180 



TEA DISTRICTS OF CHINA. 



Chap. IX. 



somewhat fragrant smell is given oat during combus- 

 tion, which, at a distance, is not disagreeable. Some- 

 times the sawdust is put up in coils of paper, and is 

 then burned on the floors of the houses. Various 

 species of wormwood are likewise employed for the 

 same purpose. The stems and leaves of these plants 

 are twisted and dried, and probably dipped in some 

 preparation to make them burn. 



The moscheto has a mortal aversion to all these 

 substances, and wherever they are burning there the 

 little tormentors will not come. I procured the sticks 

 in question, and burnt them daily, after this ; and 

 although the insects were often swarming when I 

 entered the boat or an inn, the moment their " to- 

 bacco" was lighted they quickly disappeared, and 

 left me to sit at my ease, or to enjoy a refreshing 

 sleep. Whoever discovered this precious tobacco 

 was a benefactor to his country, and should have been 

 honoured with the blue button and peacock's feather 

 at the least. But I suppose, like all other Chinese 

 discoveries, it is so old that the name of its original 

 discoverer cannot now be traced. 



We were now evidently approaching the head of 

 the Vale of Nan-che, and one of the sources of the 

 Green Kiver. The hill from which the town of 

 Chang-shan takes its name was pointed out to me, 

 and in a short time afterwards the masts of the boats 

 and the town itself came into view. Having a strong 

 fair wind, we sailed rapidly over the current, and 

 were soon moored in safety amongst a great number 

 of other boats within a short distance of the town. 



