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842
EAST ASIA.
the mainland. Gold, however, is stated to be abundant in several places ; but
mining operations, both for it and for silver, are forbidden under severe penalties,
for fear of exciting the cupidity of the neighbouring peoples. Korea also possesses
deposits of lead and copper, although copper and bronze ware are imported from
Japan. There are said to be whole mountains of iron ores, which are washed down
by the rains in quantities sufficient to supply the smelting
works. The forests
consist of the elm, willow, birch, pine, spruce, and other Manchurian species,
besides some cryptomerias and the Rhus vernicifera, or lacquer-tree of Japan. But
Fig. 160. ENTRANCE TO THE GULF OF PKCH:LI.
Scale 1 : 4,750,000.
to 80 Feet. 80 to 160 160 and upwards.
120 Miles.
the beech and oak are absent. Most of the timber employed in Peking and North
China comes from Korea.
Of great economic importance is the ginseng plant, which is extensively
cultivated for the market of China. It is raised from the seed under sheds covered
with pine bark, the roots arriving at maturity in about five years, when they are
collected, dried, and exported in considerable quantities to Peking. Here the
Korean variety, although less esteemed than that of Manchuria, nevertheless
commands high prices, ranging from 60s. to 80s. per Ib.
The wild fauna includes the bear, tiger, panther, wild boar, and fox, whose
skins and furs form the staple exports of the country.
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In some districts the man-