to develope. Some workmen have lately been brought from the tea districts, and conveyed to the island of Java and the province of Assam, under the Dutch and English governments respectively; but, it remains to be seen, whether they can completely succeed in equalling the inhabitants of the celestial empire, in the preparation of tea. It is a matter yet in dispute, whether the green and black teas are made from the same tree, or whether an entirely different plant is used. Most persons incline to adopt the former opinion; though, from the circumstance of the two sorts coming from different provinces, it might be inferred that the green and black are gathered from different shrubs.
In the manufacture of paper, the Chinese have been early active. In the first century mention is made of paper, which the Chinese employ, not only in making books and wrapping up articles, but in sacrificing to the gods and departed spirits; in which service millions of bundles are annually consumed by this superstitious people. This forms a principal article of internal commerce, and of export trade to the Chinese colonies, whither the native junks proceed almost entirely laden with sacrificial paper.
In lackered ware the Chinese do not equal the Japanese; though, until lately, they far exceeded the Europeans. They are enabled to excel in this art, in consequence of their natural advantages, possessing a varnish tree, which yields them a material better adapted for their purpose than any which can be manufactured by art.
In the working of metals, the Chinese are not unskilled, and produce implements for use suited to all
