134 CULTIVATED VEGETABLES. 



rice, near the city of Kingyang in Xensi, that 

 is used by the people of that country as 

 a laxative and diuretic. 



The Chinese water their rice-fields by 

 means of moveable mills, placed as occasion 

 requires, upon any part of the banks of a 

 river. The water is raised in buckets to a 

 proper height, and afterwards conveyed in 

 channels to the destined places. 



The uses of rice are as various as those 

 of any other grain. When boiled with milk 

 and sugar, it is said to give both flesh and 

 strength; it agrees with most constitutions, 

 although with some few it causes tightness, 

 and sits heavy on the stomach. It thickens 

 soups and broths without giving a taste. 

 Rice bread, cakes, and puddings, are as fa- 

 miliar to us as if rice were an indigenous 

 plant. It makes the best paste for any clean 

 or delicate purposes. 



The Chinese draw a strong and rather 

 agreeable spirit from rice ; they also form 

 various figures and ornaments from a paste 

 made of rice. 



The decoction of rice is pectoral and as- 

 tringent: this decoction in water makes the 

 basis of the Indian medicine. 



