The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-07-03
Tea Culture In South Carolina.
GREENvILLE, S. c., June 18th, 1850.

To the Editor Of the Journal Qf Commerce.
DEAR Sin In answer 10 the particular inquiries
ii our mutual friend respecting the condition in
which the tea plants just received from China
delivered in this village beg to acquaint you that
they arrived the 9th ultimo, fresh green, and
hcathful, if still growing in the plantations of
China After passage OF little more than five
months from the time Of shipment, their condition
is the most extraordinary This may be attribs
ted, in great measure to the mastery manner in
which they were packed, and exemplifes the skill
and science Of the gentleman who conferred upon
me the singular favor of directing the operation.
am not at liberty to disclose the name of the gen
tleman to whom ! am indebted, and to whom the
country ID indebted, Tor this act OF benevolence
You will remember that, in for mer communica-
ton, when speaking Of the labor and care which
had been taken to secure the acquisition of the first
quality of plants, l mentioned that they
packed by gentleman of great horticultural at
tainments, who was no doubt better qualified for
the duty than any other gentleman in Europe
America. The result has fully confirmed the adj
vice had received. Although cannot expect TO
see my benciactor in time, yet he will be assured
of carrying with him, whilst sojourn upon earth,
my undissembled love and gratitude, the sweetest
and most enduring reward Of noble and generous
minds.
1t is most gratifying to receive such accession
of the finest quality OF plants produced in China,
seeing they lay sure foundation for future growth
and expansion.
All these plants which of the green tea species
together with the seedlings and nuts received by
the same ship and from the same quarter, about
-
Golden Grove Tea Plantation, about nine miles
from this village, excepting the portonseserved to
meet the immediate demand and expectations of
the public. ! believe you the two cases of
plants which arrived from Calcutta in New York,
the last week in January, and proved total loss.
for the that had not, at the time of order
ing them the experience to enable me to give pro-
per directions for their packing, and no Asiatic
would instruct me.
Upon opening the case just received, observed
the order and manner of packing, the material
yl,~r Il.
lesson for future use, modified by the circumstances
OF each case yet in principle the same.
The tea is unlike the cotton, or any other crop
subject to the vicisstudcs OF an ever changeable
climate. II any shrub or tree produces a leaf the
tea plant will be one never heard of the failure
of the tea crop. All vegetation may be retarded,
or lesseDcd, or augmented, in it's production in
slight degree, by excessive rains, or drought,
cold, or heat, or atmospheric action; but the tea
plant Is sure To produce its leaf. From all have
observed, decided drought is the most detrimen-
tai to the health Of the plant. The almost
tinued rains which marked the advance of the past
spring seemed perfectly agreeable to the plant,
and facilitated the termination Of the tea nuts.
Where any vitality remained in the nut, it
sure to gcrminate. Curiosity on this point should
be restrained, and no picking up and paving 0,
the nuts be permitted. ! have seedlings with top
roots four inches in length, where appearance of
termination. is visible upon the surface Of the
ground. The chances are ten TO one that the seed
ling would be destroyed by the tampcrings of idle
curiosity. Let nature have her own most perfect
work. and zee that the enemy, the drought, 10 van
pushed by abundant supply of water.
From experience, notice that nothing is more
congcnisl to the termination OF the tea nut than
good stiff blue, clayey soil The marty color of
the soil is undoubtedly the result Of a rich loan,
combined with the clay of lighter hue. The nd
hesvc nature of the clay retains moisture in an en-
incnt degree, and the fertilizng qualities of the
loan are well known to every bottom land farmer.
Plants put out three weeks ago, after long voy
age from China, are now taking root, and look
fresh and vigorous Notwithstanding the recent heat
and dryncss of the atmosphere. But have taken
unwcaricd pains in the cultivation. Every plant
Ia sheltered from the scorchng influence of the
sun, now from 40 to $50 Of temperature. Although
the soil is naturally moist aud clayey, and half bot
tom land from the work of gentle activities, rising
on either hand, yet have given the plants libe.
raj watering in the evening BY last summers
drought of fifty seven days was taught the alb
solute necessity Of deep digging and deep plant
ing. None of my plants OF this seasons plant
ing arc more than two three inches above the
surface of the ground. If any of the plants have
leaves as most OF them have, below that height they
are planted with the leaves retained; none arc re-
moved. Some of the older plants had no leaves
naming, and looked like dry sticks Many of these
are now beginning to break, and put forth fresh
leaves. gentleman in Georgia very DESTROYS
of receiving few plants now and sent them 10
him direct from the box in which they were i'm
ported from China; but trust other gentlemen who
solicit small supply Of plants will allow me to
nurse them until September October, when
shall have fear Of injury from removal. The tea
nuts may be safely planted at any time between
this and the middle Of October under such instruc-
tons accompany the nuts
have preserved the soil in which the plants were
so skilfuiiy and successfully packed in China
not only for my own government in repacking, but
to enable me to send small specimens TO those who
may desire 10 receive them. Your ob't scrv't,
JUNIUS SMITH