6 THE POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY. 



or barrooms, and their substitution by public bath-houses, at al- 

 most every corner — all these must be regarded as factors produc- 

 tive of this sense of quiet and rest. Then, again, the strange com- 

 mingling of the new and the old — for, turning aside from some 

 busy street thronged with shoppers, venders and tradesmen, a 

 few steps may find us approaching some majestic temple gate- 

 way, leading to the shrine or tomb of some great hero of centuries 

 gone by. Ascending the time-worn stone steps, and standing be- 

 neath the shadow of the lofty gabled roof of the gateway, our gaze 

 may follow the intricate maze of lacquer and bronze architectural 

 adornment until it is lost in the shadowy gloom overhead. On 

 either side of the two central columns, and shut off by a railing, 

 are the colossal figures of the " guardians of the temple," grim 

 and gaunt, with sword in hand. Flanked on either side are the 

 tall bronze or stone lanterns of the temple, and still beyond, back 

 even of the font of water and the great temple bell in its gabled 

 belfry, is the shrine itself, a fitting resting place or tribute to one 

 who has served his country well, guarded as it is by gnarled and 

 ancient pines and lofty cryptomarias that were ancient when the 

 grandsires of the happy throng below ascended these self-same 

 steps to offer a tribute to the memory of the hero. 



There is a marked similarity in the daily routine of the inmates 

 of Japanese homes, whether they be homes of the rich or poor, 

 the official or tradesman. The wife is always the mistress of the 

 home, and hers is the duty of in every way possible rendering the 

 life of her husband happy — and to be happy herself, as far as he 

 knows. The instruction of the daughters of the home in the 

 various domestic duties also devolves upon the mother. The 

 wardrobe of the entire family is the work of her hands, with the 

 assistance, perhaps, of an aunt (obdsan), maid, or her growing 

 daughters. The latter, by the way, are taught how to sew while 

 yet quite little tots, and as they grow older in years and skill, are 

 initiated into the mysteries of art needlework. Then the daugh- 

 ters are instructed in music, a certain knowledge of the samisen, 

 koto, or some other musical instrument being regarded as a requi- 

 site accomplishment in even the poorer and middle classes, while 

 the daughters of the higher classes and nobility are well versed 

 in art, music, and the poetry of the country. The other accom- 

 plishments deemed desirable in women consist principally in the 

 artistic arrangement of flowers and the details of ceremonial tea 

 making and drinking (cha-no-yu). 



The recitation, or reading of historical poems (utai) is a favor- 

 ite study, especially if some romance is interwoven into the story. 

 Usually the dramatic poems (iorori) are ceremoniously read or 

 sung by the young maidens, while an elder sister or teacher will 

 thrum a minor accentuated accompaniment on the samisen. Some- 



