266 



Printing. 



Gunpowder. 



AilCHITECTURE. 



Castles. 



Temples. 



JAPAN. 



Let me now return to the arts. Printing has been among 

 them from time immemorial; like the Cbinefe^ they cut the 

 letters on blocks of wood, but excel them in neatnefs ; they print 

 and write like that nation. In this art, and in feveral others, as 

 well as in cuftoms, there is fuch an agreement that I cannot 

 doubt but that the Chinefe were their original inftrudors in 

 fcience; but, as is often the cafe, the fcholar has excelled the 

 mafter. 



They alfo claim the invention of gunpowder, but remain in- 

 ferior to the Chinefe in its ufes, not only in artillery, but in all 

 fpecies of fire-works. 



The architedture of the Japanefe refembles in fome degree 

 that of the Chinefe ; it is much more plain, being not loaden with 

 ornaments as that of China. The common houfes are fmall, 

 conlifting of two flories ; the upper of which is feldom inha- 

 bited, and the reft is almoft deftitute of furniture, except mats, 

 and a fmall table to eat on. The cedar (Jimiperus v'lrginiana) 

 fir, and the bamboo, are the great materials for building. Their 

 mirrors are made of metal, but never ufed but at their toilets. 

 The windows are covered with a white paper thin enough to 

 admit the light. 



The caftles of the nobility confift of three different inclofures, 

 one round the other, and are defended by a deep ditch; but 

 never by artillery : they are ufually at the ikirts of large towns ; 

 the owners are bound to keep them in repair. 



The temples are often very magnificent, and fome are pecu- 

 liarly remarkable for the height of the roof, the elegance of the 

 fculpture, and beauty of the gilding and painting. 



Here 



