Austral English / A dictionary of Australasian words, phrases and usages with those aboriginal-Australian and Maori words which have become incorporated in the language, and the commoner scientific words that have had their origin in Australasia

by Edward Ellis Morris

"Its floor . . . with faint tawhiri leaves besprent "

1884. T. Bracken, `Lays of Maori,' p. 21:

"The early breeze that . . . stole
The rich Tawhiri's sweet perfume."

<hw>Tea</hw>, n.—

<i>Billy-tea</i>, or <i>Bush-tea</i>. Tea made in a <i>billy</i> (q.v.). There is a belief that in order to bring out the full flavour it should be stirred with a gum-stick.

<i>New Zealand tea</i>. Tea made of the leaves of <i>Manuka</i> (q.v.). <i>See Tea</i>-tree.

<hw>Sweet-tea</hw>, or <hw>Botany-Bay tea</hw>, or <i>Australian tea</i>. (Called also Native Sarsaparilla. See <i>Sarsaparilla</i>.) A plant, <i>Smilax glycyphylla</i>, Smith., <i>N.O. Liliaceae</i>.

1788. D. Considen, letter to Sir Joseph Banks, Nov. 18, in `Historical Records of New South Wales,' vol. i. part ii. p. 220:

"I have sent you some of the sweet tea of this country, which
I recommend, and is generally used by the marines and convicts.
As such it is a good anti-scorbutic, as well as a substitute
for that which is more costly."

1790. J. White, `Voyage to New South Wales,' p. 195: