VEGETABLE KINGDOM. 127 



in the days of Duhalde, who praises it immoderately. It 

 belongs to the class of drugs called //^ f^ ^ (Leug-tan-huo), or 

 things uncommon, but not in great demand. It is sold in 

 bundles weighing two mace (ii6 grains Troy) each, or there- 

 abouts. The bundles are three-quarters of an inch in diameter 

 and from three to three-and-a-half inches in length. Each of 

 the many pieces forming the bundles consists of two distinct 

 portions : one, which is the larger and belonging to the insect, 

 being more than an inch long and of a yellowish-brown 

 color, and showing the rings, joints, and more or less of the 

 characteristic structure of the grub ; and the upper fungus 

 portion, consisting of a spurred filament of a greyish-brown 

 color, flexible, more or less twisted, and internally of a lighter 

 shade. It is said by Duhalde to be found in the province of 

 Hukuang, answering to Hupeh and Hunan of the present time, 

 and it is entirely probable that it can be found in other parts 

 of China. The Pentsao compares its action to that oi ginseng^ 

 and it is said to be worth four times its weight of silver. It is 

 considered to be restorative and tonic, and is used in jaundice, 

 phthisis, and in cases of injury of any serious nature. Taken 

 with duck, its virtues are very much increased. If a drake is 

 taken, prepared for cooking, the head split open and the 

 cavities filled with this drug, while cooking the aura of the 

 medicine will spread to the whole bird permeating every part, 

 and thus increasing the potency of the medicament. It is said 

 that one duck thus prepared will be quite the equivalent of an 

 ounce of the best gmseng. 



CORIANDRUM SATIVUM.—]^ ^ (Hu-sui, ^ ^ 

 Hsiang-sui) ^ ^ (Yiian-sui ), and 7^ ^ (Yiian-sui), 1565. 

 The root and leaves are used in medicine, as well as the fruits. 

 The former, although sometimes used with green vegetables, 

 is considered to be slightly deleterious. Carminative, correct- 

 ive, and quieting properties are ascribed to the plant, and it is 

 recommended in ptomaine poisoning as well as in the treat- 

 ment of the ^ (Ku) poison. The fruits, deprived of their 

 husks, can be eaten, and have carminative and corrective 

 properties. They are specially recommended to be used freely 

 in fluxes. 



