The first picking, usually in April, is when the leaves
are very young and tender, commanding a much higher price than those
subsequently plucked. The second is a month later, when they have
attained maturity; and as unpropitious weather would be likely to ruin
them, great expedition is used in getting in the crop, the entire
population turning out to assist. A third, and even a fourth, follows;
but the quality rapidly deteriorates, and but a small proportion of
these last pickings is prepared for export.
[Illustration: DRYING THE TEA.]
The plantations were filled with a merry crowd, composed principally of
women and children, all engaged in stripping the bushes as rapidly as
possible, yet with great care and dexterity, so as not to bruise the
leaves. They looked up from their work and screamed to each other in
their harsh guttural tones, casting glances of astonishment at the
barbarians. Following some of the coolies, who with filled bags were
trudging off to the curing-house, we saw the most interesting operation
of all. Here, at least thirty young girls were engaged in assorting the
leaves, picking out all the dead and yellow ones, and preparing them
for the hands of the rollers and firers.
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