( 8 ) 



Japan differ from those of the west. Here we have 

 the broker as well as the agent. Goods pass from 

 the grower to the agent through the broker, and 

 thence from the agent through another broker to the 

 retail dealer. This process may have some facilities 

 but at the same time it involves considerable disad- 

 vantages. In certian markets this practice has been 

 altered by eliminating the brokers, the markets of 

 Biwajima near Nagoya being cases in point ; but in 

 the larger cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, etc., 

 the broker reigns supreme, and the grower's profits 

 are thereby very much reduced. The agents do not 

 gain much in this business and are considered general- 

 ly to be fairly honest' in their dealings with the grower, 

 but a radical alteration is called for in the matter of 

 brokerage, but as the system is of many year's 

 standing it will probably take some time before a 

 change, is effected. The grower^who is also usually 

 the consignor — generally remains in the country, and 

 he.has generally deficient knowledge on the condi- 

 tion of the market . Thus the agents and brokers 

 are enabled to make large profits. Should the grow- 

 ers' knowledge not advance, the situation may remain 

 forever and he will not be able to compete 

 successfully with the merchant. 

 Special features of Japanese fruits. 



(i.) In respect of the shape, quality, and yield of fruit in 

 Japan it may be stated that it is not inferior to that 

 produced in Europe and America. The use of cover 

 bags induces growths of uniformity in size and shape. 

 Generally speaking, our fruit culture is conducted on 

 a much smaller scale than that of the west and its 

 system is very intensive, in consequence of which 

 our fruits frequently excel in size and shape ; but as to 

 flavour,; aroma, colour etc. they are generally inferior 



