414 CONSUMTTION OF WATER IN RICE FIERDS. 



(2) The constant gain of heat by condensation on the part of 

 the soil. 



(3) The comparatively small loss of heat from evaporation due 

 to the wet condition of the air. 



It is for these reasons that such a tropical plant as rice has a 

 relatively wide distribution in Japan, and forms the staple product 

 of the country. 



