Wu Collection, Lower Volume Radical: Stone (shí) Kangxi Strokes: 16 Page 835, Entry 38 Pronounced qi. According to the Analytical Dictionary of Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), it refers to a shallow area in water containing stones. The Commentary on the Classic of Waterways (Shuijing Zhu) notes that in Henzi Pond there is a rocky shoal island, sixty zhang long and eighteen zhang wide. In the Rhapsody on the Imperial Park (Shanglin Fu) by Sima Xiangru, it mentions descending to the gravelly shoals. A note explains that gravelly shoals refer to sand and stones in shallow water. The Compendium of Rhymes (Yunhui) states that in the Wu and Chu regions, this is called a rapid, while in the Central Plains it is called a shoal. It is also used to refer to a desert. Du Fu, in his poem Sending Someone to Join the Army, writes: Now that you cross the desert, for several months you will see no signs of human life. The Correct Meaning Compendium (Zhengzitong) notes that it is sometimes pronounced qi or ze, with the same meaning.