VEGETABLE KINGDOM. 365 



well, but is scarcely fit to eat in the raw state. The pear has 

 been known in China from very ancient times, and is probably 

 indigenous. It was introduced into India and J'^pan from 

 China, and may have been earned to other parts of the world. 

 The characters ^ (Li) and ^ (T'ang) are generic, and the 

 former is very ancient. The eating of the fruit in the cool 

 weather is thought to produce weakness ; and those suffering 

 from wounds, nursing women, and the anaemic should not eat 

 it. It is considered to be antifebrile, peptic, quieting to the 

 nerves, and lubricating to the lungs. The flowers are used 

 in cosmetic preparations, the leaves are astringent, and the 

 bark is antiseptic. 



A kind of wild pear is called jg ^ (Lu-li), ^ ^ (Shu-li), 

 and ]l\ % (Shan-li). The fruit is as large as an apricot, the 

 leaf looks like a tea-leaf, and the root is about the size of a 

 thumb. The fruit is used in dysentery, and the bark of the 

 root is used as an astringent in wounds and itch. 



Another kind is called ^ '^ ^ (Sha-t'ang-kuo). It grows 

 in Lingnan, bears a yellow flower and red fruit, which tastes 

 like a plum, but has no pit. The fruit is recommended for 

 * 'water" diseases. Still another is called :^ •? (Shan-tzu), 

 and it grows in Kiangnan. The fruit does not ripen until 

 winter, has a sour taste, and the seeds are quite hard. If eaten 

 raw, it cures diarrhoea, and when ripe cures cough. 



PYRUS SPECTABILIS.— ^ ^ (Hai-t'ang), ^ ,fl (Hai- 

 hung). This fruit is said to come originally from Hsinlo 

 (Korea). Szechuan furnishes large quantities ; but the best 

 kinds come from Kiangnan. It is a long stemmed crab-apple, 

 red and sour. It bears a beautiful red flower. Its medicinal 

 uses are limited to being recommended in fluxes. 



