323 
CHAPTER XXII. 
Tho Literature of Japan— Books — ^Tllustratioiis — Voyage Home — Oceanic 
Pheno7nena~Black Fish — Bouitoes — Dolphins — Floating Tree — 
Pelagian Molluscs — Sea Nettles — Skeleton Shrimps — Sailor Grabs 
— Rapid Growth of Barnacles — A Pretty Kettle of Fish. 
Although I am not acquainted witli the literature 
of Japan, which, I am informed, is rather extensive, 
I cannot conclude my ohseiwations on this interest- 
ing country without making a few remarks upon it. 
In the houses of the wealthy may bo seen many 
books and maps. Their works on geoguaphy contain 
accounts of their thousand and one islands; their 
dramas are of a sensational character ; they delight 
in long poems on love and war, and have abun- 
dance of memoirs, legends, books on etiquette, and 
descriptions of their ceremonies, manners, and cus- 
toms. They have even, I am informed, a national 
encyclopfedia. Many of these works are jM'ofusely 
illustrated by woodcuts and engravings printed in 
Y 2 
