_Robertson’s Typhoon._--This is a late invention: it was noticed in the _Tea Gazette_ in 1881. It had, however, made a great noise at end of 1880, and so well was it spoken of, many, in the early part of 1881, purchased it. The following was the report as to its merits (_Tea Gazette_, September, 1881):-- ROBERTSON’S TYPHOON. Mr. J. M. Robertson, manager of the Arcuttipore Tea Company’s Gardens, has invented a new Tea-drying apparatus which he has named the “Typhoon.” A number of the planters of his district met at his garden, by invitation, to test the merits of his machine. We quote the verdict recorded by them in their own words, and also append the brokers’ report on the Teas which were manufactured in their presence during the trial. The “Typhoon” is a simple and inexpensive construction of brick and iron, which can be erected without skilled labour. The heating material used is coke, and the quantity of coke required for a maund of Tea is stated to be one quarter of a maund. The out-turn from the “Typhoon” we found to be at the rate of one half maund of thoroughly dried Tea per hour, and the manner in which the work was done was to our entire satisfaction, some of us thinking that the apparatus was capable of doing more. The inventor leads us to understand that the entire cost of construction and material will not be over Rs. 300, and we do not see that this sum need be exceeded. We are unanimously of opinion that unless the dryers at present in use are very materially reduced in price, they will be beaten off the field by the “Typhoon.” Messrs. William Moran & Co.’s report on the Teas is as follows:-- Typhoon Teas. London Cal. Equi. value. Ex. 1-8-1/2. Pekoe, very well made leaf, with ends, good brisk flavour 1 10 14 Orange Pekoe, very well twisted leaf, good amount of tip, very good brisk flavour 2 0 15-1/4 Br. Pekoe, leafy black Br. Pekoe, some ends strong 2 1 1 Pekoe Souchong, well twisted leaf, some ends good flavour 1 3 9 Souchong, small good even grey leaf, brisk 1 1 7-1/2 The above are very desirable Teas as regards leaf and liquor. The following are some of the chief features and advantages of this machine: 1. The low cost. 2. Durability, there being nothing except the trays that can suffer from wear and tear. 3. The small quantity of fuel required--about 1/4 maund of coke for kutcha firing 1 maund of Tea. 4. Ease in stoking, the furnace not requiring attention oftener than once every one and a-half to two hours. 5. Absolute and immediate control over the temperature, which can be raised or lowered instantaneously.