130 RESIDENCE IN JAPAN. 



merly so fatal to seamen, manifested itself on 

 board my vessel throughout the whole course 

 of our tedious voyage. 



The captain informed me that a number of 

 whalers frequented the Japanese coast, and 

 often obtained rich cargoes in a short period : 

 the principal disadvantages with which they 

 had to contend were violent storms, and a strict 

 prohibition against landing. The Japanese, as 

 is well known, refuse to have any foreign inter 

 course except with the Chinese and Dutch, and 

 treat all other nations as if they carried con 

 tagion with them ; hoping thus to preserve their 

 ancient manners unchanged. During my first 

 voyage with Admiral Krusenstern, I spent seven 

 months in Japan, and may venture to assert, 

 that whoever has an opportunity of becoming 

 acquainted with the people, cannot but respect 

 them for the high degree of intellectual de 

 velopment to which they have attained, through 

 their own efforts, unassisted by foreign influ 

 ence. Their total isolation is probably owing 

 to the timid policy of a despotic government, 

 anxious to prevent the introduction of ideas 



