266 



There are several very fine collections of tree peonies in the vi- 

 cinity of Tokyo. Famous arbors of wistaria may also be found 

 within comparatively short distances of this citv. The azalea is 

 coninion everywhere in the parks and private gardens. 



Opportunities were also afforded for observing the culture and 

 diseases of various cereals. We commonly think of rice as the 

 main cereal crop of Japan. To a great extent this is true, but a 



Fk;. 6. Iris at Meiji-jingu, Tokyo. 



surprisingly large quantity of both wheat and barley are grown 

 throughout the Main Island. In Alay and early June these arc 

 conspicuous crops, and many areas were visited and ol)servations 

 made as to the occurrence of various diseases. The loose smut of 

 wheat usually occurred in very small quantities; some rust and mil- 

 dew were also observed on this plant. In almost every field of 

 barley the loose smut could be found and, in a few cases, relativel}' 

 high percentages of the plants were infected. On the other hand, 

 the covered smut of barley was comparatively rare. In the north- 

 ern part of the Main Island and in Hokkaido, oats are grown to a 



