THE INLAND SEA REVISITED. 47 



of March it is well out in flower. Walking past some 

 swampy ground one day, I saw a number of women and 

 children picking the young shoots of a species of Equi- 

 setum, and on asking what it was for, was told they 

 boiled it well, and ate it as a vegetable. Almost every 

 kind of fungus is eaten by the Japanese ; but although 

 I have tried most myself, I cannot say I appreciated 

 any except the ordinary mushroom. 



The largest island in the Inland Sea is Sozu Sima, 

 the first reached after passing through the Naruta. On 

 its south side is a harbour of the most perfect descrip- 

 tion, and sufficiently large to hold the navies of the 

 world. It was a favourite resort of mine during the 

 winter (the non-surveying season), and I shall ever 

 remember the many delightful days I have spent deer- 

 stalking amongst its rugged mountains and fir woods. 

 A mud wall to protect the crops encloses the culti- 

 vated slopes adjoining the few small villages which are 

 dotted round the bay. Sugar-cane is the chief crop, 

 the rough sugar from which is manufactured on the 

 spot. Barley, wheat, and rice are also grown. The 

 French surveyed this locality, and the small gunboat 

 employed for the purpose made the bay her head- 

 quarters for three years. The result of such a 

 lengthened stay amongst people so charming and 



