两访中国茶乡

After the first Opium War, British botanist Robert Fortune made multiple trips to China to collect plant resources, including tea plants. He later wrote a book detailing his two trips to China in 1843 and 1848. In this book, he elaborates on the cultivation and processing methods of Chinese tea plants, as well as Chinese horticulture, botanical characteristics, distribution, and tea culture. Most of his descriptions, however, focus on his fascinating experiences in China. Although he expresses skepticism and biases towards certain aspects of Chinese culture, as he gains a deeper understanding of China, he conveys his admiration and amazement towards Chinese natural scenery and culture. Fortune was not a missionary, but one of the earliest foreigners to venture into the Chinese interior. Therefore, his observations of Chinese culture provide a unique perspective distinct from those of the missionaries.

作者简介

福琼（RobertFortune，1812-1880），苏格兰植物学家，曾先后四次来到中国及远东地区。1842年中英《南京条约》后福琼受英国皇家园艺学会的派遣，来到中国从事植物采集。