Page:"Round the world." - Letters from Japan, China, India, and Egypt (IA roundworldletter00fogg 0).pdf/76

 was well known to the people here, for it was called after us from nearly every cottage and hamlet which we passed.

We wind along through shady lanes where the sun’s rays pierce only at intervals, while on the banks above, the pine, evergreen, oak and bamboo are mingled with the bright crimson foliage of the maples; all making a picture of autumnal tints, which in richness and variety, surpass anything I have ever seen. The dark glossy leaves of the camelia, a native of Japan, are frequently seen. It grows wild in the woods, covered with flowers of various colors, some red and single like hollyhocks. Japanese gardeners here attained great skill in cultivating the camelia, which, in America is more frequently called from its native country, the “Japonica.” Very large, double asters and crysonthenums of various colors are seen in the gardens which we pass, and very many other late autumn flowers, the name of which, with my limited knowledge of botany, I cannot give.

But the most beautiful feature of the road is the extent and great variety of the hedges, which, in some places line the path for miles. It is said that nowhere out of England can such hedges be seen, and not even there, in such variety. They are well kept and nicely trimmed in the Dutch style, (which was introduced, perhaps, from Japan to Europe,) Wild-orange, camelia, bamboo, and the tea plant, all give variety to the hedgerows, which enclose fields of rich dark soil, without a pebble or weed. The implements of husbandry are very rude, and not constructed on the labor-saving plan. It is to the credit of Japan that women are seldom seen at work in the fields, their time being devoted to the lighter labors of the household. Large crops are raised, but the land is never allowed to rest, and without any proper succession of crops. It is richly dressed to keep up its fertility. Perhaps perpetuating the same seeds and plants without change may be the cause why many fruits and vegetables are either rank or tasteless. Some one disgusted with Japan has said that, although it is one of the most fertile and beautiful countries in the world, “There the flowers have no scent, the birds no song, the fruit and vegetables no flavor,” To which another triology may be added, which is much more literally true, if not so practical. “Women wear no