Page:Japanese Physical Training (Hancock).djvu/43

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The Basis of All Strength
15

late years an attempt has been made to introduce white wheat flour into Japan. While a few of the natives have added this to their diet wheat flour is still unpopular. The Japanese find rice more palatable, more healthful, and productive of greater strength and energy. When these little people crave something in the semblance of bread or cake they make most delicious little "pats" with rice flour as the basis.

In one form or another rice finds its way to the Japanese table—or floor—at every meal. Of late years potatoes have found their way into Japan. These tubers are to be found in the markets of all the large cities, but if the Japanese eat them at all they do so mainly as a matter of curiosity. Rice still continues to take the place of white wheat flour and of potatoes. It is the essential thing in the diet of the people of the "Land of the Rising Sun." When making their phenomenal marches Japanese troops often carry no food except a small bag of rice. When practicable, barley and beans are issued in small quantities, though this is done only for the sake of adding variety to the diet. A small handful of rice thrown