NARRATIVE OF THE CRUISE 



275 



we seen such a busy port. Steamers were arriving continuously 

 from every part of the world. Behind us were the great ship- 

 building-yards where giant motor-ships were being constructed 

 to give Japan a modern merchant marine. From our mooring 

 we could get occasional glimpses of Mount Fuji in the distance — 

 a very impressive sight. 



Sacred Red Lacquer Bridge at Nikko 



Only the Emperor may cross here — a recent American President gracefully refused an 

 invitation to break the ancient taboo. 



After arrangements had been made through Dr. Nakamura 

 and Mr. Ono, Captain Ault and Parkinson took ashore the mag- 

 netic instruments for the comparisons at the Kakioka Observatory 

 which is about forty miles northeast of Tokyo. They were en- 

 gaged in this work until Sunday when they made a trip to Nikko. 

 While they were at the Observatory they experienced a first- 

 class earthquake. Captain Ault writes: "About five-thirty one 

 morning a rumbling noise was heard resembling a heavy train 

 crossing a wooden bridge in the distance. The suspended magnet 



