful; this is merely by packing up seeds in absorbent paper, and surrounding the same by raisins, or brown moist sugar; which, by experiment, seems to afford that genial moisture requisite to preserve the seeds in a state fit for vegetation.Thouin, in his directions to the unfortunate navigator Pèrouse, recommends the seeds to be placed “in alternate layers of earth or sand, in tin boxes, which must be closed up exactly, and placed in solid cases, which should be covered with waxed cloth; the boxes should be put in a part of the ship the least accessible to moisture, and the most sheltered from extreme heat or cold.” Vol. I. p. 278.

In a paper by John Sneyd, Esq. inserted in theTransactions of the Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Vol. XVI. p. 265, a method of preserving seeds is related, which appears to have been highly successful; this is merely by packing up seeds in absorbent paper, and surrounding the same by raisins, or brown moist sugar; which, by experiment, seems to afford that genial moisture requisite to preserve the seeds in a state fit for vegetation.

Thouin, in his directions to the unfortunate navigator Pèrouse, recommends the seeds to be placed “in alternate layers of earth or sand, in tin boxes, which must be closed up exactly, and placed in solid cases, which should be covered with waxed cloth; the boxes should be put in a part of the ship the least accessible to moisture, and the most sheltered from extreme heat or cold.” Vol. I. p. 278.

[71]“The carrying of trees cannot be done, with any hope of success, except in boxes, wherein they may vegetate during the voyage. For this purpose it is necessary to have a box forty inches long by twenty broad, and as much in depth, with a dozen holes bored through the bottom, for the superabundant water to run off. Its upper part must be composed of a triangular frame, upon which lattice work of iron wire must be fitted, with glazed frames and window shutters, to keep up a free circulation of air, encrease the warmth when necessary, and keep out the cold.” Pèrouse’sVoyage, Vol. I. p. 283.

[72]Another method has succeeded with some North American seeds, by putting them into a box, not made too close, upon alternate layers of moss, in such a manner as to admit the seeds to vegetate, or shoot their small tendrils into the moss. In the passage, the box may be hung up at the roof of the cabin; and, when arrived here, the seeds should be put into pots of mold, with a little of the moss also about them, on which they had lain. This method has procured us seeds in a state fit for vegetation, which had often miscarried under the preceding precautions; and therefore might be tried at least with Tea and other oriental seeds. In order to succeed more certainly, some of the Tea seeds, in whatever manner they may have been preserved, should be sown when the vessel arrives at St. Helena, and also after passing the tropic of Cancer, near the latitude of 30 degrees North.

[73]The high price of labour in this country may prove the principal objection to this prospect. In China provisions are very cheap. Osbeck says, that a workman who lives upon plucking of Tea-leaves, will scarce be able to get more than one penny a day, which is sufficient to maintain him.Voyage to China, Vol. I. p. 298.

[74]The following extract from Gerard’s Herbal, p. 780. ed. 1636. though foreign to the subject of this Essay, is so curious, that it may not be deemed improper to transcribe it. “Potatoes grow in India, Barbarie, Spaine, and other hot regions, of which I planted diuers rootes (that I bought in the Exchange in London) in my garden, where they flourished untill winter, at which time they perished and rotted.” At this date, he adds, “they were roasted in the ashes; some, when they be so roasted, infuse them, and sop them in wine; and others, to give them the greater grace in eating, do boile them with prunes, and so eate them. And likewise others dresse them (being first roasted) with oile, vinegar, and salt, every man according to his own taste and liking.”“These rootes (he observes) may serue as a ground or foundation wheron the cunning confectioner, or sugar-baker, may worke and frame many comfortable delicate conserves, and restorative sweete meates.”In 1664 J. Foster published his “England’s Happyness increased by a Plantation of Potatoes,” 4to.“Captain Hawkins is said to have brought this root from Santa Fè, in New Spain, A. D. 1565. Sir Walter Rawleigh soon after planted it on his lands in Ireland; but, on eating the apple, that it produced, which is nauseous and unwholesome, he had nearly consigned the whole crop to destruction. Luckily the spade discovered the real potatoe, and the root became rapidly a favourite eatable. It continued, however, for a long time to be thought rather a species of dainty than of provision; nor, till the close of the 18th century, was it supposed capable of guarding the country where it was fostered, from the attacks of famine.” Andrews’sHistory, Vol. I. p. 408. Comp. Mocquet’sTravels, p. 54.Shakespeare, very early also in this century, mentions this root in the Merry Wives of Windsor, one edition of which, in 4to. was printed in 1619. Vide Scene III. Falstaff.

“These rootes (he observes) may serue as a ground or foundation wheron the cunning confectioner, or sugar-baker, may worke and frame many comfortable delicate conserves, and restorative sweete meates.”

In 1664 J. Foster published his “England’s Happyness increased by a Plantation of Potatoes,” 4to.

“Captain Hawkins is said to have brought this root from Santa Fè, in New Spain, A. D. 1565. Sir Walter Rawleigh soon after planted it on his lands in Ireland; but, on eating the apple, that it produced, which is nauseous and unwholesome, he had nearly consigned the whole crop to destruction. Luckily the spade discovered the real potatoe, and the root became rapidly a favourite eatable. It continued, however, for a long time to be thought rather a species of dainty than of provision; nor, till the close of the 18th century, was it supposed capable of guarding the country where it was fostered, from the attacks of famine.” Andrews’sHistory, Vol. I. p. 408. Comp. Mocquet’sTravels, p. 54.

Shakespeare, very early also in this century, mentions this root in the Merry Wives of Windsor, one edition of which, in 4to. was printed in 1619. Vide Scene III. Falstaff.

[75]Compare Joh. Ludov. Hannemane de potu calido in Miscell. curios. Simon Paulli de abusu Theæ et Tabaci. Tissot on the diseases of literary and sedentary persons, &c. with Waldsmick in Disput. var. argum. &c.

[76]See Percival’sExperimental Essays, p. 119, et seq. wherein many ingenious experiments and observations are related.

[77]In this experiment, four ounces of infusion were drawn from two drachms of each kind of Tea, and one grain of sal martis added to the respective infusions.SeeNeumann’s Chemistryby Lewis, page 377. Short, on theNature and Properties of Tea, p. 29. The first author I have met with, that tried this experiment, was J. And. Hahn, who wrote in the year 1722.De herbæ exoticæ Theæ infuso, ejusque usu et abusu, Erford, 4to. Though it should be premised, that Nic. de Blegny, who published his work, intituled,Le bon usage du Thé, &c. in 1680, takes notice of the astringency of Tea, from which quality he deduces many of its virtues. Vid. Act. Eruditor. V. vi. page 49. Ann. 1688.

[77]In this experiment, four ounces of infusion were drawn from two drachms of each kind of Tea, and one grain of sal martis added to the respective infusions.

SeeNeumann’s Chemistryby Lewis, page 377. Short, on theNature and Properties of Tea, p. 29. The first author I have met with, that tried this experiment, was J. And. Hahn, who wrote in the year 1722.De herbæ exoticæ Theæ infuso, ejusque usu et abusu, Erford, 4to. Though it should be premised, that Nic. de Blegny, who published his work, intituled,Le bon usage du Thé, &c. in 1680, takes notice of the astringency of Tea, from which quality he deduces many of its virtues. Vid. Act. Eruditor. V. vi. page 49. Ann. 1688.

[78]J. Andr. Hahn takes notice also of the odour of the water distilled from Tea.

[79]The same author prepared an extract from this Tea, though in a less proportion than my experiment afforded, or what Neumann relates from his.

[80]Theæ infusum, nervo musculove ranæ admotum, vires motrices minuit, perdit. Smith, Tentamen inaugurale de actione musculari. Edinburgh, p. 46. Exper. 36.

[81]Two drachms of this odorous water were given to a delicate person. He was soon after affected with a nausea, sickness, general lowness, and debility, which continued for some hours, which he observes usually follows the use of superfine green Tea.Smelling forcibly at the same has occasioned similar effects upon some delicate people. Dr Blegny, who wrote in 1680, attributes considerable virtues to this fragrant odour, which he recommends to be breathed into the lungs, where it acts as a sedative, according to his own relation, producing sleep, and relieving pains of the head. Agreeable to Counsellor De Blegny’s experience, I know a lady, frequently troubled with a nervoushead ache, who used to hold her head over a hot infusion of Tea, and thus receive the fragrant exhalation, which always affords her the most instantaneous and effectual relief.

Smelling forcibly at the same has occasioned similar effects upon some delicate people. Dr Blegny, who wrote in 1680, attributes considerable virtues to this fragrant odour, which he recommends to be breathed into the lungs, where it acts as a sedative, according to his own relation, producing sleep, and relieving pains of the head. Agreeable to Counsellor De Blegny’s experience, I know a lady, frequently troubled with a nervoushead ache, who used to hold her head over a hot infusion of Tea, and thus receive the fragrant exhalation, which always affords her the most instantaneous and effectual relief.

[82]Arboribus primum certis gravis umbra tributa estUsque adeo, capitis faciant ut sæpe dolores,Si quis eas subter jacuit prostratus in herbis.Est etiam in magnis Heliconis montibus arbosFloris odore hominem tetro confueta necare.Lucretius, B. 6.

[82]

Arboribus primum certis gravis umbra tributa estUsque adeo, capitis faciant ut sæpe dolores,Si quis eas subter jacuit prostratus in herbis.Est etiam in magnis Heliconis montibus arbosFloris odore hominem tetro confueta necare.Lucretius, B. 6.

Arboribus primum certis gravis umbra tributa est

Usque adeo, capitis faciant ut sæpe dolores,

Si quis eas subter jacuit prostratus in herbis.

Est etiam in magnis Heliconis montibus arbos

Floris odore hominem tetro confueta necare.

Lucretius, B. 6.

[83]Vol. I. p. 282. Ed. 2.

[84]In some parts of Scotland the common people give children large draughts of sugar and water to destroy worms. See also Boerhaav.Elem. Chemiae, Tom. II. p. 160. Historisch Verhaal. &c. inde Voorreeden Bezoar. London, 1715, 8vo. Slare de Sacchar. et lapid. Van. Swieten Commen. v. V. p. 586. Duncan, in hisAvis Salutaire, frequently introduces sugar as an agreeable poison, though he offers no proof in support of this epithet. Dr. Robertson, in hisHistory of Charles V.Vol. I. p. 401, 8vo. observes, that “some plants of the Sugar-cane were brought from Asia; and the first attempt to cultivate them in Sicily was made about the middle of the 12th century. From thence they were transplanted into the southern provinces of Spain. From Spain they were carried to the Canary and Madeira Isles, and at length into the New World. Ludovico Guicciardini, in enumerating the goods imported into Antwerp, about the year 1560, mentions the sugar which they received from Spain and Portugal as a considerable article of import. He describes that as the product of the Madeira and Canary islands. Deseritt. de Paesi Bassi, p. 180, 181. The sugar-cane was either not introduced into the West-Indies at that time, or the cultivation of it was not so considerable as to furnish an article in commerce. In the middle ages, though Sugar was not raised in such quantities, or employed for so many purposes, as to become one of the common necessaries of life, it appears to have been a considerable article in the commerce of the Italian States.” It is, however, well ascertained, that the Sugar Cane is indigenous to South America, and the West Indies. Moseley onSugar, p. 29.

[85]Granger’s Sugar Cane, 4to. p. 109. See also p. 9.Dulces bibebant ex arundine succos.Lucan.Μελι καλαμινον το λεγομενον σακχαρι.Arrian.

[85]Granger’s Sugar Cane, 4to. p. 109. See also p. 9.

Dulces bibebant ex arundine succos.Lucan.Μελι καλαμινον το λεγομενον σακχαρι.Arrian.

Dulces bibebant ex arundine succos.Lucan.

Μελι καλαμινον το λεγομενον σακχαρι.Arrian.

[86]Whytt’sWorks, 4to. p. 642.

[87]From these instances of the deleterious effects of Tea, one might be led to suppose that the same unhappy consequences would frequently attend those who are employed in examining and mixing different kinds of Tea in China; but there the Teas are mixed under an open shed, through which the air has a free current, by which the odour and the dust are dissipated: but in London this business is usually done in a back room, confined on every side.

[88]Van Swieten, in hisCommentarieson Boerhaave’s aphorisms, speaks of the effects of Tea and Coffee in the following manner. “Vidi plurimos, his potibus diu abusos, adeo enervatum corpus habuisse, ut vix languida membra traherent, ac plures etiam apoplexia et paralysi correptos suisse.” Tom. III. § 1060, p. 362, de paralysi.

[89]VideTrattato di Medicina preservation: Scritto da Carlo Gianella. Veron. 1751. p. 112. Simon Pauli, who took a pleasure in opposing the use of Tea, indulges himself with the irony of the following lines:Drinct Wiin and warff,Drinct Beer and verdarff,Drinct Waater and starff:Or;Drink Wine, and profit;Drink Beer, and grow thin;Drink Water, and die.

Drinct Wiin and warff,Drinct Beer and verdarff,Drinct Waater and starff:

Drinct Wiin and warff,

Drinct Beer and verdarff,

Drinct Waater and starff:

Or;

Drink Wine, and profit;Drink Beer, and grow thin;Drink Water, and die.

Drink Wine, and profit;

Drink Beer, and grow thin;

Drink Water, and die.

[90]See Du Halde’shistory of China, V. III. p. 362. He observes here, that bleeding is not entirely unknown amongst the Chinese.

[91]The late Owen Salusbury Brereton, Esq. a gentleman well known among the learned, had in his possession a MS. dated “apud Eltham, mense Jan. 22, Hen. viij.” intituled, “Articles devised by his Royal Highness (the title of Majesty was not given to our Kings till a reign or two after), with Advice of his Council, for the Establishment of good Order and Reformation of sundry Errors and Misuses in his Household and Chambers.” In p. 85, “The queen’s maids of honour to have a chet loaf, a manchat, a gallon of ale, and a chine of beef, for their breakfasts.” Compare theArchæologia, published by the Society of Antiquaries of London, Vol. III. p. 157. Hume’sHistory of England, Vol. IV. p. 499.Historia delle cose occorse nel regno d’Inghilterra in materia del Duca di Notomberlan dopo la morte di Odvardo vi. Venice, 1538.

[92]Philosophical Transactions, Vol. LX. 1770. p. 368, & seq.

[93]SistensObservationes ad vires Theæ pertinentes. Lugd. Batav. 1769.

[94]See Anson’sVoyage round the World, 8vo. p. 366, and many later authorities.

[95]See likewise Du Halde’sHistory of China, Vol. II. p. 75, 130, et seq. Les Lettres Curieuses et Edifiantes des Jesuites.

[96]Milton’sParadise Lost.

[97]Vid. Alex. Rhod. Sommaire, &c. J. N. Pechlin. Obs. xxvii. de Remed. Arthr. Prophylact. p. 276. Baglivius indoloribus calculosis et podagricis eam specialiter commendavit, p. 117. Vogel. Mat. Med. Thee Folia. Sir G. Staunton, Vol. II. p. 68, 69.

[98]By long boiling, water is certainly freed from some of the earthy and saline substances it may contain, and thereby rendered considerably softer; but it is by no means altered in these respects by infusing with Tea. See Percival’sExperiments and Observations on Water, p. 27 et 33.

[99]This is particularly remarked, as one of the good effects of Tea, by De Blegny, who wrote in 1680, which he probably copied from Alex. Rhod.Sommaire des divers Voyages, &c.printed in 1653. See also Chamberlayn onCoffee, Tea, and Chocolate, p. 40. Le Compte’sMemoirs and Observations, p. 227. Home’sPrincipia Medicinæ, p. 5.Cheynæi Tractatus, p. 89. Percival’sExperimental Essays, p. 130. Tissot on theDiseases of Literary and Sedentary persons, p. 145, & seq. Dr. Kirkpatrick, in his notes upon this Work, relates the case of a Lawyer, who had been troubled for some time with the gravel and stone, and taken many medicines in vain; till at length he resolved to try the effects of Tea, an account of which is given by himself in the following words. “I had never used myself to Tea, so that the drink was new to me. I took a quarter of an ounce of fine bohea Tea, and, pouring a quantity of boiling water upon it, suffered the infusion to stand till it grew cold. I then poured it off clear, and drank three cups of it in the morning, at the distance of about an hour between each, two cups fasting, one after breakfast, and a fourth two hours after dinner. The first day, the only effect produced was a more plentiful discharge of urine; but the second day I voided in the morning twelve large fragments, a nucleus of the size of a small pea, with some gravel; and what gave me more satisfaction was, that the use of the Tea kept my body open as in perfect health.”

[100]See Percival’sExperimental Essays, p. 126. Duncan, in hisAvis Salutaire, takes occasion to be merry upon the use and influence of Tea and hot liquors; whilst he would not deprive voluptuous persons of their idol, he would prevent it from burning its adorers, asMolochdid. Methuselah, he observes, who lived near 1000 years, was a water-drinker; but, since the time of Noah, the first wine-drinker, the life of man is contracted, and diseases augmented.

[101]See Dr. Walker’s excellent Remarks, inMemoirs of the Medical Society, Vol. II. p. 43.

[102]Essays on Husbandry, p. 166.

[103]Vol. I. p. 202, and 299.

[104]If we include the quantity smuggled into this kingdom, the consumption might be calculated at half a million more.

[105]Compare Sir George Staunton’sEmbassy, vol. I. p. 22.

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