36 BOTANICON SINICUM. 
The Rh ya had its origin in middle antiquity and was in the 
highest repute during the Han, when its varied uses were unfolded 
on the occasion of the disquisition regarding the Leopard rat 
(#) BO” : 
Then the illustrious and erudite scholars, the elegant and 
master writers of the age, all honored, esteemed and highly ap- 
preciated both its principles and its lessons of instruction. 
Regardless of my inability and want of knowledge, I com- 
menced the study of it while yet but a young man and zealously 
and assiduously continued the same twice nine years. 
Although many commentators had exercised their talents upon 
it, yet none of their works were complete. Much in them was 
confused and erroneous, and some things were omitted and still 
wanting. : 
For these reasons I have in my turn undertaken to bring — 
together the meanings of the words and to collect all the ancient 
explanations. I have extended my researches to the dialects of 
all the different states of the Empire and made collections from the _ 
popular songs and sayings. Having thus collected a great variety — 
of terms and by careful examination ascertained their correct and _ 
popular use, I have endeavored to remove all defects and inac- 4 
curacies and to put away all that is low and vulgar. . 
When quotations, which were not common or well understood, — 
have been, made, they have been supported by requisite proofs, — 
but all such as seemed plain and easy have been passed over — 
without comment. 
Moreover, with a view to prevent all misunderstanding, I have — 
in separate parts indicated the sounds and added drawings. ; 
Thus I have labored hard to make clean and plain the path of — 
learning, earnestly hoping that, by this work, the progress of | 
scholars in future times may be greatly facilitated.— os 
~ Some of the ancient names of plants found in the text of the 
Rh ya are still in use, but the majority of them were unknown 
even at the time when Kuo P% lived and he tried therefore to 
explain what plants were meant, giving their popular names. In 
11 Compare W. F. Mayers’ article on the Mammoth in Chinese records, China 
Review VI, p. 278. er pues 
