You Collection, Lower Volume Radical: Dragon (chén) Kangxi stroke count: 13 Page 1252 Ancient forms include nung and chen. According to the Tang Rhyme (Tangyun) and Collected Rhymes (Jiyun), the pronunciation is nong. According to the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen), it means to plow or to sow. In the Book of Documents (Hongfan), it states: In agriculture, eight governmental policies are employed. The commentary explains: Agriculture is that by which people's livelihoods are enriched. In the Rites of Zhou (Zhouli), section on Heavenly Officials, Grand Minister: Assign the myriad people through nine professional duties. The first is the three categories of agriculture to produce the nine types of grain. The commentary explains: The three categories of agriculture are mountain agriculture, marsh agriculture, and level-land agriculture. In the Zuo Tradition (Zuo Zhuan), ninth year of Duke Xiang: The common people exert their strength in farming and harvesting. The commentary explains: Sowing is called nong, and gathering is called se. Also, Shennong is the title of the ancient Flame Emperor. In the History of the Former Han (Qianhan), treatise on food and money: Opening land and planting grain is called nong. The Flame Emperor taught the people to plant grain, hence he was called the Shennong clan, which means that his agriculture was divine. Additionally, the Wanshan clan had a son named Nong who could plant the hundred grains, and later generations therefore named farmers and peasants nong. Also, Minister of Agriculture is an official title. In the History of the Former Han (Qianhan), treatise on officials: During the Qin dynasty, it was called the Commandant of Grain, but in the reign of Emperor Jing of Han, it was changed to Grand Minister of Agriculture. Also, Hongnong is the name of a commandery. In the History of the Former Han (Qianhan), geography treatise commentary: Established in the fourth year of the Yuanding reign period of Emperor Wu. Also, a surname. According to the Comprehensive Customs (Fengsutong), a descendant of the Shennong clan. Also rhyming with nang (level tone). In Pan Yue's Ode on Plowing the Fields (Jitian Song): Thinking happily of the royal domain, lightly gathering its fragrance. The great ruler has arrived, to perform the rites of plowing. Also rhyming with nao (level tone). In Shu Xi's Rhapsody on Encouraging Agriculture (Quannong Fu): In the administration of the hundred li, each district is distinguished and departments are separated. Examining the performance of those who fulfill their duties in governing the people, none is better than the joyous agriculture.