Fig. 12-7. Water has been the source of life throughout China's history. But China's rivers are treacherous, subject to flooding and catastrophic changes of course in which millions have perished. The rice plant, having been raised from seed, is transplanted in ground flooded to a depth of 2-4 inches. (A) and harvested by hand, penicle by penicle (B). Source: Toynbee 1973