364 CHINESE MATERIA MEDICA. 



PYRUS MALUS.— # \% (Lin-ch'in), ^ (Nai), ^ ff 

 (Lai-ch'in), ^ ^X (Hua-buiig). This is discussed in the Pentsao 

 under two articles, to which are attached the first and second 

 terms respectively. The Lin-chHn is also called ^ ^ ^|) :^ 

 (Wen-lin-lang-kuo), because it is said that a man named Wen 

 Lin-lang found a tree floating in the river, and took it up and 

 planted it, producing this fruit. In the south it is con- 

 founded with the tm ^# (VVen-po). There are two varieties, 

 a sweet, ripening early, and a sour, ripening later. There 

 are also several varieties distinguished by the color of the 

 fruit. The ripe apples are crushed, dried, pulverised, and 

 made into a decoction called ^ \% ^ (Lin-ch'in-ch'ao), which 

 is used by Buddhist priests. These fruits are also sometimes 

 confounded with CratcEgiis. If eaten in excess, the fruits are 

 said to depress the circulation. Medicinally, they are said to 

 dispel gas, dissolve mucus, and cure fluxes. The root is con- 

 sidered anthelmintic, thirst-relieving, and sleep promoting. 



The Nai is also called ^ ^ (P'in-p'o), which seems to 

 represent a Sanscrit name, but is also said to be used in the 

 north. The fruit is found principally in the northern provinces, 

 is larger than the Lin-ch''in and is fouud in white, red, and 

 green varieties, and also a winter variety, which is pearl colored. 

 The fruit is considered to be slightly deleterious, producing 

 flatulence and consumption, aud if eaten by the sick increases 

 the difficulty. Tonic, antifebrile, and constructive properties 

 are attributed to this fruit. Pynis tomentosa is included 

 among these. PHn-p''o is also applied to Sterculia lanceolata^ 

 and ^ ^ (P'in-kuo) is a term applied to the large, green, 

 cultivated apple. 



PYRUS SINENSIS.— 14 (Li). This is the common 

 Chinese pear, which is very similar to our Pyriis conitmmis. 

 There are many varieties, of which the best is the j^ % (Pai- 

 li) or white pear. The fruit is small, globular, yellowish- 

 white, and has the appearance of an apple. It is very savory. 

 A large white pear, the size of a fist, is called f^D ^ (Yii-li), 

 "Imperial pear," has a crisp flesh, is very juicy, and is of 

 fine flavor. The j^ ^ (Sha-li) is a coarser kind, but in much 

 favor with the Chinese in all parts of the empire. It bakes 



