136 ST NICOTINE 



written in the learned Ensauki that the pipe 'affords an 

 excuse for resting now and then from work, as if to take 

 breath ? ' Certainly, the intelligent Japanese never suffers 

 an opportunity to pass unimproved by rest and reflection 

 over the vapour of his beloved pipe as it ascends on high, 

 mingling with the pure breath of heaven ; while possibly the 

 lingering ashes suggest to his contemplative mind the 

 mutability of all things earthly — for who can price for 

 another the thing which his soul valueth ? 



Passing along the unbeaten tracks of Japan the wayfarer 

 from the West occasionally comes upon picturesque scenes 

 of peasant life of a character which combine primitive 

 simplicity of manners with something of the art and 

 refinement of what we are accustomed to associate with 

 advanced civilization, but which with them springs from a 

 gentle, susceptible nature, always kindly, but quick to 

 resent affront. Turning into a roadside inn he may meet 

 with a party of well-to-do peasants on their homeward way 

 from the market of a neighbouring town, and observe with 

 quiet amazement the public exhibition they make over 

 the bath ; they are very fond of bathing, but in their 

 manner of using the tub they have views peculiar to 

 themselves. Fish and rice are in large demand, and of 

 these, with a plentiful supply of vegetables, they make a 

 hearty meal. After dinner tiny cups of tea are served to 

 each guest by dark-eyed damsels whose appearance recalls 

 to memory the nursery pictures of our childhood represent- 

 ing our first parents in the garden of Eden. When the 

 candles are brought in smoking and story-telling follow 

 till bed-time. Then, spreading blankets on the floor, and 

 with a block of wood hollowed to fit the head for a pillow, 

 they are soon on their way to the land of Nod, announcing 

 their arrival in a fine symphony of cracked bassoons. 



