Chap. HI. FRUIT-TREES — YEDO VJNE. 57 
Every now and then we came to a farm-house. 
These are generally situated on the dry land at 
the lower sides of the hills, having the wooded hills 
behind them and the rice valleys in front. All 
had thatched roofs like the temples I have already 
noticed, although not built in such an expensive 
and substantial way. In almost every instance a 
species of iris, “ Sho-bu was growing thickly on 
the flattened ridge of the roof, thus giving it a 
rural and not unpleasing appearance. 
On the road-sides, and also in the little gardens 
of the farmers and cottagers, I frequently met with 
the tea-plant in cultivation. It was not cultivated 
largely in this part of the country, but, apparently, 
only in sufficient quantities to supply the wants of 
those around whose houses it was growing. Fruit* 
trees of various kinds were common also on the 
lower sides of these hills, and, generally, in the 
vicinity of the villages. Pears, plums, oranges, 
peaches, chesnuts, loquats, Salisburia nuts, and 
Diospyros kafci , are the most common fruit-trees of 
this district. 
The vine in this part of the country produces 
fruit of great excellence. The bunches are of a 
medium size, the berries of a brownish colour, thin- 
skinned, and the flavour is all that can be desired. 
This grape may be valued in England, where we 
have so many fine kinds, and most certainly will 
be highly prized in the United States of America. 
A few years ago I was travelling from Malta to 
Grand Cairo, in company with Mr. Bryant the 
