300 PRECAUTIONS FOR SAFETY. Chap. XYIII. 
plained to them that in England we had such 
things introduced from all parts of the world, and 
that I was now endeavouring to add to our collec- 
tions all that was useful or beautiful in Japan. 
They understood and apparently appreciated my 
objects, and mentioned that they knew Dr. Siebold, 
who was engaged in similar pursuits. When my 
collections had been inspected, the Governor in- 
quired if I was living alone in the temple, and 
seemed to be surprised when he was informed that 
no one was with me except my servants. I then 
desired the linguist to ask him if he thought there 
was any danger to be apprehended, and had the 
following consolatory and cautious reply : — “ The 
Governor cannot say there is no danger, but he 
will see that the fences are repaired.” This remark 
was followed by a polite “ good bye ” as the party 
took their leave, and left me alone to my medi- 
tations. 
All was now bustle and excitement in Kana- 
gawa, and the carpenters in particular appeared to 
be driving a brisk trade. The fences of the dif- 
ferent Consulates, and those of the few unofficial 
foreign residents, were repaired, some of them 
being doubled, heightened, and armed with spikes 
and nails. Guards were stationed both in the front 
and in the rear of the different houses, and the 
Government appeared to be taking every means 
in its power for our safety. I believed then, and 
it is my opinion still, that the Japanese were 
acting in good faith, and that they were really 
