Chap. I. 
HARBOUR OF NAGASAKI. 
we were boarded by sundry officials, who imme- 
diately began to put all sorts of questions regard- 
ing the ship, her cargo and passengers ; and the 
information obtained was all committed to paper. 
The commanding officer was then informed that 
two of these gentry would be left on board, and 
he was requested to give them shelter and accom- 
modation in the cabin. 
The harbour of Nagasaki is one of the most 
beautiful in the world. It is about a mile in 
width, and three or four in length. When you 
are inside it appears to be completely land-locked, 
and has all the appearance of an inland lake. 
The hills around it are some 1500 feet in height, 
and their surface is divided and broken up by long 
ridges and deep glens or valleys which extend 
far°up towards the summits. These ridges and 
glens are for the most part richly wooded, while 
all the more fertile spots are terraced and under 
cultivation. The whole scene presents a quiet 
and charming picture of Nature’s handiwork inter- 
mingled with the labour of man. 
On the south side of the harbour there has been 
a portion of land set apart for the subjects of 
foreign nations whose Governments have lately 
made treaties with Japan. The various Consuls, 
most of whom are also merchants, reside at pre- 
sent in small houses or temples on the sides of 
the hill behind the settlement. It is an inter- 
esting sight to see the flags of several Western 
nations — English, French, American, and Por- 
