Picking leaf is a coarse operation. It is performed by 80 or 100 women and children together, and it is impossible to follow each, and see it is done the best way. They must be taught, checked, and punished if they do wrong, and then it will be done more or less right; but perfection is not attainable. I advise the following plan in picking. Please refer to the diagram:-- If the garden has been severely pruned (as it ought to be) take only the bud _a_ for _two_ flushes; then for _two_ more nip the stalk above 1, taking the upper part of leaf _c_, as shown (done with one motion of the fingers). But from the fifth flush take off the shoot at the line above 2, and by a separate motion of the fingers take off the part of leaf _e_ where the black line is drawn. By this plan, when the rains begin, the trees will show a large picking surface, for plenty of buds will have been preserved for new growth. After the month of August you may pick lower if you like, as you cannot hurt the trees. For instance, you may nip the stalk and upper part of leaf _e_ together, and separately the upper part of _f_. The principle of picking is to leave the bud at the axis of the leaf down to which you pick intact. Some planters pick all through the season at the line above 1, and take the _d_ and perhaps the _e_ leaf separately. I do not like the plan, for though it will make strong Teas, the yield will be small. Moreover, the plants will form so much foliage; they will not flush well; and again, they will grow so high that boys who pick will not readily reach the top. Shortly, the principle I advocate is to prune severely, so that the plant in self-defence _must_ throw out many new shoots; to be sparing and tender with these until the violence done to the tree is in a measure, but not quite, repaired; then, till September, to pick so much that the wants of the plant in foliage are never quite attained; and after September to take all you can get. I believe this principle (for the detailed directions given may be varied, as for instance when trees have _not_ been heavily pruned) will give the largest yield of leaf, and will certainly not injure the plants. FOOTNOTES: [34] See foot-note, page 86, which shows that for 18 months after transplanting, young bushes should not be pruned or picked at all. [35] I mean manufactured Tea. The infusion is called liquor. CHAPTER XXIV. MANUFACTURE. MECHANICAL CONTRIVANCES. To manufacture your leaf into good Tea is certainly one of the first conditions for success. It will avail little to have a good productive garden if you make inferior Tea. The difference of price between well and ill-manufactured Tea is great, say 4 as. or 6d. a lb., and this alone will, during a season, represent a large profit or none.