***The 49th day of studying "Long Things" June 25, 2022
Volume 3 "Water, Stone, Waterfall"
Question Solution
The waterfall is naturally formed due to the sudden and nearly vertical fall of the flowing river water. The cliff causing the falling water continues to collapse under the strong impact of the water flow, causing the waterfall to retreat upstream
Lowering the height eventually causes the waterfall to disappear naturally. The river bed is too flat to form a waterfall, and the formation of waterfall wonders requires encountering cliffs.
Wen Zhenheng mentioned two methods of creating artificial waterfall water sources in gardens: one is to use natural rainwater as the water source, and the other is to artificially store water on the top of the mountain. Obviously, he likes to use rainwater to create waterfalls. When it rains, it can form a great spectacle, and it is elegant and natural. In fact, artificial waterfalls are no longer natural, and it is not easy to divert mountain spring water to form waterfalls in gardens.
Original text
It is a little easier to lead a spring from a high place to a waterfall in a mountain house. To do this in a garden, one must cut bamboos of different lengths and slide them along the eaves①, and connect them secretly Hidden in a stone quarry ②, use an ax to split the stone to make it high ③, dig a small pond underneath to receive water, and place a forest of stones underneath it. In the rain, it can make the flying spring thin ④ and make a gurgling sound ⑤, which is also a strange thing. It is especially suitable to sit under the pine trees among the bamboos, shaded by green onions, which makes it even more beautiful. There are also those where water is stored on the top of a mountain, and when guests go to the gate, the water pours directly from the sky. It is not as elegant as carrying it in the rain. The cover is always man-made, which is especially close to nature.
Notes
①Eaves Liu: Water flowing from the eaves.
②Shi Feng (xià): the gap in the stone.
③Axe to split stone: This refers to rockery stone.
④濆(pēn) thin: impulse, agitation.
⑤Chányuán: water flow.
Translation
In rural mountain residences, it is easier to lead mountain springs down from high to form waterfalls. If you want to do this in the garden, you need to use bamboos of different lengths to connect the eaves. The flowing water is introduced into the rock gaps covertly, and rockery stones are overlapped to build a high base. A small pool is dug below to receive the water, and some stones are placed in the pool. When it rains, the springs can surge and the flowing water gurgling, which is also a great spectacle. It is especially suitable to be under the pine trees among the bamboos, shaded by greenery, which makes it even more impressive. Some people also store water on the top of the mountain. When guests arrive, they open the sluice and the water flows down from high altitude. However, it is not as elegant as receiving the water in the rain, because the water storage on the top of the mountain is always man-made, and the water flowing in the rain is close to nature.
Volume 3 "Water and Stone, Drilling Wells"
Solution to the problem
In the ancient Feng Shui theory, there are many taboos in digging wells, which pay attention to the date, location, etc., but Wen Zhenheng did not speak from a secular practical point of view, but from an aesthetic point of view, advocating digging wells under bamboo forests, setting up windlass to draw well water, and designing simple and elegant well railings. Interestingly, at the end of the article, Wen Zhenheng made it clear that the well water has gods, and suggested that spring water should be used to worship it during festivals. Regardless of whether there are gods or not, the ancients did believe that well water could bring blessings. Although Wen Zhenheng said that well water has a peculiar smell and should not be cooked, Li Shizhen's "Compendium of Materia Medica" of the Ming Dynasty recorded that well water can relieve heat and detoxify, and drinking more of it has many benefits for the human body.
Original text
The well water has a turbid smell and cannot be used for cooking. However, it is indispensable for watering flowers, washing bamboo, and wiping with washers and inkstones. The well must be dug under a bamboo tree ① so that the spring veins can be seen deep, and a windlass must be placed above it to draw water ② . If not, a small pavilion must be built to cover it. The ancient name of the stone balustrade is "Silver Bed" ③. The largest one made in the old system was placed on top of it. There is a spirit in the well. You can place a hard stone next to the well, carve a small niche, and offer a cup of clear spring when you are lucky.
Notes
① Bamboo tree: Bamboo and trees.
②Wind (lùlú): A drum-shaped wooden axle with a handle and a rope, mostly used for lifting and drawing water.
③Silver bed: well railing.
④ Age: one year, four seasons. Years, years. time, the four seasons of spring, summer, autumn and winter.
Translation
Well water has a bad taste and cannot be used for cooking and drinking, but it is indispensable for watering flowers, trees, bamboos, and washing inkstones and tables. The well should be dug under a bamboo forest or tree, and the spring water should be dug deep. A windlass should be set above to draw the well water, or a small pavilion can be built to cover it.
The stone railings were called "silver beds" in ancient times. They were the largest and simplest of the old ones and were placed on the well platform. There is a spirit in the well. You can place hard rocks beside the well, carve a small shrine, and offer a cup of clear spring during festivals. This is also very sentimental.