Extracts from Diary in Ja/pan. 75 



or produce tax, and an import and export duty of 5 per cent. ; 

 also a multiplicity of small taxes levied upon their own 

 people. 



The people are a most distinct race, all having black hair, 

 and black eyes slightly almond-shape, which is most observ- 

 able in the ladies of high birth ; in this there is a remark- 

 able distinction, the ladies of high families possessing cha- 

 racteristic features in the thin aquiline nose, small mouth 

 and lips, and full black eyes, slightly almond shape, remark- 

 ably fair, clear wax-like complexions, lovely teeth, and the 

 most beautifully-formed hands and arms. The hair is studied 

 to the last degree, most beautifully arranged and kept, no 

 covering to the head being worn. The dress is elegant and 

 chaste, the all-prevailing purple and scarlet being the 

 favourite colours of the ladies, although many other lovely 

 colours are introduced — always harmoniously. 



The outer dress is silk, folded across the chesty leaving the 

 neck bare, closed by a broad obe or sash around the waist, 

 fastened in a large loose knot behind; and generally a 

 scarlet under garment, showing in front below the outer 

 dress. The outer dress is usually embossed or embroidered 

 beautifully with floss silk, in various devices ; the feet 

 covered by a white sock, and the sandal or clog worn. 



The gentlemen wear a long loose dress of silk in winter, 

 and silk gauze in summer, folded across the chest, lea\dng 

 the upper portion of the neck exposed ; fastened round the 

 waist with a narrow obe, the legs bare, but covered by the 

 outer garment, which reaches the ankle ; socks and sandals, 

 or clogs, being worn on the feet ; no covering to the head, 

 the hair drawn tightly back from the forehead^, gathered and 

 tied at the crown in a short queue brought forward flat upon 

 the head. Two swords were worn until quite lately, being 

 now prohibited by Government. The swords — one long 

 and one short — have curved blades and wooden scabbards, 

 the swords being of the finest steel with the sharpest edge, 

 and much prized according to quality. It is said that a 

 Japanese considers it a disgrace to draw his sword and sheath 

 it without drawing blood, if drawn in anger. 



The gentlemen lide on horseback. The horses are cobs, 

 about fourteen hands, and very enduring; the trappings 

 elaborate, large Eastern saddle and cloth, heavy stirrups 

 enclosing the foot, and heavy head mountings, with silk reins, 

 &c., all extensively worked. 



