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which are used for all kinds of pounding, consist of an overshot wheel about 10 feet in diameter. The axle carries a wooden cam which alternately raises and releases the pounder. The pulp is subsequently taken into the factory as a fibrous mass, the fragments being about 1 inch long. They are there mixed with water, forming a thin muddy liquid. The water contains a binding ingredient or size made from the leaves of various plants, among which were an Actinidia, a Holly, a species of Lauraceae, and a Schizandra. From this liquid the fibre is removed in thin films on a delicate tray of bamboo threads supported on a bam boo frame. Each film is a sheet of paper and only needs to be dried, first on a hot tsurface, and then in a strong lever press to be ready for market.
China Fir.-The China Fir (Cunninghamia sinensis) may be called par excellence the imber tree of China, for in a great part of the Empire boats, houses, furniture and agricultural machines are made of it. The large quantities grown in Fokien in former times have doubtless contributed to the prosperity of Foochow. The conditions of cultivation were investigated at *Buong Kang near Yenping in that Province. It is called locally Sau Tsoi (). Trees are grown from cuttings taken from branches of 2 years old or less. These are planted in rows, 12 feet apart, from the beginning of February to the equinox. The plantations are cleaned 2 or 3 times a year while the trees are young and are protected by fire barriers. The felled timber is extracted down made ways to the foot of the mountains and then carried to the river and made into large rafts. The timber is in demand for construction even in Hongkong although we are plentifully supplied with Pinus massoniana, because it is not subject to the attacks of white ants as is the latter species.
Bamboos of Fokien From the amount of ground, in those parts of Fokien visited during the year, which is taken up with Bamboo cultivation it seems probable that this is one of the chief industries of the Province. The steep sides of mountain valleys are the favourite situations. Sixteen kinds are recognized in the Yenping mountains :-
(1.). Ma Deuk().-The commonest species, 20-50 ft. high. It is used for small buildings, and for making mats and paper. The shoots are eaten. It is planted from cut- tings in the spring and remains for about three years before the shoots develop. Flowering is said to occur every five
years. It appears to be a species of Phyllostachys. Fokien col- lection No. 932.
(2.) Ku Deuk (†) (Bitter Bamboo).—The bitter shoots are eaten. nigra, Munro. Fokien collection No. 960.
Phyllostachys
(3.) Gong Nong Denk.--Used for boat and chair poles. Phyllostachys nigra, Munro. Fokien collection No. 1,001.
(4.) Cieh Deuk (15) (Folding Bamboo).—Shoots dried for export. Phyllostachys nigra, Munro. Fokien collection No. 962.
(5.) Uong Deuk () (Yellow Bamboo).—A small variety planted for hedges. Bambusa, sp. Fokien collection No. 970.
(6.) Lek Deuk (†) (Clustered Bamboo).-A decorative species with remarkably long internodes. Bambusa pallida, Munro. Fokien collection No. 882.
(7.) Sioh Deuk (Z) (Stone Bamboo).-Used for basket making. Basket making is an important industry and bamboo baskets are widely used and extremely cheap throughout the Province. Phyllostachys nigra, Munro., Fokien collection No. 1,000.
(8.) U Deuk (†) (Black Bamboo).-Used for umbrella handles. Phyllostachys nigra, Munro. Fokien collection No. 883.
(9.) Heung Deuk (Square Bamboo).—Used for walking sticks. Bambusa quadrangu- laris, Fenzi.
(10.) Ming Deuk.-A small bamboo with a blotched purple and yellow stem. used. Phyllostachys nigra, Munro. Fokien collection No. 961.
Little
(11.) Lu Deuk, so called, is only a large herbaceous grass.