JAPANESE MECHANICAL ARTS. 



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rude costume gave them a wild look, and they had a dirty, poverty-stricken aspect. Their 

 chief occupation is that of fishing, which they c irry on under the eye and for the benefit of 

 their Japanese taskmasters, to whose absolute will they are subject. 



Though the people of Hakodadi are generally engaged in the fisheries and occupations 

 connected with a nautical life, there are, of course, to be found in the town persons of all classes, 

 trades, and businesses. 



In speaking, moreover, in the course of the following remarks, upon Japanese life, as illus- 

 trated by manners, habits, customs, and occupations, chiefly observed at Hakodadi, it must not 

 be inferred that what is said applies exclusively to the inhabitants of that place, as a more 

 general bearing is intended. 



In the practical and mechanical arts, the Japanese show great dexterity ; and when tho 

 rudeness of their tools and their imperfect knowledge of machinery are considered, the perfec- 

 tion of their manual skill appears marvellous. Their handicraftsmen are as expert as any in 

 the world, and, with a freer development of the inventive powers of the people, the Japanese 

 would not remain long behind the most successful manufacturing nations. Their curiosity to 

 learn the results of the material progress of other people, and their readiness in adapting them 

 to their own uses, would goon, under a less exclusive policy of government, which isolates them 

 from national communion, raise them to a level with the most favored countries. Once 

 possessed of the acquisitions of the past and present of the civilized world, the Japanese 

 would enter as powerful competitors in the race for mechanical success in the future. 



Every American admired the skillful workmanship of the carpenters as displayed in the 

 construction of the wood-work in the houses, the nice adjustment and smooth finish of the 



Japanese Cooper. 



jointing, the regularity of the flooring, and the neat traming and easy working of the window 

 casements and movable door panels and screens. The geneml designs of the houses and public 



