48 
TEMPLE OF BOKENGEE. 
Chap. III. 
contrary, the specimens met with in the vicinity of 
Kanagawa and Yedo were in many instances fully 
one hundred feet in height. However, as Siebold 
says that “he saw it cultivated in gardens,” he 
probably had no opportunity of seeing a full-grown 
specimen. It is a tree of great beauty and interest. 
It has broad leaves of a deep green colour, arranged 
in whorls, each somewhat like a parasol, and is 
quite unlike any other genus amongst conifers. In 
general outline it is of a conical form, not spread- 
ing, and the branches and leaves are so dense that 
the stem is completely hidden from the view. It is 
impossible to say, until we have further experience, 
whether this fine tree will prove hardy in our 
English climate ; but if it does so, it will be a very 
great acquisition to our list of ornamental pines. 
The principal hall or temple of Bokengee is not 
remarkable either for its size or for its idols. But 
the hill-side is covered with small detached build- 
ings, which appear to he not only residences but 
also seminaries for the Buddhist priesthood. These 
houses are situated in the midst of pretty gardens, 
each of which contains neat specimens, well culti- 
vated, of the ornamental flowers of the country, and 
is surrounded with hedges kept neatly clipped and 
trimmed. The whole place is kept in the highest 
order, the broad walks are daily swept, and not a 
weed or dead leaf is to be seen anywhere. 
At a highe? elevation there are some large 
temples, which seem to be kept always closed. 
They are rather rough wooden buildings ; but like 
