Library

(From the "Food" section)

[Names] Gua (from *Erya*), Migua.
Li Shizhen states: According to Luo Yuan, "Mi" refers to its grayish-blue color, resembling a sika deer. "Gualu" refers to its call. In Guanzhong, it is called Gualu; in Shandong, it is called Gua (mispronounced as Cuoluo); in the south, it is called Tongji; and in the Jiang region, it is called Maiji.

[Collected Explanations] Ying states: The Tongji resembles a crane in shape but is larger, lacks a red crest on its head, and has red cheeks.
Li Shizhen states: The Tongji is a waterbird that feeds in fields, marshes, and sandbars. It is as large as a crane, with blue-gray or gray plumage. It has a long neck and high legs, flies in flocks, and can signal the arrival of frost. Some believe it is an ancient bird whose skin can be made into fur coats, similar to the meat of the Feng (phoenix).

[Properties and Flavor] Sweet, warm, non-toxic.

[Therapeutic Actions] Kills parasites, resolves gu poison (Wang Ying).

[Elucidation] Li Shizhen states: Ancients often consumed this bird. Thus, Song Yu wrote in *Xiao Zhao*: "Roasted goose, sour duck, fried swan." Jing Cha wrote in *Da Zhao*: "Roasted gua, steamed duck, dried quail." Today, only rural people eat it.

[Appendix] Li Shizhen states: According to Luo Yuan's *Erya Yi*, this bird has grayish-blue plumage, and its skin can be made into fur coats. It is also known as the Feng (phoenix), alternatively named Tongji.

(From the "Supplementary Records" section)

[Name] Yangya (from *Shiyi*).

[Collected Explanations] Zang Qi states: Yangwu originates from Jianzhou. It resembles a stork but is significantly smaller, with a black body and a long white neck.

[Therapeutic Actions] Burned to ash and taken with wine to treat sores caused by bites from harmful insects (Zang Qi).

(From the "Food" section)

[Name] Fulao (from *Gujin Zhu*), Buzhen (colloquially written as Buzhen).
Li Shizhen states: All birds shed their feathers and become bald in autumn. This bird's head is bald like the autumn landscape, resembling an old man. In ancient texts, "bald" was written as "Tu".

[Collected Explanations] Li Shizhen states: The wingspan of the Buzhen is five to six chi, and it holds its head high. Its beak is deep yellow, flat, straight, and long. When fighting, it prefers to eat fish, snakes, and bird chicks. The *Book of Songs* says, "There is a Buzhen on the beam," referring to this bird. Since the Yuan dynasty entered our dynasty (Ming), regular tributes still included offerings of this bird. According to *Yinshan Zhengyao*, there are three types of Buzhen: white, black, and spotted. They are named Buzhen. Furthermore, according to Jing Huan's *Xiantan*, the sea bird Buzhen is the current Buzhen. This description aligns with Wu Ji's statement in the Huan clan records that "the small one resembles a wren." In years of famine, Buzhen sometimes fly near markets, causing people to feel strange and alarmed, which is similar to the reaction of the people of Lu when they encountered something unusual.

[Properties and Flavor] Salty, slightly cold, non-toxic. *Yinshan Zhengyao* states: Sweet, warm.

[Therapeutic Actions] Treats poisoning from insects and fish (Wang Ying).
Tonifies the middle jiao and qi, greatly benefiting the human body; roasted meat is particularly delicious. Consumed as jerky, it strengthens physical power, enabling one to run as fast as a galloping horse (Li Shizhen. From *Yinshan Zhengyao*, *Gujin Zhu*, and *Qinjing*).

[Marrow]
[Properties and Flavor] Sweet, warm, non-toxic.
[Therapeutic Actions] Tonifies essence and marrow (*Yinshan Zhengyao*).

[Beak]
[Therapeutic Actions] Treats fish bone stuck in the throat (Wang Ying).

[Feathers]
[Therapeutic Actions] Resolves toxicity from aquatic insects (Li Shizhen. From *Piya*).