G28 



THE VOYAGE OF THE VEGA. 



[OHAP. 



European fashion. We first assembled in an antechamber, the 

 only remarkable ornament of which was a large piece of 

 nephrite, which was a little carved and had a Chinese inscription 

 on it. Here we were met by some of the ministers and the 

 interpreter. After a short conversation, in the course of which 

 the interpreter got a sight of the written speech, or more 

 correctly the words of salutation, I was to speak, we were 

 conducted into an inner apartment where the Emperor, clad 



THE KIRST MEDiL WHICH WAS STRUCK AS A MEMORIAL OF THE VOYAGK OF THE " VEGA.' 



Size of the orisiual. 



in a uniform of Eiiropean style and standing in front of a 

 throne, received us. The only thing unusual at our reception 

 was that we were requested at our departure not to turn our 

 backs to the Emperor, and on entering and departing to 

 make three bows, one at the door, another when we had 

 come forward a little on the floor, and one at the place 

 where we were to stand. After we had been presented 

 the Emperor read a speech in Japanese, which was translated 



