106 POPULAR GEOGRAPHY OF PLANTS. 



of tea is important, though everywhere the common drink 

 of the people is supplied by it, which is brewed from the 

 larger leaves ; it is only in the houses of people of quality 

 that the young tender leaves are used ; they are powdered 

 and mixed with hot water into a kind of soup, which makes 

 its appearance before and after meals, and is always handed 

 to guests both on their arrival and when they take leave. 



Schouw relates an amusing Japanese myth concerning 

 the origin of the Tea-plant, which, as he remarks, contains 

 a symbolical indication of its effects on the nerves. " A 

 Buddhist saint, Darma,,an historical personage who lived 

 in the sixth century, came from India to China, with the 

 intention of spreading his doctrines in that country; to 

 strengthen himself in his mission, and to give distinction 

 to his religion, he made a vow to pass night and day in un- 

 interrupted religious exercises ; but sleep at length overtook 

 him. When he awoke, in anger at his fault, and in atone- 

 ment of his broken vow, he cut off his eyelids, and threw 

 them on the ground ; but these grew up into a plant wholly 

 unknown before, the leaves of which he tasted ; after which 

 he felt strengthened, and in a condition to withstand sleep 

 better. He recommended this valuable plant to his disciples, 

 chiefly with a view to the same ascetic purposes." 



Amongst the list of eatable plants in Japan which is 



