Chap. VIII. 
MOSCHETO TOBACCO. 
145 
the same purpose. The stems and leaves of these plants 
are twisted and dried, and probably dipped in some pre- 
paration to make them burn. 
The moscheto has a mortal aversion to all these sub- 
stances, and wherever they are burning there the little 
tormentors will not come. I procured the sticks in ques- 
tion, and burnt them daily after this ; and although the 
insects were often swaniiing when I entered the boat or 
an inn, the moment their " tobacco" 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 names 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 
River. 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. 
The river being no longer navigable, it was necessary 
for me to prosecute my journey by land. I deter- 
mined therefore to remain at Chang-shan for the night, 
in order to make arrangements for the change of con- 
veyance. 
VOL. II. 
H 
