I am more inclin'd to believe, that their Journey was more to the South, and perhaps along the North-side of the Imaasian Mountains, where the Country is very fruit ful, with rich pastures, and plenty of sweet water, and fish, and other necessaries of life, and where they were like to meet either the source, or else some of the branches of the large river Croceus, which could con veniently and safely bring them into the very heart of China.

But now at last it is high time to make a step backwards, and to fetch the first Japanese Colony from the Caspian Shores, where we left them above, on their Journey to Japan. If we suppose, that for some time they travell'd along the East, and North Eastern, Coasts of the Caspian Sea till they came to the Island Mienkisilaag, and that thence they follow'd up some of the Rivers, which there discharge themselves into the said Sea, we will find, that by this means they got into a large and fruitful Country, extending itself far E:astwards, and very proper, by reason of its happy situation and great fertility, for the leisurely and easily pursuing of their Journey. Considering this it will not appear improbable further to suppose, that having once met with so good and pleasant a Country, where there was no want of provision for them and their cattle, they resolv'd to keep to it, avoiding to enter the hot, desart and barren Provinces, now inhabited by the Turkesteaans, on one, or on the other side to go down the rivers Istisi, Jenesi, Silinga and others, which arise thereabouts, and would have brought them to the less agreeable and cold Northern Countries. Thus moving on insensibly East ward, they perha'ps discover'd in time the Lake of Arguun, whence arises a large river of that name, andL continuing their Journey along the said river, for very near an    [091]    hundred German Miles, they must have necessarily met there another much more considerabIe river, call'd Amuur, which runs E. S. E. and could, in a Journey of about 200 German Miles, bring them to the Eastern coasts of Asia into the then uninhabited Peninsula Corea, where the said River Ioses itself to the Eastern Ocean. Perha s also if our TravelIers went down the river Jenisi fCr about 150 German Miles, to 55 degrees of Northern Latitude? they might have there discover'd a much more commodlous and pieasant way to the River Amuur, which hath been of late very advantageously folElow'd by the Muscovites in their Journeys to China. But as to the whole plan of this Journey, I must refer the Reader to the accurate and excellent map of Russia, and the great Tartary, which the late illustrious Nicholaus Witzen, L. L. D. Burgher-master at Amsterdam, and sometimes the States Ambassador to the Russian Court, publish'd in and thereby so highly oblig'd the curious, that he Justly deserves the honours due to discoverers of unknown worlds. This Map was afterwards corrected in some places, and abridg'd by Mr. Isbrand Ydes, who prefix'd it to the account he imparted to the worId of his Journey through Tartary into China.

Having once brought our Japanese Colony as far asthe PeninsuIa Corea, it will be no difficult matter, considering the nearness of Nagatto, the furthermost province, lying Westwards on the continent of the great Island Nipon, to bring them over thither, and this the rather because of the several Islands, which lie between Corea and Nagatto in an aimost continued row, particularly the two larger ones, Iki, and Tsussima: For it is but 8 reasonable to suppose, that a Colony, which had had courage enough to venture so far upon their first Pere grination, and which had been often necessitated not only to have recourse to lakes and rivers, but frequently to cross the same, had natural curiosity enough left, in still and fair weather, to go out in Canes or Boats, such as then probably they made use of, upon discovery of the state and extent of the Corean Sea, and the neighbouring Islands; and that having by this means discover'd the continent of Nipon, they resolv'd to go over thither, which they might easily do, even in ordinary Fisher-boats, and to chuse that Country for their future abode. Nowif any body knows how to bring them hither thro' the Eastern Tartary and the Coulltry of Jeso, (which way perhaps the American Colonies went) safer and speedIer, I am very willing to submit. Mean while I do not think it probable, that our Japanese Colony made any considerable stay upon these Western Coasts of Nipon. Their innate curiosity and travelling humour, and perhaps also the fearN of being follow'd and disturb'd by other parties, must needs have prompted them to travel up the Country, till they came to its Southern extremities, and particularly into the province Isje, which by reason of its fruitfulness, good air, and remoteness from the Western Coasts, fullv answer'd all the expectations of a    [092]    secure and pleasant abode. I am the more inclined to believe, that they first settled in this Province, since their posterity still look upon it, as the place where their ancestors dwell'd, and as such honour it with fiequent pilgrimages and other acts of devotion. Thus far my conjectures, for as such only I deliver them, concerning the true original descent of the Japanese Nation.

Before I put an end to this Chapter, it will not be amiss to say something of the increase of this first Japanese Colony, after they had once taken the resolution to stay, and to people the Country, where doubtless for several ages, before any considerable improvements were made in - agriculture, and other arts and sciences, they led a simple and indigent life, living on their Cattle, on what the earth produced of plants, roots and fruits, and the Sea aflTorded of fish and crabs. It was unquestionably and chiefly owing to themselves, that in success of time they became so numerous and powerfill a Nation, and the present Inhabi tants of Japan must be look'd upon in general, as descendants of those, who, after the confusion of languages at Babel, came over and settled in these Islands. But on the other hand it cannot be denied, but that from time to time new Colonies were sent over thither, chielRy from China and Corea, and perhaps also from some other neigh bouring Countries. The Japanese themselves make frequent mention in their Histories of learned Chillese, who brought over illtO Japan their books, and the knowledge of usefill arts alld sciences, though not till the latter Ages, when the Japanese Monarchy was already become a powerful Empire. And indeed since so few foreign words have been brought into the Japanese language, that it is hardly visible, that there hath been anv alteration at alI made in it, and since the religion and oid customs subsist tiII now, it appears pIainly, that whatever foreign Colonies did from time to time voluntarily, or by chance, come over into Japan, their number must have been very inconsiderabIe with regard to the bulk of the Japanese Nation.

Considering further, that the Islands of Japan areencompass'd with a dangerous and stormy Sea, it is highly probable, that from time to time Ships coming from foreign Countries stranded upon the Japanese coasts, and that, if any of the Ships company were fortunate enough to save their lives, they chose rather to stay in Japan, and to settle among the Natives, than to trust themselves again to the mercy of the Sea, and to run the hazard of a perillous return Into their own Country. Though navigation by this time be highly improved, yet the like accidents still happen very frequently, and there is hardly a vear, but some Ships are forc'd upon the Coasts of Japan, coming sometimes from Countries either so remote, or so entirely unknown, that scarce any conjectures can be made about them' neither by the Shape, nor the language and customs of the Ships company. Several remarkable instances of such accidents are recorded in Japanese Histories.    [093]    The Japanese having some Centuries ago accidentally discover'dthe Island Genkaisima, situate to the North of Japan found it inhabited, as their Histories relate, by Oni, that is, Black Devils, which they prosecuted with War, and having purg'd the Island from this Vermin, as they call it, they peopled it with a Colony of their own. It is highly probable, that these Blacks had been forc'd upon the coasts of this then uninhabited Island in a storm. It is further observ'd in the History of this war, that they wore long hairs spread over their shoulders, and that they had a strange sort of houshold goods, as among the rest high European Hats. As to the Japanese calling them Devils, we need not in the least wonder at it, considering either eheir black colour, or the natural pride of the Japanese Nation, which so far despises all other Countries, as to call them UmaKokf, that is, the Countries of Devils. Otherwise, what Countrymen these Blacks had been, is not very difficult to conjecture, by their wearing long hairs, by their irniture, and some other circumstances; and I don'tbelieve to impose upon any body, if I assert that they have been Malagans. It is welI known, that the Malagans to this day are extreamly fond of their own halr, and delighted with wearing them of a considerable length, beyond any other of the black nations of Asia. Besides, they had in former times by much the greatest trade in the Indies, and frequented with their merchant-ships not only all the coasts of Asia, but ventur'd over even to the coasts of Africa, particularly to the great Island of Madagascar. The title, which the King of the Malagans assumed to himself, of Lord of the Winds and Seas to the East and to the West, is an evident proof of this, but much more the Malagan language, which spread most all over the East, much after the same manner, as formerly the Latin, and of late the French, did all over Europe. The high Hats, which were found among the Housholdgoods of these Blacks, must have been brought out of Europe, they having never been fabricated any where else. It was an ancient custom of most Eastern Princes (which subsists till now in the Kingdoms of Cambodia, Siam, Pegu, and some others) to present their prime ministers of statey and chief favourites with such hats, as tokens of their particular favour, and they alone had the privilege of wearing them, as singular badges of honour. They were formerly brought out of Europe by Land to Ormus, and from thence exported all over the East by the Malagans, Armenians, and other trading nations; but after the Portuguese had discover'd a new way to the Indies, round the Cape of Good-hope, they exported them from Surope (where they are I1OW out of fashion) directly by Sea. Now whether there was not alllong these black Inhabitants of Genkaisima, some great Man, who receiv'd these hats from his Prince, or whether they fell by some other accident into their hands, is not material to enquire. There 1S also mention made in Japanese Histories of black Inhabstants, who were found in    [094]    some of the Islands lying to the South of Japan, and who in all probability must have been, either Malagan Merchants, or else Inhabitants of some of the Molucca Islands, who having been forced thither in a storm, and finding them uninhabited, resolv'd to stay and to people them. Not long before my arrival, and during my stay in Japan, several Ships stranded UpOll the Coasts coming from remote and unknown Countries In this case all the Ships Company, as well those, that remain alive, as the bodles of such as are drown'd, when thrown on shore, and all the Ship's tackle, and the boat, if any, must be brought up to Nagasaki, as the place appointed for a general inquiry into maritime afFairs. The Governours of this place examine into all the most minute circumstances of the unhappy accident, with that care and Zealous circumspection, which is peculiar only to this Nation, and in order to discover, if possible, what Country the Ship came from and what Language those, that saved their lives, speak, this Examination is sometimes made in presence of the Dutch Resident, who did me the favour upon these occasions, to carry me along with him. It is a duty incumbent on every Prince of the Empire) to take care, ln case any Ships strand upon the Coasts of his Province, that they be sent up, as aSoresaid, to Nagasaki, which ts commonly, out of respect for the Emperor, done with great expence. Not long ago a Jonk coming fiom Manilhas, on board which were some Topassians, a sort of black Christians, was wreck'd upon the Coasts of Satzuma. Most of the Ship's Company were drown'd, some died on shore, and only three were brought up alive to Nagasaki, the last of whom died there in prison, after halring taken some physick, order'd him by a Japanese Physitian. Of another Ship, which stranded upon the same Coasts, only three black Sailors were saved, which could not pronounce one distinct word, besides that of Tobacco; after having lain for sometime in prison, they were deliver'd to us, to be transported on board our Ships. Another Ship was brought to :Nagasaki, which had been forc'd upon the Northern Coasts of Japan, without any body on board. The odd uncommon structure of this vessel, and the remains of three Chinese Characters upon the stern, made the Japanese conjecture, that it came firom the extremities of Jeso. Not long ago another Ship perish'd upon the Coasts of the Island Rluku, and only two of the company were sav'd, which were brought first to Satzuma, and from thence to Nagasaki, with a convoy of eight barges, which must have put the Prince of Satzuma at the expence of some thousand Rixdollars. They were well shap'd comely persons, and had their heads shav'd much after the manner of the Polanders, no beards, and three holes in each Ear. They shew'd by their decent and civil behaviour, and free, but modest, appearance, a tolerable education, and a good clear understanding, by endeavouring to give the Japanese some notions of the number, situation and largeness of the Islands, from whence they came, which they did by    [095]    putting stones of difFerent sizes upon a Table, calling each by its name; among the rest, that Island, where they liv'd themselves, was by them call'd Patan. We had reason to apprehend, that the good understanding and quick apprehension they shew'd, when under examination, would be the occasion of their imprisonment for life at Nangasaki If we believe thet Japanese, there is another unknown nation, and very different from theirs, as to their customs, shape and language, which inhabits the IsIand Kubitesima, one the most Northern Islands belonging to Japan. They describe them as PJrgmies, and from thence call the whole Island the Pygmey-Island. What extraction they be of, and how they came to inhabit this Island, I will leave to themselves to determine. I will only add on this head, that the first European Ship, which came into Japan, was a Portugueze Merchant-ship, forc'd thither accidentally in a storm.

Upon the whole, the wide diflierence which is still observ'd between the Japanese Inhabitants of several Provinces, as to their shape, seems to argue strongly, that from time to time, diferent and new branches were grafted 0 into the original Tree of this Nation. For although the Japanese in the main, particularly the common People of Nlpon, be of a very ugly appearance, short siz'd, strong thick-legg'd, tawny, with flattish noses, and thick eye-lids, (tho' the eyes stand not so deep in the forehead, as in the Chi nese,) ye t the descendan ts of the elde st an d noble st families, of the Princes and Lords of the Empire, have somewhat more majestick in their shape and countenance, being more like the Europeans. The Inhabitants of the Provinces Satzuma, Oosijmi, and Fiuga, are of a middle size, strong, couragious, and manly, otherwise civil and polite. The same is observ'd of the Inhabitants of some of the Northern Provinces in the great Island Nipon, excepting those of the great Province Osju, who are said to be beyond others cruel and unmerciful. The Inhabi tants of some Provinces of SaiKokf, particularly of Fisen, are short, slender, but well shap'd, of a good handsome appearance, and extreamly polite. The InEabitants of the great Island Nipon, parhcularly of its Eastern Provinces are known from others by their big heads, flat noses, and musculous fleshy compIexion.

Now to close this Chapter, and to sum up in a few words, what hath been therein largely dwelt on, it appears; that in the first Ages of the World, not long atter the Deluge, when the confusion of languages at Babel oblig'd the Babylonians to drop their design of building a Tower of uncommon height, and occasion'd their being dispers'd all over the World, when the Greeks, Goths and Slavonians departed for Europe, others for Asia and Africa, others for America, that then the Japanese also set out on their Journey: That in all probability after many years travelling, and many incommodities endur'd, they alighted at this remote part of the World; that, being welI pleas'd with its situation and fruitfulness, they resolv'd to chuse it for the place of their    [096]    abode; that in all likelihood they spent many Centuries in a polyarchical way of Life, such as is led to this day by the Tartars, living in hoords, and wandering with their Cattle and Families up and down the Country; that being insensibly, and by degrees, grown to be a numerous and powerfill Nation, they thought it expedient for the good of the Country, and for their own safety, to deliver up the Government into the hands of one Prince, and chuse for their first Monarch the valiant Dsin Mu Ten Oo; that consequently they are an original Nation, no ways indebted to the Chinese for their descent and existence, and that, tho' they receiv'd Som them several usefill Arts and Sciences, as the Latins did fiom the Greeks, yet they were never made subject, and conquer'd, neither by them, nor by any other neighbouring Nation.

Chap. Vll. Of the Origine of the Japanese, according to their own fabulous Opinion.

The Japanese trave their Origine from their Deitics.

He Japanese fancy themselves highly afronted by the endeavours of some, who busy themselves to draw the original descent of their Nation from the Chinese, or others of their Neighbours. They pretend, that they arose within the compass of their own lS:mpire, tho' not out of the Earth, like Mice and Worms, as the proud Athenians, for that same reason, were upbraided with, by that Cynic Diogenes. They claim a birth much higher and nobler, and esteem themselves no less than OMsprings of their very Deities, whom otherwise they don't look upon as eternal, but suppose, that in the first motion of the Chaos, out of which aK things were form'd, their Gods also were brought forth by its invisible Power. They have tWo I tgo. dilTering Genealogies of their Deities. The first is a succession of Celestial Spirits, of Beings absolutely free firom all manner of mixture with corporeal Substances, who rul'd the Japanese World during an undetermin'd and incomprehensible Series of Centuries. The second is a race of Terrestrial Spirits, or Godmen, who were not possess'd of that pure Being peculiar only to their Predecessors. They govern'd the Japanese Empire by a Iineal succession, each a long, but limited, number of years, till at last they begot tlut third race of Men, which Japan is now inhabited by, and who have nothing left of the purity and perfiections of their divine Progenitors. It will not be amiss, as a filrther proof of what I advance, here to insert the names of these two successions of Deities, taken out of their own Writings. The names of the first succession are purely metaphorical, and the only thing mention'd of it in their Historical Books, for there is no account given, neither of their    [097]    Lives and Actions nor of their Government. They succeeded each other in the following Order.

Ten d Sin Sitzi Dai, that is, the Succession of the seven great Spiritual Gods.

1 Kuni toko Dat sij no Mikotto.

2. Kuni Satsu Tsij no Mikotto.

3. Tojo Kun Nan no Mikotto.

These three Gods had no Wives; but the four following of the same Succession were married, and begot each his Successor by his Wife, tho' in a manner far beyond the reach of human understanding. These were,

4. Utsij Nino Mikotto, and his Wife Sufitsi Nino Mikotto.

5. Oo Tono Tsino Mikotto, Oo Toma fe no Mikotto

6. Oo mo Tarno Mikotto, Oo si Wote no Mikotto.

7. Isanagi no Mikotto, Jsanami no Mikotto.

These seven Gods are by them represented as Beings purely Spiritual, and the Histories of their Lives asid Governments as Dreams. The real existence of such a time, when such spiritual Beings governed the Japanese World, is what they religiously beSeve, tho' at the same time they own, that it is far above their understanding to conceive how it happen'd, and entirely out of their power to determine how long their Government Iasted.

The last of the first succession Isanagi Mikotto, and his Wife Isanami Mikotto, are held in peculiar veneration by the Japanese, as being the progenitors of the second succession of God-men, of whom issued the third race of the now existing Inhabitants of Nipon. tMikotto is an Epithet peculiar only to the first succession of Spiritual Gods, and signifies the incomprehensible bliss and happi ness of these first Monarchs of Japan: Sometimes however they will bestow it on such of the inferior Gods, for whom they have a peculiar veneration.) Those of the Japanese, who turn'd Christians, call'd them their Adam and Eve. They are said to have liv'd in the province Isje, thouch it is not known in what particular part of that Province they were born, liv'd or died. They observe only, that this - preadamitical Adam, (if I may have leave thus to call him) was the first, who, taught by the Example of the 13ird Sekire, or according to the vulgar, Isitataki, lay with his Wife in a carnal manner and begot by her sons and daughters of a nature excellent indeed, and far superior to ours, but greatly below that of the divine Beings, of which they sprung. Isanami's first-born Son, and the first of the second succession of God-men, is supposed by the very law of primogeniture, to have been entitled to a superiority    [098]    over his Brothers and Sisters, upon which, and a lineal descent from him, is grounded the right, the Dairi's or Ecclesiastical Hereditary Emperor's eldest Sons claim to the Crown of Japan, upon their Father's demise. This second Succession is call'd,

Dsi Sin Go Dai; that is, the Succession of five Terrestrial Gods, or God-men, who are

I. Tensio Dai Dsin, in the language of the learned, and Ama Teru Oon Gami in that of the vulear. The characters, whereby this name is express'd, signiry, a great Splrlt streaming out celestial Rays. He is the first-born Son of Isanagi, and the only one that left Children behind him. For 'twas his posterity, Creatures not of a mean extraction, but of an excellent and almost divine nature who inhabited the Country for many millions of years, tili they begot the third race of its present short living Inhabitants. All the Japanese, without exception, look upon themselves as immediate descendants of Tensio Dai Dsin, because they say, that all his younger Brothers left the world without issue. But particularly the Ecclesiastical hereditary Emperor grounds his right to the Empire, (which is of late gone over into SecuSar hands, he himself having preserved nothing but his title, and a shadow of his former power and grandeur) upon a lineal descent from Tensio Dal-Dsin's first-born Son, and so down. Tensio Dai Dsin committed not only during his reign many noble and heroick actions, but e+ren after he left this world, as is recorded in Japanese Histories, he sufficiently prov'd by many miracles, and manifested himself to be the most powerfill of all the Gods of the Country, the very life soul, light, and supreme Monarch of nature. For this reason he is devoutly worship'd by all the faithfill adherents of the old Japanese Religion, as it was of old establish'd in Japan. And the adherents of all other Sects, even their greatest Philosophers, and Atheists, shew a particular regard and veneration for his name and memory, as that of their first Parent. Devout pilgrimages are made yearly, by the Japanese of all ranks and quallties, to the Province where he lived, and where there is a Temple erected to his memory. Nor is there any province, or town, throughout the Empire, but what has at least one TempIe, where TenS10 Dal DS111 1S worshipp'd, and in hopes of obtaining by his power and assistance great temporal blessings, worship'd with much more assiduity and devotion, than any other of their Gods. There is otherwise no mention made in Japanese Histories of his Wife, nor of the Wives of his successors, and their names are entirely lost to Posterity. After some hundred thousands of years Tensio Dai Dsin was succeeded by his eldest Son

2. Oosiwo ni no Mikotto, or with his full title, MAssai Ja su Katz Katz fai ja fi Amani Oosi woni no Mikotto. His successor was    [099]     

3. NinIkino Mikotto, or with his full title, Amatsu fiko fiko Fono ni NinIki no Mikotto. He was succeeded by

4. De mi no Mikotto, or with his full title, Fikofoo foo De mi no Mikotto. He was succeeded by

5. Awase Dsu no Mikotto, or with his full title, Tuki Magisa Take Ugei Jakussa fuki awadsi Dsuno Mikotto. With him ends tliis Second, or Silver-age as one might call it, of the Japanese world. Something more shall ie said on this head in the first Chapter of the second Book. The names of the five terrestrial Gods of this second succession are express'd in Fig. 73.

These are the two Successions of divine and half divine Beings, from whence the Japanese draw the original descent of their nation. The account they give how these Gods were created, and how they begot each other, is no less chimerical and fabulous. The first of the seven great Celestial Spirits, they say, was the very first thing that arose out of the Chaos, being its purest and invisibSe part and power. His Son and Meir went out of him in a manner beyond the reach of human understanding, or as some pretend to explain it, and to make it intelliglble, by - the motion and active power of the Heavens, and sub - celestial Elements. Thus were begot the seven great Celestial Spirits of the first succession. 'Twas the last of them, who, knowing his Wife in a carnal manner, begot the second succession of God-men, of Beings half divine, and half human. These, though they fell far short of the perfection of their progenitors, yet by virtue of those divine qualities, they had still left them, they preserv'd their lives, and continued the succession of their Govern ment upon their Posterity, which they begot in a more comprehensible manner, for an immemorial time, far exceeding the term human life is llO+V limited to. At last all expired in the Person of Awase Dsuno, the last of this second race, who himself became the first parent of the third, the now living Inhabitants of Japan. To those cf this third Race, who descend lineally trom the first-born Son of Awase Dsuno Mikotto, from his first-born, and so down, or their Issue wanting to their next Heirs, is by the Japanese attributed a supernatural, almost divine, Power, and an unlimited authority over their Fellowcreatures. This is in some measure express'd by the great titles and high sounded epithets, they give to this whole Family, but particularly to its Head, and Prince. Such are Oodai, the great generation: Mikaddo, Emperor, (Mikotto beint peculiar only to the first and second succession of Gods and Godmen:) Tenoo heavenly Prince, Tensin, Son of Heaven, Tee, Prince, and Dairi, by which last name is frequently denoted the whole Court of the Ecclesiastical hereditary Emperor. (See Fig. 73.)    [100]     

Thus far the common tradition of the Japanese about the original descent of their nation, which is esteem'd as sacred among them, as the authority of holy Scriptures is among Christians. It were needless to refute it, it being of itself of so weak a nature, that it will not bear the enquiry of even the most common understanding. Some people perhaps will think it not unlikely, that under these two successions of Gods and God-men is allegorically couch'd an obscure account of the Gold and Silver Age of Greek Writers, or of the first ages of the world before and after the Deluge. But then how will they reconcile that infinite time, during which the Japanese pretend, that these two successions of Spiritual Beings govern'd the world, to that short number of years, which pass'd since the Creation, according to the divine account deliver'd to us in holy writs. The Japanese, it seems, would not be behind hand with the Egyptians, Chaldeans, Bramines, and others of their neighbours in the East; who all, pursuant to that pride and vanity, which is natural to Eastern Nations, dated their origin as high as they could, and esteem'd it glorious to shew a lo1lfr series of Monarchs, that ruled over them. But what they seem to have more particularly aim'd at, is to out-do their neighbours the Chinese; for they make Tensio Dai Dsin, the first Progenitor of the Japanese Nation, in their historical writings, many thousand years anterior to the first and fictitious, as they call him, founder of the Chinese Nation, Sinkwosi, or according to the Chinese prononciation Tien Hoamtsij. And lest even this should not be sufficient to clear them of all suspicion of being any ways descended from the Chinese, they prefix the Succession of the first great celestial Spirits, which they derive from the very beginning of the Creation. They are however at a loss, what to answer, when ask'd how it came about, that Awase Dsuno, the last of their terrestrial Gods, a Beillg endow'd with r SO many excellent and supernatural qualities, as they ascribe to him, begot so poor and miserable a race, as that of the present Inhabitants of Japan. They have as little to say concerning the state of their Country, and the history of their Ancestors before the time of Sinmu their first Monarch. For this reason several of their own NVriters have ventur'd to call Japan Atarasikoks, and SinKokf, that is, New Country, as if it had been newly found out and peopled under the reign of their first Emperor. Thus much is true, that the genuine Japanese EIistory begins but with the reign of thls first Monarch, who liv'd about 660 Years before Christ. And herein the Chinese are gone far beyond them, for they begun to write the History of their Country at least 2000 years before, and they can shew, what I believe no other nation can boast of, a succession of Monarchs, with an account of their lives, government, and remarkable actions down to this time, Cor now upwards of 4000 Tears. It must be own'd    [101]    however, that the Japanese Nation must needs have existed, and liv'd in the Country, a considerable time before their first Odai, Mikaddo, or Emperor, since when he was rais'd to the throne, they were then already grown very numerous, and since not long after, as is recorded in their Histories, great \RTars arose among them, and ma1ly thousands perish'd by placue and famine, unless one �erould bring them over at onze from another Coulltry, or out of the Earth like Mushrooms, which is either impertinent or improbable. I am more inclined to believe, that from the time of their ancestors coming into the Country, they led for many ages a wandring life, erring from place to place? with their families and cattle, which the very disposihon of the Country, divided by mountains, seas and rlvers, seems to have requir'd, till the happy Ninus Dsin Mu Ten Oo, civiliz'd and brought them into better order and became himself, whether by force or choice, their first Monarch Since that time they have been accurate, and faithfuI, ln writing the History of their Country, and the lives and reigns of their Monarchs. To conclude, as Dadsijno Mikotto is by them believed to have been the greatest of the first succession of Celestial Spirits, and Ten sio Dai Dsin, that of the second of Cod-men, so they look ufpon Sin Mu Ten Oo, as the greatest of the third race o the now living Inhabitants, in whose family the hereditary right to the crown with a more than human authority was continued down to Kinsan Kiwotei, the present It4th Mikaddo, that is 2360 years, computing to the year of Christ, 1700. I say, the hereditary right to the Crown, for the government of the Empire itself is of late gone over into SecuIar hands, as will be shewn more particularly in another place.

Chap. Vlll. Of the Climate of Japan, and its Produce as to Minerals.

Japan boasts of a happy and healthful Climate. The Air is very inconstant and subject to frequent changes, in the Winter loaded with Snow, and liable to sharp Frosts, in the Summer on the contrary, particularly during the Dog-days, intolerably hot. It rains frequently throughout the whole Year, but with the greatest profusion in the Months of June and July, which are for this reason call'd Sawtsuki, that is, Water-months. However the rainy Season in Japan is far from coming up to that regularity, which is observ'd in other and hotter parts of the East Indies. Thunders and Lightning happen very frequently. The Sea, which encompasses the Islands of Japan, is very rough and stormy, which with the many rocks, clifs and shoaJs, above and under water, make its navigation f very dangerous. It hath two remarkable and dangerous Whirlpools. The one is call'd Faisaki, and lies near Simabara below Amakusa. It is dangerous, chiefly when the Tide turns; for in high water it becomes even with the surface of the Sea, but as soon as the Tide begins to go out, it also after some violent turnings falls in of a sudden, as I was inform'd, to the depth of fifteen fathom, swallowing up with great force, what ships, boats, and other things happen at that fatal juncture to come within its reach, which are dash'd to pieceSs against the rocks at the bottom. The shatter'd pieces sometimes remain under water, sometimes they are thrown out again at some German Miles distance. The other Whirlpool lies near the Coasts of the Province Kijnokuni. It is call'd Narrotto, and from the neighbourhood of the Province Awa, Awano Narrotto, which signifies, the rushing of Aua, because it rushes with a great boistering noise about a small rocky Island, which is by the violence of the motion kept in perpetual trembling. This, tho' of a formidable aspect, is yet esteem'd less dangerous than the other, because its noise being heard at a considerable distance, it may be easily avoided. Japanese Avuthors, especially Poets, frequently allude in their Writings to the wonderful nature and motion of this Narrotto, as do also the Priests in the Pulpit.

Water-spouts also are frequently observ'd to rise in the Japanese Seas, and to turn towards the Coasts. The Japanese fancy, that they are a kind Water Dragons with a long watry Tail, flying up into    [103]    the Air with a swift and violent motion, for which reason they are by them call'd Tatsmaki, that is, spouting Dragons.

The Soil of Japan, in itself, is for the major part mountainous, rocky and barren, but through the indefatigable care and industry of the Natives, it hath been made fruitfill enough to supply them with all manner of necessaries, besides what the neighbouring Sea aSords of fish, crabs and shells. Even the most rocky and uncultivated places yield their plants, firuits and roots, for the sustenance of the Inhabitants, which their indigent Ancestors by experience learnt to dress and to prepare, so as not only to make them fit for food, but likewise pleasing and agreeabIe to the taste. Considering this and the frugal way of living of the Japanese in general, we need not wonder, that this vast and populous Empire is so abundantly provided with all the necessaries of human Life, that as a particular World, which Nature seems purposely to have separated from the rest of the Globe, by encompassing it with a rocky and tempestuous Sea, it easily can subsist of it self without any assistance from foreign Countries, as long as Arts and Agriculture are follow'd and improv'd by the Natives.

The Country besides is plentifully supplied with fresh water, there being very many Fountains, Lakes and Rivers up and down the Empire. Some of the Rivers in particular are so large and rapid, by reason either of the steep high Mountains and Rocks, where they arise, or because of the profuse showers of Rain, which fall frequently, that they are not to be pass'd over without danger, the rather since some are so impetuous as to bear no bridges. Some of the most famous Rivers are, I Ujingava, that is, the River Ujin. It is about a quarter of a German Mile (or an English Mile and a half) broad, and there being no bridge laid over it, it must be forded through. The force and rapidity, with which this River falls down from the Mountains, is such, that even when the water is low, and scarce kneedeep five strong Men, well acquainted with the bed of it, must be employ'd to ford a Horse through, which with the many large Stones lying at the bottom, makes the passage equally diiRicuIt and danger . ^ ous. The people, whose business it is to ford passengers through this and other such like Rivers, lest they should not take due care, are by the laws of the Country made answerable for their lives. This is the reason, why there are but few unlucky accidents happen. 2. The River Oomi, is famous for its surprising beginning; for it is recorded in Japanese Histories, that it sprung up of a sudden in one night in the year before Christ 285. It borrow'd its name from the Province where it arises. 3. The River Askagava is remarkable, for that the depth of its bed alters perpetually, on which account it is frequently alluded to by Japanese Authors, chiefly Poets.    [104]     

Japan is very much subject to Earthquakes, whlch happen so frequently, that the Natives dread them no more, than we Europeans do an ordinary storm of thunder and lightning. They are of opinion, that the cause of Earthquakes is a huge large whale's creeping under ground, and that thq- signify nothing. Sometimes however the shakes are so violent, and last so long, that whole Cities are thereby destroy'd, and many thousand of the Inhabitants buried under the ruins. Such a dreadful accident happen'd, as Father Lewis de Froes relateth (in opere de Rebus Japonicis collecto a Joh. EIayo) in the year 1586, he himself being then in Japan. The like accidents happen'd frequently since that time. In 1704, I had a Ietter from Batavia, from a friend of mine, then Iately arrived from Japan, wherein among other things he gave me an account of such a violent shock, which happen'd there in 1703, whereby, and by a great fire, which broke out at the same time, almost the whole City of Jedo, and the Imperial PaRace itself, were destroy'd and laid in ashes, and upwards of 200,000 Inhabitants buried under the ruins. It 1S remarkable, that some particuIar places in Japan are observd to be free from alI manner of suc- ussions. The Japanese reason variousIy upon this * The effects of this Earthquake were so stupendious and dreadful, that I could not forbear, with the Reader's leave, to insert at length, the account, w. hich F. Lewis de Froes giveg of it in a letter dgated thaet Slmonosekl ln the Province Nagatta October 15. 1586. His words are:

In the year of Christ 1586 Japan was shook by such dreadful Earthqua es, that the like was never known before. From the Province Saca)a as far as Miaco the Earth trembled for forty days successively. n le own of SacaJa sixty Houseswerc thrown down. At Nagasama, a sman Town of about a thousand houses in the Kingdom Oomi the Earth gaped and swallowed up one half of that place, the other,'had been violently lhkek is called Nagasama bythe swallowed up by the Sea, the waters rising so high, that they overflow'd t e Coasts, washed away the houses, and what ever they met with drown d the Inhabitants, and left no foot step of that once rich and populous Town, but the place on which the Castle stood, and even that under water. A strong Castle in the Kingdom of Mino, built at t e top of a high hil1, after several violent shocks sunk down and disappeared of a sudden, the earth gaping, that not the least footstep remained, a lake quickly filling the place, where the foundations of the ast e ad been. Another accident of this kind happened in the Province IkeJa. Many more gaps and openings were observed up and own the Empire, some of which were so wide and deep, that Guns belng fired Into them, the balls could not be heard to reach the other end, and such a stench and smoke issued out of them, that people would not venture to travel that way. Quabacundono (who was afterwards called Taicosama) resided at Sacomot, in the Castle Achec, when these Earthquakes begun, but they growing too thick and violent he retired astily to Osacca. His palaces were strongly shook, but not thrown

[164]    Phaenomenon. Some attribute it to the holiness and sanctity of the place, and to the powerfill protection of its Genius, or tutetar God. Others are of opinion, that these places are not shook, because they immediately repose upon the unmov'd Center of the Earth. The fact itself is not call'd in question, and there are noted for having this singular Privilege, the Islands of Gotho, the small Island Sikubusima, on which stands a most stately Temple of Bonzes, being one of the first that was built in the Country, the Warge mountain Kojasan near Miaco, famous for the number of its Convents, Monasteries and Monks, besides some few others.

The greatest Riches of the Japanese soil, and those, wherein this Empire exceeds most known Countries, consist in all sorts of Minerals and Metals, particularly in gold, silver and copper. The many hot Wells in several parts of the Empire, and the several smoking and burning Mountains, shew what a stock of Sulphur, which is the mother and main ingredient of Mineral and Metallical Bodies, is hid in the bowels of the Earth, besides the vast quantities of this substance dug up in several places. Not fg from Firando, where we had our factories and ware houses, before we remov'd to Nagasaki, lies a small rocky Island, (one of those, which by reason of their great number are call'd by the Japanese Kiukiu Sima, that is, the Ninety-nine Islands,) which, though never so small, and encompass'd by the Sea, hath been burning and trembling for many Centuries. Another small Island opposite to Satzuma, which is by the Japanese call'd Fuogo, which name they borrow'd from the Portuguese, and retain'd ever since, and which is mark'd in our Maps by the name of Vulcanus, hath an ignivomous mountain, which hath been likewise burning, at different intervals, for many ages. At the top of a mountain in the Province Figo is to be seen a large cavern, formerly the mouth of a Vulcano, but the Flame ceas'd of late, probably for wawnt of combustible matter' In the same Province there is another place call'd - Asos famous for a Temple call'd Asa no Gongen, or the Temple of the jealous God of Aso, not far from which there is an almost perpetual flame issuing out of the top of a mountain, and more visible in the night, than it is in the day-time. Another burning Mountain lies in the Province Tsikusen, not far from a Place call'd Kujanosse. It was formerly a Coal-mine, which thro' the carelessness of the Miners accidentally took fire, and continued burning ever since. Sometimes a black stench and smoke is observ'd to issue out of the top of the famous mountain Fest, in the Province Suruga, which in height is surpass'd by only the Pic of TeneriS, but in shape and beauty hath I think, not its equal: The top of it is cover'd with everlasting Snow, whlch, being, as it frequently is, blown up into flocks by the violence of the wind, and dispers'd about, represents, as it were, a smoking hat. The Japanese Histories mention, that formerly the top of it burnt, but that upon a new opening which was made by the violence of the fire at the side of the mountain, the flame ceas'd soon after. Unsen is a deform'd, large, but not very high mountain near Simabara. At all times the top of it is bare, whitish from the colour of the sulphur, and withal resembling a Caput Mortuum, or burnt out Massa. It smokes little, however, I could discern the smoke arising from it at three miles distance. Its soil is burning hot in several places, and besides so loose and spongious, that a few spots of ground excepted, on which stanJ some trees one cannot walk over it without continual fear, for the cracking, hollow noise perceived under foot. Its    [106]    suIphurous smell 1S S0 strong, that for many miles round there is not a Bird to be seen; when it rains, the water bubbles up, and the whole mountain seems then, as it were boiling. Many cold Springs and hot Baths arrise on and about it Among others there is a famous hot Bath, which they believe to be an infallible cure for the Venereal Disease, if the Patient for several days together goes in but a few moments a day and washes himself in it. He must begin the cure with another hot bath, not quite so strong, call'd Obamma, situate a few leagues of, and all the while he uses the Waters, he must keep to a hot warming Diet, and as soon as he comes out of the Bath, go to bed, and covering himself very well, endeavour to sweat. Not far from this hot Bath is a Monastery of the Sect of Tendai. The Monks of this place have given peculiar names to each of the hot Springs arising in the neighbourhood, borrow'd from their quality, from the nature of the froth a-top, or the sediment at bottom, and from the noise they make as they come out of the ground, and they have assign'd them as Purgatories for several sorts of Tradesmen and Handicrafts-men, whose professions seem to bear some relation to any of the qualities above-mention'd. Thus for Instance, they lodge the deceitfi'l Beer and Sackibrewers at the bottom of a deep muddy Spring, the Cooks and Pastry-cook's in another, which is remarkable for its white froth, wranglers and quarrelsom People in another, which rushes out of the ground with a frightfill murmuring noise, and so on. After this manner imposing upon the blind and superstitious Vulgar, they squeeze large Sums of Money out of them, making them believe that by their Prayers and Intercession they may be deliver'd from these places of torment after death. In that dreadful persecution, which was rais'd in Japan against the Christian Religion, and which hath not its equal in History; amongst innumerable other Torments inflicted on the new Converts to make them abandon their newly embrac'd Faith, and return to the Paganism of their Fathers, they were brought hither and tortur'd with the hot Waters of this place. Of other hot Baths in Japan, that call'd Obamma, is one of the most eminent, and most efficacious. It lies to the West of the mountain Usen, about 3 Miles ofX and is said to have extraordinary Vertues in curing several external and internal distempers, as among others, by bathing and sweating, the Pox, which however is observ'd frequently to return, probably because they are not skilful enough to manage this distemper, or by reason of their not understanding the right use of baths in general. The Province Figo hath several hot springs, about which grow, as I was inform'd, Camphire trees of an unconlmoll size, hollow and full of water. The chief and most emillent for its virtues is a hot bath not far from the abovemention'd temple Asano Gongen. There are also several hot Springs in the Province Ltzisen, one for instance in the village Takijo, another in the village Urisino. Both would prove very beneficial in curing several    [107]    distempers, if the Natives did but know how to use them. I observ'd it in all Asiatick Countries which I pass'd through in my travels, that the Natives use the hot baths seldom more than three, or at furthest eight days, by which, probably enough, they will find some benefit and relief, which they are too apt to mistake for an actual cure, and in case of a relapse to lay all the fault on the waters.

Sulphur

The greatest quantity of Sulphur is brought from the Province Satzuma. It is dug up in a small neighbouring Island, which from the great plenty it afforEs of this substance is call'd Iwogasima, or the Sulphur Island. It is not above a hundred years since they first ventur'd thither. It was thought before thawt time to be wholly inaccessible, and by reason of the thick smoke, which was observed continually to arise from it, and of the several spectres, and other frightfill uncommon apparitions, people fancied to see there chiefly in the night, it was believ'd to be a dwelling place of Devils, till at last a resolute and couragious man oflTer'd himself, and obtain'd leave accordingly, to go and to examine the state and situation of it. He chose fifty resolute fellows for this expedition, who upon going on shore found neither Hell nor Devils, but a large flat spot of ground at the top, which was so throughly cover'd with Sulphur, that wherever they walk'd, a thick smoke issued from under their feet. Ever since that time this Island brings in to the Prince of Satzuma about 20 chests of silver per annum, arising only from the Sulphur dug up there, besides what he gets by the trees and timber growing along the shore. The Country of Simabara, particularly about the hot baths abovemention'd, aSords also a fine pure native Sulphur, which however the Inhabitants dare not venture to dig up, for fear of oSending the tutelar genius of the place, they having found upon trial that he was not willing to spare it. I pass over in silence several other places, for want of a thorough information.

Gold

Gold, the richest of all Metals, is dug up in several Provinces of the Japanese Empire. The greatest quantity of it is melted out of its own oar. Some they wash out of Gold sand. Some small quantity also is contain'd in the Copper. The Emperor claims the supreme Jurisdiction of all the gold mines, and indeed all other mines in the Empire, none of which may be open'd, and work'd, without his express leave and consent. Of the produce of all the Mines, which are work'd, he claims two thirds, and one third is left to the Lord of the Province, in which the Mine lies, the latter however' as they reude upon the spot, know how to improve their third parts so as to share pretty equally with the Emperor. The richest Gold Oar and which yields the finest Gold, is dug up in Sado, one of the Northern Provinces in the great Island Nipon. Some of the veins there were formerly so rich, that one Catti of the Oar yielded one, and sometimes two thails of Gold. But of late as I was inform'd the veins there, and in most - other Mines, not only run scarcer, but yield not    [108]    near the quantity of Gold they did formerly, which we were told, was the occasion, amongst other reasons of the late strict orders relating to the trade and commerce with us, and the Chinese. There is also a very rich Gold sand in the same Province, which the Prince causes to be wash'd fonr his own benefit, without so much as giving notice of it, much less part of the profit, to the Court at Jedo. After the Gold Mines of Sado, those of Surunga were always esteem'd the richesCt, for besides that this Province yielded at all times a great quantity of Gold-Oar, there is some Gold contain'd even m the CoFper dug up there. Among the Gold-mines of the Provlnce Satzuma, there was one so rich, that a Catti of the Oar was found upon trial to yield from four to six thails of Gold, for which reason the Emperor hath given strict orders, not to work it, for fear so great a treasure should be exhausted too soon A mountain on the Gulf Ookus, in the district of Omura which had lean'd on one side for a considerable time happen'd some years ago to fall over into the Sea, anl there was found at the bottom of the place where it stood, so rich a Gold sand, that, as I was credibly informad, it yielded one half of pure gold. It lay somewhat deep and was to be fetch'd up by Divers. But this rich harvest lasted not long, for a few years after, in a great storm and extraordinary high tide, the Sea overflow'd all that spot of ground, and cover'd at once these inestimable riches with mud and clay to the depth of some fathom. The poor people in the neighbourhood still busy themselves washing the sand about this mountain, which contains some Gold but in so inconsiderable a quantity, that they can hardlj get a livelyhood by it. There is another Goldmine in the Province Tsikungo, not far from a village call'd Tossino, but so full of water, that they can not go on with working it. However the situation of the mine is such, that by cutting the rock, and making an opening beneath the mouth of the Mine, the water might be easily drawn of. This was attempted accordingly, but as they went to work, there arose of a sudden such a violent Storm of thunder and lightning, that the workmen were obliged to desist and to fly for shelter, which made the superstitious vulgar believe, that the Tutelar God and Protector of the place, unwilling to have the bowels of the earth committed to his trust thus riffled, rais'd this Storm purposely to make them sensible how much he was displeas'd at this undertaking. Nor was there any further attempt made since for fear of provoking his anger and wrath stin more. Such another accident, and which had the same eSect, happen'd at the opening of a Gold-mine in the Island Amakusa, for it was so suddenly fill'd with water, which broke out of the mountain, and destroy'd all the works, that the Miners had scarce time to escape and to save their lives.

Silver.

There are some Silver Mines in the Province Bingo. Others, and these much richer, at a place call'd Kattami, in one of the Northern Provinces: Others in other places, which I forbear mentioning, for want of sufficient informa tion. The two Istands Ginsima and Kinsima, that is, Gold and Silver Islands, which lie to the East of fiapan, and which I had occasion to speak of in the fourth Chapter of this Book, deserve a place here, if it be true, what the Japanese boast, and what their very Names and Characters seem to imply, of their Wealth and Riches.

Copper, is the most common of all Metals dug up in Japan, and the produce of Copper-mines enriches several Provinces of this Empire. It is at present dug up chiefly in the Provinces of Suruga, Atsingo and Kijnokuni. That of Kijnokuni is the finest, most malleable and fittest for work of any in the World. That of Atsingo is course, and seventy Catti's of it must be mix'd with thirty Catti's of the Kijnese to make it malleable and fit for use. That of Suruga is not only exceedingly fine and without faults, but charg'd with a considerable quantity of Gold, which the Japanese at present separate and refine, much better than they did formerly, which occasions great complaints among the Refiners and Brahmines upon the Coasts of Cormandel There are also some Copper-mines in the Pro vince of Satzuma,which the Emperorvery lately gave leave to work. All the Copper is brought to Saccai, one of the five Imperial Towns, where it is refin'd and cast into small Cylinders, about a span and a half long, and a finger thick. As many of these Cylinders, as amount to one pickel, or • 125 1. weight, are pack'd up into square wooden boxes, and sold to the Dutch from twelve to thirteen Maas the pickel It is one of the chiefest Commodities the Dutch buy in Japan, and they carry on a great Trade with it. There is besides a sort of courser Copper, which is cast into large flat roundish lumps, or cakes, and is bought a great deal cheaper than the other, as it is also much inferior in goodness and beauty. Brass is very scarce in Japan, and much dearer than Copper, the Calaminestone being imported from Tunquin in flat cakes, and sold at a very good price.

The Province of Bungo aSords a small quantity of Till, which is so exceedingly fine and white, that it almost comes up to Silver. There is but little use made of this Metal in the Country.

Iron is dug up only upon the confines of the three Provinces MimaSaka, Bitsju and Bisen. But it is found there in very large quantitles. It is refin'd upon the spot, and cast into Staffs or Cylinders, two spans long. Japanese Merchants buy it at the place, and export it all over the Empire. It is much of a price with Copper, Iron tools being full as dear, or rather dearer than those of Copper and Brass. Such Houshold-goods, Hooks, Cramp-irons in Buildings and Ships, and other Instruments, as are in other Countries made of Iron, are made in    [110]    Japan of Copper or Brass. They do not dress their Victuals in brass pans, but have a particular sort of kettles or pans which are made of a composition of Iron, and are pretty thin. The old ones of this sort are very much esteem'd, and bought at a great rate, they having somewhat particular in their shape and make, which at present they have lost the art to imitate.

They have no want of Coals in Japan, they being dug up in great quantity in the Province Tsikusen about Kujanisse, and in most Northern Provinces.

Salt is made of Sea-water in several maritime Provinces. They make it thus. They close in a spot of Ground, and fill it with fine loose Sand, then they pour the Sea-water upon it, and let it dry. This they repeat several times, till they think the Sand is sufficiently saturated with Salt. Then they take it out and put it into a large Trough, with holes at the bottom, and putting fresh Sea-water upon it, let it filtrate through the Sand. The Lye is boil'd to a good consistence, and the Salt thus obtain'd is calcin'd in earthen Pots, till it becomes white, and fit for use and sale.

Agats, of several sorts, some extraordinary fine, of a bluish colour not unlike Saphires, as also some Cornelians and Jaspers, are brought from the mountain TSugaar, upon the Northern extremities of the great Province Osju, opposite to the Country of Jedo.

Pearls

Pearls, by the Japanese call'd Kainotamma, which is as much as to say, Shell Jewels, or Jewels taken out of Shells, are found almost every where about SaiKokf in Oysters and several other Sea-shells. Every body is at liberty to fish them. Formerly the Natives had little or no value for them, till they were apprizsd of it by the Chinese, who would pay good prices Gor them, the Chinese Women being very proud of wearing Necklaces, and other Ornaments of Pearls. The largest and finest Pearls are found in a small sort of Oyster, call'd Akoia, which is not unlike the Persian Pearl-shell, much oft the same shape, both valves shutting close, about a hand broad, exceeding thin and brittle, black, smooth and shining on the out slde, within pretty rough and unequal, of a whitish colour and glitter inz like Mother of Pearl. These Pearl-shells are found only in the Seas about Satzuma, and in the Gulf of Omura. Some of the Pearls weigh from four to five Condonins, and these are sold for a hundred Colans a piece. The Inhabitants of the Riuku Islands buy most of those, which are found about Satzuma, they trading to that Province. Those on the contrary which are found in the Gulf of Omura, are sold chiefly to the Chinese and Tunquinese, and it is computed that they buy for about 3000 Thails a year. This great profit occasion'd the strict orders, which were made not long ago by the Princes both of Satzuma ' and Omura, importing, that for the future there should be no more of these Oysters sold in the Market with other Oysters, as had been done formerly.    [111]    I procurnd some in private from Omura, not without great difficulty. I was told a very extraordinary thing of this sort of Pearls, and strongly assurJd of the truth or the fact, which is, that they have somevrhat of a prolifick quality, by virtue of which, when some of the largest are put into a box full of a peculiar Japanese cheek varnish, made of another shell call'd Takaragai (which I shall describe in another place) one or two young Pearls will grow on the sides, and who come to maturity, which they do in about three years time, drop of. These Pearls, by reason of their scarcity, are kept in private Families, and the possessors seldom part with them, unless upon urgent necessity. All this however I deliver only upon hearsay, having my self seen none of this sort of PearI. There is another Shell, which sometimes yields PearIs, found plentifillly upon all the Japanese Coasts, and call'd by the Natives Awabi. It is an Univalve, in shape almost oval, pretty deep, open on one side, where it sticks to the Rocks and to the bottom of the Sea, with a row of holes, which grow bigger, the nearer they come to the circumference of the Shelt, rough and limy on its outward surface, frequently with Corals Sea-plants and other ShelIs sticking to it, on the inside of an exquisite Mother of Pearl's glimmering, sometimes rais'd into whitish pearly excrescencies, which are likewise observ'd in the common Persian Pearl-shell. A great lump of flesh fills the cavity of this ShelI, for which sole reason they are look'd for by Fishermen, being a very good commodity for the market. They have an Instrument made on purpose to pull them ofF from the sides of the Rocks, to which they stick close. Another Shell, the name of which I could not learn, yields a very large Pearl, which sometimes weighs from five to six Condonins, but they are of a dirty'yellow colour, ilI shap'd, and worth but little. A pretty good sort of Pearl, is sometimes observ'd to grow in the very Flesh of a Shell, which is calI'd by the Natives Tairaggi, and is found in the Gulf of Arima, between Janagava and Isafaje. It is a flat sort of a ShelI oblong, almost trianguIar, a little crooked on each side, about a span and a half long, and a span broad, where broadest, thin, transparent, smooth, and polish'd like Horn, but very brittle.

Naphta, of a reddish colour, by the Japanese calI'd Tsutsono Abra, which signifies red Earth, is found in a River of the Province Jetsingo. It is taken up in such

[174]     places, where the water hath little or no run, and the Natives burn it in Lamps, instead of Oyl.

Ambergreese

Some Ambergreese is found upon the Coasts of Satzuma, and of the Riuku Islands. A much greater quantity comes from the Coasts of Khumano, as they call them, whereby must be understood the Southern Coasts of Kiinokuni, Isje, and some neighbouring Provinces. It is ftound chiefly in the Intestins of a Whale, which is caught frequently upon the Japanese Coasts, and is by the Natives call'd Fiakfiro, that is, the hundred fathom Fish, because of the length of its Intestins, which is suppos'd to equal that number of fathoms. it is found, as i observ'd, in the intestins of this whale, particullarly in the lower guts, mix'd with chalky limy excrements, almost as hard as stone, and 'tis from the hardness of these excrements, they conjecture upon dissecting, whether or no they are like to meet with ambergreese. the natives have given a very despicable name to this precious com modity, a name however becoming the meanness of its origine, for they call it kusurano fu, that is, the excrement of whales. the ambergreese, as it is tore olf by the waves from the bottom of the sea, and thrown upon the coasts, before it is swallow'd by the whales is a deform'd, flat, slimy substance, not unlike a cow-turd, and withal of a very disagreeable ungratefull smell. people that find it thus floating on the surface of the water, or lying upon the coasts, take several small pieces, squeeze and press them close together, into the form of a round ball, which as it grows dry, becomes also more solid and weighty. others mix and knead it with meal, or flower of ricehusks, by which means they not only encrease the quantity, but heighten and better the colour. however, the ambergreese thus adulterated is easity known, for if you take any quantity and burn it, there will remain a coal, proportionable to the quantity of the stuff mix'd with it. it is observ'd besides that the worms get quickly into this spurious sort of ambergreese. others adulterate it, by mixing it with a certain powder'd rosin of a very agreeable scent, but this cheat also is easily discover'd, for upon burning a piece of it, the mixture of Rosin will evidently appear by the very colour, smell and quality of the smoke. The Chlnese have another way of trying whether it be genuine, they scrape some of it very fine upon hot boiling Tea-water, if genuine, it will dissolve and difuse equally, which the adulterated sort doth not. The Natives use it no otherwise but as an ingredient of other well scented species, in order, as they say, to fix their volatile smell. In the main they value it but little, and 'tis owing entirely to the Dutch and Chinese, who would buy it up at any rate, that they haare now learnt to prize it. And yet every body is at liberty to take it up, where he finds it, and to sell it as his own property. During my stay in Japan, there was a piece to be sold of I40 Catti's weight, and of a greyish colour. It was too Iarge for any single person to purchase, for which reason they sold it by retail, from sixty to seventy Thails a Catti. I bought my self for about thirty ThaiEs of that which was blackest. (A more particular Account of the Ambergreese is inserted in the Appendix)

All sorts of Submarine Plants, Shrubs, Corals, Stones,

Submarint SubsZanrel.

Mushrooms, Sea-fans, Corallines, Fuci, Algae, and the like, as also Shells o f all ki nd s, are fo und pren ti fu lly in the Japanese Seas, no ways inferior in beauty to those found about Amboina and the Spice Islands. But the Natives value them so little, that they won't be at the trouble of looking for them, and if by chance they happen to fish them up amongst other things, their way is to carry them to the next tempie, or chapel of jebus, who is the neptune of the country, thinking that it is not an unpleasing offerint to this god, whom they look upon, and worship, as the protector of sea-faring people.

Minerals not found Japan. Antimony. Salarmoniac, Quick-silver

It remains to say something of the Minerals and Mineral substances, which have not as yet been found in Japan, and are imported from beyond Sea. Antimony and Salarmoniac are absolutely wanted, nor are their qualitiesand uses in the Ieast known to the natives.

Borax

Quicksilver and Borax are imported by the Chinese. I met however with two sorts of Borax, growing naturally in Japan, but they are so throughly mix'd with heterogeneous substances, that the Inhabitants don't

Sublimate

think it worth their while topick them up. Sublimate Mercury is very much ask'd for by some private People, who will give an extravagant price for it. They use it as the chief Ingredient of a Mercurial water, which is in great vogue among them for the cure of ulcers, cancers, and other cutaneous diseases. CinnabarNative Cinnabar is by them given inwardly, in several distempers. The artificial Cinnabar they make use of for a colour. Both are imported from China. The buying and selling of this Commodity is in the hands of private Merchants, who monopolize it by virtue of Letters Patents from the Emperor. The native Cinnabar in general, is of a beautiful red colour, but some of it is so exquisitely fine, that it is sold for more than its weight in Silver.

Chap. IX. Of the Fertility of the Country, as to Plants.

Fruitfulness of Japan.

It is not in the least surprising, considering either the peculiar happiness of the Japanese Climate, or the industry of its laborious Inhabitants, that the Country affords so large a stock, and such an infinite variety of plants and fruits, both wild and cultivated. as it may deservedly boast of. Most of these their Forefathers, indigent and frugal as they were, used for their food and sustenance. In succeeding ages, as wealth and riches encreas'd, the taste also became more refined, and their tables more sumptuous and magnificent. In this present Chapter, I will take notice only of such Plants as are of a more extensive use, and as to the rest refer the more curious Reader to my Amoenitates Exoticae, wherein I have given a Catalogue, and begun a more accurate and botanical Description of them.

Mulberry-trees

Among the Trees the deservedly claims the first Place. For although its fruits, both black and white, be altogether insipid, and not fit for eating, yet this defect is sufficiently made good by the extensive usefulness of its leaves, which are the common Food of Silk-worms It grows in most parts of Japan, but in great plenty in the Northern Provinces, where many Cities and Villages subsist almost wholly upon the Silk Manufactures, tho' the Silk wove there be not of the finest. The best and most curious Stuff are made by the banish'd Grandees in the Island Fatsinsio, weaving being their chief amusement, but they make them of fine foreign Silk. The Kadsi, or Paper-tree, is of the Mulberry Kind. Tho' it

Paper-tree

grows wild in the Country, yet they transplant and cultivate it in several places, by reason of its great usefulness. It is observed to grow with surprizing quickness, and to spread its branches very far. It affords a great quantity of bark, out of which they make Paper, as also ropes, matches, stuffs, cloth, and several other Things. This Tree also, and the way of making Paper out of its Bark, which is very laborious and tedious, I have more fully describ'd in my Amoenitates Exoticae. (The Account which the Author here mentions hath been inserted in the Appendix.)

Varnish-Tree

The Urusi or Varnish-Tree, is another of the noblest and most useful Trees of this Country. It affords a milky Juice, which the Japanese make use of to varnish, and as we call it, to japan all their Houshold-goods, dishes, and plates of Wood, and this from the Emperor down to the meanest Peasant. For even at Court, and at the Imperial Table, services of lacker'd ware are preferr'd to those of gold and Silver. Another kind of Varnish-tree with narrow leaves, is call'd Faasi: It grows wild on hills and mountains. It affords a small quantity of Milk, and that too of a very bad sort, and therefore the Natives think it hardly worth their while to gather it. The true Urusi is of a kind peculiar to this Country. It grows in the Provinces Figo and Tsikoku. But that which grows in Jamatto is reckon'd the fittest for use, and to yield a better sort of Varnish, than it doth any where else out of this Province. The Indian Varnish-tree, which I take to be the true Anacardinus, is a Tree quite different from the Urusi of the Japanese. At Siam it is call'd Rack-tree. It grows and bears fruits in most Eastern Countries, but is observ'd to afford none of its milky juice to the West of the River Ganges, whether because of the barrenness of the SoiI, or thro' the carelessness and ignorance of the Natives, who do not know how to manage its culture. The greatest quantity of the Milk of this Indian Varnish tree is brought from the Kingdoms of Siam and Cambodia, and sold very cheap all over the East-Indies. It is imported even into Japan, where the Natives use it to lacker things of little value, and also as an ingredient of their scarcer and better sort of Varnish. (The Japanese Varnish-tree is describ'd and figur'd in the Amoenitates, pag. 792.)    [115]     

Bay-tree.

Lauri; or Bay-trees of several kinds grow in Japan. That which bears red berries is a Cannelifera spuria, or rather, by reason of its viscosity, a Cassia lignea. It

Spurious Cinnamon-Tree

resembles exactly the Cinnamon-tree, both in its shape, and in the figure and substance of its leaves. But the bark falls far short of that agreeable sweetness, which is peculiar only to the bark of the true Cinnamon, and it hath more of the aromatick sharpness of a Costus. T his Imperfection I take to be owing entirely to the quality of the Soil, wherein it grows. For I observ'd also, that the bark of the Malabarian, Sumatran, and Javan Cinnamon-trees, (which latter is wholly neglected) hath not near that eminent degree of sharpness and agreeableness to the taste, which the true Ceylonese Cinnamon is so much and so deservedly esteem'd for; that besides it is apt either to lose its aromatick quality in a short time, or that its sharp pungent Particles are so wrapt up in a viscous substance, as to make it altogether unworthy of bearing the very Name of Cinnamon, a substance, which is suppos'd to yield a fine, pleasant, fragrant Oyl, which no Cassia lignea ever will. (v. Amoenit. Exot. p. 772.)

Camphire-tree

The Kus, or Camphire-tree, is also of the Laurel-kind. It bears black and purple Berries. The Camphire is prepar'd by the Country-people in the Province Satzuma,and the Islands Gotho, by a simple decoction of the roots and wood cut into small pieces. It is extremely cheap and 80 to 100 Catti's of the Japanese boil'd Camphire may be had for one single Catti of the true Bornean Camphire, which is said to be a Natural substance gather'd on the stumps of old Camphire-trees in the island of Borneo, upon incisions made between the Bark and Wood. (The Japanese Camphire-tree is describ'd and figur'd p. 770. & seq. of the Amoenitates.)

Tea

Tsianoki, that is the Tea-shrub, is one of the most useful Plants growing in Japan, and yet it is allow'd no other room but round the borders of Rice and Cornfields, and in other barren Places) unfit for the culture of other things. The common drink of the Japanese is brew'd of the larger leaves of this Shrub; but the young and tender leaves dried, powder'd and mix'd in a Cup of hot water into a sort of Soup, are drank in houses of people of quality before and after their meals: And it is the custom of the Country to present friends that come to visit them, with one or more dishes of Tea, both when they come and go. (A complete Description of this Shrub, of its culture, growth, &c. hath been inserted in the Appendix.)

Sansio

Sansio, is a middle-sized Tree with prickles. They make use of its bark and husks instead of pepper or ginger, and they eat the leaves by reason of their pleasant aromatick taste, as they do also the Riches, which grow in the Country. (v. Amoen. Ex. p. 892, where this Tree is describ'd and figur'd.)

Fig-trees

There are three different sorts of Fig-trees growing in Japan. One is call'd Kaki, if otherwise it may be call'd a Fig-tree, it differing from it in several particulars. It grows very plentifully in all parts of the Empire. It is a very ugly deform'd sort of a Tree to look at, much like a short old Apple-tree. It hath long oval leaves, without

[180]    notches. The fruit resembles a reddish Apple both in shape and colour, and its fleshy part hath the taste of a delicate Fig. The seed is of a hard, and almost stony Substance, and not unlike Gourd-seeds. It is no less commendable for its great fruitfulness, than it is for its extensive use, for the fruits of it dried afford a pleasant and agreeable food for rich and poor. The Chinese preserve them with Sugar. The second sort of Figs is not unlike that which grows with us in Europe, only it grows on a Tree, with broad, oblong, rough leaves without 4 notches. Our European Fig-tree makes up the third sort. It was brought into the Country, and planted there by the Portuguese. It bears a very large fruit, bigger than ours, and I think better tasted. But it is very scarce. I need not mention here any thing of the Sycamores, or

The other is scarcer, fleshy, and eatable after it hath been prepar'd and    [138]

depriv'd of its sharpness. It is prepar'd after the following manner. They first macerate them in a dissolution of Alum for three days together, then they rub, wash and clean it, till it grows transparent) which done, it is pickel'd and preserv'd for use. Before the Infusion, the skin is taken off, wash'd, pickelwd and ke t by itself. Some of these Sea-qualms are so large, thPt two men can scarce lift them up. Pickel'd, as they are brought upon the table, they are of the same substance) colour and taste with the edible Bird's-nests (Nidi Alcyonum) brought from China, and I have been credibly inform'd by Chinese Fishermen, that these Bird's Nests are made of the very flesh of this Animal.

Namako, by the Dutch at Batavia call'd KaSerkull, is i edible. (Fig55.) Imori is a small venomous Water-lizard, black, with a red belly. (Fig. 56.) Takanomakura, which is as much as to say, the pillow of the Sea-qualm Tako, is the common Sea-star, and is not eat.

Of all the footed animal produce of the water, the Ki, or Came, Tortoises, are most esteem'd by the JapaneSe being look'd upon as peculiar Emblems of happineSS, by reason of the long life which is ascrib'd to them. That kind particularly, which hath a broad tail much like a large round beard, and which in their learned language is call'd Mooke, and by the cornmon people Minogame) for all it doth not exist in nature, is yet frequently to be seen among other emblematical figures, wherewith t:hey adorn the walls of their temples, the sides of their altars, and the apartments of the Emperor and Princes of the Empire (Figs. 57, 58.) The most common Tortoises are, Isicame, or Sanki, that is, the Stone,or Mountain Tortoise,which is so call'd because found in these places, and is nothing else but the common Land-tortoise. (Fig. 59.) Jo Game, or Doo Game, that is, Fishy. or Water-tortoise, (Fig. 60.) because of its living in the water. They say, that upon the Southern and Eastern Coasts of Japan there are found Tortoises large enough to cover a Man from head to toe.

All sorts of Crabs and Shrimps both of fresh and salt water, are call'd in general Jebi. The following particular Kinds are come to my knowledge. Jebisako is the common small Crab, which is found in great plenty upon the Coasts of the Baltick. Sako signifies all sorts of small fish in general. Si Jebi differ but Wittle from the common Crabs, no more than what they call Dakma Jebi, excepting only, that the latter are caught in fresh water, and will within a year turn black. Kuruma Jebi, is as much as to say Wheel-crabs; they are so call'd from the figure of their tail. Umi Jebi, that is great Crabs or Lobsters, are commonly a foot long. they are boil'd, then cut into small pieces, and brought upon the table, as a Soccana or Side-dish. Care must be taken not to eat their black tail, because it hath been observ'd, that it gives people the belly-ach, or throws them into a Cholera morbus. Siakwa, is a Crab with a broad Tail, which is caught frequently with other small fish. It hath but little flesh, and almost none at the time of the full moon. All the    [139]    testaceous and crustaceous animals, which are found in these Seas, and indeed every where in the Indian Ocean beyond the Eastern shores of the Ganges, are observ'd to be fleshier and fuller, at the time of the new moon, contrary to what happens in our European Seas. Gamina, (Fig. 6I.) otherwise Koona, is a Crab, which lives in a beautiful shell diversified with various colours. (This is what the English call Soldier's Crab, Fresh water Soldier, Hermit Crab, because they live in other People's quarters.) Kani, which signifies Pocket Crab, is our common European fresh-water Crab. It bears the name of the whole Tribe of the fresh-water Crabs. Kabutogani, or Unkiu, is a Crab of a singular structure, with a sharp, long, serrated prickle or sword, standing out from the head, and a roundish, smooth back. (Fig. 62.) Gadsame is no bigger than the common Crab, with the upper shel1 tapering into a point on both sides. It hath four claws, two large ones before, and two behind, which are smaller. (Fig. 64.) Simagani, that is, a Striated Pocketcrab. It rnight be call'd Wart-crab, from the great number of warts and prickles, which cover the Shell all over, the hind Claws only excepted, which are smooth and almost cylindrical. (Fig. 65.) They are caught frequently upon the Eastern Coasts, as also in the Gulf of Suruga. Some of this sort are incredibly large. I bought one of the hind Claws at Suruga in a Cook-shop, which was as long, and full as big as a Man's Shin-bone. (Fig. 63 )

{ A11 sorts of oysters, muscles and shells, of which there is a great plenty and surprizing variety in the Japanese seas, are eat, none excepted, raw, pickel'd, salted, boil'd, or fryed. They are daily gather'd on the Coasts in low water. Divers dive for them to a considerable depth Others fish them with nets. The following sorts are the most common and best known. Awabi, which I have already mentioned, when I spoke of the pearls of this Countr,v, is an open Univalve, as big as a middle siz'd Persian Pearl shell, but deeper. (Fig. 66.) They lie deep underwater, sticking fast to rocks, or to the bottom of the Sea, from whence they are taken up by Fishermen's wives, they being the best Divers of the Country. They go down arm'd with Darts or long knifes, to defend themselves against Kayes and Porpesses, and when they see an Awabi, they pull it ofl^ suddenly before the animal is aware because otherwise it would fasten itself to the rocks, or to the bottom of the Sea, so strongly, that no force woUld be strong enough to tear it off. This shell is fillrd with a large piece of flesh of a yellowish, or whitish colour, and a very tough substance, though without fibres. They say, it was the common food of their necessitous Ancestors, in memory whereof when they entertain company at dinner they always provide a dish of it. It is also become a custom with them, as well among the vulgar, as among people of quality, that when they send one another presents of money, cloth, stuflfs, fruits, or any thing else, a string, or at least a small bit of the dried flesh of this shell is sent    [140]    along with them, as a good Omen, and in order to put them in mind of the Indigency of their Forefathers. The flesh is cut into thin slices or strings, which are extended on a board, and dried. A large Pearl is found sometimes in this Shell, but of an ugly yellowish colour, a deformed shape and of no Value. Tairagi is a flat, long, thin, and very large bivalve, almost transparent, near of a triangular Figure, running from a large base tapering intO a point. The Animal is tied fast to both sides of the shell with a strong tendon. (Fig. 67.) The best of the kind are found in the Gulf of Arima, where it sometimes yields Pearls. Akoja is a flat bivalve, about a hand broad, scaly, on its outward surface, and of a very ugly appearance, within of an exquisite Mother of Pearl's glimmering. The best of the kind, and which yield the finest Pearls, are found in the Gulf of Omura. Mirakai is the common e or lvlaree, oDlong Inln Dlvalves gaplng at DOLII t:llUb, black fresh water Muscle, which is found also in our Rivers and Lakes in Germany. Famaguri, (Fig. 68.) are bivalves much of the same shape and bigness, but thicker, smooth and white within, without of a brown or chesnut colour. Divers curious figures are painted on the inside and they serve as an Amusement to the Court of the Dairi, or Ecclesiastical Hereditary Emperor, who pla) with them after the following manner. Large heaps are thrown on the ground, and every one of the Company having taken his Portion, he wins, that can shew the most pairs. Every pair hath proper hooks, by the means of which they are easily known, and brought together, tho' never so much mix'd. The best are gatherxd, and in greatest plenty upon the Coasts of Quano. Sidsimi is a « small bivalve not unlike the Famaguri, but thinner, and is found sticking in mud. Katsi or Utsikaki, are Oysters. . The Oysters found about Japan are deformed, rough, stony, growing together, and to rocks. There are chiefly two sorts, one remarkably large, the other smaller. The best and largest are found in great plenty in the Gulf of Kamakura. Kisa, or Akagai is also a bivalve, white without, with deep furrows running as it were parallel to each other, within of a reddish colour. (Fig. 69.) They fix a handle to this shell, and use it in the kitchen instead of a spoon,or pail. Nakatagai is a large,ugly,roundish, striated and black shell. Asari, is a small thin shell, grey or ash colour'd. Te or Matee, (Fig. 69.) is an oblong thin bivalve gaping at both ends. The Animal that live5 within it, is reckoned very delicious. Umi Fake is another bivalve much of the same kind, about a span long, and so big, that one can scarce grasp it between the thumb and fore-finger. Its flesh is pickel'd and kept for use. This shell is found only upon the Coasts of Tsikungo, where by express order of the Prince of that Country it is forbid to fish them, till a sufficient quantity hath been provided for the EmperorXs own Table. Takaragai call'd in the Indies Cowers, are brought from the Maldive and other Islands, and imported into Bengala, Pegu, and Siam, where they go for current Money. Those found about Japan are of different    [141]    sorts. (Fig. 70.) The best are brought from the Riuku Islands, and are the chief ingredient of their white Cheek varnish. Sasai (Fig.7I.) is a large, thick, odoriferous, turbinated univalve, white and prickled. Its mouth is shut close, with a flat, thick covering, or operculum, of a stony substance, rough, on the outside not unlike the Lapis Judaicus, only sharper and smooth. Nisi is an Univalve much of the same shape, but larger, and hath not near so good a flesh. Both can fasten themselves very close to rocks, and the bottom of the Sea, like the Awabi. Common People make use of the shell instead of Pots to spit in. Tannisi are the common black Land Snails gather'd for Food in mudd) Rice Fields. They have their mouth shut with an oblong, almost stony operculum. Bai is a Snail in a common oblong, turbinated white shell. Ras or Mina is another of the same kind, but black and smaller. Both are gather'd on the shore in low water. Kabuto is a small, oval, not turbinated univalve. Another small lurbinated univalve is call'd Sugai.

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Chap. XI. Of Fish and Shells.

He Sea, and its Productions, contribute full, as much towards the sustenance of the Natives, as the growth of the Country, Rice only excepted. The Sea all about Japan is plentifully stor'd with all sorts of Sub-marine Plants, Fish, Crabs and Shells, of all which there are very few, but what were eat by their indigent Ancestors, and are so to this day. There are even many which in these wealthy and refin'd Ages appear upon the sumptuous tables of People of the highest quality. Both Fish, Crabs and Shells, are comprehended under one general Name Kiokai, or Iwokai. In this present chapter, which may be look'd upon as an Introduction to one of the following, wherein I intend to treat of their tables and kitchin, I will set down as many of them as came to my knowledge, along with their true Japanese Names, though it must be observxd in general, that several of them are found likewise in our European and other Seas.

Of all the animal productions of the Japanese Seas, I know none of so extensive an use, for rich and poor, as the Kudsuri or Whale. It is caught frequently about Japan, but particularly in the Sea Khumano, which washes the Southern Coasts of the great Island Nipon, as    [133]    also about the Islands Tsussima and Goto, and upon the Coasts of Omura and Nomo. The common way of catching them 1s with darts, or harping-irons, as they do in the Groenland-fishery, but the Japanese Boats seem to te fitter for this purpose than ours, being small, narrO>. tapering into a sharp point at one end, with five oars, or ten Men each, who row them with incredible Swiftlless About 1680) a rich Fisherman in the province OmUra whose name was Gitaijo, found out a new way of catching Whales with Nets made of strong ropes about two Inches thick. This method was afterwards follow'd with good success by a Countryman in the Islands of Gotho, whose name was Iwonomo. They say, that as soon as the Whale finds his head entangled in a net, he cannot without great difficulty swim filrther, and may be very easily kill'd with Harpoon-irons after the common manner. The reason why this new Method, which seem'd to bid very fair for success, hath not been universally receiv'd is, because it requires a greater, and much more expensive set of proper Tackle, than common Fishermen can afford. F or whereas the expence of Whale-fishing, after the common manner, seldom exceeds 20 Chests of Silver, this cannot be so much as attempted with a less Sum.

There are several sorts of Whales, which differ in their ?S. names, shape, and bigness. r. Sebio is the chief, and indeed the largest Fish of the Whale-kind. It affords most Train-oyl, and its flesh is very good, and wholesom, so far that Fishermen and the common People attribute their good state of health amidst all the injuries of cold and weather, which they are continually expos'd to, chiefly to their eating this flesh. 2. Awo Sangi, commonly Kokadsura, that is a small Whale, is grey or ash­colour'd, smaller than the Sebio, from which it also differs something in shape. 3. Nagass, is commonly 20 to 30 fathom long, and hath this particular, that he can stay under water for two or three hours, during which time he can travel a vast way, whereas other Whales must continually come up to the surface of the water for fresh supplies of . air. 4. Sotookadsura, that is, the Whale of blind Peoplen so call'd from the figure of a Bijwu, or a sort of a Lute, vvhich blind people in this Country use to play upon, which is said to be naturally represented on its back. It is not a very large sort, and seldom exceeds ten fathom in length. It is caught frequently about Japan, but the flesh is reckon'd unwholsome food, being, as they say, too hot, and occasioning coughs, fevers, eruptions on the skin, and sometimes the Small-pox. It is brought to market with other fish, and sold for the flesh of the Sebio, but those who know it will never buy it. 5. Mako never exceeds three or four fathom in length. This same name is given to the young ones of the other kinds. That, which I hear speak of, is caught frequently upon the Eastern Coasts of Japan, as aJso upon the Coasts of Kijnokuni and Satzuma. Ambergreese is found in the intestins of this Whale. The head yields a small quantity of Train-oyl. 6. Iwasikura, that is, Sardin's-Eater, hath Isaasik'w a tail and fins like common Fish. We saw this    [134]    sort, when we went up to Court, between CaMinoseki, and Simonoseki, and I took it to be that Fish which the Dutch call Noord Caper. Of all these several kinds of Whales nothing is thrown away as useless, excepting only the large Shoulder-bone. The skin which is black in most kinds, the Flesh which is red and looks like Beef, the intestins, which from their remarkable length are call'd Fiaksiro, that is, an hundred fathoms long, and all the inward parts are eat, pickel'd, boil'd, roasted, or fry'd. The fat or blubber is boil'd into Trainoyl, and even the sediments of the second boiling are eat. The bones, such as are of a cartilaginous substance, are boil'd when fresh, and eat, or scrap'd, clean'd and dried for the use of the kitchin Out of the nervous and tendious parts, both white and yellow, they make cords and ropes, chiefly for their Cottonmanufactures, as also for their Musical Instruments. Not even the garbage is thrown away, but kept for some use in the Kitchin. Several little things are made of the jaw-bones, fins and other bones, which are of a more solid substance; particularly their fine Mako. stilyards for weighing Gold and Silver are made of h and have borrow'd their name from thence. t em, Satsifoko is a Fish two, three, and sometimes fi six fathoms long, with two long teeth or tusks, standiln,, Out of the mouth upwards, which are sometimes, by way of ornament, put at the top of castles, temples, and publick buildings. I was inform'd by Fishermen, that this Fish is a cunning and mortal enemy of ViThales, and that he kills them by creeping into the mouth, and devouring their tongues. He hath a way, as he creeps in, to put his head and teeth into such a posture, that they are no hindrance to him.

Iruku is a known Fish, call'd Tenije in the Indies, (Fig. 39.) Furube is another Fish, not very large, (Fig. 4c.) The Dutch call him Blazer, which signifys Blower, because he can blow and swell himself up into the form of a round Ball. He is rank'd among the poisonous Fish, and if eat whole, is said unavoidably to occasion death There are three different sorts of it found in the JapaneSe Seas, all in great plenty. The first sort callwd Susumebuka is small, and seldom eat. The second is calltd Mabuku that is the true Buku. This the Japanese reckon a very delicate Fish, and they are very fond of it. But the Head, Guts, bones, and all the garbage must be thrown away, and the Flesh carefully washad and clean'd before it is fit to eat. And yet many People die of it, for want, as they say, of thoroughly washing and cleaning it. People that by some long and tedious sickness are grown weary of their lives, or are otherwise under miserable Circumstances, frequently chuse this poisonous Fish, instead of a knife or halter, to make away with themselves A Neighbour of my Servant at Nangasaki being so strongly infected with the Pox, that his nose was ready

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want of proper Observations- The name Sernmi or Seb which they bear, is borrow'd from their Musick, Thlc' begins slowlyandupon a low tune, then increases graduallX in swiftness and loudness, and again ends nretty 1

This Musick, I thought, was not unlike the Noise a Buttonmaker's spxndle makes in turning. They beain to sing with the Rising-sun, and end about Noon. The Exuviae call'd Semi no Mukigara are preserv'd for physical uses, and sold publickly in shops both in Japan and China (See Fig. 38. C. D. E.) Another smaller kind is from its smallness call'd Kosebi, or the small Sebi. (See Fig. 38. F. G. H. I.) They appear later in the year, much about the time when the others disappear. They sing from Noon to Sun-set, and live till late in Autumn. Their musick is not near so loud as that of the first kind, and is by the common people call'd Tsuku Tsukuboo. The third kind difl*ers from the second neither in shape nor bigness, only they sing from morning to night. The Females of all the three kinds are mute, and have their breast shut: In all other respects they are like the Males. (See Fig. 38. K. L.)

. The Cantharides, or Spanish-flies are of the same colour with our Spanish-flies, but somewhat bigger and rounder, and very near as big as our common    [132]    European Beetles. Their use is entirely unknown in Japan. Another particular sort of Spanish-flies is called Fanmio. They are extremely caustick, and rank'd among the Poisons. They are found upon Rice-Ears, and are long, slender, and smaller than the Spanish-flies, blew or gold-colour'd, with scarlet or crimson spots and lines, which makes them look very beautiful. (See Fig. 38.) But the finest of all the flying tribe of Insects, and which by reason of its incomparable beauty is kept by the Ladies among their Curiosities, is a peculiar and scarce Night-fly, about a finger long, slender, roundbodied, with four wings, two of which are transparent and hid under a pair of others which are shining, as it were polish'd, and most curiously adorn'd with biew and golden lines and spots. The following Fable ows its origin to the unparallel'd beauty of this little creature. They say that all other Night-flies fall in love with it, and that to get rid of their importunities it maliciously bids them (for a trial of their constancy) to go and to fetch fire. The blind lovers sauple not to obey commands, and flying to the next fire or candIe, they never fail to burn themselves to death. The female is not near so beautiful as the male, but grey, or ash-colour'd and spotted.