5 1 6 Voyage of the Novara. 



the Mo-chokj one of the most graceful kinds of bamboo found 

 in the forests of China, which grows in greatest luxm-iance on 

 the limestone slopes of the province of Tschi-Kiang, in a 

 climate ranging between 90^.5 in summer, and 20°. 3 (Fahr.) 

 in winter. The erect, smooth, elegant stem shoots up to a 

 height of from 60 to 80 feet. The lower part of the tree is 

 usually free from branches, which usually begin to spring 

 from the trunk about 20 feet from the ground, and are 

 very delicately leaved. These and two other species, the 

 Long-sin-cJiok and the Ilu-choJc^ are used in the manufac- 

 ture of sieves, baskets, furniture, &c., while the tender 

 shoots form a most nutritious and delicately flavoured ve- 

 getable. The stem of the plant is moreover available for the 

 manufacture of paper.* 



Writing paper is manufactured from it as well as packing 

 paper, and one very coarse quality is mingled with the 

 mortar by the Chinese masons. Mr. Fortune has introduced 

 the Mo-chok into China, where, especially in the north-west 

 provinces, it promises to come on well upon the slopes of the 

 Himalaya. 



Of the other plants which grow in Cliina, which are not 

 indeed suited for transplanting to a colder climate, yet merit 



* The following is the process as we observed it: the bamboo strips are first 

 soaked for a considerable period in water, after which they are peeled, and again 

 saturated with lime-water, until they are perfectly flexible. After this, they are 

 converted, according to the method in use at that special locality, either by water 

 power or hand labour, into a fluid of a pap-like viscosity, after which it is boiled till 

 it has attained the requisite fineness and consistency for conversion into paper. 



