186 JAPANESE CUSTOMS AND HABITS. 



The kindness of these people is not confined to 

 bipeds only. To their domestic animals they are par- 

 ticularly gentle and considerate. Cattle are used as 

 beasts of burden and for agricultural purposes more 

 than ponies. When it is easier to reach their fields by 

 water than by pathway, the little black bullock or cow 

 is taken there by boat. In the eveniag it is amusing 

 to see one of these animals, on being unyoked from the 

 plough, t[uietly walk straight down to the boat, lying 

 in the water at the foot of the valley. If its master 

 is rather long in following, it is sure to look anxiously 

 up the valley and low, as much as to say, " Are you 

 not coming ? I want to get home." The plough used is 

 most primitive and small, but quite sufficient for the 

 purpose required, which is generally to turn over the 

 wet muddy soil in the rice-fields. This instrument is 

 carried down to the boat on the farmer's shoulders, who 

 on bis arrival holds the boat steady, and tells the wise 

 little animal to get in, but until so ordered it never 

 stirs. When once in the boat the creature stands per- 

 fectly still, and is in this way sculled home, often a 

 considerable distance. The understanding between man 

 and beast is very clear, and very pleasant to see. 



These animals in older days led an easy life, and 

 died of old age. To take life and to drink milk were 



