RHUBARB CAMPHOR CHINA ROOT. 189 



1871. 



CHINA, COCHIN-CHINA, AND THE PHILIPPINES. 



RHUBARB. The true source of the rhubarb produced in the 

 western provinces of China and the adjacent regions is still un- 

 ascertained. It is desirable to obtain living roots or seeds of 

 the plants, as well as a full account of the collecting and dry- 

 ing of this well-known drug. 



CAMPHOR. That of commerce is obtained from Formosa and 

 Japan. Is any produced in China, and where ? The Camphor 

 Laurel (Cinnamomum Camphora, ISTees) is well known to 

 nourish in many localities of the central provinces. 



"What is the camphor said to be obtained from a species of 

 Artemisia (wormwood) called Ngai? A few pounds of it are 

 desired. 



CHINA ROOT is exported to Europe from Canton. The plant 

 is said to grow in the provinces of Honan, Kwangtung, and 

 Kwangsi. Good specimens of it are desired. 



Root called Green Putchuk Pa-Mh, of -which large quantities 

 are exported from Ningpo. The plant is an Aristolochia : to 

 determine the species, pressed and dried specimens with roots 

 would be acceptable. 



CASSIA BARK, vide page 178. 

 CASSIA BUDS, vide page 178. 



BAMBO.O Specimens in flower of a bamboo, affording the 

 broad leaves which are pinned together by the Chinese to line 

 tea-chests, are required to determine, the species. 



STAR ANISE. Information should be collected by an eye- 

 witness as to the production in Southern China of this spice. 

 It is said to be brought to the Canton market by the Fokien 

 junks. Botanical specimens of the tree, and full particulars 

 regarding the collection of the fruits, are desirable. 



CHINESE OIL OF PEPPERMINT (so-called) is said to be distilled 

 at Canton. Pressed and dried botanical specimens of the plant 

 seen to be used should be sent to England for the determination 

 of the name. 



