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(From *Bencao Shiyi* [Supplement to Materia Medica])

**[Names]** An (also written as "Zhu"). ("Zhu" pronounced like "Ning", another variant pronounced like "Ru", and yet another form). Li Shizhen said: "Zhu" does not perch on trees, which can be described as peaceful and at ease. This is what Zhuangzi referred to when he described a bird that leaps only a few zhang high and flies among the mugwort and weeds. Zhang Hua, in his commentary on *Qin Jing* (Classic of Birds), called it "Li Zhu", which is this species. "An" is a phonetic shift from "Zhu". In Qingzhou, it is called "Zhu Mu" or also "Zhu Que". Furthermore...

**[Collection and Explanation]** Zang Qi said: "Zhu" is a small bird belonging to the quail family. It is also named "Zhu". Zheng Xuan, in his commentary on *Liji* (Book of Rites), listed pheasant, rabbit, quail, and Zhu, considering them as food sources. People often consume them. Li Shizhen said: "Zhu" is a migratory bird. It often crows like a rooster in the morning, urging farmers to harvest wheat; travelers use its calls as an indicator of the agricultural season. *Yi Tong Gua Yan* states that during Lichun (Start of Spring) and Yushui (Rain Water), the quail and an call, which refers to this phenomenon. An and Qu are two different species, though they resemble each other and are both black; however, the one without spots is the An. Nowadays, people generally refer to them collectively as "Anchun" (Quail). According to research: *Xia Xiaozheng* states: "In the third month, field mice transform into Zhu; in the eighth month, Zhu transform back into field mice." The commentary notes: "Zhu is An." *Erya* states: "The offspring of Qu is Zhu; the offspring of Zhu is Qu." The commentary explains: "An belongs to the Qu category. Zhu is An." *Liji* states: "Make soup with An meat, marinated with smartweed." The commentary notes: "Zhu is small and cannot be made into soup alone; it is marinated with wine and smartweed, then steamed and cooked for consumption." Based on these texts, it is clear that Qu and An are two distinct species. Because they both inhabit fields and look similar, people fail to distinguish them. As for Qu, it originates from the transformation of toads and sea fish, eventually hatching from eggs; thus, it has spots and is present throughout the four seasons. As for Zhu (An), it originates from the transformation of mice and eventually returns to being a mouse; thus, it lacks spots and is present only in summer but absent in winter. Since their origins differ, their properties and therapeutic effects should also differ; how can they be confused?

**Meat**

**[Flavor and Nature]** Sweet, neutral, non-toxic.

**[Indications]** Various sores and yin toxins. Boiling and eating it helps dispel heat (Li Shizhen).

(Pronounced "Shu", from *Bencao Shiyi*)

**[Collection and Explanation]** Zang Qi said: "Yu" resembles the quail, has a bluish-gray color and a long beak, making "yu-yu" sounds while in the mud. Villagers claim it is transformed from field frogs and also belong to the quail/an family. The story of "the snipe and the clam holding fast to each other," mentioned by Su Qin, refers to this bird. Li Shizhen said: *Shuowen Jiezi* states: "Yu cries when it knows rain is coming; therefore, those skilled in astronomy wear hats decorated with Yu feathers." Today, there is a small bird in the fields that cries before it rains...

**Meat**

**[Flavor and Nature]** Sweet, warm, non-toxic.

**[Indications]** Tonifies deficiency, greatly warming the human body (Zang Qi).