Show FLOWER VIEWING IN JAPAN A national custom to make family arx visions vr al along in blossom time it is ia one of the national customs in japan to go out on an excursions in parties of 0 two or three families to view the flowering trees and plants in their season the japanese love all flowers but prefer those to which they look up the flowers of trees they visit the plum blossoms in february or early march the cherry especially beloved in april the lotus in july azaleas during the summer chrysanthemums in the autumn and camellias in december in the pleasure grounds connected with every temple therie there are always magnificent collections of flowers an expedition especially to to see the flowers is called a hanami or tow flower view the bank of the river which crosses the city of tokio is covered with cherry trees these give a pleasant shade and the spot is a favorite promenade for the citizens all the year round but in time of cherry bloom the crowds that throng the avenue are larger than ever it is crow crowded ded on moonlight nights and also when the snow lies freshly fallen being fully alive to the beauty of their country wherever there is a point tram froin which a picturesque view may be obtained the japanese will build a pavilion or a tea house or some similar place of repose from which the eyes xavy anay feast on the lovely landscape ir in the family picnics or excursions cur which are frequent some place of beautiful situation from which there is a good view either of land or sea Is always selected these expeditions ped ions lons are not ilot discontinued even when th the cold cod of winter comes snow scenes are greatly enjoyed eu JoYed and when the freshly fallen snow Is lying on the th e ground mut numerous nerous parties are seen at points commanding a fine view the children are never excluded but accompany their elders on an all such oc callens cas lens st nicholas |