CHAP. IV.] KAMSCHATKA. 65 



cone, unchanged amid the waves of innovation that lap his 

 feet. 



Those of us as yet " grifiins " were anxious to make acquaintance 

 with the country, and those of us who were no longer such were 

 equally ready to renew it. Few countries in the world are so taking 

 at first sight as Japan. The absolute novelty of ahnost every 

 surrounding object, and of every custom, is so striking that it cannot 

 fail to arouse the interest of even the most Uas6 of travellers. Most 

 countries have many points in common with neighbouring or other 

 lands. If you know your Constantinople, even Persia will scarcely 

 seem strange ; if you are at home in India, you are not absolutely 

 unfamiliar with many characteristics of Malaysia and its inhabit- 

 ants. But Japan is Japan, and not the most intimate acquaintance 

 with any other part of the globe will enable you to form any 

 accurate realisation of it. 



I will not weary my readers by adding to the already super- 

 abundant list of sketches of Japanese life and travel. If such a 

 thing were possible, the country has been described ad nauseam 

 already, and holds but few secrets for us to disinter. In the pages 

 of Sir Edward Eeed's book those who are unappalled by names of 

 almost impossible pronunciation may learn considerably more of 

 the history of the Land of the Rising Sun than they are likely ever 

 to remember, and in Mitford's " Tales of Old Japan " the reader is 

 brought back to a now bygone era with life-like vividness. But for 

 scenes of everyday life, for photographs of the character and 

 characteristics of this wonderful little people, few writers have 

 equalled Miss Bird ; and her book must always remain as a faithful 

 ]3icture both for the amusement and instruction of future travellers.^ 



^ I cannot let this opportunity pass of recording the manj" obligations we owed, 

 and the numberless kindnesses we received at the hands of the late Sir Harry Parkes. 

 His generous hosjiitalit}^, the help he was always ready to afford us, the keen interest 

 that he took in our cruise to Kanischatka— all these are deeply impressed on our 

 memories. " His death is a national misfortune,"' ran the telegram which announced 

 it. But all those who knew him, however slightly, must have felt his loss as that of 

 a personal friend. 



VOL. I. F 



