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''"■ In rdcks of this category a high percentage of lime, 

 potash and soda has always been found. Their absorptive 

 capacity being moderate, it remains generally inferior in 

 tej^tufe, but they can be improved by 'artificial means, and 

 seem promising for fruit culture. 



Soils of trachite origin resemble in every respect those of 

 granite. They are heavier, and lower in absorptive capacity. 

 The physical texture is rather inferior to that of granitic soil 

 but cant)e improved and turned useful for fruit growing. 



2. SOILS FROM PLUTONIC ROCKS.: 



Soils derived' from granite and quartz-porphyry are the 

 principal ones of Plutonic origin. They occupy large areas in 

 the south-west part of this country. Alluvial soils of the' same 

 source are also extensive. Lands of this origin have iiiostly 

 large inclinations, that is, only 15^ of the whole area is flat 

 arable lind. Moreover, in south-west Japan where the land is 

 scarce in proportion to the dense population, hillsides witfi 

 iriore than .15 degrees of inclttiation have already been cul- 

 tivated -and planted with peaches, pears, plums aiid apples. 

 Besides, there are usually tea and mulberry plantations: in sucifi 

 [)laces. '^■^-' -J-' :'■■ '-''■ ''' ■ ■'•- ■ '■'■ ■'- ■ -■ ' ■-.■■--_ — - .•• - ■ - -- 



• Soils of grariite and quartz-porphyfy'- origin diffOT 'tri 

 fertility as well as in texture, but the rnajority of them are 

 loairiy and rather sandy but hot clayey. Generally speaking, 

 they are poor in fertilising elements; but are highly productive 

 on account of their good physical properties! The bfest kinds 

 of rice are always produced in soils of this category, which 

 also 'produce fruits of good qualities. The trees fruit with the 

 utmost ease, but the fruits tend to dwindle away while rather 

 young if not subjected to proper management. They are also 

 likely to suflf8r froth serious droughts in summer 'without 

 mulch. Usually, the summits of tiiese hills are thinly wooded 

 or quite' bare, "Tourists arc pleased with the picturesque 

 landscape ofthe famous Inland'Sea Region, Roclty islands 



