452 



EXPEDITION TO JAPAN. 



doubt increase with the demand. Fish, however, is the great staple food of the people 

 throughout the Empire of Japan, and is justly called by them their staff of life ; and to express 

 their appreciation of its value, they invariably wrap up a bit of it in paper and send it with 

 each gift. Cattle are only used for the plough and as beasts of burden, so it is almost 

 impossible to obtain a sujiply of beef. Horses are used a good deal in Hakodadi and the 

 neighborhood for carrying burdens, and also for riding purposes. These animals seem of an 

 excellent breed, and though small are neatly limbed, spirited, and of good bottom. The roads, 

 which, by-the-bye, are provided with roadside conveniences answering to the French cabinefs 

 d'aisances, are excellent throughout the country, and are occasionally wide and paved, though 

 most frequently they are mere bridle paths, but kept in good order for the horsemen, the pack 

 animals, and the sedans or kagos. 





J.apanese K;igo. 



These latter are most generally used for travelling, and consist ot small wooden boxes, 

 supported by poles, which are carried upon the shoulders of the bearers. They are adorned 

 and enriched according to the distinction of the proprietors, but are never very comfortable 

 conveyances. 



Hakodadi is several degrees further north than Simoda, and is surrounded like it with 

 mountains, which are, however, more numerous and lofty, though at a further distance from 

 the town. These were found to be covered at their summits and on their upper acclivities with 

 snow, as late as the month of June. The climate of Hakodadi is, therefore, colder than that 

 at Simoda in winter and spring, and the fogs are both frequent and dense. The range of the 



