Rensselaer Republican, Volume 16, Number 10, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 November 1883 — Cultivation of Rice Fields in Japan. [ARTICLE]

Cultivation of Rice Fields in Japan.

There is associated with the cultivation of rice a general impression that deadly diseases are the resultant concomitans. The rice swamps of the Southern States of the Uniop are ever described as the breeding-places of death’, and workers therein are considered the most unfortunate of the great millions of the class who have to labor to live. Undoubtedly the riceproducing sections of the United States are more, prolific of disease and death than any other section of the country; hut here there seems to be as much immunity from the ills of sickness among the rice-tillers as those engaged in any other department of agriculture. The people who cultivate rice every year of their working days show- as finedeveloped bodies and as ruddy countenances as can be seen among those engaged in other occupations. The home of the rice farmer is not in the midst of his fields, but it is placed generally on the ground that is somewhat above the level of the overflowed lands. Isolated farm-houses are the exception and not often seen, but groups of inhabitants are to be found clustered together amidst the generous protection of venerable groves on the skirts of the hills inclosing the valleys. The Japanese is eminently sociable in his character, and he is partial to the companionship of his fellows He is fond of gossip and chat, and an isolated life does not harmonize with his disposition.— Letter from Japan.