Horticulture in China

796. Horticulture in China is generally considered to be in an advanced state; but we have no evidence that the Chinese are acquainted with its scientific principles, and especially with the physiology of plants. The climate and soil of so immense a tract as China are necessarily various ; and equally so, in consequence, the vegetable productions. Besides the fruits peculiar to the country, many of which are unknown to the rest of the world, it produces the greater part of those of Europe ; but, except the oranges and pomegranates, they are much inferior.