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FROM HONG-KONG TO YOKOHAMA. 
which have marked the commencement of the reign of the present Emperor, and the rapid 
strides which Japan has made towards placing herself on a level with the civilised nations 
of the West, will always rank amongst the most remarkable events in modern history; nor 
can we doubt that this nation, for ages separated from the rest of the world, will henceforth 
form one of the most interesting members of the human family. 
On the 14th, the Director of the Civilian Scientific Staff delivered a lecture before the 
members of the Asiatic Society of Japan, on some of the most noteworthy discoveries made 
during the voyage. The lecture, which was illustrated by diagrams, engaged the attention of 
a large audience, comprising the British Minister, the Japanese Ministers, and many of the 
Europeans residing in Tokio and Yokohama. On the following day a number of visitors 
assembled on board the “Challenger” to witness operations with the trawl, for which purpose 
the ship went out into the bay. The trawl was lowered in about fifty fathoms, and when 
hauled in after a short time was found to contain fish, shells, seaweed, and the usual sub¬ 
marine deposits. The day was rough and squally, but, happily for our guests, the weather 
moderated, and they returned to shore much pleased with their cruise. 
During our stay in Japanese waters, a young man named Nishi was attached to our 
company as interpreter. Amply endowed with the desire for seeing and learning which 
characterises his countrymen, his polite manners and anxiety to oblige made him a favourite 
with every one on board. 
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