106 ' REV. M. J. BERKELEY ON SOME TUBERIFORM 
delicate threads which traverse the mass in every direction ; but 
the nature of the bodies of which the greater part of the substance 
is composed, their form, and chemical characters are precisely the 
same, and there can be no doubt that they all belong to one and 
the same category. | 
This matter consists of irregular bodies, varying very greatly in 
size, often globular, but frequently forming broad bands with 
transverse markings and clefts, exhibiting no trace of starch under 
iodine, and. without the slightest appearance of an investing mem- 
brane. This substance has been submitted to chemical investi- 
gation by Professor Ellett of South Carolina College, and has been 
ascertained to consist entirely of pure pectine of Braconnot. lt 
is quite insoluble in water, though it dissolves in alkaline solutions, 
forming neutral pectates, whence the pectic acid is separated, by 
the addition of muriatic acid, in the form of a colourless jelly. By 
a particular management, with the details of which I am not 
acquainted, this jelly may be prepared so as to form an agreeable 
article for the dessert*. 
It is not surprising, therefore, that it is manufactured in China 
into a popular and nutritious food. It is probable that the eakes 
which are made of it are regarded as medicinal as well as econo- 
mical; and it is curious that Prof. Ellett remarks that the nu- 
tritious jelly formed from the Tuckahoe is an excellent antidote 
against several of the most powerful mineral poisons. 
The structure of the Choo-ling is somewhat different from that 
of the Foo-ling. The several parts are far smaller in their dimen- 
sions, and there are none of the streaked and incised bands. The 
greater part of the mass consists of short, sometimes forked, and 
poses, scrape off the coarse skin with a copper knife, cut the Choo-ling into 
thin slices, and steep them in Tung-lew+ water for a whole night ; drain off the 
water thoroughly; pack the slices in a bundle of Shing-maf leaves for a day, 
and, on removing the wrapper, they will be quite dry and fit for use. The 
smell and taste of the Choo-ling are mild, sweet, and not poisonous—something 
like the Fuh-ling. 
The diseases for which it is generally used are, severe ague, severe dropsy, 
long-suppressed urine, debility amd age, sbdominal swellings attended with 
violent pains, depression of spirite, diseases in the groin, dysentery, and some 
affections peculiar to females in preguancy. 
* See © Observations on Tuckahoe,” in Gardener's Chronicle, 1848, p. 829. 
t [If Tung-lew is the name of a place, it is in the department of Che-chow, 
province of Ngan-hwuy.] ' 
t Shing-ma, literally the Ascending Hemp : it is described in the * Pun-tsaou,' 
chap. 13. fol. 29. 
