YESSO. 27 



the Japanese, a mixture of both is used. In explaining 

 the course of a river, situation of a lake, or suchlike, 

 they draw on the sand a rough explanatory sketch. 

 The women are the greatest adepts at this sort of 

 primitive literature, having when young been in- 

 structed in the art of pattern-drawing by the oldest 

 women of the tribe. 



Some of their customs are noteworthy, and I think 

 peculiar to themselves. A very favourite fish appears 

 in the rivers about May and June, the capture of 

 which is conducted with considerable ceremony. To 

 begin, they observe a sort of fixed ceremonial custom, 

 called " Mon-ou-me," the best explanation of which, 

 or resemblance, more properly speaking, may be found 

 in the 18th chapter of Leviticus. Cleanliness in their 

 person is also then to be attended to, but of this I 

 have very great doubts. However, every preparation 

 being gone through, including placing the spirit-sticks 

 near the scene of action, they sally out and commence 

 operations. Those left at home are forbidden to speak, 

 and the ladies are not even permitted to indulge in 

 music of any description, sweet sounds being greatly 

 objected to by this imaginary inhabitant of the deep. 

 When the first fish is caught and brought home, it is 

 passed with great secrecy through the single opening 



