Page 147 - Chinese Porcelain Vol I, Galland

TREES, FRUITS, FLOWERS, AND PLANTS. 115

Doolittle, p. 572 : " The Chinese also speak of omens
derived from the sudden changes which occur sometimes in
the of certain flowers. A certain of flower
appearance species
(gynandrous), if it is in very full blossom, and has very green
leaves, betokens unusual prosperity in the family of the owner.
Few who have such a flower in their possession are willing to
part with it, except for an exorbitant sum. If, for any reason,
such a flower should suddenly die, or if its blossoms fade, or its
leaves become of an unpleasant hue, it is believed to be a sure
token of or ill-luck. A certain Chinaman at this place
poverty
(Fuhchau) dates heavy pecuniary losses in his father's family,
over thirty years ago, and subsequent poverty, to the sudden
destruction of such a flower, caused, as was afterwards ascertained,
by an offended neighbour, who one evening poured a little salt
water into the pot which contained the flower."
The of flowers on is often so conven-
drawing porcelain
tionalized, and the colouring so untrue to nature, that it is
difficult to make out the intended.
frequently particular species
Fungus. — Franks, p. 246 : " Chi, probably the Polyporus
lucidus, which grows at the roots of trees. AVhen dried, it is
very durable, whence it has been considered by the Chinese as
an emblem of longevity or immortality. Large specimens of
the fungus itself, or imitations of it in gilt wood, are preserved
in the and of it occur in
temples, representations frequently
of Lao Tsze and the immortals. It also be seen
pictures may
in the mouth of deer. It is not unfrequently found as a mark.
The grass-like leaves that accompany it represent the actual
grass, which is apt to grow through the fungus while it is yet
"
soft (see Nos. 229, 334).
"
It is sometimes called Ling wan chon, or the grass of the
immortal soul," and is to the same as
supposed possess power
the elixir of life.
Tobacco.— Davis, vol. ii. p. 344 : " The tobacco plant '
No. " seems to be but has
(see 386) grown nearly everywhere,
different degrees of strength, varying probably according to
soil and climate. To the north, it is of a pale colour, and sold
in the leaf ; to the south, it is said to owe its occasional reddish
colour to being steeped in a solution of opium."