Note 235 — I.—PHÆNOGAMOUS OR FLOWERING PLANTS. (continued 2)
Reading edition
In the Report on the Trade of Hankow for 1869 addressed to Mr. Hart, Inspector-General of Customs, Pekin, it is stated—“The importation of opium is considerably short for the last two seasons, but this is not to be wondered at now that each opium-shopkeeper in this and the surrounding districts advertises native drug for sale.”
W. H. Medhurst, British Consul at Shanghai, says—“The drug is now being so extensively produced by the Chinese upon their own soil as sensibly to affect the demand for the India-grown commodity.”—Foreigner in Far Cathay, Lond. 1872. 20.
The quantity of opium exported from Bombay in 1871-72 was less by 1719 chests than that exported in 1870-71, the decrease being attributed to the present large cultivation in China.—Statement of the Trade and Nav. of Bombay for 1871-72, pp. xii. xvi.