324 LIFK ON THE BRIDGE. 



shops bearing the appearance of large bathing-machines 

 The town is liere intersected by canals and bridges ; 

 and beyond, the ground undulates, covered witli 

 verdure, where the richer classes have their residences 

 surrounded by woods and gardens. Having com- 

 pleted this general survey, let us now watch the traffic 

 on the bridge. Opposite to me a juggler has placed his 

 table covered to the ground with a crimson cloth, 

 behind which he plies his trade wdth many a jest to 

 a few old women and one or two grinning youngsters, 

 for it is early yet, and the Yeddo School Board is 

 evidently quite as exacting as similar institutions 

 at home. Presently I am rudely pushed aside by 

 a couple of porters pulling with all their might at a 

 two-wheeled cart laden with cases and packages, no one 

 much larger than a bonnet-box, most ingeniously piled 

 up, and pushed from behind by another fellow, reversing 

 the action as they descend on the other side of the 

 bridge. The wdieels of this simple machine are of a 

 most ponderous description, and people are wise in 

 giving it a wide berth. The men and women passing 

 up and down in a continual stream, seem to be in 

 no hurry ; some dressed in rich silks, others barely 

 having any covering ; porters carrying articles of food 

 balanced from their shoulders on bamboo sticks ; two 

 men in blouses, evidently overweighted by an enormous 



