184 



OMENTAL COMMERCE. 



| China. 



formed as tJie juice drops from the stalks. It has no smell, and when first 

 chewed, makes but little impression on the taste ; but after remaining some 

 time in the mouth, discovers a considerable acrimony. If it be wetted and 

 rubbed upon the nail, it gives a curious bright lemon colour, by which, 

 and its appearing smooth, and free from impurities, it is known to be good ; 

 if applied to a lighted candle, it burns with a white flame, leaving behind 

 a greyish ash. The larger cakes, and such as are dark coloured, should 

 be rejected. The ton is 20 Cwt 



Ginger, preserved. — The West Indies and China furnish this com- 

 modity ; the former is preferred, but that from China, when good, is 

 always in estimation, and when prepared from the young roots, is almost 

 transparent It should be chosen in large and somewhat transparent pieces* 

 of a bright yellow colour, ami not fibrous or stringy when cut. Such as is 

 dark coloured and small, should be rejected, and the jars should be carefully 

 sealed up, to prevent insects getting in. 



Ginseng, (Jin-seng, Chinese, i. e. figure of a man), a root produced 

 in Chinese Tartary, and in several parts of North America, whither it was 

 transplanted from China; the latter is what we generally see in this country, 

 and is now an article of trade to China, Large quantities used formerly to 

 be sent, from England ; but since the Americans declared themselves inde- 

 pendent, they have carried it direct to China, so that the export from this 

 country has fallen off considerably. The name of the plant is Pancuv 

 quinquefoiium. 



The dried root, as it is imported from America, is seldom so large as 

 the little finger, about three or four inches long, frequently forked, trans- 

 versely wrinkled, of a horny texture both within and without, of a yellowish 

 white colour ; to the taste it discovers a mucilaginous sweetness, approach- 

 ing to that of liquorice, accompanied with some degree of bitterness, and a 

 slight aromatic warmth, with little or no smell. Ginseng for the China 

 market should be chosen in large roots, sound, firm, and of a fresh colour, 

 moderately heavy, not very tough, but such as will snap short, free from 

 worm-holes and dirt. 



Gold. — A considerable trade is carried on in China in gold, which they 

 receive in dust at the various eastern islands, and afterwards melt into shoes 

 or bars, which, when pure, have a depression in the middle, from the 

 sinking of the metal in cooling, with a number of circular rings like those 

 on the ball of the finger, but larger. 



In trading in gold, great circumspection is necessary, as many frauds 

 are practised ; the shoes are often gilt over with a diick coat of metal, finer 



