144 THE KII COAST. 



in value to that amount ; as for security, of course I had 

 none. Western forerunners of civilisation teach these 

 natives how to give bad weight for good ; to say one 

 thing and mean another; to promise payment and 

 never pay ; to charge treble the value of an article ; 

 and perhaps worse than all, we not only fall into their 

 ways and customs regarding women, but far outstrip 

 them in this particular species of immorality. 



I have got a very long way from my subject, but in 

 speaking of these delightful parts of Japan yet unvisited 

 by the foreigner, I have been led on to explain how a 

 new country may be, and is only too often, invaded 

 by civilisation, and what the consequences are, at any 

 rate for many years to come, to the country. 



Having digressed, I may as well say a few words 

 here about missionaries. First in every way comes the 

 Eoman Catholic. They are almost invariably well 

 educated, self-sacrificing, patient, and persevering men. 

 I have known them looked up to as the doctor, the 

 friend for advice, the kind and considerate father of 

 the whole village, to whom the old man or the child 

 goes when in difficulties. Instances of their settling 

 differences and stopping bloodshed between hostile 

 villages (in China) I know of. In fact, by their 

 general self-denial and thoughtfulness for their flocks. 



