THE PRINCIPAL TIMBER TREES 23 



straight, and but little branched. It is quite common in 

 western Hupeh up to 4500 feet altitude, but much less so in 

 Szechuan, 



Tea-chests for all the higher-grade teas are made of wood 

 derived from the Chinese Sweet Gum (Feng-hsiang shu), 

 Liquidamhar formosana. This is a strikingly handsome tree, 

 growing 80 to 100 feet tall, with a girth of 12 to 15 feet. It 

 occurs scattered all over the west up to 3500 feet altitude ; 

 the leaves turn a rich red-brown in autumn and remain on the 

 trees far into the winter. 



The best carrying poles are made from the " Tzu-k'an 

 shu" {Ehretia acuminata and E. macrophylla) , the wood of 

 these trees being light but very tough. Oak and Bamboo 

 are also used for the same purpose and are cheaper. For 

 making the drums used on boats and in temples the wood of the 

 " Tzu-ch'in shu " {Kalopanax ricinifolium) is considered best, 

 being easily worked, pliable, and resonant. The two ends of 

 the drum are covered with hide. 



The finest Joss-sticks (Chinese incense) are composed of 

 the pounded leaves and branches of various members of the 

 Laurel family {Laurinece) , all of which are rich in fragrant, 

 essential oils. As an adulterant the pulped wood of Cypress 

 and Birch is commonly employed. 



On the barren hills around Ichang and elsewhere the 

 Common Pine (Sung shu), Pinus Massoniana, has been planted 

 as a source of fuel. Along the stream-sides and canals on 

 the Chengtu Plain, Alder (Ching shu), Alnus cremastogyne, is 

 generally planted for the same purpose. The Alder and 

 Pine, together with Bamboo, are the only trees planted for the 

 economic value of their timber. On the mountains, Beech, 

 Ash, Poplar, Sweet Chestnut, Hornbeam, Birch, and many 

 other valuable and useful timber trees occur, but are difficult 

 of access and consequently not in general use. 



