VEGETABLK KINGDOM. 339 



a large leaved and a small leaved, as indicated by the botanical 

 names given above. There is not much description of the 

 plant ; but the drug, which consists of the root, and is called 

 j^ J^ j^ (Yiian-chih-jou), is brought from the northern prov- 

 inces, especially from Shensi and Honan, and is found in 

 contorted, quilled pieces, larger tlian a lead-pencil, marked 

 transversely, and of a brownish-yellow color. It is sometimes 

 quite tubular, the central vascular portion of the root having 

 been removed. The taste is sweetish and somewhat acrid. 

 It is supposed to have special effect upon the will and mental 

 powers, giving strength of character, improving the under- 

 standing, strengthening the memory, and increasing the phys- 

 ical powers. It is prescribed in cough, jaundice, hysteria in 

 females, infantile convulsions, mammary abscess, and gon- 

 orrhoea. The leaves are also recommended for spermator- 

 rhoea. 



POLYGON ATUM CANAUCULATUM.— ^ H (Huaug- 

 ching), 514. This Cliinese term is applied in different parts 

 of tlie empire to Polygonatum macropodum^ Polygoiiatii77i 

 chinense^ Polygonatum giganteum^ and Polygonatum mnlti- 

 florum. Tatarinov erroneously identifies it as Car ag ana 

 flava ; but the plant is liliaceous, not leguminous. The plant 

 grows in the mountains, and its leaves so much resemble those 

 of the bamboo that it is sometimes called "hare bamboo," or 

 "deer bamboo." The leaves also resemble those of the R/ms 

 radicans^ and the plants are sometimes confounded, disastrous- 

 ly if the RJins is substituted for this. The root, leaves, flowers, 

 and fruit are all eaten. For medicinal use, the root is steeped 

 in wine, or administered in powder. The Taoists make much 

 of this plant, and call it the food of the immortals. The 

 following legend is found in the Pownchi (111 Century) : "The 

 Emperor Huangti once asked one of his councilors if he knew 

 of a plant which, when eaten, would confer immortality. The 

 reply was that the plant of the great male principle {-jx, f^, the 

 sun) which is called Hiiang-ching^ when eaten, would prolong 

 life. On the other hand the plant of the great female principle 

 (:1c ^1 t^^^ moon) which is called ^ijj !% {Rhics)^ when it even 

 enters the mouth produces death. The root of the Hnang- 



