SPORT AND SCIENCE ON THE 
enormous size. Old trees of this species are 
greatly venerated by the natives, and frequently 
little shrines are built into the hollow trunks, 
while testimonials, written on red calico, are nailed 
up all over the trees by suppliants, who have re- 
ceived benefit. This tree casts a delightful shade, 
and makes a very handsome addition to pleasure 
grounds. The Chinese also used the wood, though 
it is soft and not very good. 
The Ch’un Hsu, of which the Chinese distin- 
guish two varieties, are soft-wooded, rapid-growing 
trees. The Ch’ow Ch’un (stinking ch’un), known to 
science as Aliantus glandulosa, is the smaller 
variety, and is characterized by a very disagreeable 
odour, while the Hsiang ch’un (sweet-scented 
ch’un), known as Cedrela odorata, grows to a large 
size. The Chinese esteem the tender shoots of 
the Hsiang ch’un, which they pickle in various 
ways. These trees seem to be the northern repre- 
sentatives of the Varnish-trees of the south. In 
South Shensi a variety grows which, if rubbed 
against, poisons the skin, producing a running 
eczema that is very hard to cure. 
The Sycamore (Acer sp.) is another tree which 
grows on the plains, and is valued for its wood, 
which being free from knots is largely used in the 
manufacture of furniture. 
The walnut (Juglans regia sinensis) is also a 
tree that thrives upon the plains; but it is also 
cultivated in some of the mountain valleys, 
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