G32 



THE VOYAGE OF THE VEGA. 



[chap. 



we were entertained in one of the imperial summer-houses with 

 Japanese tea, sweetmeats, and cigars. 



Last of all we visited the Exhibition. It had been closed for 

 some time back on account of cholera. We saw here a number 

 of beautiful specimens of Japanese art, from the flint tools and 

 pottery of the Stone -Age to the silks, porcelain, and bronzes 

 of the present. In no country is there at this day such a 



STONE LANTERN AND STONE MONUMENT. 



In a Japanese Temple Court. 



love for exhibitions as in Japan. There are small exhibitions 

 in most of the large towns. Many were exceedingly instructive ; 

 in all there were to be seen beautiful lacquered wares, porcelain, 

 swords, silk, cloths, &c. In one I saw a collection of the birds and 

 fishes of Japan, in another I discovered some vegetable im- 

 pressions, by means of which I became acquainted with the 



