A History of Assam c24.10

c24.10

"The Tea Committee of Calcutta only became convinced about the end of 1835 that the tea of Assam was the true tea of commerce; previous to that date the specimens alluded to in the text were referred to Camelia by the botanists of Calcutta. The merit of the discovery rests solely with Mr. Bruce, who in 1836 manufactured some specimens which were sent home, but were unfit for use. The samples of 1837 were prepared by the Chinese manufacturers brought from China by Mr. Gordon. The samples of 1838, lately received, are also by the Chinese and by natives instructed by them."