New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1869-04-06
TEA Nv TENN ESSEE.

We have received from the plantation OF
Cant. James Campbell, near Knoxville, Tenn,
samples of leaves of the Young Tyson tea
plant. In size and general appearance these
leaves resemble those of the peach, partcu-
larry of the Early York serrate, though they
are tougher and glossier. The KnOrriHe Press
and Herald says the plants were obtained
through the Agricultural Department at wash
ingtOn, in 1853; they grew well, and nave at
tanned size of from five to eight feet. 1t gives
the following description: A" 1t belongs to the
class and order monddelphia polyandri0, and
the natural order ternStr6nidceG, is composed
/" of various alternate branches furnished with
eliptical, oblong, or lanceolate leaves, SER
rated toward the extremities, and of smooth,
shining green. 1t is an evergreen; the flowers
appear in October, either solitary or two Oh
81 three together, at the axis OF tile leaves,
and from three-fourths OF an inch to one men
Z" in diameter, consisting of green calyx Win
I" five or six lobes and a cOrOla, from four TO
seven white petals. with numerous stamens,
yellow anthers, and pistils of three-slded
style.p 1t has been supposed, hitherto, that
there are two species. but this now seems not
the case. and it is declared that the different
kinds of tea are derived from the same plant
ut different stages of growth, and from diff
ference in manufacture. For instance, the
finest green teas are produced from the young,
tender leaves, while the black tea is from old
leaves This il not a matter of speculation,
but of actual experiment Oh the plantation
above named; and those who have fancied
that black tea had superior qualities must now
see their mistake. Indeed, this might have
been suspected from its inferior price.
From the experiments made in Tennessee it
seems that the eastern part of that State is well
fitted for the growth of this plant. There can
be no doubt that parts OF other Southern States,
as well as large sections west OF Arkansas, VIII
be found equally favorable. There is one part
of this subject not at once obvious, which, upon
reflection, must be seen of no secondary import
ance this is the obtaining of superior quality.
Reasonably, one may conclude that the greater
part of the tea sent us, and which has been sup
posed good is made inferior by adulteration or
other manipulation. 1t has been said, IL Is true,
that the long sea voyage impairs the flavor OF
tea, and that when the Russians bring it over
land its fine qualities are preserved; but if we
grant to the Chinese only common civilization,
and leave out of the question their alleged
superiority we should be doing them injustice
not to suppose them as competent to aduiterate
tea as are we to adulterate the whisky which
we provide for our Indians and politicians. The
question, them of growing tea in such parts of
our country as shall be found suited to it, that
we may be supplied with fine qualities, has an
aspect entirely distinct from any of financial
or economic character great rs these I'M
doubtedly are. In this view alone the enter
prise is worthy of serious consideration, and
every Free Trader, whom we may naturally
suppose is lover of good tea, will unite with
as in the hope that the experiment may be
crowned with abundant success.