44 A NATURALIST IN WESTERN CHINA 



hwa," and Moutan Pseony are other " flowers of refinement " 

 almost reverently appreciated for the colour and beautiful 

 form of their flowers. The Lotus-lily, " Lien hwa " [Nelunibium 

 speciosum) , is regarded as an emblem of purity, and the Goddess 

 of Mercy (Kwanyin) is always represented seated in the centre 

 of a Lotus flower. The Chinese " Luck Lily " or " Water 

 Fairy " {Narcissus tazetta) is cultivated in vast quantities, 

 more especially throughout the eastern part of the Empire, 

 and is in blossom for the New Year festival. It is appreciated 

 for its odoriferous flowers, and its luxurious growth is considered 

 prophetic of wealth and prosperity. This Narcissus is not a 

 Chinese plant, but is a native of the Mediterranean region, from 

 whence it was long ago introduced into China by Portuguese 

 traders, and it together with the Pomegranate are virtually 

 the only exotic flowers in high favour with the Chinese. 



The Pearl Orchid, " Chu-lan hwa " {Chloranthus incon- 

 spicuus), is valued for the delicate odour of its flowers, which 

 are used in the Anhui province in scenting green tea for the 

 Chinese market. Table grass [Liriope spicata) is admired for 

 its graceful habit, and is placed on a desk or table, to afford 

 rest to the eyes when reading or studying. Lastly in this 

 relation may be mentioned the " Hoary Pine," which is 

 emblematical of revered old age. This name is applied to 

 several kinds of Conifers other than Pinus proper. 



To complete the list of favourite Chinese flowers we may 

 enumerate Camellia, Heavenly Bamboo, " Tien-ch'u " {Nandina 

 domestica), " Kuei hwa " [Osmanthus fragrans), " Tzu-ching " 

 {Lagerstrcemia indica), " Tiao-chung " [Enkianthus quinque- 

 florus), " Chin-yin hwa" [Lonicera japonica), numerous 

 varieties of Azaleas, Roses, Balsams, Cockscombs, double- 

 flowered Peaches, various Conifers, and Box {Buxus jap- 

 onica). Some or all of the above are to be found in every 

 Chinese garden of note. Though the cultural skill expended 

 on many of them is in the direction of dwarfing and training 

 into grotesque shapes, this treatment in no sense robs the 

 flowers of the qualities attributed to them in literature and 

 song. The decoration found on Chinese porcelain well 

 illustrates the nation's love of beautiful flowers and quaint- 

 shaped trees. 



