Chap. III. 
CHRYSANTHEMUMS. 
( Ulmus keaki of Siebold). . This is often used in 
the formation of the strong beams which support 
the roofs of these temples. The wood of this tree 
is extremely handsome ; and as all the framework 
is fully exposed to view, this is, of course, a matter 
of great importance. 
On our way home we visited many of the little 
farm-houses which are situated at short intervals 
on the lower sides of the hills ; each had its little 
garden attached to it. In one of these gardens we 
found a very fine collection of chrysanthemums. 
I was most anxious to secure some of them for my 
collections, but, thinking the farmer only cultivated 
them for his pleasure, I did not like to offer him 
money, nor did I care to beg. My scruples were 
soon set at rest by the owner hinting that I might 
have any of them I pleased by paying for them at 
a certain rate. I need scarcely say we soon came 
to terms, and in a very short space of time the 
little farmer, with his flowers on his back, was 
trudging behind us on our way to Kanagawa. 
This was my first purchase in Japan, and I lost no 
time in making the following note, namely, that 
the Japanese were very much like their Chinese 
friends over the water, and that no difficulty was 
so great that it could not be overcome by a little 
liberality. 
My next object was to procure a native of this 
part of the country to assist me with my collec- 
tions, and more particularly to act as a guide. A 
man named Tomi was recommended to me as a 
