VEGETABLE KINGDOM. 87 



^ fP j& ^ (Sluii-slia-lien-ch'a) is said to grow in the 

 forests of Formosa, amidst the dense undergrowth, where its 

 leaves never see the sun. It is considered to be cooling, and 

 is adminstered in fevers. It is also given to bring out the 

 eruption of small-pox. 



Tea leaves that have been brewed, are sometimes put into 

 an eathenware jar and allowed to stand until decomposed, and 

 then used as a medicine. The older and more decomposed 

 they are, the more highly are they esteemed in the treatment 

 of all sorts of ulcers and swellings, dog bites, old burns, and 

 bruises, They are applied as a poultice. The old leaves of 

 the tea plant which have been frost-bitten are regarded as 

 highly efficacious in the treatment of epilepsy. They are 

 powdered and mixed in equal parts with crystal alum, and 

 administered in doses of three mace. Infusion of the root of 

 the tea plant is also sometimes used as a beverage, and in 

 strong decoction in the treatment of sore mouth. Ordinary 

 tea is constantly employed instead of water for washing 

 wounds and sores of all descriptions, and as an eye wash in 

 ophthalmia. 



A few other things used by native doctors under the name 

 of "^//'rt'," but which are derived from plants other than the 

 tea plant, may be mentioned at this point. Some so designated, 

 will also appear under other articles. ^ jjjij :^ (Chio-tz'ii-ch'a) 

 is the leaves of Argenione viexicana. The supply comes 

 from Huichou in x'Ynhui. It is carminative and stimulant, 

 and it is said that by its use conception is prevented. ^ '^ 

 (Lnan-ch'a) is derived from the Ko'elrenteria patiiculata. 

 Others say from a species of Rhododcndroji. It is used for 

 headaches. ^ '^c '^ (Ylin-chih-ch'a) is made from a lichen 

 which grows on the rocks in Shantung, principally in Meng- 

 yin-hsien. It is regarded as universally applicable in the 

 treatment of all diseases. ,^0I ft ^ (Hung-hua-ch'a) comes 

 from Kiangsi, and consists of the tender sprouts of the Hibiscus 

 rosa-sifiejisis. It is regarded as a fitting present for a friend. 

 Medicinally it is used as a digestive and anti-miasmatic. 



CAMPHORA OFFICINARUM. — Z^?/r//5 camphora, 

 Lin. Cinnamomum ca7nphora. Nees. — ^ (Chang). The 



