430 



SPICES AlsB rEAGBA^'T WOODS. 



to the beegala, measuring 80 cubits bv 80, and tlie yield is from 

 640 to 800 lbs. 



140 tons were imported into Liverpool in 1849, for dyeing and 

 for curries ; 414 tons in 1850 ; 11,554 bags and packages in 1851 ; 

 and onlj 3,595 ditio in 1852. The price in January 1853 was, for 

 Bengal, 10s. to 12s. ; China, 12s. to 14s., and Malabar 9s. to 12s. 

 the cwt. The imports into London were 18 tons in 1848, 191 

 in 1849, and 980 in 1850. The deliveries for consumption, 192 

 tons in 1848, 270 in 1849, and 870 tons in 1850. 



In China turmeric is used with Prussian blue in coloring and 

 facing tea. 



&IXSEXG-. 



The produce of this plant, as an article of commerce, is confined 

 to our transatlantic neighbours, who have the monopoly of the 

 supply to China, 



The root of Panax qulnqy.efolium^ the American ginseng, is much 

 esteemed by the Chinese, for certain supposed beneficial eifects 

 upon the nerves, and for other presumed virtues ; but our physi- 

 cians have not discovered any proofs of its efficacy in Europe. 

 The plant is an herbaceous perennial, growing upon the confines 

 of Tartary and China, near the great wall. It is found wild^ 

 flourishing in moist situations, and attains the height of from two 

 to three feet ; it is also now produced largely in the northernj 

 middle, and western States of the Union, particularly Virginia, 

 Louisiana, and Pennsylvania, and a considerable trade is carried 

 on with it to China. A variety of the plant was discovered, a 

 few years ago, in the Himalaya mountains, and small quantities 

 have been thence sent to Canton. It is also found growing in 

 Canada. The root is about three or four inches in length, and 

 one inch in thickness. It resembles a small carrot, but not so 

 taper at the end, and is sometimes single, sometimes divided into 

 two branches. The stem is striated, without branches, and of a 

 i^ed color near the root. The leaves, from four to six of which 

 surround the stem where they form sheaths (bracteal), are simply 

 pinnate. The flower stalk is long and green, the inflorescence a 

 simple umbel. The fruit is a berry of a red color, and contains 

 two seeds of the size of mustard seed. The of&cinal root differs 

 in appearance, according to the country from which it is brought. 

 In Korea and China it is white, corrugated when dry, and covered 

 with a powder resembling starch. In Mandscharia and Dauria 

 it is yellow, smooth and transparent, and vvhen cut resembles 

 amber. The taste of the root is bitter. Crude ginseng now sells 

 in the Canton market at 70 to 80 dollars per picul of 133 lbs., and 

 cured or clarified root at 130 to 140 dollars. 



The stem of the plant, which is renewed every year, leaves, as 

 it falls off", an impression upon the neck of the root, so that the 

 number of these rings or marks indicates the age of the plant, and 



