PLANTS MENTIONED IN CLASSICAL WORKS. 389 
seventh or eighth month its panicles are formed, and then 
it exudes a substance like salt in appearance, which is of a 
pleasant taste. 
563.—ff Chu in ancient times was a general name for 
Bamboos as in our days. The character is of frequent 
occurrence in the classical writings. It appears that in the 
_ elassical period the bamboo was just as indispensable a plant 
to the Chinese in domestic economy and applied to the same 
Variety of purposes as nowadays. Besides this, in early 
- days, before paper was invented, the Chinese wrote on 
bamboo tablets ( fij 4ien). Bamboo-sprouts were used as food 
[v. supra, 3873]. The wood of the bamboo cut into splints 
_ Was Woven into mats, baskets or hats. 
% Yen, a bamboo mat spread on the ground, and on which : 
_ they sat in early times at feasts; repeatedly mentioned in the | 
Shi king £395, 473, 487]. 4 Tien, a mat of fine bamboo 
Work, Shi king, 305. On the rush mat (38) below and that 
252, 255, 395]. Chou li, I, 107:—Employés aux paniers. 
. G Fei, round bamboo baskets (mentioned in the Shu king, 
“Tribute of Yii,” 99, 117], in which manufactured fabrics, 
Shi king, 308, 604. 
‘iu, 300, 301 ; Shi king, 356. Bamboo flute. 
‘ Chou li, If, 581:—Bamboo used for bows. i — oe 
501, hote.] ee Oo pe he 
_ Of fine bamboo above. Li ki, II, 185 [Mourning Rites rf eee 
The body of a ruler was laid on a mat of fine bamboo tien). 5 ao 
: § Pien, a basket of bamboo-splints, used to contain fruits SS ee 
at sacrifices and feasts. Repeatedly in the Shi hing [240, eee 
Various kinds of silks, ete., from the provinces, were = : Se : 
to the capital, 4 Ti, a hat made of splints of eae oe 
Many of the Chinese musical instruments were made on ee 
bamboo, Li ki, J, 120; Chou li, I, 407, II, 60, 61 - rane ae o 
