APPENDIX. 269 



begun by the Tycoons, and wbich was taken up and improved by 

 the present government, of which the Mikado is the head, and in 

 which he takes an active part. Wonderful progress has been 

 made in developing the material resources of the country, and the 

 present government deserve great credit for the progressive policy 

 which they have so vigorously pursued. The Japanese are natu- 

 rally bright and intelligent, and while they have never, until lately, 

 had an adequate educational system, yet the majority can read 

 and write, and books are plenty and cheap. During the past few 

 years foreign languages have been taught in their principal 

 schools, and a few of them now speak English quite well. Some 

 of their attempts, however, are quite amusing, although probably 

 not more so to us than our efforts to speak their langijage are to 

 them. I append a circular of a hotel-keeper at Kioto, which is 

 rather quaint and amusing. Just as I was departing he handed 

 me a number of them, and desired me to place them in the hands 

 of my friends. 



(Picture of Kioto Maruyama.) 



ENTREATY. 



The undersigned respectfully informs visitors to Kioto ond 

 Biwa, that he will conduct (under his pergonal supervision) a first 

 class hotel situate at Maruyama Kioto Japan. The buildings are 

 so situated that the whole city of Kioto can be clearly seen there, 

 being on one side surrounded by hills covered with beautiful 

 flowers, and presenting the finest scenery in the country. 

 No inconvenience about meal and sleepiny. &c. 



Various Kinds of wines. Beer, and other European liquors, sold at 

 possibly fairest price 



The proprietor wishes the visitors to come without changing 

 their part — prejudice, 

 charge for meal and stoppage per day 



2 yen and 50 sen (2 dollars and 50 cents). 



But every one may desire his own agreeable charge. 



ya-ami's Hotel, (old jeutei,s) 



At maruyama, Kioto, 



Japan. 



Altogether my impressions of Japan are most pleasant. The 

 scenery, in many of its features, is beautiful and unique; the 



