2be fflational nurseryman. 
FOR GROWERS AND DEALERS IN NURSERY STOCK 
The National Nurseryman Publishing Co., Incorporated 
Vol. XXIII. ROCHESTER, N. Y., JANUARY, 1915. No. 1. 
JAPAN AND THE JAPANESE 
THEIR LIFE, RESOURCES, ACHIEVEMENTS. INTERESTING 
DETAILS OF AN INTERESTING PEOPLE. 
By James McHutchison 
J APAN, secluded for over two centuries from contact 
with the outside world, was burst open by Commo¬ 
dore Perry’s American Expedition in 1853. Making 
a virtue of necessity, Japan’s rulers soon determined to 
amusements largely adopted. Buddhism and Shintoism 
was discouraged and Christianity encouraged. This 
policy has made Japan what it is to-day—an eastern 
people westernized. 
Shinto Temple near Kamakura, Japan 
Europeanize the country. Ships were bought, foreign 
naval and military instructors engaged, feudalism was 
replaced by a centralized autocracy, education reorgan¬ 
ized on Western methods, mail service, telegraphs and 
railroads introduced, European dress, manners and 
While the Japanese have adopted from all other na¬ 
tions the ideals which suit them best, they are really 
developing along British lines, they are the British of 
the far east. Their insular position makes of them a 
maritime nation. They have a large mercantile marine 
