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A Cup of Tea

First, let the water (stale water will not make good tea) come to a boil, merry boil, but not long enough to lose its vitality. Scald out the teapot. Allow one teaspoonful of tea for each person, and if several persons are to be of the party, allow "one for the pot." Pour on only enough water to steep the tea thoroughly-the teapot is not to be half filled with water which will be cold before the tea is served. While the tea is "drawing," set on fresh water to boil. Reboiling water or allowing it to simmer and simmer, deprives it of those gases which give life and sparkle to the drink. Soft water, for some reason, makes far the best tea. As to the kind of tea to be used, that is left to each one's personal preference. Japan, Formosa blended with green, or orange Pekoe are the most delicately flavored, but many prefer English Breakfast, or the Ceylon or India teas. In this as in everything else, the best economy is in having a thoroughly good article. Let your hand prepare and let your friends partake of, with all its delicate aroma, unimpaired "that gentle excitant, a cup of tea," "the beverage of the intellectual."