There is a grand discussion going on in the papers
as to why Englishmen do not get the best teas, and Russians do. Some of the writers, who all seem to be experts, say the cause is the price ; but then Englishmen will give any prices for what they want, and do give high prices for Indian teas. Others say the fault is the grocers', who want large profits, and make them by mixing teas ; but the grocers could put a profit price on best teas if they liked, and if the public wanted them. And finally, a third set say the public does not know goad tea from bad, and buys tea as it comes, which is simply untrue, the dealers in the inferior teas always " loading " them with good tea, as wine merchants load bad sherry with brandy. All this while nobody mentions the old reason, which, we believe, was given originally by Mr. Fortune, and has been repeated at intervals for thirty years. Englishmen do not drink the beat teas, because when the teas get here they are common teas. They will not stand a voyage, though they will stand a long land journey. The notion, by the way, that the best Indian teas get here is erroneous. The finest "chops" of Deyrah Dhoon tea, which is to Assam tea what fine Pekoe is to rough Souchong, are sold on the spot, and go Northwards.
Previous page
