54 



EXPEDITION TO JAPAN. 



we were again in a good rich soil, and among grounds in the highest state of cultivation, with 

 broad patches of flat land among the hills. The slate and sandstone continued as we advanced 

 northwardly, and at seven miles from Farnigi, or sixty-two from Napha, we came to some out- 

 croppings of the black bituminous slate, usually accompanying coal. 



Three miles farther on, at Shah Nehatu, or "Shah anchorage," to which our attention had 

 been particularly directed by Lieutenant Whiting, the outcropping of this black bituminous 

 slate was on a larger scale, and of so decided a character as to give reasons for hoping for good 

 coal beneath. While saying this., however, I wish to guard against too sanguine or certain 

 expectations. 



We found near the water's edge two bluffs, each about ten feet in height, with thin strata of 

 this coal-slate cropping out in them, alternating sometimes with seams of iron-stone, in which 

 were also nodules of the same. The lower strata of coal-slate were thicker than the upper, and 

 near the water-line (mid-tide) they were eight inches in thickness, as well as of a better quality 

 than above. Attached to this is a chart* of the bay, together with a sketch of the principal 

 bluff. We also coasted all around the little island on which Shah village is situated, and found 

 there the bituminous slate also cropping out near the water-line. 



This slate does not pretend to the name of coal, but is what in coal districts at home gene- 

 rally immediately overlies the coal, and, in coal-mines, forms the roof of the galleries or mines. 

 It will not burn by itself, but ignites and gives out heat when used with good coal ; and, in 

 Europe, is often so employed for purposes of economy. 



In our own case, for steam navigation, it would be useless ; and it is worthy of notice only as 

 an incentive to further examinations, which may lead to the discovery of good coal. The 

 island extends about twenty-five miles north of this, and, although the clip of these strata was 

 northwardly (about 15° with the horizon), yet there is encouragement to give the remainder of 

 it a careful exploration. 



With regard to these sketches, please to understand that I pretend to no skill in drawing ; 

 but my own experience in reading has often shown me that a very coarse and indifferent sketch, 

 provided it be accurate, is better than none at all. 



No. l. 



No. 1 is a view of the coal bluff at Shah bay. 



(i For chart see atlas. 



