106 EEV. M. J. BERKELEY ON SOME TUBEBIFOBM 



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 EUett of South Carolina College, and has been 

 ascertained to consist entirely of pure pectine of Braconnot. It 

 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 cakes 

 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-Hng into 

 thin slices, and steep them in Tung-lew f water for a whole night ; drain off the 

 water thoroughly ; pack the sHces in a bundle of Shing-ma J 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 and age, abdominal swellings attended with 

 violent pains, depression of spirits, diseases in the groin, dysentery, and some 

 affections peculiar to females in pregnancy. 



* 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.] 



X Shing-ma, literally the Ascending Hemp : it is described in the ' Pun-tsaou,' 

 chap. 13. fol. 29. 



