352 



TEA DISTKICTS OF CHINA. 



Chap. XX. 



large roots, which remain buried deep in the mud, 

 and they continue in a dormant state until the warmth 

 of spring again calls vegetable life into action. This 

 is the treatment which Nature gives this beautiful 

 plant, and we shall never succeed with its cultivation 

 in this country unless we follow her example. Our 

 summers are probably not hot enough for it to succeed 

 if planted out in our lakes and ponds, but, if we find 

 it necessary to give it artificial heat in summer, we 

 must not forget that it requires a period of rest during 

 winter. In China the lotus-ponds are generally 

 nearly dry in winter, when the plants are in a state 

 of rest ; this is another point for our consideration 

 when we cultivate them artificially. 



The Nelumbium, or Lien-wha, is cultivated very 

 extensively in China for the sake of its roots, which 

 are esteemed an excellent vegetable, and are much 

 used by all classes of the community. The roots 

 attain their largest size at the period when the leaves 

 die off; and are dug up and brought to market during 

 the winter months in the north of China. The stalls 

 of the greengrocers are always loaded with them at that 

 season of the year. Although in high repute amongst 

 the natives, being served up with many of their dishes 

 and forming part of others, I must say that I never 

 liked them, nor are they generally liked by foreign- 

 ers. An excellent description of arrowroot is made 

 from them, which is considered equal in quality to 

 that which we import from the West Indies. The 

 seeds are also held in high estimation ; they are com- 

 monly roasted before being served up to table. 



