414 



EXPEDITION TO JAPAN. 



south, and the cold blasts from the snow-capped mountains inland, and produces the usual 

 effects, doubtless, of such variations. In the summer it is occasionally very hot in the day time, 

 but the nights are refreshed by the sea breezes. From April 19th to May 13th, a record of the 

 thermometer gives 72° as the highest, and 58° as the lowest point, and of the barometer 29.38 

 and 30.00. As the season advances the mercury rises, no doubt, much higher, reaching probably 

 85° of Fahrenheit, or more. Simoda is liable to the ordinary affections of temperate climates, 

 but there seems no reason to suspect that it has a special tendency to any epidemic diseases. 



Since the treaty of Kanagawa, by which the port was opened to intercourse with the 

 Americans, Simoda has been separated from the jurisdiction of the principality of Idzu, and 

 constituted an imperial city, the authorities of which are appointed directly by the government 

 at Tedo. There is a governor or general superintendent of the municipal and commercial 

 affairs of the place, with a fiscal assistant or treasurer, whose particular function has regard to 

 the revenues. Subordinate to these two officials, there are the same number of prefects or hugio, 

 who again have under them various collectors and interpreters, whose business is the practical 

 administration of affairs in the various departments of government and trade. The limit of 

 the jurisdiction of the imperial officers is marked by six guard stations, neither of which is more 

 than a mile and a half from the town, placed on all the principal roads leading to Simoda. 

 Beyond these, the inhabitants of the country are amenable as before to their own local 

 government, while within them all persons are under the newly appointed authorities. 



Gongs and Musical Instruments for Worship. 



