first, called Hyson Skin, sells for twenty-six to
thirty taels, while that of the latter, called Singlo Skin, sells at
twenty-two to twenty-five taels; and the finest sort of the first, or
Hyson Gunpowder, brings eighty to one hundred and twenty taels, while
Singlo Gunpowder brings only fifty to eighty taels. As the subject is
one of considerable interest, we have condensed into a short table the
comparative qualities and values of the different kinds of teas, so far
as we can do so from the remarks of Mr. Dobell:--the value is reduced to
our own currency, and the quantity to our own weights; the price is that
of the Canton market.

_Black Teas._

Common Bohea, 21 dollars per 133-1/3 pounds
Bohea Congou, 33 " " "
Bohea Campoi, 34 " " "
Bohea Souchong, 60 " " "
Bohea Pecho, 133 " " "
Common Ankay, 15 " " "
Ankay Congou, 27 " " "
Ankay Campoi, 38 " " "
Ankay Souchong, 41 " " "
Ankay Pecho, 61 " " "

_Green Teas._

Hyson Skin, 46 dollars per 133-1/3 pounds
Hyson Young-hyson, 63 " " "
Hyson, 91 " " "
Hyson Gunpowder, 166 " " "
Singlo Skin, 39 " " "
Singlo Young-hyson, 47 " " "
Singlo Hyson, 78 " " "
Singlo Gunpowder, 108 " " "

Tea is the common beverage of all classes, and is always drunk warm,
even in the hottest weather, and at all hours of the day. It is prepared
by putting a small quantity of the leaves in a fine porcelain cup;
boiling water is then poured on it, and it is covered immediately with
another cup fitting closely: as soon as the flavour of the tea is
slightly extracted, it is sipped hot, as it is, great strength being
avoided; the cup is then filled again with boiling water, until all the
flavour of the herb is exhausted. Mechanics and labourers, who cannot
afford to drink it in this manner, draw it in a large block-tin tea-pot,
cased with wood, and having cotton wool put between the wood and the
vessel to preserve the warmth longer. The extreme heat of the tea, as
preferred by the Chinese, is one of the causes, perhaps, that tend to