The future market for Tea is really, as regards Ceylon, the only doubtful point, and consequently (as at page [183]) I advise the planters there to act with caution.
Where it is proposed to put coffee lands under Tea, of course one great advantage in economy will be gained, inasmuch as there will be no jungle clearing or previous cultivation. But here again caution is necessary. Make sure the soil is not worn out, for Tea, though it will grow, will not yield largely on such.
June, 1883.
P.S.—The following are the new rules lately issued by the Customs regarding the future treatment of Indian Teas.
The weight of Indian Tea for duty may, if desired by the importers, be ascertained under the following regulations:—
1. The Tea on arrival to be weighed to ascertain the gross weight of each package.
2. With each entry the importer to give an endorsement of the net contents of each package.
3. To test the accuracy of this endorsement, 10 per cent. of each break to be turned out and weighed net.