G24 



THE VOYAGE OF THE VEGA. 



[chap. 



or two will undoubtedly belong to a past and to a great extent 

 forgotten period, a picture which to future writers may possibly 

 form a not unwelcome contribution to the knowledge of the 

 Japan that now (1879) is. Such a sketch would however 

 carry me too far beyond the subject of this narrative of 

 travel, and require too much space, on which account I must 

 confine myself to an enumeration of the festivities at the head 

 of which were public authorities, learned societies, or clubs. 



On the 10th September a grand dinner was given at the Grand 

 Hotel, the principal European hotel— and very well kept— of 



THE STEAMER " A. E. NORDENSKTOLD," STRANDED ON THE EAST COAST OF YEZO. 



(After a Japanese photograph.) 



Yokohama, by the Butch minister. Chevalier VAN Stoetwegen, 

 who at the same time represents Sweden and Norway in Japan. 

 The members of the Expedition were here introduced to several 

 members of the Japanese Government. 



We were invited to a d('je'ilncr d la fourchette, at one o'clock 

 P.M. on the 11th September, at the Imperial summer palace 

 Hamagoten, by Admiral Kawamuea, minister of marine. At 

 this entertainment there were present, besides the scientific men 

 and officers of the Vega, and our minister, Herr van Stoetwegen, 

 several of the ministers and highest officials of Japan. Some 



