United States Japan Expedition (1852-1854).

U. S. Japan Expedition, directed by Commodore Matthew Perry, sailed in November 1852 for the purpose of opening Japan to foreign trade. A description of new species of plants collected in Japan was prepared by Asa Gray, and published in vol. 2 of the narrative of the expedition.

U. S. North Pacific Exploring Expedition, directed by Captain Ringgold, also explored the China Seas and Japan. New species of phanogamous plants collected by the expedition botanist, Charles Wright, in Japan were described by Gray in American Academy of Arts and Sciences publications.