WAX TREE. 
2/3 
Abbe, that this wax begins to appear upon the 
xin-la-chu. At first a few filaments, like those of 
ne soft wool, are perceived rising from the bark 
aioun tie body of the insect; but by degrees 
these filaments form a kind of down, which con- 
tinually becomes thicker, and increases more and 
more m size, during the heats of summer. This 
crust entirely covers the insect, and defends it, not 
Tl y ri™ 1 the heat ’ bUt als ° from the rain and ants, 
he Chinese assure us, that, if the wax were left 
too long on the tree, the insects would not make 
their nests ; on which account they are careful to 
gamer it before the first hoar frosts in September. 
Ihe wax thus produced is carried to court, and 
reserved for the use of the emperor, princes, and 
Chief mandarins. It is considered as a precious 
commodity, and esteemed for many virtues. The 
physicians prescribe it for several diseases; and 
when applied to wounds it is said to make the flesh 
heal in a very short time. It is supposed to be 
possessed of great power in nervous affections and 
is swallowed in considerable quantity by the Chi- 
nese when they are about to speak in public, or 
have occasion, at any time, to exert an extraordi- 
nary degree of firmness and resolution. 
VOL. III. 
