402 MATTHEW C. PERRY. 



Americans. Commodore Perry desired to visit 

 these places and examine their facilities, and their 

 adaptation to the purposes for which they had been 

 designated. A few minor details respecting the 

 treaty which had already been completed yet re- 

 mained to be settled ; and liakodadi was the place 

 appointed for that purpose. 



Simoda contains about seven thousand inhabit- 

 ants, and is situated on the southern extremity of 

 the island of Niphon, the largest of the Japanese 

 group. It is compactly built, and laid out in streets 

 which run in right angles. These streets are about 

 twenty feet in width and are regularly paved. 

 The utmost attention is paid to cleanliness ; and a 

 superior degree of healthfulness is the result. The 

 town contains nine Buddhist temples and other 

 smaller shrines. It is the capital of the province 

 of Idzu, and its governor is appointed directly by 

 the supreme power at Jeddo. 



The officers of the American squadron visited the 

 shore daily. They carefully examined the harbor, 

 and suggested such improvements to the authorities 

 as would be necessary to render it fit for the recep- 

 tion of American ships. After their scrutiny was 

 completed, the commodore proceeded to Hakodadi. 

 This place is situated on a spacious and beautiful 

 bay, and the harbor is one of the finest in the world. 



