“The one remedy for the present condition of things is that the great bulk of the so-called fine Teas should be bought in China at their present value on this market--viz., at about 5_d._ to 6_d._ below the prices given for them in recent years. With the large accumulated stocks in Russia, and consequently reduced orders from that country, the yearly-increasing supply of Indian Tea, and the present prices here, one would think that such a course would at once be adopted. Unfortunately, however, so much of the Tea is bought on commission, and the Russian agents seem so reckless as to the prices which they give, that any such prudent action can hardly be hoped for. It would, therefore, be wise for holders of shares in Eastern banks, as well as all who have been in the habit of intrusting orders to buying agents in China, to ponder the foregoing facts, which can be easily verified by a reference to any of the trade circulars lest their money should be lost in the crash which must certainly take place if the past policy of Tea buyers in China be continued.--I am, &c., “A. B.” Will those warned be wise in time, and not swamp the Home Market with China Teas certain to be sold at a loss? Who can say? But “A. B.” is evidently master of the subject, and if his advice in not taken, the China Tea “crash” he predicts will not be a small one. When China Teas are _not_ sent home to realise a certain loss, our Indian Teas will have fairer play. I cannot conclude without acknowledging the great help I have derived from the pages of the _Tea Gazette_ in writing these additions to my Fourth Edition. * * * * * Since my remarks on Ceylon were printed, I have acquired much further information regarding the Tea industry in that island, and the prospects certainly seem very favourable. Anyhow, there seems to be no doubt that Ceylon for Tea offers quite as good a field as any part of India, always supposing that good sites are selected and the area to choose from is large. 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.