Lela Angier Lenfest

“ Tea drinking ever since the days of the garrulous Pepys, who speaks of it as a new custom, down to the modern "pink tea," has been a sacred rite of hospitality, to be celebrated in one's best clothes, and with one's finest household silver and china. ”

“ So the teapot in each age aiyi country reflects its social and artistic culture. Among rude and unlettered people the teapot is almost entirely unknown, or if they have it, it is in such a crude and primitive form as to show a vague understanding of its use.
It is a privilege to see Mrs. Mills with her collection of teapots and to hear her talk of them. Each one, no matter how commonplace to the casual observer, has a meaning and significance to her. One is the gift of a pupil, another of a relation in a foreign country, and still another of a distinguished friend. ”

“ The tea, which is the finely powdered leaves of the holly, is put in the bottom of the gourd, covered with sugar and hot (not boiling) water poured over it, and one sucks it up immediately through the bombilla. If the tea is allowed to stand It becomes acrid and black. It has a very curious flavor, reminding one a little of mild licorice and still more of the Chinese leltchli nut. I do not care for it, but they say one grows to like the flavor, and it has a very exhilarating effect"
"That is very interesting," smiled Mrs. Mills. "The Chileans do not use that variety of tea. ”