Chen Collection, Middle Volume Radical: Tree (mù) Character: Ji Kangxi Stroke Count: 13 Page 541, Entry 03 Pronounced jie. Shuowen Jiezi says it refers to an oar for a boat. Yupian defines it as a tool for navigating a boat. Jied and ji are variant forms. Classic of Changes (Yijing), Treatise on the Appended Statements says: Hollowing out wood to make boats, and sharpening wood to make oars. The benefit of boats and oars is to traverse that which is impassable. Book of Documents (Shangshu), Charge to Yue says: As if crossing a great river, use yourself as the boat and oar. Shiming defines it: Ji means fast. It is used to push water so the boat moves quickly. The commentary notes that it is used to propel a boat. Book of Odes (Shijing), Greater Odes says: On the Jing River, the troops row them. Yang Xiong, Dialects (Fangyan) states: An oar is called rao. Some also call it zhao. Also describes the appearance of forest trees. Lu's Commentaries (Lushi Chunqiu), Discourse on Illuminating Principles says: Its essence is like the oars of a mountain. Pronounced ji. Same meaning as above. Also interchangeable with ji. History of the Former Han (Qian Hanshu), Biography of Er Kuan says: Personally manifesting sagely virtue, to gather the multitude of origins. Chen Zan says: Ji should be written as ji. Pronounced ji. Means to gather.