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33d  Congress,  \  HOUSE  OF  EEPRESENTATIVES. 

2d  Session. 


^NARRATIVE 


OF 

THE  EXPEDITION  OF  AN  AMERICAN  SQUADRON 

TO 

THE  CHINA  SEAS  AND  JAPAN, 

PERFORMED   IN  THE  YEARS  1852,   1853,   and  1854, 

UNDER  THE  COMMAND  OF 

COMMODORE  M.  C.  PERRY.  UNITED  STATES  NAVY, 


ORDER  OF  THE  GOVERNMENT  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


VOllJME  II— WITH  IllUSTRATIONS. 


WASHINGTON: 

A.    0.    P.    NICHOLSON,    PBINTER. 
1850. 


if  Jtt  1  3 


IN  THE  HOUSE  OF  EEPRESENTATIVES, 
FEBRUAKY  14,  1855. 
Resolved,  That  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy  be  requested  to  communicate  to  this  House  a  copy  of  the  report  of  Commodore 
M.  C.  Perry  on  the  subject  of  the  late^Expeiiitioa  to  Japan  ;  and  if  said  report  shall  not  be  completed  before  the  expiration 
of  the  present  session  of  Congress,  then  to  deliver  the  same  to  the  Clerk  of  the  House  during  the  recess. 

Saolved,  That  10,000  extra  copies  of  the  said  report,  together  vnth  the  maps,  charts,  and  drawings,  be  printed  and  bound 
in  the  style  of  Lieutenant  GUlis's  report,  for  the  use  of  the  members  of  the  present  House  of  Kepresentatives,  and  five 
hundred  additional  copies  for  the  use  of  the  said  Commodore  M.  C.  Perry. 


PllEFATORY  mm  TO  SECOND  VOLUME. 


In  the  preparation  of  this,  the  second  volume  of  my  report,  I  have  continued  to  keep  in  view 
a  determination,  formed  at  the  outset  of  the  Expedition,  of  giving  full  credit  to  every  individual 
who  might  contribute  to  the  general  stock  of  information  I  was  desirous  of  collecting  during 
the  progress  of  my  mission;  and,  in  accordance  with  this  intention,  an  invitation  by  "  General 
Order"  was  given  to  all  who  might  be  disposed  to  aid  me  in  this  design.* 

I  was  well  satisfied,  and  more  than  once  so  expressed  myself,  that  if  the  talents  and  acquire- 
ments of  the  officers  of  the  navy,  serving  in  various  parts  of  the  world,  were  properly  developed, 
and  their  labors  in  pursuit  of  knowledge  duly  encouraged  and  appreciated,  a  vast  amount  of 
interesting  and  useful  information  would  be  constantly  added  to  science. 

To  those  who  responded  to  my  invitation  I  again,  and  finally,  tender  my  thanks;  they  will 
find  that  ample  justice  has  been  done  to  their  contributions  by  the  entire  publication  of  their 
valuable  papers. 

And  so  in  regard  to  the  construction  of  the  charts,  and  the  assistance  rendered  in  the  accom- 
plishment of  the  original  surveys  by  the  several  ofiicers  employed  in  the  hydrograpbical 
department.     The  names  of  all  who  mainly  contributed  to  the  work  have  been  especially  noticed. 

It  is  true  that  I  took  upon  myself  the  general  direction  and  supervision  of  the  various  branches 
of  investigation  prosecuted  during  the  cruise,  but  this  should  not  lessen  the  obligations  I  am 
under  to  those  who  so  ably  aided  me  in  these  researches. 

M.  e.  PERRY. 

New  York,  June  10,  1857. 

=■  See  General  Order  No.  2,  Appendix. 


CONTENTS  OF  VOLUME  IJ. 


Page. 
Agricultural  notices  and  observations  of  Madeira,  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  Mauritius,  &c.,  by  D.  S.  Gieeu,  Surgeon 

United  States  Navy 3 

Observations  on  the  Agricvilture  of  Lew  Chew,  by  J.  Morrow,  M.  D I5 

Report  on  the  Medical  Topography  and  Agriculture  of  Great  Lew  Chew,  by  D.  S.  Green,  Surgeon  United  States  Navy  23 

Eeport  on  the  Botany,  Ethnography,  &c.,  of  Lew  Chew,  by  Charles  F.  Fahs,  Assistant  Surgeon  United  States  Navy.  41 

Report  of  a  Geological  Exploration  of  Lew  Chew,  by  Rev.  George  Jones,  Chaplain  United  States  Navy 53 

Report  of  an  Exploration  of  Great  Lew  Chew,  by  Rev.  Geoi'ge  Jones,  Chaplain  United  States  Navy 69 

Report  of  an  Exploration  of  Peel  Island,  by  Bayard  Taylor,  Esq 67 

Report  of  an  Exploration  of  Peel  Island,  by  C.  F.  Fahs,  Assistant  Surgeon  United  States  Navy.. 75 

Report  upon  the  Agriculture  of  Japan,  by  Daniel  S.  Green,  Surgeon  United  States  Navy 81 

Report  upon  the  Medical  Topography  of  Japan,  by  Daniel  S.  Green,  Surgeon  United  States  Navy 91 

Description  of  a  Mineral  Spring  near  Hakodadi,  by  Rev.  George  Jones,  Chaplain  United  States  Navy 97 

Report  upon  the  Agriculture  of  China,  by  Daniel  S.  Green,  Surgeon  United  States  Navy 101 

Paper  upon  the  Agriculture  of  China,  by  G.  R.  West,  Esq Ill 

Report  of  an  Examination  of  Volcano  Bay,  by  Lieutenant  Commanding  Junius  J.  Boyle,  United  States  Navy 117 

Report,  by  Captain  Joel  Abbot,  United  States  Navy 123 

Report  of  a  visit  to  the  Benin  group  of  Islands,  by  Captain  Joel  Abbot,  United  States  Navy 127 

Report  of  Lieutenant  Balch  to  Commander  Kelly,  respecting  the  Bonin  Islands .«.. 132 

Instructions  and  reports  in  relation  to  the  island  of  Formosa  and  Manila 137 

Reports  on  the  coal  regions  of  the  island  of  Formosa,  by  Rev.  George  Jones,  Chaplain  United  States  Navy 153 

Comparative  analysis  of  Cumberland,  Formosa,  and  Japan  coal,  by  Dr.  B.  F.  Bache,  United  States  Navy 1G7 

Remarks  of  Commodore  Perry  upon  the  expediency  of  extending  further  encouragement  to  American  commerce  in 

the  East 173 

Remarks  of  Commodore  Perry  upon  the  probable  future  commercial  relations  with  Japan  and  Lew  Chew 186 

Correspondence  in  reference  to  Siam 191 

Letter  of  Captain  H.  A.  Adams  to  Commodore  Perry,  communicating  the  particulars  of  the  ratification  of  the  treaty 

of  Ka-na-ga- wa . 201 

Introductory  note  to  papers  on  Natural  History 213 

Description  of  the  birds  collected  in  Japan,  &c.,  by  John  Casein,  Esq.,  of  Philadelphia 21^ 

Manner  of  hatching  ducks  in  China,  by  Dr.  Joseph  Wilson,  United  States  Navy 251 

Notes  on  figures  of  Japanese  fish,  by  James  Carson  Brevoort,  of  New  York 255 

Shells  collected  by  the  United  States  Japan  Expedition,  by  John  C.  Jay,  of  New  York 291 

Correspondence  in  relation  to  fcotanical  specimens 29ft 

Descriptions  of  the  botanical  specimens,  by  Professor  Asa  Gray,  of  Cambridge,  Massachusetts 306 

Observations  in  relation  to  the  Cyclones  of  the  Pacific,  by  William  C.  Redfield,  of  New  York 33l 

Report  made  to  Commodore  M.  C.  Perry  upon  the  Kuro-Siwo,  or  Gnlf  Stream  of  the  North  Pacific  Ocean,  by  Lieut. 

Silas  Bent,  United  States  Navy 363 

Sailing  directions  and  nautical  remarks  by  ofiicers  of  the  late  United  States  Naval  Expedition  to  Japan 373 

Appendix 393 

Journal  of  a  second  visit  of  Commodore  Perry  to  Japan,  by  a  native  of  China 395 

General  Order,  No.  1 ^ 41)7 

General  Order,  No.  2 __  4i)7 

Letter  of  the  Second  King  of  Siam  to  Commodore  Perry 408 

Account  of  the  loss  of  Lieutenant  John  Mattliews  and  boat's  crew  of  the  United  States  ship  Plymouth 408 

List  of  ofiicers  of  the  United  States  Japan  ExpetUtion. _ --  410 

Fac-siuiile  of  Japanese  version  of  treaty  of  Ka-na-ga-wa 

English  version  of  treaty  of  Ka-na-ga-wa 


>    At  end  of  this  volume. 


ERRATA. 

Page  339,  line  21  from  bottom— for  gale  S.E.  by  10  E.,  read  gale  S.E  by  E. 

Page  341,  lines  6  and  10  from  top — for  Eament,  read  Eammt. 

Page  343,  line  19  from  top — after  Sumatra,  omit  remainder  of  sentence. 

Page  34C — for  Annie  Buckman,  read  Annie  Bvcknam. 

Page  346 — for  Henry  Barber,  read  Ilenry  Baher. 

Page  388,  first  note — for  are,  read  is. 

Page  391,  line  17  from  bottom— for  44°,  read  46°. 

Page  410,  in  the  list  of  ofiicerB,  the  name  of  Lieut.  Wm.  A.  Wayne,  Saratoga,  was  accidentally  omitted. 


REPORT  MADE  TO  COMMODORE  PERRY 


THE    AGRICULTURE 


MADEIRA,  THE  CAPE  OF  GOOD  HOPE,  MAURITIUS,  ETC, 


D.  S.  GREEN,   M.  T)., 

SURGEON  U.  S.  N., 

ATTACHED  TO  THE  FRIGATE  MISSISSIPPI  ON  THE  LATE  EXPEDITION  TO  JAPAN. 


AGRICULTURAL  NOTICES  AND  OBSERVATIONS 


MADE   DURING 


A  CKUISE   IN  THE  UNITED  STATES  STEAM   FRIGATE   MISSISSIPPI  FROM   THE  UNITED  STATES  TO   JAPAN, 

DURING  THE  YEARS  1852,  1853,  AND  1854, 


MADEIRA. 

This  island  presents  much  of  interest  to  the  visitor.  Besides  its  salubrious  and  delightful 
climate,  its  beautiful  views,  and  picturesque  scenery,  its  wine,  of  world-wide  repute,  would 
make  it  ever  memorable ;  not  Scian  nor  Falernian  are  more  famous.  But,  alas  for  the  island 
and  the  people  !  a  blight  had  swept  over  their  vines  a  short  time  before  our  arrival,  and  we 
found  them  anticipating  not  only  scarcity,  but  even  famine,  from  the  failure  of  wines  thence 
resulting.  Nor  is  this  their  greatest  calamity ;  as  their  immediate  wants  could  be,  as  they 
have  been,  relieved  by  the  humane  assistance  of  foreigners ;  but  the  probability  is,  that  this 
blight,  like  that  of  tlie  potato,  will  continue  for  an  indefinite  time,  and  no  period  can  be 
assigned  for  the  island's  return  to  prosperity. 

This  apprehension  is  further  strengthened  by  its  extending  (again  like  the  potato  pesti- 
lence) over  France  and  other  vine  countries  of  Europe,  and  even  to  the  vineyards  on  the  banks 
of  the  far-distant  Ohio.  Its  causes  and  nature  will  be  investigated  in  Europe;  it  is  sufficient 
to  state  here,  that  it  is  a  white,  downy,  or  fungous  growth,  showing  itself  upon  the  branches 
of  the  plant,  and  upon  the  fruit,  and  preventing  its  due  nutrition,  in  a  manner  analogous,  prob- 
ably, to  the  rust  in  wheat. 

From  the  jireceding  cause  alone,  the  vintage  was  decreased,  in  1852,  from  about  three  hun- 
dred to  thirty  pipes  of  wine.  Now,  when  it  is  considered  that  this  is  almost  the  only  article 
given  in  exchange  for  foreign  breadstuffs  and  manufactured  goods,  an  idea  may  be  formed  of 
the  magnitude  of  the  misfortune,  especially  should  it  continue  from  year  to  year. 

In  connexion  with  the  wine,  it  may  be  remarked,  that  although  much  of  *he  quality  of 
wine  depends  upon  the  climate  where  made,  and  its  mode  of  manufacture,  yet  much  also 
depends  upon  the  character  and  nature  of  the  soil  on  which  it  grows.  In  Madeira,  as  far  as 
observed,  the  wine-growing  region  consists  of  a  friable,  red,  argillaceous  soil,  darkened  by  the 
admixture  of  humus.  It  is  confined  chiefly,  if  not  exclusively,  to  the  lower  portions,  bordering 
upon  the  sea-shore ;  as  you  ascend  higher,  the  soil,  losing  its  humus  and  richness,  assumes  a 
lighter  red  color,  but  is  still  formed  principally  of  clay,  with  small  black  pebbles  intermixed. 
It  is  very  similar  to  the  red-clay  lands  lying  at  the  eastern  foot  of  the  Blue  Ridge,  in  the 
United  States,  extending  from  beyond  the  Susquehanna,  upon  the  one  hand,  and  the  James 
river  upon  the  other ;  and  probably,  from  their  nearly  exact  resemblance^  they  are  of  the  same 
geological  formation.  A  specimen  was  secured  for  comparative  analysis.  Doubtless'  this 
region  in  our  country  is  adapted  to  the  Madeira  vine,  as  to  soil ;  but  will  the  climate  answer  as 
well? 

The  most  experienced  and  most  extensive  wine-growers  with  us  are  abandoning  foreign  grapes, 


4  EXPEDITION    TO   JAPAN. 

in  despair  of  their  successful  culture,  and  are  improving  our  own  varieties;  but  has  this  vine 
been  tried  in  the  above  indicated  region,  where  (in  South  Carolina)  the  tea-plant  grows  and 
flourishes?  Nearer  the  sea  it  has  been,  but  there  the  soil  is  generally  sandy.  It  is  worthy  of 
a  trial. 

Madeira  possesses  a  very  large  chestnut,  which  might  be  profitably  introduced  into  our  coun- 
try. It  is  about  one  inch  in  diameter ;  rather  insipid  and  indigestible  when  raw,  it  becomes 
nearly  as,  and,  if  anything,  more  pleasant  to  the  taste,  when  roasted  (and  it  is  thus  found  at 
the  tables  of  the  opulent),  than  the  Irish  potato.  Its  nutritive  properties  must  be  considerably 
greater — probably  about  midway  between  that  and  the  bean.  As  food  for  swine,  it  would  be 
most  valuable. 

A  few  small  parcels  of  wheat  were  seen.  They  were  spread  out  upon  mats,  and  exposed  to 
the  sun,  being  filled  with  weavil.  It  was  an  inferior  sort  of  thick-skinned  red  wheat,  not 
equal  to  ordinary  Mediterranean. 

Among  other  fruits  found  here,  the  peach  grows  by  the  side  of  the  banana,  and  the  pear  by 
the  orange.  However,  these  would  not  have  been  mentioned,  but  for  the  fact  that  the  mandarin 
orange  of  China  is  found  growing  well  in  the  yard  of  the  American  consul,  Mr.  March. 
Should  an  attempt  to  introduce  it  into  the  United  States  from  China  fail,  this  would  be  a 
source  near  at  hand,  and  its  transference  in  the  summer  months  would  be  exceedingly  easy. 

No  other  plant  of  interest  is  recollected,  except  a  species  of  vine,  or  wide-spreading  shrub, 
which  makes  a  most  beautiful  arbor,  with  the  densest  shade.  By  training  upon  frames,  it 
covers  many  yards  in  extent. 

Upon  entering  the  town  of  Funchal,  one  is  struck  with  the  cleanliness  of  the  streets  and 
their  neat  pavements.  They  are  narrow,  and  bordered  either  by  houses  or  stone  walls,  which 
latter  extend  with  them,  in  some  directions,  into  the  country.  These  roads,  in  passing  along 
steep  places,  are  graded,  by  cutting  down  from  the  upper  side,  and  embanking  from  below, 
which  is  faced  and  supported  by  stone-work.  While  walking  upon  this  raised  side,  it  is  fre- 
quently observed  that  vines  grow  out  horizontally,  {.  e.,  at  right  angles  with  the  facing,  and 
are  received  upon  frames.  By  keeping  them  properly  trimmed,  and  not  planting  too  close,  the 
earth  beneath  is  occupied  by  culinary  vegetables  or  grass,  and  the  vines  require  and  receive 
neither  cultivation  nor  tending,  &c.  In  what  manner  the  necessary  atmospheric  influences 
penetrate  to,  and  the  necessary  moisture  is  retained  at  the  roots,  may  be  a  question,  seeing  they 
spread  out  under  the  beaten  road  and  along  the  land  face  of  the  wall.  However  this  may  be, 
the  vines  are  healthy  and  flourishing.  Might  not  a  hint  be  taken  from  this,  to  construct  a 
vineyard  upon  a  moderate  declivity,  by  laying  it  out  in  wide  terraces,  facing  them  with  stone, 
training  the  vines  from  the  walls,  either  horizontally  or  perpendicularly,  at  pleasure,  and  cul- 
tivating the  level  plots  as  indicated  above — the  whole  to  be  regularly  manured,  &c.  ?  No  grass 
or  weeds  could  ever  encumber  or  choke  the  roots  and  stem  of  the  vine  in  this  way,  and  the  labor 
of  attendance  would  be  greatly  lessened,  and  more  than  repaid  by  the  other  produce,  leaving 
the  grapes  for  wine  as  nett  profit.  By-the-by,  though  no  opportunity  presented  itself  of  visit- 
ing any  regular  vineyard,  yet  it  was  noticed  that  the  usual  close  trimming  of  Europe  was  not 
followed  here,  and  that  around  very  many  cottages  or  huts  the  frames  were  so  made  as  to  lean 
over;  and  at  a  few  feet  from  their  rooms,  and  rising  nearly  to  the  ridge  poles,  upon  which  vines 
were  trained  and  embowered  the  houses — rivalling  in  size  and  extent  those  of  Mr.  Miller,  of 
North  Carolina.  This  observation  corroborates  the  growing  opposition  in  our  countiy  to  very 
close  cutting. 


AGRICULTURKOFMADEIRA.  5 

To  return  to  the  streets  and  roads  about  Funchal.  These  are  paved  with  small  thin  stones 
placed  upon  edge,  and  retained  in  position  by  curbs.  They  are  kept  wonderfully  clean  by  rains, 
and  are  used  by  pedestrians  and  horsemen,  by  carriages  upon  sleds,  and  for  transporting  heavy 
burdens  upon  slides.  It  is  unnecessary  to  notice  the  horses,  and  peculiarities  of  riding,  as  these 
are  mentioned  by  all  visitors.  The  carriages  upon  sleigh-runners  are  of  recent  introduction  ; 
but  the  oxen  of  the  island  have  been  long  used  to  dragging  their  weighty  loads  simply  upon 
planks,  which  slide  over  the  pavement  upon  their  sides.  These  well-formed,  and  sinewy,  but 
little  fellows,  stand  well  up  to  their  work,  which,  however,  is  not  so  severe  as  one  would 
imagine;  but  cloths  are  placed  by  the  driver,  from  time  to  time,  in  front  of  the  slide,  in  ascend- 
ing acclivities,  to  diminish  friction  as  it  glides  over  them,  and  the  downward  course  is  easy  and 
speedy  enough.  Such  contrivances  are,  probably,  better  adapted  to  such  roads  than  wheel 
vehicles  would  be,  as  the  frequent  roll  of  carriages,  or  the  heavy  tread  of  a  single  wagon,  would 
almost  certainly  tear  the  slight  pavement  to  pieces,  particularly  after  a  soaking  rain. 

It  is  inferred  (with  only  a  brief  time  and  few  opportunities  for  observing)  that  the  agriculture, 
or  rather  horticulture,  of  the  island  is  carried  on  chiefly  by  manual  labor,  and  is  in  a  compara- 
tively rude  and  simple  state.  Loudon  says :  "  It  is  the  boast  of  the  islanders,  that  their  country 
produces  the  best  wheat,  the  purest  sugar,  and  the  finest  wines  in  the  world ;  together  with 
the  most  salubrious  air,  and  a  freedom  from  all  noxious  reptiles." 

"The  variety  of  grape  cultivated  is  what  in  France  is  called  the  Ehenish,  a  sort  of  small 
black  cluster  ;  but  its  character  is  greatly  altered  since  its  transplantation  to  Madeira.  The 
grape  from  which  the  Malmsey  Madeira  wine  is  made  is  the  Ciotat  of  the  French,  or  parsley- 
leaved  muscadine  with  a  white  berry. ' ' 

"The  island,  it  is  said,  when  discovered  by  the  Portuguese,  was  covered  with  wood;  and  the 
first  step  taken  by  the  new  settlers  was  to  set  fire  to  the  wood.  The  conflagration  is  said  to 
have  lasted  seven  years,  and  to  have  been  the  chief  cause  of  the  fertility  of  the  soil ;  but,  what- 
ever may  have  been  the  effect  at  first,  this  fertility  could  not  have  lasted  for  three  centuries." 

CAPE   OF    GOOD    HOPE. 

From  the  anchorage,  what  seem  to  be  numerous  trees  are  seen  in  rows  of  a  deep-green 
growth;  they  are  too  large  for  either  maize  or  sugar-cane.  They  proved  to  be  of  pine,  and  are 
of  various  ages,  from  the  smallest  plants  to  full-grown,  majestic  trees,  and  are  thinned  out  pro- 
portionably.  The  country  without  them  would  be  very  bare,  and  they  serve  not  only  the  useful 
purpose  of  affording  fuel,  but  also  the  ornamental  one  of  shading  the  approach  to,  and  the 
grounds  around,  suburban  country-houses.  From  this  cause,  these  present  a  comfortable  and 
home-like  appearance,  in  contrast  with  the  arid  aspect  of  the  adjoining  country.  This  sys- 
tem of  planting  might  be  adopted  in  some  parts  of  our  country  with  advantage  ;  full  direc- 
tions for  which  could  be  found  in  English  and  Scotch  agricultural  writings. 

The  most  interesting  productions  are  wheat,  wool,  wine,  a  remarkable  kind  of  cattle,  broad- 
tailed  .sheep,  and  a  peculiar  farinaceous  vegetable  that  grows  above  ground — all  of  which  will 
be  noticed  in  their  order. 

The  Cape  wheat  is  of.  very  superior  quality,  being  esteemed  better  than  any  other  either 
grown  in  or  imported  into  Great  Britain,  and  it  has  sold  at  "from  10s.  to  15s.  more  than 
the  finest  Dantzic,"  (per  quarter?)  It  is  remarkable  for  its  whiteness,  plump  grain,  and  ex- 
traordinary weight,  not  unfrequently  exceeding  70  pounds  per  busliel.  "The  Dutch,  when 
they  had  the  Cape  in  their  possession,  were  accustomed  to  import  seed-wheat  from  it."     Sin- 


6  EXPEDITION   TO   JAPAN. 

clair  says,  "  when  the  crop  (of  some  that  he  had  planted)  came  into  ear,  the  sort  evidently  ap- 
peared to  be  a  species  of  white  cane-wheat.  Tlie  straw  had  a  pith  in  it,  like  a  rush — a  species 
which,  it  is  said,  had  this  advantage,  that  if  rusted  or  mildewed  the  grain  derives  nourishment 
from  the  pith;"  and  further,  "  the  produce  is  great  ;  the  quality  excellent ;  and  if  the  straw 
alone  is  rusted  or  mildewed,  the  ear  is  not  affected  by  it,  drawing  its  nourishment  through  the 
pith."  (Can  this  be  so?)  No  opportunity  occurred  of  learning  its  mode  of  culture  ;  but  its 
superior  excellence  is  easily  understood,  from  the  climate  it  grows  in.  Many  tropical  plants 
succeed  well  at  the  Cape;  and  it  is  well  known  that,  if  wheat  has  rain  enough  to  mature  well, 
it  is  always  better  in  hot  and  dry  than  in  cold  and  moist  climates. 

The  production  of  grain  (barley,  brans,  and  wheat)  is  sufficient  for  home  consumption,  with 
a  moderate  surplus  for  exportation.  Of  the  latter,  there  was  exported  in  1851,  in  grain,  flour, 
&c.,  to  the  amount  of  £14,908.  But  this  quantity  will  not  be  greatly  increased  for  many 
years  to  come,  however  great  may  be  the  capacity  of  the  land.  This  opinion  is  based  upon  the 
probable  difficulty  and  expense  of  transportation  from  the  interior  to  the  seaports,  and  from  the 
scarcity  and  cost  of  labor,  already  deficient,  and  becoming  more  so  from  the  emigration  to  the 
gold-fields  of  Australia.  This  latter  cause  must  diminish  the  breadth  of  land  under  culture; 
but,  on  the  other  liand,  it  will  increase  the  pasture  surface,  and  correspondingly  increase  the 
production  of  wool ;  and  this  will  be  further  stimulated  by  the  decreased  yield  of  wool  in  Aus- 
tralia, where  the  flocks  have  been  neglected  and  partially  abandoned  since  the  discovery  of 
gold. 

The  exports  of  wool  have  been  regularly  on  the  increase  for  the  last  twenty  years,  and  an 
intelligent  merchant  stated  that  it  could  be  augmented  to  any  amount  to  meet  a  demand.  Nor 
is  this  improbable,  considering  the  very  extensive  tracts  of  country  recently  opened  to  new 
settlers  at  the  eastern  end  of  the  colony — lands  rich,  well  watered,  and  admirably  adapted  to 
sheep.  In  1833  the  exports  were  113,077  lbs. ;  in  1841  they  had  advanced  to  1,016,807  lbs.; 
and  in  1851  to  5,447,252  lbs. ;  which,  however,  was  a  little  less  than  in  the  immediately  pre- 
ceding year,  but  the  first  three  quarters  of  1852  promised  a  great  advance  upon  either. 
Thus,  this  is  already  the  great  staple  of  the  colony  for  exportation.  Including  £12,707  worth 
of  sheep-skins,  it  amounts  to  £294,317,  which  considerably  exceeds  the  total  amount  of  all  other 
exported  articles,  viz  :  £222,317. 

That  this  branch  of  industry  will  continue  to  increase,  may  be  inferred,  not  only  from  the 
considerations  already  mentioned,  but  from  the  cheapness  of  producing,  and  the  facility  of  trans- 
porting wool  to  market.  As  an  evidence  of  the  growing  spirit  upon  this  subject,  the  follow- 
ing extract  from  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope  Almanac  for  1853  is  subjoined:  "That  the  prejudice 
which  formerly  existed  among  the  Dutch  farmers  against  merino  and  other  wool-bearing  sheep 
has  not  only  disappeared,  but  given  way  to  a  laudable  desire  to  increase  their  operations  in  this 
respect,  and  to  improve  their  breed,  is  proved  by  the  ready  sale  of  good  stock  mats  within  this 
district  (Graf-Key  net) . ' ' 

On  the  17th  September  last  (1852),  at  a  sale  held  by  Messrs.  Mesenthal  Brothers,  thirty 
merino  rams  were  sold  at  no  less  than  £1,156  17s.  5d.,  or  at  a  little  more  than  an  average  of 
£31  ($155)  per  head;  some,  however,  fetching  as  much  as  £75  ($375).  "It  is  pleasant,"  says 
the  local  paper,  "to  see  so  many  Dutch  farmers'  names  in  the  list  of  purchasers,  as  it  shows 
that  they  are  fully  alive  to  the  importance  of  improving  the  quality  of  their  wool,  and  have 
quite  discarded  the  prejudice  which  induced  them,  formerly,  to  laugh  at  the  stupidity  of  those 
who,  as  they  facetiously  termed  it,  gave  £10  for  a  sheep-skin !" 


AGRICULTURE,  CAPE  OF  GOOD  HOPE.  7 

The  samples  examined  are  of  very  good  quality,  and  the  Cape  may  be  regarded,  hereafter, 
as  a  source  of  supply  for  our  manufacturers,  and  of  competition  by  our  wool-growers. 

Two  kinds  of  wine  are  made  here,  viz:  the  ordinary,  such  as  Cape  Madeira,  Cape  Sherrj', 
&c.,  and  the  Constantia.  Of  the  former,  about  500,000  gallons  are  exported  annually,  at 
about  fifty  cents  per  gallon ;  but  this  is  of  less  importance  comparatively.  Of  the  latter,  about 
2,000  gallons  are  exported  from  the  whole  colony,  at  about  $2  50  per  gallon;  that  from  Cape 
Town  exceeding  $3  75  per  gallon,  and  this  possesses  considerable  interest.  It  is  a  sweet  wine, 
with  good  body,  and  is  very  limited  in  supply,  being  only  grown  upon  a  few  favored  spots. 
That  near  Cape  Town  is  produced  by  only  three  vineyards,  which  are  confined  to  a  peculiar 
soil  of  small  extent,  and  are  distant  from  the  town  about  ten  miles. 

The  grapes  from  which  the  Constantia  is  made  (so  named  from  the  vineyard  where  it  origin- 
ated) are  of  two  kinds — the  Froutignac  and  the  Pontiac  ;  and  each  of  these  again  is  of  two 
varieties — the  white,  and  the  red  or  black — producing,  respectively,  a  light  and  a  dark  colored 
wine. 

The  soil  upon  which  these  grow  is  a  friable  clayey  loam,  not  unlike  the  grape  soil  of  Madeira, 
except  that  it  is  of  a  brighter  red  color.  It,  too, 'is  similar  to  the  red  lands  near  the  eastern 
base  of  the  Blue  Ridge,  United  States,  containing,  as  that  frequently  does,  small,  white, 
crumbly  pebbles,  or  fragments  of  a  chalky  appearance  ;  and  also,  like  that,  throwing  up  an 
abundant  growth  of  pines  where  neglected.  The  climate,  too,  is  not  very  dissimilar  to  that  of 
this  region,  differing  chiefly  in  the  more  uniform  and  continuous  higher  range  of  temperature; 
or,  rather,  though  perhaps  never  rising  so  high,  yet  never  falling  so  low. 

In  preparing  for  a  vineyard,  the  ground  is  first  trenched  to  the  depth  of  2|  or  3  feet  with  the 
spade  ;  whether  much,  or  what  kind  of  manure,  or  previous  cultivation  is  put  upon  it,  is  not 
now  remembered. 

It  is  iJrobable,  were  a  crop  of  wheat  or  maize  taken  from  the  land  after  a  full  manuring  of 
the  surface,  and  it  then  had  a  deep  ploughing  with  a  four-horse  plough,  followed  by  a  large 
sub-soil  plough  ;  and  were  this  succeeded  by  another  full  manuring  and  a  trench-ploughing 
by  two  four-horse  ploughs,  followed  again  by  the  sub-soiler,  that  the  preparation  would  be 
equally  good,  or  even  better  ;  and  the  expense  far  less,  irrespective  of  the  crop  of  grain,  which 
would  be  clear  gain. 

The  labor-doing  sub-soil  plough  will  probably  be  introduced  into  the  formation  of  any  addi- 
tional plantations,  from  the  satisfaction  with  which  our  labor-saving  "cultivators"  «.re  spoken 
of  by  one  of  the  proprietors,  in  the  culture  of  his  vineyard. 

When  the  groimd  is  duly  prepared,  the  vines  are  set  in  rows,  from  four  to  five  feet  apart, 
each  way ;  and  are  afterwards  cultivated  from  year  to  year,  upon  precisely  the  same  principles 
and  with  the  same  objects  as  our  Indian  corn  or  maize.  It  has  been  usual  to  keep  the  surface 
pulverulent  and  free  of  weeds,  &c.,  by  manual  labor,  with  spades,  hoes,  and  rakes  ;  but  our 
cultivators  have  been  used  for  these  purposes  upon  one  of  the  estates  for  one  or  two  years,  to 
the  entire  satisfaction  and  delight  of  the  owner  ;  and  his  example  must  be  followed  by  the 
others. 

This  stirring  and  cleansing  the  soil  is  continued  until  the  new  annual  branches  of  the  vines 
extend  over  the  spaces  between  the  rows,  which  then  overshadow  and  arrest  the  growth  of 
weeds,  and  would  themselves  be  injured  by  further  culture. 

The  vines  are  not  supported  by  either  stakes  or  frames.  They  are  trimmed  annually  twice, 
the  last  time  being  very  close,  and  are  never  allowed  to  grow  high — about  one  and  a  half  or  two 


8  EXPEDITION   TO   JAPAN. 

feet  for  the  stem  being  an  average.  The  first  trimming  is  done  when  the  grapes  have  attained 
full  size,  and  are  ripening — all  the  shoots  of  that  year  having  been  allowed  to  remain  until  this 
period,  to  protect  the  fruit  and  the  earth  from  the  sun.  These  are  no-w  cut  back  nearly  to  the 
fruit,  (which  forms  in  clusters  around  the  head  of  the  stem,)  and  are  strewn  around  the  stalk 
upon  the  ground  for  shade,  manure,  &c.  The  second  trimming  cuts  off  the  branches  close  to 
the  stem,  or  leaves  only  a  short  spur,  and  is  done  between  the  time  of  gathering  the  crop  and  the 
next  year's  shooting  forth  of  the  buds. 

In  making  wine,  the  grapes  are  permitted  to  remain  upon  the  vines  until  they  shrink,  or  be- 
come, indeed,  nearly  dry.  They  are  then  gathered,  mashed  by  the  foot,  and,  instead  of  being 
immediately  pressed,  are  placed  in  a  vat,  and  allowed  to  undergo  a  slight  fermentation,  which 
seems  to  liberate  the  liquor  and  cause  it  to  flow  more  easily.  It  is  then  pressed  out,  and  under- 
goes thereafter  the  various  processes  of  the  wine  manufacture — becoming,  finally,  a  delightful 
ladies'  wine,  being  very  like  a  cordial. 

The  ride  to  the  Constantias  is  very  pleasant,  and  no  person  ought  to  leave  the  Cape  without 
visiting  them.     He  will  find  the  proprietors  polite  and  hosjjitable. 

The  Cape  cattle  possess  some  prominent  characteristic  marks.  They  have  a  hump,  though 
of  moderate  dimensions,  upon  the  shoulders — in  this,  somewhat  resembling  the  cattle  of  south- 
ern Asia  ;  and  their  horns  are  of  immense  size — in  this,  strongly  resembling  the  Abyssinian 
ox.  When  properly  fattened,  they  make  good  beef;  and  attaining  great  size,  and  being  well 
proportioned,  they  make  admirable  work-oxen.  But  the  hills,  or  rather  mountains  of  the 
country,  are  of  such  steep  ascent,  that  many  of  them  are  required  for  a  single  wagon,  varying 
from  eight  to  twelve  pairs.  In  such  conveyances  wheat  is  carried  to  Cape  Town,  and  merchan- 
dise into  the  country. 

Merinoes  have  been  of  recent  introduction.  The  native  sheep  are  a  coarse-wooled  breed,  with 
broad,  fat  tails,  which  yield  an  oil  that  is  at  times  exported. 

These  sheep  make  good  mutton,  but  it  is  more  than  probable  they  will  shortly  be  superseded 
entirely  by  their  modern  rivals,  the  merino.  They  possess  one  essential  peculiarity  of  a  species 
of  sheep  spread  over  nearly  all  Asia,  viz :  the  broad  tail. 

This  fact,  taken  in  connexion  with  the  apparent  Abyssinian  extraction  of  the  cattle,  would 
seem  to  indicate  that  they  were  both  brought  to  the  country  originally  by  people  migrating 
along  the  eastern  shores  of  Africa  from  the  neighborhood  of  the  Ked  sea. 

The  peculiar  farinaceous  vegetable,  alluded  to  above,  was  seen  in  the  public  botanical  gar- 
den, but  at  that  time  was  not  recognized.  It  appeared  like  a  large,  coarse  stump,  brown  and 
dead,  but  presenting  the  ver}'  singular  and  striking  spectacle  of  numerous  long,  small,  green, 
flourishing  vines,  growing  out  from  this  apparently  dead  and  inert  mass.  Nothing  better  can 
be  said  about  it  than  to  transcribe  from  Loudon  :  "One  of  the  most  remarkable  (of  bulbous 
roots)  grows  on  the  mountains  of  Graf-Eeynet,  and  is  called  Hottentot's  bread  {Tamus  eZe- 
pJianfipes,  Herit.,  Tesiudinaria  elephantipes,  Burch.).  Its  bulb  stands  entirely  above  ground, 
and  grows  to  an  enormous  size,  frequently  three  feet  in  height  and  diameter.  It  is  closely 
studded  with  angular  ligneous  protuberances,  which  give  it  some  resemblance  to  the  shell 
of  a  tortoise.  The  inside  is  a  fleshy  substance,  which  may  be  compared  to  a  turnip,  both  in 
substance  and  color.  From  the  top  of  this  bulb  arise  several  annual  stems,  the  branches  of 
which  have  a  disposition  to  twine  around  any  shrub  within  reach.  The  taste  of  this  bulb 
is  thought  to  resemble  that  of  the  yam  of  the  East  Indies,  the  plant  being  closely  allied  to  the 
genus  Dioscorea.  (Burchell's  Travels)."     This  vegetable  is  eaten  by  the  natives. 


MAURITIUS,     SUGAR     CULTURE.  9 

Without  pretending  to  enumerate  all  the  different  productions  of  Southern  Africa,  it  may  be 
added,  that,  at  a  public  meeting  in  Natal,  it  was  stated  by  one,  that,  "  of  the  successful  cultiva- 
tion of  cotton,  he  could  not  express  a  doubt ;  the  only  thing  wanting  was  labor."  By  another : 
"I  have  as  yet  only  tried  a  small  quantity  of  cotton,  part  Sea-island  and  part  New  Orleans ; 
but  both  are  healthy  and  producing  abundantly,"  &c.  It  was  also  stated  that  Natal  was  very 
well  adapted  to  the  production  of  sugar,  the  probable  yield  being  from  2i  to  3  tons  per  acre. 

MAURITIUS. 

This  is  a  beautiful  island  in  the  Indian  ocean,  heretofore  chiefly  known  as  the  scene  of  the 
pathetic  story  of  Paul  and  Virginia.  Hereafter  it  will  be  more  celebrated,  though  less  roman- 
tic, for  its  immense  production  of  sugar,  and  also  for  being  most  conveniently  situated  as  a 
coal  station  for  steamers  in  the  Indian  seas. 

It  is  of  no  great  extent,  being  an  irregular  oval,  varying  in  length  from  N.E.  to  S.W.  about 
36  miles,  and  of  a  breadth  varying  from  18  to  27  miles,  with  an  area  of  about  500,000  acres. 
Its  situation  renders  it  suitable  for  various  intertropical  productions ;  but  one  of  these  alone 
seems  to  have  monopolized  the  industry  and  enterprise  of  the  people.  The  exportation  of  sugar 
was,  in  1812,  969,264  French  lbs. ;  in  1820,  15,524,755;  and  in  1830,  67,926,692.  From  this 
time  to  1843-'44,  it  vacillated  from  the  above  to  59,545,885  French  lbs.  It  was  during  this 
period  that  the  English  emancipation  act  went  into  effect.  In  1845-'46,  the  exportation  was 
102,168,168  French  lbs.;  in  1851-52,  137,375,179;  and  in  1852-53,  it  promised  to  reach 
140,000,000;  which,  in  English  weight,  would  be  154,328,125  lbs.  avoirdupois.  What  an  im- 
mense amount  for  annual  exportation  from  so  small  a  surface ! 

The  island  consists  of  lofty  mountains,  descending  on  all  sides  towards  the  ocean.  The  soil 
is  a  clayey  loam,  with  prodigious  quantities  of  surface  stone  upon  it.  On  the  elevated  portions, 
the  temperature  is  cool,  and  at  times  cold;  near  the  sea  it  is  warm;  and  the  lands  are  richer 
than  they  are  more  inland.  The  sugar  culture  was  accordingly  confined  to  a  comparatively 
narrow  belt,  near  the  coast,  for  many  years.  But  since  the  application  of  guano  to  European 
agriculture,  it  has  been  largely  imported  into  Mauritius ;  causing  the  amount  of  sugar  lands  to 
be  greatly  augmented,  and  their  farther  extension  is  still  in  progress.  But,  with  a  propitious 
climate,  good  lands,  and  the  best  of  fertilizers,  such  crops  as  the  above  could  not  be  produced 
without  a  sufficient  supply  of  labor ;  and  of  this  there  seems  to  be  an  abundance.  I  say  an 
abundance,  from  the  fact  of  the  extremely  low  rate  of  wages,  though  there  are  even  yet  some 
complaints  of  a  deficiency.  Here  there  can  be  no  well-grounded  petitions — i.  e.,  from  the  ne- 
cessity of  the  case — for  differential  duties  in  favor  of  sugars  the  production  of  hireling  labor, 
over  those  the  production  of  slave  labor.  Nor  is  this  free  labor  freely  rendered,  nor  free  from 
compxilsion,  if  we  may  judge  from  certain  exhibitions  in  a  coal-yard,  within  full  view  of  our 
ship.  The  full-grown  free  laborer,  procured  from  Hindostan,  and  indented  for  five  years, 
costs,  2)er  annum,  for  hire,  food,  clothing,  medicine,  &c.,  only  about  $50,  without  the  expenses 
attending  the  young,  the  inefficient,  and  the  aged.  Than  this,  it  is  scarcely  possible  that  slaves 
can  cost  less  annually,  if,  perchance,  nearly  so  little,  either  in  Brazil  or  Cuba ;  and  in  Louis- 
iana they  cannot  cost  less  than  from  $100  to  $150  or  $200  each.  And  thus  it  always  is,  that 
in  densely  populated  countries,  wh^re  necessity,  stronger  than  law,  forces  the  laborers  to  work, 
it  is  to  the  proprietor's  pecuniary  advantage  to  employ  hireling  rather  than  slave  labor. 

It  is  under  such  circumstances  that  emancipation  naturally  takes  place,  and  will  ever  take 

2^ 


10  EXPEDITION    TO   JAPAN. 

place,  where  the  interests  of  the  ruling  power  are  large  and  homogeneous  ;  since  selfishness  is  a 
more  controlling  and  a  more  universally  prevalent  motive  than  philanthropy  or  benevolence, 
even  if  it  were  in  all  cases  benevolent  to  emancipate.  When  liberation  occurs  under  different 
conditions,  disaster,  and  ruin,  and  a  long  train  of  evils  ensue  to  all  parties. 

The  cultivation  of  the  cane  is  performed  almost  wholly  by  manual  labor.  A  gentleman,  six- 
teen years  a  resident  of  the  island,  states  that  "he  only  knows  one  estate  where  the  plough 
could  be  used  in  the  whole  of  Mauritius."  This  is  owing  to  the  great  numbers  of  loose  rocks 
or  boulders  lying  scattered  over  the  surface,  in  its  original  state.  At  present,  these  stones 
have  been,  by  long  and  tedious  labor,  collected  into  rows  or  dikes,  similar  to  rough  stone 
fencing.  And  these  dikes,  in  many  places,  are  really  surj^rising  to  behold,  from  their  number, 
length,  and  proximity  to  one  another,  as  also  for  the  large  size  of  the  stones  of  which  they  are 
composed.  The  rows  are  three  or  four  feet  apart,  varying  in  completeness  from  a  mere  line  of 
detached  rocks  to  well-built  continuous  dikes  of  two,  three,  or  four  feet  in  height.  Their 
bases  being  wide,  the  interval  of  bare  earth  between  them  is  very  narrow.  It  is  here  that  the 
ratoons  (cane-cuttings)  are  planted.  The  labor  of  first  clearing  a  field  in  this  manner  must  be 
enormous ;  but,  after  being  so  prepared,  such  fields  are  preferred  by  planters  above  all  others,  as 
requiring  less  labor  to  keep  the  canes  free  from  grass,  and  as  suffering  less  from  droughts;  the 
thick  covering  of  stones  keeping  the  earth  cool  and  moist  continually,  and  also  from  a  belief 
that  the  juice  from  such  lands  is  richer  in  saccharine  matter.  A  field  of  this  sort,  when  in 
growing  cane,  looks  like  a  bare  and  barren  surface  of  rocks,  the  cane  being  invisible;  but  when 
nearly  full-grown,  it  presents  one  uniform  appearance  of  waving  verdure,  not  unlike  a  dense 
field  of  our  own  noble  Indian  corn.  The  yield  is  very  considerable;  the  above  authority 
stating  that  "5,000  lbs.  of  sugar  is  a  good  average  crop." 

I  am  unable  to  enter  into  the  details  of  culture,  and  perhaps  they  are  not  specially  interest- 
ing; but  it  maybe  added,  that  besides  guano,  other  manures  are  used,  and  particularly  the 
ashes  of  the  cane-stalks  used  as  fuel  for  steam-engines  upon  the  several  estates. 

A  party  from  our  ship  was  entertained  by  the  proprietors  of  one  of  these  estates,  and  we  thus 
had  an  opportunity  of  observing  its  arrangements.  The  cane  was  being  carried  in  wagons,  on 
light,  open-framed  bodies,  drawn  by  mules.  The  sugar-house  was  very  extensive.  Here 
the  cane  was  iindergoing  all  the  processes,  from  heavy  pressure  in  the  steam-engine  to  the 
evaporation  of  the  juice  in  pans,  and  its  formation  into  sugar.  The  engine  was  a  fine  one,  and 
was  heated  by  brush-wood,  assisted  by  the  pressed  desiccated  cane-stalks.  Fuel  appeared  to  be 
scarce ;  and,  in  connexion  with  this,  it  may  be  remarked,  that  far  more  interest  seemed  to  be  taken 
in  the  success  of  Ericsson's  caloric  engine  in  Mauritius  than  in  the  United  States.  This  fact 
indicates  how  alive  the  parties  are  to  every  incident  bearing  upon  their  particular  interest. 

It  cannot  be  stated  whether  it  is  generally  the  case,  but  where  we  were  the  dwelling  of  the 
proprietor  was  small  and  unpretending  in  comparison  with  the  magnitude  of  the  sugar-house 
and  the  extent  and  value  of  the  estate.  In  it  we  were  received  and  entertained  with  an  open- 
handed  and  generous  hcspitality,  which  will  be  long  remembered. 

Mauritius  formerly  possessed  large  numbers  of  neat  cattle,  probably  suflScient  for  its  con- 
sumption; but  recently  a  fatal  epidemic,  the  cause  of  which  is  unknown,  has  destroyed  nearly 
all  of  this  species  of  stock.  It  is  now  mainly  dependent  for  its  beef-cattle  upon  importations 
from  Madagascar. 


CEYLONANDSINGAPORE.  H 


CEYLON. 

Only  a  few  remarks  will  be  made  upon  this  island,  and  these  in  reference  to  the  neighborhood 
of  Point  de  Galle. 

Here  we  first  met  with  the  nutmeg-tree.  There  is  a  large  one,  and  some  others  nearly  equal- 
ing it,  within  a  mile  of  the  town.  My  little  self-constituted  guide  was  particularly  anxious  to 
attract  attention  to  it,  it  appearing  to  him  to  be  an  object  of  especial  interest  to  strangers.  Its 
sight  well  repaid  the  walk.  It  was  in  full  bearing,  the  fruit  ripening  from  day  to  day;  and  in 
this  condition  there  are  few,  if  any,  trees  that  can  excel,  or  even  rival,  the  nutmeg  in  its  beauti- 
ful appearance.  These  trees  were  very  flourishing,  and  are  said  to  be  the  first  ever  planted  in 
Ceylon.  They  have  been  a  source  of  very  considerable  profit  to  the  owner,  from  scions  alone, 
independently  of  their  fruit. 

The  cocoanut  groves  of  this  island  are,  perhaps,  unequaled  in  the  world.  The  coast  is 
lined  with  a  broad  belt,  and  the  trees  are  tall  and  luxuriant.  There  are  no  enclosures,  nor  are 
the  people  very  honest ;  but  the  fruit  is  preserved  from  depredation  by  a  simple  contrivance. 
One  of  its  great  palm-like  leaves  is  laid  uji  against  the  stem  of  the  tree,  some  six  feet  from  the 
ground,  and  there  secured  by  tying  its  leaflets  around  the  body.  This  is  no  charm,  contrived 
by  superstition  ;  but  to  tear  it  down,  when  dried,  in  order  to  ascend  the  tree  freely,  or  to  climb 
over  it,  would  produce  such  a  noise  or  alarm,  as  to  awake  the  most  sluggish  inmates  of  an  ad- 
jacent hut.     These  guards  could  only  be  circumvented  by  scaling-ladders. 

Some  of  our  ofiicers  visited  a  cinnamon  garden  at  a  considerable  distance  from  the  town. 
It  was  in  a  neglected  state  ;  nor  was  the  air  rendered  odorous  by  its  perfumes.  They  will  be 
disappointed  who  expect  spicy  breezes  in  the  lands  of  the  east. 

SINGAPORE. 

Nothing  particularly  noticeable  here,  except  that  most  beautiful  of  orchards,  or  jilantations — 
an  orchard  of  nutmegs.  A  full  account  of  the  culture  and  management  of  these  trees  is  given 
in  one  of  the  numbers  of  Silliman's  Journal.  One  peculiarity  may  be  mentioned,  and  that  is, 
that  each  tree,  when  planted,  has  to  be  protected  from  the  heat  of  the  sun  for  the  first  two  or 
three  years.     This  is  done  by  coarse  matting,  supported  upon  rude  and  simple  frame-work. 

The  mangusteen,  considered  by  many  as  the  most  delicious  of  all  fruits,  is  found  here  in  per- 
fection. 

There  are  some  extensive,  though  expensive,  establishments  for  manufacturing^  sago,  and 
large  quantities  of  it  are  prepared.  The  raw  material  i.s  derived  from  the  sago-palm,  and  is 
brought  in  the  way  of  commerce  from  the  neighboring  islands.  Our  attention  was  kindly 
drawn  to  these  establishments  by  a  friendly  resident,  whose  courtesy  is  duly  appreciated. 


REPORT  MADE  TO  COMMODORE  PERRY 


THE  AGRICULTURE  OF  LEW  CHEW 


J,    MORROW,    M.    D. 

ATTACHED  TO  THE  LATE  EXPEDITION  TO  JAPAN. 


OBSERVATIONS 

ON    THE 

AGRICULTURE,   ETC.  OF   LEW   CHEW, 

MADE  DURING  A  STAY  ON  THAT  ISLAND  FROM  THE  22d  JANUARY  TO  THE  Tra  OF  FEBRUARY,  1854. 


The  prospect,  as  ships  near  the  land  in  approaching  the  harhor  of  Napha,  is  heautifiil. 
From  the  heach  to  the  summit  of  the  long  and  gently  ascending  slope,  nearly  the  whole  surface 
seems  to  he  in  the  highest  state  of  cultivation.  The  different  shades  of  green  presented  hy  the 
different  winter  crops  ;  the  uniform,  terraced  hills  ;  the  occasional  patches  of  large,  spreading 
forest-trees,  forming  beautiful  groves  to  relieve  the  uniformity  of  cultivated  fields,  and  on  the 
distant  and  even  line  of  the  summit  of  the  ridge,  the  peculiar  pines,  with  their  limbless  trunks 
and  flat,  hroad,  spreading  tops,  under  which  the  deep-hlue  sky  is  seen,  all  consjiire  to  form  a 
most  rich  and  highly  cultivated  rural  landscape.  Nor  is  the  visitor  disappointed  on  landing 
and  gaining  a  nearer  view.  Every  foot  of  ground  appears  to  be  carefully  cultivated,  unless 
from  situation  or  barrenness  cultivation  woxild  be  unprofitable.  Patches  of  sweet  potatoes  meet 
the  eye  in  every  direction,  cultivated  in  broad,  flat  beds,  from  8  to  10  feet  across,  and  seldom 
more  than  30  feet  in  length,  when  they  are  separated  from  others  like  them  by  narrow  and 
dry  ditches  and  corresponding  dikes.  But  few  of  these  beds  have  entire  possession  of  the  soil, 
for,  generally,  they  have  growing  in  them  at  the  same  time  a  crop  of  the  common  kidney- bean, 
(or  house-bean,)  planted  in  rows  2  or  2^  feet  apart,  and  from  6  to  12  inches  in  the  drill. 
This  bean  crop  was  in  full  flower  the  1st  of  February,  and  would  seem  to  thrive  even  better 
than  the  potato  crop,  which  was  at  this  season  ready  for  harvesting ;  and  in  many  places  the 
people  were  seen  digging  them  with  a  broad  and  deep  hoe  with  a  very  short  handle.  The  vines 
were  not  uniformly  luxuriant,  nor  was  the  yield  prolific.  A  few  potato  patches  had  for  the 
double  crop  green  peas  instead  of  beans.  These  were  of  a  large,  coarse  variety,  and  were  well 
adapted  to  the  soil  and  climate.  An  occasional  patch  of  potatoes  had  turnips,  or  parsnips,  or 
radishes,  growing  irregularly  in  places  where  the  potato-vines  were  not  so  thick,  or  missing. 
These  crops  were  all  cultivated  with  a  large  chisel,  used  with  one  hand,  liolding  the  handle  in 
the  palm,  and  forced  into  the  ground  by  a  forward  motion  of  the  laborer  on  his  knee,  and  seated 
on  his  heels ;  the  left  hand  busy,  af  the  same  time,  in  pulling  weeds  and  grass  from  about  the 
roots  of  either  crop.  A  few  of  the  potato  beds  had  been  newly  planted  in  slips,  which  seems  to 
be  the  usual  method,  and  had  as  yet  no  second  crop.  When  potatoes  are  planted  as  a  winter 
crop  on  rice  lands,  (as  they  were  on  the  beautifully  ricli  valleys  between  Napha  and  Phanyi,  and 
on  the  bottom-lands  near  Melville  bay,  in  the  northeast  part  of  the  island,)  they  raise  high  beds, 
in  some  places  from  2  to  3  feet  high ;  from  these,  the  vines  are  much  more  luxuriant,  and,  no  doubt, 
the  crops  are  more  abundant.  When  they  plant  them  on  the  steep  and  almost  perpendicular 
mountain-sides,  as  they  do  south  of  Phanyi,  and  up  the  steep  hills  around  Sliah  bay,  and  on  the 


16  EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN. 

newly  cleared  lands  between  Phanyi  and  Co-sliing,  they  do  not  form  beds  at  all,  but  make  small 
drains  and  banks,  very  steep,  and  changing  their  direction  every  few  feet,  to  prevent  the  wash- 
ing of  the  soil  by  heavy  rains.  These  steep  surfaces  have  the  additional  protection  of  many 
small  tree-ferns,  often  in  horizontal  rows,  which  are  cultivated  with  the  potatoes.  These  dark- 
•o-reen  spots  on  the  lighter  green  of  the  potato-vines  present  a  handsome  appearance,  and,  until 
a  near  approach,  it  is  impossible  for  the  stranger  to  conjecture  what  the  steep  hill-side  crop 

can  be. 

Two  distinct  varieti&s  of  sweet  potato  are  cultivated — a  white  and  a  red  variety.  The  quali- 
ties of  these  are  very  variable,  depending,  no  doubt,  on  the  soil  and  mode  of  culture.  Often 
they  are  watery,  and  small  and  stringy,  and  not  as  good  as  those  of  China,  nor  can  the  yield 
per  acre  be  so  great;  though,  from  their  universal  cultivatioa  at  this  season,  they  are  evidently 
the  principal  food  of  the  mass  of  the  people  in  the  winter  aad  spring.  From  the  qualities  of 
these  potatoes,  one  would  conclude  that  they  could  not  be  stored  in  bulk  for  future  use,  but 
would  rot  very  soon.;  and  this  seems  to  be  the  case,  as  they  grate  them  soon  after  digging,  and 
mix  them  with  a  coarse,  dry  substance,  the  nature  of  which  -could  not  be  ascertained,  and  dry 
the  mass  in  balls  as  large  as  a  hen's  egg,  when  they  are  stored  for  future  consumption. 

The  beans  so  universally  cultivated  with  the  potatoes  seem  to  be  very  prolific.  They  are  very 
laandsome,  fat,  and  kidney-shaped,  with  a  black  elevated  ridge  in  the  place  of  the  eye.  Some 
of  th^se  were  seen  in  the  Napha  market  the  day  before  the  Lew  Chew  new  year,  as  well  as 
several  varieties  of  small  peas;  among  these  a  delicate  pea  resembling  closely  the  lady  pea  of 
the  United  States.  The  small  round  yellow  pea,  so  much  used  by  the  Chiaese  for  sprouting, 
was  also  common  in  the  market,  as  well  as  some  pea-sprouts. 

There  are,  evidently,  three  summer  crops,  but  I  could  find  no  stubble  or  any  marks  indicating 
their  mode  of  culture.  Their  green  peas  are  large,  and  used  when  green ;  and,  although  the 
flavor  is  good,  •when  boiled  their  color  is  quite  dark,  and  they  are  hard  and  soiaewhat  wrinkled. 
There  are  but  few  pods  to  each  vine,  owing  to  the  fact,  no  doubt^  that  two  crops  are  cultivated 
OQ  the  soil  at  once. 

The  Lew  Chew  radish  w<is  the  most  remarkable  vegetable  seen  during  our  stay.  They  are 
very  large  and  very  abundant,  seen  on  the  poles  of  many  pisrters,  and  in  piles  everywhere  in. 
market.  Many  of  these  are  between  two  and  three  feet  loEg,  and  often  more  than  twelve  inches 
in  circumference.  They  boil  them  for  tbod,  and,  when  s-o  treated,,  bhey  resemble  very  much  the 
common  turnip  ;  and  when  growing,  it  is  difficult  te  distinguish  their  tops  from  those  of  the 
turnip.  To  i-aise  so  long  and  so  large  a  vegetable,  they  suVsoil  to  a  great  depth,  and  force 
their  plants  with  nigkt-soil  and  liquid  manure. 

Their  turnips  are  small  and  flat,  and  are  picMed  in  salt,  and.  water  for  fu-tm-e  »se.  They  eat. 
them  with  boiled  sweet  potatoes  and  small  pickled  fish. 

The  Lew  Chew  carrot  and  parsnip  are  small  and  loag,.  and,  thougk  well  flavored,  the  yield  ia 
too  small  to  make  them  desirable  as  a  root  crop. 

Mustard  grows  very  well,  but  is  not  extensively  sultivatod,.  as  only  a  few  planta  were  seem,. 
«,nd  tliese  in  flower. 

The  coarse  winter-greens,  so  common  in  tibti> southaas.tern  portions  of  China,,  grow  well  iui 
Lew  Chew,  and  some  were  seen  even  larger  aad  more  beautiful  than  that  vegetable,  so-  indis- 
pensable to  the  former  country.  Yet  it  is  W)t  qultivated,  generally,  over  the  island,  but  only 
ai'ound  Napha  and  Tuniai.  In  the  same  vieiji)ty,  the  common  cabbag,e  may  be  seen  occasionally, 
Jjut  it  is  jiot  gewrally  cultivated  ixx  any  pp.^-.t  of  the  islt^nd,. 


A  G  R  I  C  U  L  T  U  R  E    O  F    L  E  W    C  H  E  W .  17 

The  tara  is  cultivated  in  the  very  low,  wet,  rice  lands  near  Napha  and  Shui,  but  is  seldom  seen 
in  any  other  part.  It  seems  to  be  of  a  dwarf  variety,  as  the  leaves  are  small  and  imperfectly 
formed,  and  the  roots  are  much  smaller  than  in  China. 

Of  the  cereals,  wheat  is  the  most  common  at  this  season,  and  grows  tolerably  well  in  all  the 
central  and  limestone  j)astures  of  the  island.  Very  little  was  found  in  the  northeastern  parts. 
It  is  common,  and  the  great  bread  crop  between  Veccoo  and  Shui,  the  capital;  though  small 
patches  were  growing  here  and  there,  on  the  flat  sandy  lands  near  the  beach,  on  the  western 
coast,  as  high  as  Nago.  This  was  more  backward;  and  on  the  elevated  ridges,  from  the  middle 
to  the  northern  end,  on  the  western  side,  the  young  crops  had  a  yellow  appearance,  and  had 
been  attacked,  no  doubt,  by  the  Hessian  fly.  In  the  central  portions  of  the  island,  and  midway 
between  the  eastern  and  western  coast,  on  the  red  clay  and  miilatto  land,  with  a  rich  limestone, 
marly  sub-soil,  the  crops  were  the  best,  as  well  as  more  forward.  Here  it  could  be  found  in  all 
stages.  Some  we  jirocured  quite  rijie  and  ready  for  harvesting  on  the  5th  of  February.  While 
most  of  the  crop  was  in  full  head  and  ripening,  but  an  occasional  plot  was  just  planted.  Two 
distinct  varieties  of  wheat  are  cultivated,  though  these  are  often  mixed  in  the  same  little  patch 
— the  smooth-headed  and  the  bearded ;  the  smooth  much  the  most  common.  This  is  a  small 
red  wheat ;  the  grain  quite  small,  and  short  and  flinty;  and  from  the  rich  sweetness  of  the  flour, 
no  doubt  yielding  a  large  proportion  of  nutritious  matter. 

The  usual  mode  of  cultivation  is  to  prepare  their  land  carefiilly  by  sub-soiling  with  the  hoe, 
and  mixing  compost,  and  then  planting  from  6  to  15  grains  in  chops  or  dibbles,  in  squares  from 
10  to  12  inches  apart.  But  they  do  sometimes  sow  broadcast,  and  this  is  often  in  more  pro- 
ductive lands,  where  the  yield  must  be  greater ;  for  they  understand  the  greater  yield  pro- 
duced when  the  plant  has  an  opportunity  to  send  forth  shoots,  as  it  has  when  broadcast, 
though  their  ordinary  land  is  better  suited  to  the  row  culture,  and  the  facing  of  single  plants  in 
bunches  by  culture.  In  some  few  places  they  had  drilled  it,  but  this  was  by  no  means  so 
common  as  the  checkered  method.  Not  more  than  12  bushels  per  acre  could  be  safely  estimated 
as  the  greatest  yield,  while  the  average  would  be  less  than  8  bushels ;  for,  in  addition  to  the 
reduced  number  of  plants  to  the  acre,  from  their  peculiar  mode  of  culture,  the  heads  of  both 
varieties,  but  especially  of  the  smooth-headed,  were  very  short. 

Wheat  in  Lew  Chew  is,  doiibtless,  subject  to  many  of  the  diseases  of  that  crop  in  more  tem- 
perate regions.  A  few  spots  had  the  rust.  They  have  no  mills  but  hand-mills,  and  these  were 
quite  small,  and  probably  imported  from  China.  Saw  no  threshing-floors  for  any  grain,  but 
understood  that  they  threshed  wheat  with  a  flail,  as  they  do  rice,  on  threshing-flcJbrs  covered 
with  matting  or  cloth.  Barley  is  cultivated  to  a  limited  extent,  and,  strange  to  say,  they 
usually  select  their  poorest  land  high  up  the  hill-sides,  with  a  northern  exposure ;  yet,  in  spite 
of  this  disadvantage,  the  grain  was  doing  tolerably  well.  They  understand  cleaning  it  well, 
as  some  very  fine  specimens  of  it,  neatly  cleaned,  were  found  in  the  Napha  market. 

Saw  in  market  two  varieties  of  millet,  which  is  said  to  be  a  staple  crop  of  the  island.  The 
grains  of  the  most  abundant  variety  were  very  large  and  fine-looking — twice  the  size  of  the 
ordinary  millet.  Large  stacks  of  the  dried  stalks  were  common  by  road-sides,  and  on  the  tops 
of  hills  in  pine  forests,  near  the  villages — placed  there  for  fuel.  These  stalks  were  from  6  to  10 
feet  high,  and  quite  large — near  the  ground  three-fourths  of  an  inch  in  thickness. 

But  the  most  important  crop  in  Lew  Chew  is  the  rice  crop.     This  the  inhabitants  cultivate 

with  the  utmost  care  and  attention;  and  their  fields,  when  ripe,  are  said  to  be  beautiful  beyond 

description.     The  middle  and  eastern  portion  of  the  island  has  more  and  better  rice  lands  than 

any  other;  though,  whenever  a  moist  piece  of  bottom-land  can  be  found,  and  where  water  can 

3  s 


18  EXPEDITION     TO     JAPAN, 

be  found,  even  in  the  gorges  of  the  mountains,  no  matter  how  small,  it  is  ditched  and  dyked 
and  flooded,  and  planted  in  rice.  At  this  season  of  the  year  they  are  busy  preparing  their  soil 
for  setting  out  the  young  crops,  which  have  already  been  sown  very  thickly  in  beds  flooded 
with  water,  and  are  now  ready  for  transplanting  in  the  method  practised  in  all  the  Eastern 
world.  To  prepare  the  soil  I'or  transplanting,  they  drain  much  of  the  water  off,  but  quite 
enough  is  left  to  cover  the  surface,  and  makes  the  labor  as  muddy  and  disagreeable  as  it  is 
possible  to  conceive.  If  it  is  inconvenient  to  drain  the  land,  they  even  dig  in  it  when  the  water 
is  a  foot  deep.  They  dig  the  soil  up  tlioroughly,  in  beds  one  foot  apart,  with  long  broad  hoes 
and  very  short  handles,  not  unlike  a  ship-carpenter's  adze.  Six  or  eight  men  may  be  seen  up 
to  their  knees  in  the  mutl,  one  following  another,  but  each  turning  over  deeply  his  own  row  or 
bed,  so  that  the  field,  when  dry,  could  not  be  distinguished,  without  close  observation,  from  one 
that  had  been  ploughed  with  a  two-horse  turning-plough.  After  digging,  they  flood  again,  and 
harrow  with  a  simple  wooden  harrow  with  one  handle,  and  quite  light,  drawn  by  a  single  ox, 
when  both  ox  and  driver  sink  in  the  mud  above  their  knees.  This  is  a  very  slow  and  rude 
agricultural  operation ;  and  the  work  of  crossing  and  pulling  down  the  beds  made  by  the  hoe 
imperfectly  done,  as  the  ox-man  sometimes  sinks  deeper,  and  then  goes  by  jerks  and  starts,  when 
the  harrow  may  be  on  the  surface  of  the  mud  or  buried  too  deejily.  But  to  complete  the 
operation  and  smooth  down  the  inequalities  left,  a  toothless  wooden  rake,  or  board-like 
scraper,  is  worked  briskly  back  and  forth,  until  all  is  smooth  and  uniformly  mixed.  The  rice 
plants  are  pulled  up  and  carefully  washed,  and  tied  into  bundles  of  uniform  size,  and  taken  to 
the  place  intended  to  be  planted,  and  distributed  at  equal  distances,  so  as  to  be  convenient  for 
setting  out.  A  number  of  men  and  women,  10  or  15,  may  be  seen  in  one  small  patch,  one 
following  another,  each  making  rows  and  checks,  about  12  inches  each  way,  and  planting  in 
each  place  from  12  to  20  plants.  This  they  seem  to  do  ver)'  rapidly;  and  as  the  operation  is 
a  very  tedious  one,  they  must  acquire  their  great  dexterity  from  long  practice.  The  rice  is 
planted  in  water  from  six  inches  to  ten  inches  deep,  so  that  only  the  tops  of  the  plants  are  out 
of  water.  For  several  days  the  plants  look  yellow,  and  much  time  must  be  lost  in  their  growth 
from  transplanting.  Yet  this  practice  would  seem  to  be  necessary,  for  even  the  plant  beds  are 
entirely  cleared  of  the  young  plants,  and  then  transplanted  as  the  others.  After  planting,  the 
rice  would  seem  to  require  but  little  attention,  except  to  keep  it  constantly  flooded.  Very  little 
grass  would  grow,  and  no  weeds,  as  they  are  cropped  out  by  constant  cultivation.  But  the 
water  must  require  changing  often,  when  they  can  do  it;  and  in  suitable  situations,  fresh  water 
is  kept  running  through  the  fields  all  the  crop  season.  When  the  rice  grain  is  formed,  and 
the  crops  begin  to  mature,  the  water  is  drawn  off',  and  the  lands  drained  as  much  as  possible, 
80  as  to  hasten  the  ripening  and  to  facilitate  the  harvesting.  They  cut  rice  with  a  bill-hook 
grass-knife.  The  beating  is  accomplished  by  the  primitive  method,  with  a  mortar  formed  by 
fire,  chisel,  and  gouge.  In  the  extremity  of  a  large  cylindrical  piece  of  timber  is  a  pestle,  with 
rounded  and  cone-shaped  extremities,  made  smaller  in  its  middle  portions,  so  as  to  be  grasped 
by  the  hand,  with  which  it  is  elevated  and  let  fall,  alternately,  into  the  mortar  filled  with 
rough  rice. 

The  rice  of  Lew  Chew  cannot  be  called  fine,  as  the  color  is  often  reddish  and  striped ;  yet 
the  plain  is  very  good,  and  it  is  very  nutritious. 

Their  granaries  are  of  peculiar  structure — ingenious  and  well  adapted  to  keep  grain  dry  and 
entirely  free  from  rats.  It  consists  of  a  section  of  a  reversed  pyramid,  built  of  thin  plank,  and 
set  in  posts  six  or  eight  feet  high,  and  carefully  covered  with  thatch— usually  rice  straw.  To 
prevent  rats  ascending  the  posts  and  working  their  way  through,  the  thin  planks  to  the  grain. 


AGRICUL'lUREOPLEVVCHEW.  19 

a  section  of  a  small  pyramid  made  of  broad  boards,  and  shaped  very  much  like  the  body  of  the 
house,  is  fitted  over  the  top  of  each  post,  so  that  when  the  rats  ascend  to  this  point,  they  find 
it  impossible  to  go  farther ;  for,  to  do  so,  it  would  be  necessary  to  climb  down  the  inside  of  the 
hollow  pyramid — a  feat  utterly  impracticable.  Some  of  the  granaries  have  simply  a  broad 
plank  capping  each  post,  and  the  house  built  on  these.  Eats  are  abundant  everywhere  on 
the  island ;  and  without  these  precautions,  much  of  their  grain  would  be  destroyed  by  them. 
Near  some  of  the  large  villages,  twenty-five  of  these  granaries  were  built  in  one  place — built 
in  regular  rows,  four  or  five  in  a  line.  Many  of  the  private  yards  have  one  or  two ;  and  the 
usual  number,  in  proportion  to  the  size  of  the  village,  were  observed  in  the  mountain  districts 
and  on  the  barren  seaboard,  where  no  grain  could  be  cultivated  for  the  distance  of  several  miles 
from  them;  leading  to  the  supposition  that  these  granaries  were  the  common  property  of  the 
town,  or  that  the  grain  was  under  the  control  of  government,  and  stores  for  the  season  distrib- 
uted at  harvest  to  fishing  villages,  and  those  engaged  in  other  than  agricultural  pursuits. 

The  Lew  Chewans  understand  the  use  and  economy  of  water  in  flooding  their  flat  rice-fields, 
and  having  reservoirs  for  watering  their  higher  lands,  as  well  as  any  people  in  the  East.  They 
do  not  require  the  great  "Chinese  water-wheel"  for  raising  water  from  large  rivers;  nor  do 
they  find  any  necessity  for  the  endless-chain  pump  to  raise  water  from  a  lower  level  to  a  higher ; 
and  so  from  one  terrace  to  another,  to  the  top  of  the  hill ;  for  almost  every  foot  of  land  suitable 
for  the  cultivation  of  rice  has  been  supplied  by  nature  with  an  abundance  of  water  on  a  higher 
level,  in  the  beautiful  running  streams  universally  distributed  over  almost  every  mile  of  its 
surface,  and  in  the  pure  fresh  springs,  finding  their  way  out  from  among  the  crevices  of  every 
hill-side,  and  often  near  their  summits.  From  the  small  size  of  the  island,  and  its  great  length 
compared  to  its  breadth,  having  in  the  middle  generally  an  elevated  ridge  or  beautiful  plain, 
sometimes  interspersed  by  peaks,  deserving  the  name  of  mountains,  the  streams  are  of  necessity 
short,  and  have  a  uniform  but  rapid  descent.  Yet  the  valleys  on  these  streains  are  often  broad, 
and  extended  in  some  places  twenty  miles  in  length,  and  from  one-half  to  one  mile  and  a  half 
in  breadth.  They  are  terraced  from  the  sea-beach  to  the  summits  of  the  hills,  or  to  the  springs 
and  sources  of  every  little  rivulet,  each  level  being  from  nine  inches  to  two  feet  above  the  one 
immediately  below  it,  and  so  arranged  by  ditches  and  embankments  that  tlie  water  which  is 
turned  from  the  stream  at  the  head  may  be  conducted  from  a  higher  to  a  lower  level,  and  so 
water  every  acre  even  to  the  base;  or  uy  small  dams  in  the  streams  and  ditches  constructed  for 
the  purpose,  and  by  flood  and  water-gates  of  the  most  simple  structure,  often  nothing  more  than 
sods  of  earth  and  grass  to  dam  up  the  pond  gateway,  a  higher,  or  a  lower,  or  a  middle  terrace 
may  be  watered,  while  the  others  remain  dry.  In  some  situations,  ditches  run  along  the  bor- 
ders of  the  stream,  and  separate  them  from  the  fields.  These  crossed  smaller  streams  and 
ditches  by  plank  trunks,  and  often  crossed  in  similar  movable  trunks  the  large  streams  which 
fed  them,  and  watered  indifi'erently  either  or  both  sides.  The  smaller  beds,  or  divisions  of 
terraces,  are  formed  by  small  banks  covered  with  tough  sods  of  grass.  These  are  seldom  made 
in  straight  lines,  but  in  various  courses,  and,  winding  as  they  do  in  every  direction,  produce  a 
most  pleasing  effect  on  the  beholder  from  the  hill-sides.  Yet  these  carnes  are  not  accidental  or 
for  effect,  but  are  arches,  and  so  placed  that  in  case  of  a  great  flood,  or  the  accidental  breaking 
of  banks  above,  they  would  be  able  to  sustain  the  increased  pressure.  The  irrigation  practised 
on  the  dry  hill-sides  on  the  crops  requiring  it,  is  accomplished  by  reservoirs  filled  by  the  fre- 
quent rains,  and  these,  when  required,  may  be  let  out  to  flood  the  rice  lands  below;  often  their 
ditches  down  the  steep  hill-sides  have  dams  across  them,  and  at  short  intervals  and  opposite 
the  beds,  so  that  deep  water,  fj;om  which  buckets-full  may  be  dipped,  is  found  at  the  end  of 


20  EXPEDITIONTOJAPAN. 

almost  every  row  of  their  crops.  Although  they  have  rows  horizontal,  and  sometimes  horizontal 
ditches  and  heds  between  them  running  with  the  ditches,  yet  they  do  not  irrigate  crops  on  dry 
land  by  running  water  in  small  streamlets  among  the  plants.  This  is  almost  done  by  accident 
on  some  of  their  beds,  and  yet  the  idea  seems  never  to  have  presented  itself  to  them,  and  the 
advantage  j^erhaps  would  not  be  great  to  their  principal  crops.  These  beds  are  made  sloping 
in  every  direction,  and  many  of  them  elevated  quite  high  in  the  middle,  and  seem  designed 
rather  with  a  view  of  perfect  drainage,  after  heavy  rains.  So  of  many  of  their  ditches  around 
their  fields  and  on  the  sides  of  roads  and  the  streets  of  their  villages.  By  observations  made 
at  Tumai  with  the  wet-bulb  thermometer,  the  atmosphere  is  dry  in  winter,  more  so  than  islands 
generally  in  the  same  latitudes.  But  they  have  showers  of  rain  almost  daily,  and  these  are 
often  repeated  in  fine  drifting  mists,  occurring  almost  every  hour  during  the  day. 

Sugar-cane  is  cultivated  extensivelj'  in  all  the  middle  portions  of  the  island,  and  almost  every 
village  in  this  part  has  several  sugar-mills  in  operation  in  January  and  February,  when  they 
harvest  their  cane. 

They  generally  select  for  sugar-cane  their  strong  clay  lands,  red  and  mulatto,  with  limestone 
sub-soil.  But  sometimes  alluvial  soil  near  the  streams  is  cultivated  in  the  cane,  where  it  attains 
a  greater  size.  Their  best  cane  is  small,  and  cannot  yield  a  large  proportion  of  saccharine  mat- 
ter. Their  rows  are  less  than  four  feet  apart,  and  very  thick  in  the  rows.  They  are  carefully 
cultivated,  and  those  on  the  outside  neatly  tied  up  together  to  prevent  injury  from  wind. 

The  sugar-mills  are  of  the  most  simple  construction,  consisting  of  thin  vertical  cylinders,  the 
central  ones  having  cogs  which  work  in  mortices  cut  in  each  of  the  other  two,  and  turn  them. 
It  has  motion  imparted  by  means  of  a  simple  sweep  drawn  by  a  single  small  ox  moving  around 
in  a  circle.  The  ox  is  geared  to  the  sweep  by  traces  attached  to  straps  over  a  large  rude  saddle 
on  his  back,  yet  his  pace  is  a  brisk  one,  and  the  labor  seems  to  be  light. 

Two  or  three  canes  are  crushed  at  a  time,  when  they  are  caught  by  a  man  or  woman  on  the 
opposite  side  of  the  mill,  and  twisted  together,  and  reintroduced  between  the  other  cylinder  and 
the  central  one,  and  pass  out  the  last  time  entirely  divested  of  their  juice. 

The  juice  is  caught  in  large  tubs  in  holes  dug  in  the  ground  near  the  heavy  timbers  making 
the  foundation  and  platform  of  the  mill,  and  conveyed  to  t  le  boilers  near  by. 

The  boilers  are  made  of  clay,  and  nearly  heart-shaped  at  he  rim,  which  is  kept  bound  around 
with  fresh  green  palm-leaves. 

The  bottom  of  the  boiler  is  generally  elevated  like  the  bottom  of  a  junk  bottle. 

They  do  not  use  sugar  for  sweetening  tea  and  other  drinks,  but  make  of  it,  or  the  sirup, 
sweet  cakes  or  sweetmeats,  and  groundnut  candy,  and  parched  millet  candy,  &c. 

The  production  must  be  limited,  and,  no  doubt,  their  method  of  manufacture  is  wasteful  and 
imperfect,  or  sugar  and  molasses  would  be  found  in  more  common  use.  Their  pressed  sugar- 
cane is  carefully  dried  and  stacked  away  in  cords  between  trees  and  stakes  for  fuel. 

Tobacco  is  extensively  cultivated,  and  in  universal  use  for  smoking.  They  cultivate  a  large 
coarse  variety,  as  well  as  one  small  and  fine  flavored.  Both  of  these  would  be  better  if  they 
understood  and  practised  a  l)etter  method  of  curing.  They  pluck  the  leaves  and  string  them 
on  poles,  and  hang  them  up  indifferently  in  the  sun  or  shade,  and  suffer  them  to  be  wet  or  dry, 
as  accident  may  direct;  yet  some  specimens  could  be  found  which  were  good, 

Cotton  is  cultivated  on  tlie  islantl,  but  no  traces  could  be  found  at  this  season  of  the  year, 
except  at  the  spinning-wheels,  and  these  were  of  the  most  simple  and  primitive  description; 
and  on  their  looms,  which  were  alike  simple;  and  in  their  dress,  which  was  entirely  of  cotton. 
It  is  probable  that  they  raise  enough  cotton  for  their  own  consumption. 


EEPORT  MADE  TO  COMMODORE  PEREY 


MEDICAL  TOPOGRAPHY  AND  AGRICULTURE 


THE  ISLAND  OP  GREAT  LEW  CHEW, 


D.  S.  GREEN,  M.  D., 

StTRGEON  U.  S.  N., 

ATTACHED  TO  THE  FRIGATE  MISSISSIPPI  ON  THE  LATE  EXPEDITION  TO  JAPAN. 


KEPORT 

ON   THE 

MEDICAL  TOPOGRAPHY  AND   AGRICULTURE 

OF 

THE   ISLAND    OF    GREAT    LEW    CHEW. 

BY  DR.  D.  S.  GREEN,  FLEET  SURGEON. 


Sm:  Of  the  examination  of  Lew  Chew,  made  hy  me,  in  obedience  to  your  orders,  I  have  the 
honor  to  submit  the  following  report : 

In  company  with  a  small  party  of  officers,  and  two  men  as  cooks,  &c.,  I  left  Napha,  January 
31,  1854,  on  a  tour  of  observation  over  the  island  of  Great  Lew  Chew.  The  chief  object  of  the 
expedition  was  to  explore  for  coal,  indications  of  which  had  been  reported  to  exist  on  the  shores 
of  Shah  bay,  some  sixty  miles  distant.  That  subject  is  matter  for  the  geological  reporter. 
This  report  will  be  a  brief  and  general  one  upon  the  health  of  the  island,  as  indicated  by  its 
climate  and  physical  condition,  and  upon  its  agriculture — incidental  remarks  being  occasionally 
introduced.  Let  it  be  remembered,  however,  that  the  whole  distance,  of  not  less  than  125 
miles,  was  accomplished  in  five  days,  and  that,  consequently,  the  observations  must  have  been 
more  or  less  sujierficial ;  but  to  comjsensate  this  deficiency,  facts  noticed  last  summer,  during 
several  weeks,  will  be  used;  and,  doubtless,  materials  are  at  hand  for  an  interesting  exposition, 
could  they  be  properly  used. 

The  island  lies  between  26"^  and  27°  north  latitude,  and  is  about  sixty  or  seventy  mifes  long, 
by  about  ten  or  fifteen  in  average  width.  It  consists  of  elevated  and  high  lands,  having  a 
central  ridge  rising  in  places  to  mountains  of  over  one  thousand  feet  in  altitude,  with  spurs 
diverging  on  either  side,  forming  promontories  on  the  coast,  with  bays  and  indentations  be- 
tween. The  streams  issuing  thence  are  small  and  short,  and  beautifully  clear  and  pellucid; 
being  thus  brief  in  their  course,  and  speedily  reaching  the  ocean,  or  appropriated  to  irrigation, 
there  are  no  extensive  alluvial  deposites;  and  such  as  there  are,  are  used,  every  foot  of  them,  in 
the  culture  of  rice,  so  that  no  swamps  or  marshes,  however  small,  exist  in  Lew  Chew.  The 
government  would  gladly  reward  the  discoverer  of  any  such,  as  it  would  add  that  much  to  the 
productive  capacity  of  the  country,  and  would  be  quickly  converted  into  smiling  fields  of  waving 
grain.  This  entire  absence  of  marshes,  together  with  the  pure  air  constantly  wafted  over  the 
land  in  the  breezes  of  the  surrounding  sea,  must  exempt  the  island  of  all  miasmal  diseases, 
such  as  intermittent  fevers  and  neuralgias,  remittent  and  yellow  fevers,  &c. ;  possibly  mild  in- 


24  EXPEDITION     TO     JAPAN. 

termittents  may  arise  about  the  time  of  the  maturing  of  the  rice,  when  the  water  is  drawn  off 
from  the  Land  for  a  brief  period. 

Situated  near  the  tropics,  intense  heat  might  be  expected  here ;  but  this  is  so  tempered  by 
sea  winds  and  the  elevation  of  the  land,  as  not  to  be  excessive  or  even  severe ;  hence,  diseases 
thence  arising,  as  bilious  disorders,  diarrhoea,  cholera  morbus,  &c.,  are  not  to  be  apprehended. 
Nor  do  the  cold  northwest  winds  from  the  continent  of  Asia  reach  this  favored  isle  with  their 
chilling  blasts,  being  mellowed  by  traversing  a  lengthened  sea,  through  which  is  flowing  a  cur- 
rent of  warm  water  from  the  south.  Thus  softened  in  their  long  course,  they  do  not  bear  with 
them  inflammatory  affections,  such  as  pneumonia,  pleurisy,  rheumatism,  and  the  like.  In 
short,  no  causes  seem  to  exist  for  endemics  or  epidemics — unless,  indeed,  a  comparatively  poor 
food  may  predispose  the  people  to  strumous  complaints.  Sporadic  cases  of  any  of  the  prece- 
ding classes  of  disease  may  occur,  of  course,  but  would  arise  from  imprudence  or  accidental 
causes.  The  above  opinion  could  not  be  brought  to  the  test  of  personal  experience;  but  it 
may  be  remarked,  that  of  all  the  multitudes  seen  upon  various  occasions,  only  one  person  was 
noticed  as  having  an  anemic  condition,  owing,  apparently,  to  disease  of  the  digestive  sj'stem. 
Several,  however,  were  observed  to  have  marks  of  contagioixs  diseases,  such  as  smallpox  and 
the  venereal.  A  few  cases  of  noses  caved  in  and  flat  with  the  face,  in  both  men  and  women, 
were  seen  in  the  market-place  at  Naplia,  and  also  one  case  of  elephantiasis. 

To  illustrate  how  sporadic  cases  may  occur,  the  nature  of  the  remedies  used,  and,  perhaps,  the 
physical  endurance  of  the  ruling  classes,  the  following  case  is  introduced: 

Upon  the  third  day,  our  road  lay  over  three  of  the  before-mentioned  promontories,  with  very 
steep  ascents  and  descents,  and  an  elevation  of  some  200  feet.  These  had  to  be  passed  upon  foot, 
both  going  and  returning,  by  the  whole  party.  The  interpreter,  of  a  low  grade  in  the  upper 
orders,  and  who,  by  the  way,  had  walked  much  less  the  preceding  days  than  any  of  us,  had  now 
this  task  to  perform.  After  it  was  done,  and  before  reaching  shelter  for  the  night,  a  cool, 
drizzly  rain  was  blown  upon  us.  The  next  morning,  instead  of  making  his  appearance,  Usi- 
sarti  sent  to  ask  for  a  little  sugar.  He  had  an  ephemeral  fever,  arising  from  the  fatigue  and 
exposure  of  the  day  before,  and,  by  my  advice,  remained  behind.  The  sugar  was  for  medicine. 
It  was  used  first  in  eau  sucre,  which  he  thought  would  soon  relieve  him.  It  was  next  made 
into  a  paste  with  starch  (of  the  sweet  potato),  and  boiling  water  added  ;  this  he  drank,  and  re- 
marked he  would  be  ready  to  start  after  sleeping  a  little.  The  sickness  was  slight,  and  appar- 
ently would  be  brief ;  the  remedy  was  equally  simple,  (quite  French,)  and  would  probably  be 
sufiicient.  Indications  of  a  more  active  external  practice  are  manifested  in  the  course  of  the 
spine  and  upon  the  abdomen  of  many  of  the  inhabitants. 

To  conclude  this  branch  of  the  report,  the  climate  of  Lew  Chew  is,  perhaps,  as  pleasant,  as 
free  from  the  severity  of  winter's  cold  or  summer's  heat,  as  any  in  the  world;  and  the  island  is 
nearly,  if  not  quite,  as  healthy  as  any  on  the  bosom  of  the  sea. 

ACIRICULTUKE. 

Soil, — is  somewhat  various.  In  the  southern  half  of  the  island  it  lies  upon  limestone,  which 
protrudes  through  it  in  many  jjlaccs  on  tlie  tops  and  sides  of  ridges,  in  large  and  irregular 
masses,  causing  the  scenery  to  be  peculiar  and  picturesque.  These  frequently  appeared  like  the 
ruins  of  fortresses,  castles,  and  abbeys.  Around  and  in  the  midst  of  these  rocks  the  stratum  of 
soil  is  thin,  and,  therefore,  not  susceptible  of  culture,  except  in  small  spots.  In  this  section, 
and  indeed  in  all  tlie  island,  there  is  little  sandy  loam  or  sandy  Soil.     The  uplands  consist,  in 


AGRICULTUREOFLEWCHEW.  25 

the  main,  of  light,  red-clay  loams,  intermixed  with  pebbles  of  various  sizes  and  color ;  some 
lower  lands,  chiefly  basins,  consist  of  a  blue  or  slate-colored  stiff  clay ;  and  the  bottoms,  and 
valleys  leading  to  them,  being  formed  of  the  alluvium  of  the  above,  with  vegetable  matter,  are 
rich,  friable,  argillaceous  loams.  The  lands  become  higher  and  poorer  as  we  advance  north 
until  we  arrive  at  the  parallel  of  the  head  of  Barrow's  bay,  about  the  middle  of  the  island 
where  cultivation  ceases,  except  in  small  vales. 

The  middle  section  is  composed  of  hills  and  mountains;  the  soil  of  which,  as  far  as  observed, 
is  generally  a  white  clay  mixed  with  sand,  and  lying  upon  red  clay,  hard,  dry,  and  poor.  The 
native  growth  is  shrubbery  or  clicqyparel,  but  the  mountains  in  the  distance  appeared  clothed 
with  trees.  Near  the  sea,  on  either  side,  are -plains  of  small  extent,  being  the  embouchures  of 
mountain-valleys.  These  are  mixed  loams ;  there  are  also  some  sandy  deposits,  cultivated. 
Eocks  :  gneiss,  soft  granite,  &c. 

The  northern  third  or  fourth  of  the  island  is  also  mountainous,  but  having  some  large  plains. 
These  consist  of  a  rich,  dark-colored  loam,  as  far  as  observed.  Red-clay  uplands  show  them- 
selves, and  the  sides  of  some  of  the  small  mountains  are  of  a  greyish-colored  gravelly  soil. 
Eocks  that  crop  out :  slate,  &c. 

Climate. — Supposed  to  be,  in  general,  genial  to  the  pursuits  of  the  cultivator  of  the  soil. 
"Droughts"  are  spoken  of  in  an  official  Lew  Chew  document,  and  we  know  that  the  country  is 
in  the  direct  range  oi  typhoons  or  hurricanes.     These  drawbacks  are  not  frequent. 

Boads  and  bridges. — In  the  southern  part^  the  roads  are  from  six  to  ten  feet  wide,  and  even 
from  twelve  to  fifteen  near  the  larger  towns  or  cities.  They  are  paved  with  rough  stones,  where 
liable  to  become  very  soft  or  muddy  on  the  occurrence  of  rain,  or  to  wash  on  acclivities.  They 
are  carried  over  streams  by  substantial,  well-built  stone  bridges,  with  from  one  to  three  Eoman 
arches;  some  of  them  are  very  old,  and  are  built  to  endure  for  ages.  I  noticed  in  the  side-rail 
of  one,  a  single  stone  twelve  feet  long,  ten  inches  thick,  and  about  two  feet  wide  or  deep.  In 
the  less  cultivated  and  mountainous  parts,  the  roads  dwindle  away  to  mere  foot-paths  or  Indian 
trails ;  and  in  many  places,  by  grading  or  wear,  they  pass  through  deep  cuts  from  six  to  ten 
or  twelve  feet.  Passages  over  the  spurs  and  ridges  are  effected  literally  by  scales  or  steps 
cut  into  the  soft  stone  or  firm  clay,  or  by  stones  rudely  but  conveniently  placed.  The  bridges 
also  become  different,  being  merely  planks  loosely  secured,  and  supported  upon  rude  piles  of 
stones. 

Enclosures  and  fences. — There  are  none  in  the  open  cultivated  country,  except  where  it  bor- 
ders upon  the  wilder  parts,  in  which,  it  is  said,  wild  boars  may  be  found.  In  the  iess  culti- 
vated portions  there  are  very  large  enclosures,  embracing  several  hundreds,  or  even  some 
thousands  of  acres,  and  also  smaller  ones  around  detached  huts  or  hamlets.  They  are  formed 
of  small  timber,  sometimes  split,  and  made  indifferently  into  pickets,  palings,  stake  and  rail, 
&c.,  assisted  sometimes  by  a  kind  of  flat,  leaf-shaped  coral,  and  at  times  by  a  well-made  ditch 
and  bank ;  the  latter  built  of  large  sods  inverted  and  regularly  laid.  In  one  place  a  horizontal 
fence  was  seen,  the  object  of  which  was  not  obvious  at  first  sight.  It  appeared  as  if  designed 
for  a  shelter,  but  no  use  for  one  was  perceptible.  The  hill-sides  were  so  steep  that  an  upright 
fence,  unless  very  strong,  must  soon  get  out  of  order  and  become  useless ;  but,  being  set  against 
the  hill,  and  upheld  by  perpendicular  pieces  supporting  what  should  be  the  ujjper  edge  or  top 
of  the  fence,  it  was  well  secured,  and  formed  an  effectual  barrier  from  either  side,  unless  an  ani- 
mal were  disposed  to  go  out  ui)ou  it,  and  take  a  long  leap  below. 

Tenure. — Of  this,  it  is  conjectured  that  all  lands  are  held  by  government,  and  let  by  it  to 
4s 


26  EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN. 

large  tenants,  and  hj  them  suVlet  to  smaller  ones,  until  it  readies  the  family  or  individual 
cultivator.  All  this  is  upon  the  Metayer  system,  or  plan  of  paying  (in  this  instance  "as 
taxes")  a  certain  proportion  of  the  produce. 

Labor  and  habitations. — Lahor  is  almost  exclusively  performed  by  human  beings — men  and 
women — a  small  portion  only  being  done  by  horses  and  bulls.  The  laborers  are  supervised 
by  men  in  authority,  who  carry  umbrellas.  Whether  they  are  policemen,  tenants  directing 
their  employes,  or  agents  of  government  acting  as  overseers,  I  do  not  know.  If  the  latter,  it 
would  make  the  government  landlord  and  tenant  both,  and  leave  the  laborer  to  be  paid  in 
kind. 

The  habitations  are  not  scattered  promiscuously  over  the  land,  but  are  collected  into  villages, 
larger  or  smaller,  according  to  the  fertility  of  the  district,  and  are  located  upon  a  rocky  or 
sterile  spot,  when  not  inconvenient,  and  all  the  inhabitants  repair  to  them  at  night.  The 
houses  and  their  arrangements  are  all  alike.  Placed  a  little  back  from  the  streets,  they  are 
embowered  on  all  sides  by  bamboos  or  trees,  with  a  small  open  space  or  yard  around  them.  In 
this,  to  the  rear,  is  the  invariable  pig-pen,  and,  in  front,  the  equally  invariable  hutch  or  poul- 
try-house. In  several,  are  a  cow-house  and  a  stable ;  and  in  a  few,  granaries.  The  houses 
themselves  are  of  frame-work  and  boards,  with  j^lank  floors  and  thatched  roofs,  comfortable, 
though  small.  The  streets  are  lined  on  either  side  by  bamboos  or  evergreen  trees;  and  when 
these  are  not  sufficiently  close  to  insure  privacy,  that  is  effected  by  cane  matting  or  stone 
walls  ;  many  of  them  are  so  worn  by  long  use  as  to  be  several  feet  below  the  original  surface. 
These  villages  are  quite  romantic,  and  more  beautiful  than  any  of  like  j)retensions  I  have  ever 
seen. 

Implements, — rude  and  simple.  The  plough  is  small  and  light,  made  upon  the  old  Greek 
or  Eoman  model,  and  drawn  by  one  bull,  or  a  single  horse. 

The  harrow  is  a  large  rake,  of  one  bull  or  head-piece,  from  four  to  six  feet  long,  and  the  same 
number  of  inches  square.  Two  upright  pieces  and  a  cross-bar  answer  for  a  handle.  The  teeth 
are  of  iron,  six  to  ten  inches  long,  and  about  eight  apart. 

The  large  hoe  is  shaped  to  cut  twelve  or  sixteen  inches  deep  at  one  lick.  It  is  five  or  six 
inches  wide  at  the  cutting-edge,  and  eight  or  ten  inches  at  the  top.  The  "eye"  is  peculiar, 
being  formed  by  a  broad  flat  piece  of  iron  welded  across  the  top  of  the  blade,  leaving  an  open- 
ing below,  into  which  the  helve  or  handle  is  inserted.  This  broad  piece  serves  to  strengthen 
the  handle  when  used  in  leverage.     The  helve  is  only  some  two  or  three  feet  long. 

The  small  hoe  is  about  the  size  of  an  American  grubbing-hoe,  with  "eye"  as  above,  and  a 
small  handle  six  or  eight  inches  long. 

The  sickle  (hook  or  reaper)  is  an  iron  blade  one  inch  wide,  some  eight  inches  long,  very 
slightly  curved,  and  attached  at  right  angles  to  a  wooden  handle  a  foot  in  length. 

The  axe  is  a  wooden  mallet,  with  a  handle  of  the  usual  length,  and  the  head-piece  small,  but 
long  and  shod  with  iron — the  cutting-part.  Indeed,  iron  is  so  scarce  that  their  anvils  are  not 
equal  in  size  to  a  block  six  inches  square. 

These  are  all  the  implements  of  agriculture  recollected  to  have  been  seen,  except  a  sugar- 
mill  and  a  quern  or  hand-mill,  (if  these  fall  under  that  denomination,)  which  will  be  noticed 
hereafter. 

Grading,  cuUm-e,  etc. — Two  objects  seem  to  influence  the  islanders  in  all  their  operations, 
viz :  the  retention  of  ivater  or  moisture,  and  the  avoidance  of  surface-washing.     To  effect  these 


AGRICULTUREOFLEWCHEW.  27 

desirable  ends,  especially  in  a  rolling  country,  a  great  quantity  of  grading  is  required,  besides 
very  dee]}  culture ;  and  here  both  of  these  have  been  done. 

Wherever  a  stream  is  found,  whether  large  or  small,  also  whenever  springs  issue  from  the 
sides  of  hills,  (if  not  excessively  steep,)  the  system  of  grading  begins.  If  the  ravine  be  very 
narrow,  the  sides  near  the  bottom  are  cut  down  perpendicularly  for  several  feet,  and  the 
bottom  levelled  from  side  to  side ;  the  level  becoming  wider  as  the  sides  recede  from  each  other. 
It  is  formed  into  steps,  by  slight  narrow  banks  running  across^  capped  with  grass.  The  height 
of  these  embankments  is  always  small,  rendering  the  length  of  the  step  or  plot  longer  or  shorter 
as  the  descent  of  the  valley  is  greater  or  smaller.  A  plot  of  only  six  feet  square  is  not  neglected 
or  despised.  Where  there  is  not  a  ravine,  but  an  open,  spreading  valley,  the  sides  are  not  thus 
cut,  but  the  levelling  is  effected  by  running  the  embankments  across  it  in  a  curved  line,  cor- 
responding with  the  ground,  the  arch  being  always  up  the  valley.  If  the  stream  be  large 
enough  to  furnish  side  supjilies,  open  ditches  or  conduits  are  carried  along  the  sides,  and  the 
water  is  allowed  to  descend  from  plot  to  plot,  the  embankments  of  which  are  adapted  to  the 
surface,  being  arched  outward,  or  from  the  side,  where  an  elevation  projects  into  the  valley  ;  and 
inward,  or  toward  the  side,  where  a  depression  occurs  on  its  face.  By  this  means,  no  dams,  as 
such,  are  made,  (liable  to  be  washed  away;)  but  gentle  descents  of  a  foot  or  so  are  made,  from 
step  to  step,  without  any  risk  of  injury,  and  requiring  only  the  slightest  restraints  or  banks. 
These  are  all  covered  with  grass,  and  serve  as  divisions  of  property,  and  also  as  path-ways.  A 
long  and  wide  valley  with  a  considerable  stream  in  it,  thus  laid  out,  presents  a  pretty  and 
interesting  sight-,  with  its  numerous  curved  green  borders  and  plots,  from  a  few  feet  in  size  to  an 
acre  or  more.  When  of  the  latter  size,  they  are  subdivided  by  straight  lines,  for  convenience, 
or  as  land-marks.  By  this  simple  arrangement,  great  floods  may  be  diffused  over  level  land, 
and  fall  from  grade  to  grade  so  gently  as  to  pass  off  without  detriment  to  the  feeble  embank- 
ments, and  without  injury  to  the  soil  by  washings.     This  is  the  grading  for  irrigated  lands. 

That  for  rolling  uplands  is  not  unlike  it,  but  is  not  brought  to  such  exactness,  as  a  perfect 
water-level  is  not  so  much  needed ;  this,  however,  is  approximated,  where  too  much  labor  is  not 
required.  A  gentle  slope  often  occurs  in  practice.  Hill-sides  are  thus  cut  into  terraces,  vary- 
ing in  width  from  a  few  feet  to  many  yards ;  and  also  in  length,  according  to  the  inclination  or 
shape  of  the  land.  The  same  small  margin  of  grass  is  found  here  on  the  embankments,  which 
are  from  one  to  several  feet  in  depth,  ere  another  terrace  is  reached.  In  this  way^  when  the 
hills  are  conical,  and  the  terraces  are  arched  outward,  they  look  like  giant  circular  steps  from 
base  to  summit ;  and  where  a  valley  is  regular  and  steep,  they  are  arched  inward,  and  appear 
as  the  steps  of  an  immense  amphitheatre.  The  terraces  are  subdivided,  as  the  irrigated  plots 
are,  or  by  stones  or  slight  mounds  of  earth,  grassed  over,  as  division-marks.  They  are  bedded 
up  gently  towards  the  centre,  and  all  around  the  margin  there  is  a  slight  depression  or  furrow, 
by  which  superfluous  rain-water  is  carried  to  some  point,  to  be  let  down  to  the  next  level.  But, 
before  allowing  it  to  escape,  it  has  to  pass  over  a  hole,  or  reservoir,  in  the  ground,  generally 
partially  filled  with  potato-vines,  pea-haulm,  and  the  like.  Here  any  alluvial  soil  is  arrested 
as  sediment,  to  assist  in  making  compost  or  manure,  the  water  alone  (muddy,  it  is  true) 
escaping.  Before  escaping  finally,  however,  into  the  stream  or  river,  it  has  to  traverse  a  much 
larger  reservoir  for  the  same  purpose. 

The  most  beautiful  samples  of  each  of  these  kinds  of  grading,  together  with  the  most  perfect 
culture,  and  the  best  lands  seen  on  the  journey,  occurred  between  Nugah  and  Tanegah,  and 
around  the  latter  constituting  the  most  unique  and  picturesque  artificial  scenery.     This  is  a 


28  EXPEDITION     TO    JAPAN. 

short  distance  S.W.  of  Melville  Harbor,  and  might  be  called,  from  the  fortress-like  hills  within 
and  around  it,  Fort  Hill  Plain.  Near  by,  and  towards  the  S.E.,  is  by  far  the  most  beautiful 
glen  we  passed  through,  left  with  its  original  forest  in  the  upper  portion,  and  traversed  by  a 
limpid  stream.  Amid  a  dense  mass  of  tropical  vegetation,  were  found  tall  cypresses  and  multi- 
'tudes  of  ferns.  Either  bank  was,  in  various  parts,  completely  draped  by  the  large  and  pendent 
leaves  of  the  latter,  of  which  some  were  seen  rising  aloft  to  twenty  or  thirty,  and  even  thirty- 
five  feet  in  height.  He  who  delights  in  ferns  would  here  be  delighted  to  satiety.  Fern  Glen 
would  be  an  appropriate  name.  In  its  lower  portion  there  was  a  simple  aqueduct  thrown  across 
the  stream,  some  eight  feet  high,  to  keep  the  water  at  a  proper  level  for  irrigating  larger 
surfaces.  It  consisted  of  rudely-hewn  troughs,  supported  by  forked  stakes.  At  the  outlet  of 
the  valley  there  is  a  long  stockaded  embankment,  filled  in  with  earth,  to  break  the  force  of  the 
rivulet  when  swollen  to  a  mountain  torrent. 

All  arable  parts  of  the  island  being  thus  graded  by  the  labor  of  ages,  let  us  proceed  to  the 
culture  of  the  land.  This  will  be  specified  under  the  heads  of  various  crops ;  premising,  how- 
ever, that  the  land  being  cultivated  upon  the  Metayer  system,  brought  down  almost  to  individ- 
uals (or  possibly  upon  an  allotment  system),  and  consequently  divided  into  very  small  portions 
or  parcels,  and  the  labor  being  done  by  man,  Iwrticulfure  would  seem  to  be  a  more  appropriate 
term  than  agriculture,  and  the  whole  country  to  be  overspread  by  a  series  of  gardens  rather 
than  farms. 

Rice  {oryza  sativa)  appears  to  be  the  most  valued,  though  probably  not  the  most  important 
article  of  produce.  It  is  grown  only  upon  irrigated  land.  This  is  prepared  by  first  saturating 
it  completely  with  water,  which  enables  the  long  hoes  to  penetrate  deeply  and  easily.  While 
yet  overflowed,  a  gang  of  men  (one,  two,  three,  or  four)  enter  a  plot,  and  each  one  hoes  a  row 
across  it.  They  stand  up  to  the  knee  in  mud  and  water,  which  renders  the  short  handle  avail- 
able. No.  1  carries  a  row  near  a  foot  wide,  which  he  draws  away  from  the  land,  not  unlike  a 
plough  furrow.  No.  2  follows  with  a  similar  slice  and  furrow,  and  so  with  the  rest.  When 
finished,  it  is  not  unlike  ploughed  land,  deep,  and  well  laid  over  in  seams  or  ridges  ;  and  it  is 
surprising  with  what  rapidity  it  is  done.  This  operation  was  frequently  witnessed,  and  this 
alone;  though  the  plough  jn&j possibly  be  used  for  this  purpose  at  times.  It  is  believed,  how- 
ever, that  it  only  follows  this,  after  an  interval,  for  the  purpose  of  still  further  loosening  the 
soil.  This  again  is  followed  by  the  harrow,  to  more  eflectually  break  down  and  comminute  the 
whole,  and  also  to  level  the  surface  perfectly ;  the  water  yet  remaining  serving  as  a  guide.  Here 
are  ploughing  and  harrowing,  not  only  in  wet  land,  but  in  land  actually  under  water !  What 
would  our  agriculturists  say  to  this,  so  exactly  opposite  to  their  best  practice?  And  yet  it  is 
equally  good  practice.  It  may  now  be  understood  how  these  slight  implements  answer  their 
purpose,  and  can  be  drawn  by  one  small  horse  or  bull.  By  the  way,  bulls  only  were  seen  at 
this  work,  and  these  sinking  nearly  to  their  bellies  at  every  step. 

The  next  operation  is  to  set  out  the  plants.  These  have  been  grown  previotisly  in  similar 
plots,  which  presented  lovely  green  spots  in  every  valley.  Across  them  demarcations  are  made 
by  lines,  where  no  plants  grow — the  small  lots  belonging  to  diflerent  persons.  The  whole  is 
protected  from  crows  by  a  few  split  bamboos  set  in  the  ground — some  upright,  and  some  bent 
into  bows,  and  in  places  by  cords  extended  over  the  plots  upon  stakes.  The  plants  are  drawn 
by  hand,  tied  into  conveniently-sized  bundles,  and  dropped  into  the  water  until  required  for 
use.  They  are  set  out  with  great  celerity.  Gangs  of  hands  move  along  inserting  the  plants 
into  the  soft  earth,  at  intervals  of  six  or  eight  inches,  and,  it  being  under  water,  the  operation 


AGRICULTURE     OF     LEW    CHEW.  29 

is  effected  as  speedily  as  the  hand  can  he  raised  and  again  thrust  down.  Practice  renders  them 
expert,  and  lines  unnecessary.  In  front  of  the  gang  is  a  sheet  of  water ;  behind  them  is  a  field 
of  growing  rice,  in  regular  rows.  At  all  periods  of  its  growth,  when  the  writer  has  seen  it, 
the  earth  has  been  covered  with  water,  which  is,  therefore,  inferred  to  he  always  kept  so,  until 
the  grain  is  about  to  form  or  ripen — perhaps,  except  when  "droughts"  occur.  If  such  be  the 
case,  and  a  water-coming  be  essential,  droughts  must  act  most  injuriously,  by  cutting  short 
this^  which  seems  to  be  the  chief  food  of  all  the  upper  classes,  and  probably  the  chief  article  of 
tribute  or  taxes  to  Japan. 

Apparently,  no  further  culture  is  required,  unless  it  be  to  pluck  out  aquatic  weeds  that  may 
intrude.  It  is  cut  and  gathered  into  bundles  before  "dead  ripe,"  and  placed  in  the  air  and 
sun  to  dry.  All  subsequent  operations  are  unknown  to  me.  A  gentleman  from  South  Caro- 
lina, who  saw  much  of  it  growing,  thinks  it  will  average  about  twenty  bushels  to  the  acre ;  at 
the  same  time  remarking,  that  the  head  (panicle)  was  very  large,  owing  to  its  having  been 
"set  out,"  instead  of  being  broadcast.  From  this  fact,  the  average  may  be  larger.  We  are 
under  the  impression  that  two  crops  are  grown  annually ;  besides  which,  a  winter-crop  of  taro, 
or  sweet-potatoes,  is  taken  from  the  rice-grounds,  as  inferred  from  these  occupying  and  being 
gathered  from  those  grounds  which  were  not  already  (February  1)  either  planted  with  rice  or 
undergoing  preparations  for  it. 

Taro  (arum  esculentumf)  is  a  water-plant,  and  occupies  the  wetter  grounds  and  ditches. 
Where  the  sweet-potato  is  grown  upon  rice-grounds,  if  they  are  of  stiff  clay,  it  is  planted  upon 
beds,  similar  to  strawberry  and  asparagus  beds ;  the  summits  of  these  being  dry,  and  the  inter- 
space moist  or  wet.  It  was  never  seen  whether  the  rice-grounds  are  manured ;  but,  occupying 
the  rich  alluvions,  and  being  assisted  always  by  water,  they  may  require  no  manure. 

The  unwatered  uplands  are  prepared  for  crops  much  in  the  same  way  as  rice-fields — the 
large  hoe  being  the  principal,  if  not  the  sole  instrument,  for  stirring  the  soil.  The  iilough  and 
harrow  may  be  used  here  in  the  manner  mentioned  before ;  but  at  no  time-  was  any  such  opera- 
tion witnessed.  Whether  a  spade  would  answer  better,  is  doubtful;  and,  as  iron  seems  to  be 
too  scarce  to  supply  both,  the  hoe  is  preferable,  as  being  capable  of  performing  more  offices. 
When  the  land  is  once  placed  in  an  open,  porous  condition,  all  future  culture  is  easily  and 
quickly  efi^ected ;  it  is  never  allowed  to  become  compact  and  hard  again ;  a  constant  series  of 
crops,  root  and  culmiferous,  is  taken  from  it;  and  the  removal  of  roots  serves  as  a  preparation 
for  the  following  crop.  No  grass  or  clover  is  ever  sown — two  lots  of  a  coarse-looking  grass, 
apparently  spontaneous,  being  the  only  exceptions  seen  in  thousands  of  divisions.  '  Owing  to 
this,  no  stock  ever  tramples  the  earth,  which  remains  light  and  readily  worked.  In  working 
it,  the  feet  of  the  operator  are  rarely  moved ;  being  drawn  up  from  the  accumulated  soil  around 
them,  and  placed  in  the  deep  furrow  next  the  unbroken  ground,  wlien  the  legs  are  again  buried 
nearly  to  the  knee  by  pulverulent  earth,  loosened  by  the  deeply-penetrating  hoe.  The  soil 
appears  to  be  stirred  thoroughly  at  least  one  foot  in  depth,  and  probably  more.  Lands  thus 
deeply  tilled,  and  lying  nearly  or  quite  level,  are  admirably  adapted  to  absorb  and  retain  the 
water  that  falls  in  rains — aided,  as  they  are,  by  borders  of  firm  earth,  which  are  i'urther  hard- 
ened by  being  foot-paths.  Nor  is  there  danger  of  their  becoming  too  wet,  as  superfluous  water 
may  escape  by  a  sufficiently  porous  sub-soil,  or  by  drains  at  tlie  margins,  as  mentioned  above. 
Such  tillage  is  also  admissible,  as  affording  the  roots  of  all  plants  a  fine  field  for  spreading  and 
developing  themselves. 

The  unwatered  hollows,  or  intervales,  levelled  across  and  formed  into  steps  or  terraces,  are 


30  EXPEDITION     TO     JAPAN. 

chiefly  occupied  by  sugar-cane,  beans,  millet,  and  some  wheat.  The  latter  is,  curiously  enough, 
nearly  restricted  to  the  higher  and  poorer  lands.  Sweet-potatoes,  which  is  the  food  for  the 
laboring  classes,  are  cultivated  everywhere,  and  as  secondary  or  intermediary  crops. 

Sugar-cane,  (saccharum  offlcinarum). — Considerable  quantities  of  this  are  grown,  principally 
in  the  southern  portions  of  the  island.  Like  everything  else,  it  is  cultivated  in  small  divisions, 
seldom  exceeding  an  acre  in  extent.  It  is  set  very  close — about  a  foot  or  less  apart — and  pre- 
sents a  very  dense  appearance  in  all  its  stages.  Whether  the  soil  is  stirred  at  all  after  planting, 
or  the  weeds  (if  any)  merely  hand-picked,  is  not  known.  It  is  gathered  by  being  chopped 
down  with  the  sickle  or  hook,  the  leaves  and  tops  stripped  off,  and  then  carried  in  bundles  to 
the  sugar-mills — one,  two,  or  three  of  which  are  located  together  near  a  highway.  The  cane 
is  small  and  short — the  effect,  doubtless,  of  close  planting — perhaps  averaging  three-quarters 
or  an  inch  in  diameter,  and  some  four  feet  in  length. 

The  mills  deserve  mention ;  they  are  simple,  but  effective.  They  consist  of  three  cylinders  of 
hard  wood,  held  in  an  upright  position  by  a  timber  frame.  These  are  a  foot  or  so  in  diameter,  two 
feet  high,  and  placed  in  a  row  with  a  mortise  and  wedge  on  either  side  to  graduate  the  distance 
between  them  and  the  pressure.  The  central  one  has  a  wooden  axle  or  shaft  extending  through 
the  frame,  some  six  feet  high,  to  which  is  attached  a  curved  lever  of  fifteen  feet,  by  which  the 
mill  is  easily  worked.  One  bull  or  horse  is  the  moving  power,  and  he  walks  in  a  circle  about 
thirty  feet  in  diameter.  This  central  cylinder  has  a  row  of  cogs  (hard  wood)  near  its  upper 
end,  which  play  into  mortises  (instead  of  corresponding  cogs)  cut  into  the  other  two.  This 
constitutes  the  whole  apparatus,  with  conduits  to  lead  the  juice  to  a  tub  or  receiver,  placed  in  a 
hole  near  by.  The  cane  is  passed  between  the  central  and  right  roller ;  and  before  its  escape, 
being  seized  on  the  opposite  side  and  twisted  together  like  a  rope,  is  passed  back  between  the 
central  and  left  roller.  This  double  operation  seems  to  press  it  thoroughly,  and  to  deprive  it 
of  its  juices  effectually.  The  juice  is  sweet,  and  appears  to  be  very  saccharine.  It  is  boiled  in 
adjoining  temporary  houses,  in  thin  iron  pans  of  eight  or  ten  gallons.  Fuel  is  used  here,  as 
everywhere  else,  very  economically.  The  refuse  cane  is  carefully  piled  away  to  dry,  and  is, 
doubtless,  used  as  fuel.  The  yield  I  am  unable  to  conjecture,  but  it  is,  probably,  a  very  fair 
one.  How  it  is  used  is  equally  uncertain ;  not  for  tea,  as  that  is  never  sweetened,  but  probably 
in  preserves  or  dulces  for  the  upper  classes,  and,  perhaps,  for  export  to  Japan.  It  is  inferred 
that  sugar  is  scarce,  at  least  among  the  people,  from  one  of  our  interpreters  sending  to  ask 
some  from  us,  when  in  a  large  village  or  town;  such  request  of  foreigners  being  very  un- 
common. 

Wheat  {friticum  vulgare).  This  is  produced  to  the  same  extent  or  less  than  rice.  It  is  of 
two  varieties,  bearded  or  awned,  and  smooth-headed  or  awnless.  It  was  (February  1st)  in  every 
stage  of  growth,  from  being  ripe  and  ready  for  the  sickle,  down  to  its  mere  sprouting  and  start- 
ing out  of  the  ground ;  indeed,  preparation  for  additional  planting  was  going  on,  by  gathering 
the  everlasting  sweet-potato,  and  leaving  the  land  ready  for  wheat.  This  is  planted  by  dib- 
bling, chiefly,  at  intervals  of  six  or  eight  inches,  next  by  drilling,  and  occasionally  by  broad- 
casting. The  young  wheat  was  affected  iu  many  patches  by  two  diseases — one^  a  yellow  appear- 
ance, arising  from  the  death  of  the  ends  of  the  leaves,  occasioned  by  cold  or  even  frosty  nights, 
succeeded  by  warm  or  hot  days ;  the  other,  a  crippled  appearance,  some  of  the  stems  or  stalks 
growing  uninjured,  but  many  being  dwarfed,  and  spreading  or  tillering  at  the  ground,  which 
was  recognised  at  once  as  being  caused  by  the  fly.  This  was  searched  for  as  far  as  opportunity 
allowed,  but  was  not  found.     The  larva  of  the  black  fly  (as  is  believed)  was  found  in  the  form 


AGRICULTURE     OF     LEW     CHEW.  31 

of  a  small  worm,  either  in  the  culm,  or,  where  that  was  eaten  through,  in  the  sheath  of  the 
leaf.  There  was  no  indication  of  the  joint-worm,  which  at  present  is  so  formidable  in  some 
parts  of  the  United  States. 

The  land  for  wheat  is  manured,  as  far  as  the  manure  will  go.  It  is  the  coarse  manure  pro- 
duced about  houses  and  stables,  and  is  worked  into  the  ground  in  the  preparation.  Small  heaps 
of  it  are  deposited  over  the  surface;  which  would  be  bad  management,  if  not  speedily  incorjjorated 
with  the  soil,  which,  probably,  is  done.  In  some  places,  a  yellow  substance  is  sown  or  scat- 
tered over  the  ground,  not  unlike  guano  in  color,  and  supposed  at  first  to  be  marl,  but,  upon 
examination,  it  appeared  to  be  sand  from  the  sea-shore.  Marl  is  said  to  exist  on  the  island, 
and  probably  does.  The  yield  is  only  moderate — upon  an  average,  being  about  eight  or  nine 
bushels  per  acre,  judging  by  the  eye  while  growing.  Some  lots  were  very  inferior,  not  beyond 
three  or  five  bushels  ;  the  better  portions  might  extend  to  ten  or  twelve,  and  a  very  few  to  six- 
teen or  eighteen.  This  product  is  not  such  as  the  earlier  growth  would  promise,  for  the  heads 
(spikes)  are  short,  and  the  grain  small.     That  examined  was  red  wheat. 

Harvesting  and  the  after  management  did  not  come  under  notice  until  it  reached  the  mill. 
This  worked  by  hand.  The  stones  are  of  good  quality,  about  a  foot  in  diameter,  some  five  or 
six  inches  thick,  and  the  grinding  surfaces  regularly  cut.  An  upright  handle  is  inserted  into 
a  hole  near  the  outer  margin  of  the  upper  stone  by  which  it  is  turned,  and  tolerably  fair  un- 
bolted flour  is  made.  Being  unbolted,  it  is  brown-colored,  but  is  very  glutinous,  and  makes 
light,  sweet  bread.  Besides  other  uses  to  which  wheat  and  rice  straw  may  be  applied,  all  the 
shoes  or  sandals  used  upon  the  island  are  made  of  one  or  both  of  them. 

Barley  (liordexim  distichtim) ,  in  small  quantities,  is  cultivated  in  the  same  manner  as  wheat. 

Millet,  of  two  or  three  kinds,  is  found  here.  One  {Jiolcus  vel  andropogon  sorghum)  is  like 
broom-corn,  and  is  planted  in  rows,  or  grows  in  detached  stalks ;  the  other  two  (setaria  German- 
ica?  and  S.  Italicaf)  are  either  drilled  or  sown  broadcast.  The  last  named  has  a  very  large 
compound  head  or  spike,  composed  of  numerous  smaller  ones,  and  ought  to  be  very  prolific. 
None  of  them,  however,  appears  to  yield  so  much  as  the  first  named,  when  grown  near  Havana, 
in  Cuba.  The  stalks  of  this  sort  are  used  by  the  islanders  for  making  torches  or  flambeaux. 
They  are  bound  together  into  a  bundle  of  six  or  seven  feet  long  and  half  a  foot  in  diameter, 
which  will  barn  for  an  hour,  and  give  good  light  to  travel  by,  or  for  other  purposes — for  ex- 
ample, fishing;  and  lights  are  often  seen  along  the  shores  at  night. 

Sweet-potatoes,  {hattatus  edulis,)  of  two  kinds,  the  red  and  white,  is  the  universal  crop  of  the 
island,  both  as  to  season  and  breadtli  of  land.  It  answers  to  our  Indian  corn  (maize)  in  the 
southern  and  western  States  as  the  common  food,  and  is  always  in  season.  The  yield  is  by  no 
means  what  might  be  expected  from  the  importance  of  its  production,  and  from  its  being  assid- 
uously manured  while  young  with  liquid  manure  and  compost  from  the  before-mentioned  holes 
or  reservoirs.  This  arises  probably  from  the  manner  of  planting,  or  rather  of  setting  out  the 
vines,  for  the  roots  themselves  are  never  planted.  The  land  being  ready,  and  a  number  of  vine 
slips  at  hand,  a  man  with  a  small  hoe  reversed  in  his  hand — that  is,  the  hoe  part  next  to  his 
body  instead  of  outwards — passes  quickly  along,  carrying  two  rows  with  him,  by  inserting  or 
pushing  the  hoe  into  the  soft  earth  at  intervals  of  nine  or  ten  inches,  raising  the  soil  on  its 
point  by  drawing  the  hand  backward,  with  the  hoe-eye  as  a  pivot,  thrusting  the  slip  under  the 
point  with  the  left  hand,  allowing  the  earth  to  settle  again  as  the  implement  is  withdrawn, 
and,  finally,  pressing  it  close  at  the  next  step  with  the  foot.  This  is  a  speedy  process  of  pro- 
curing a  growing  potato-patch ;  and  it  is  kept  alive  and  flourishing  by  the  liquid  manure. 


32  EXPEDITION   TO   JAPAN. 

which  is  conveyed  to  it  in  Chinese  fashion — in  two  tuts  or  buckets  balanced  at  either  end  of  a 
bamboo  pole,  carried  on  a  man's  shoulders.  It  is  applied  to  each  plant  by  dippers.  But  upon 
gathering  the  crop,  only  one  or  two  tubers  are  found  attached  to  each  vine,  and  they  generally 
not  large.  By  the  closeness  of  planting,  and  the  qiiickness  of  growth,  two  or  three  crops  may 
be  taken  in  a  year.  The  yield  is  possibly  greater  than  with  us  ;  but  this  can  scarcely  be,  from 
appearances.  This  is  the  principal  article  of  support  for  the  people.  On  two  occasions  I  saw 
our  carriers  eating  their  meals,  and  on  both  sweet-potatoes  were  the  bulk  of  the  food,  only  as- 
sisted by  a  few  very  small  fish  in  one  case,  and  by  a  little  salad,  either  pickled  or  prepared  with 
grease,  in  the  other — a  frugal  meal. 

Sago  {cycas  revotata).  Upon  first  seeing  enclosures,  I  asked  the  interpreter  what  they  were 
for?  He  replied :  "The  north  country  in  Lew  Chew  very  uncomfortable ;  the  poor  people  have 
to  plant  pine-apples,"  meaning  the  sago  plant;  these  being  protected  from  wild  boars,  &c.,  in 
the  forests.  And  truly,  except  in  plains,  valleys,  and  rolling  uplands,  they  did  seem  forced  to 
draw  a  scanty  subsistence,  by  hand  labor,  out  of  an  ungrateful  soil. 

In  some  places,  where  the  mountains  are  free  from  stones,  they  are  planted  even  to  the  very 
tops,  some  three  hundred  feet  or  more.  The  sides  of  some,  too,  rise  at  an  angle  of  75°  nearly, 
if  not  quite;  one  of  the  party  even  suggested  80°.  To  prevent  washings,  or  to  make  allot- 
ments, or  both,  narrow  strips  are  cultivated  from  the  bottom  upwards,  and  the  plants  arranged 
in  short  zig-zag  lines  across  these  strips,  by  which  means  less  water  is  accumulated  on  each 
division ;  and  its  descent,  being  retarded,  is  made  gradual  and  equable.  The  ground  is  only 
kept  bare  until  the  plant  obtains  a  start;  when  grass  is  allowed  to  grow,  which  is  useful  in  itself, 
and  an  additional  impediment  to  washings.  Sago  is  not  only  grown  in  these  "uncomfortable" 
parts,  but  is  planted  on  many  of  the  ridges  and  broken  lands,  and  on  rocky  hills  where  there 
is  enough  soil  and  enough  fertility.  It  seems  to  require  several  years  to  attain  its  most  profit- 
able size ;  and  thus  large  quantities  are  in  the  ground  at  any  one  time  sufiicient  probably  to 
alleviate,  if  not  prevent,  a  famine,  should  hurricanes  and  droughts  conspire  in  the  same  year 
to  destroy  the  hopes  of  the  husbandman.  Very  much  injury  is  doubtless  inflicted,  at  times,  by 
the  former  upon  cane,  millet,  &c.;  and  by  the  latter,  rice  and  wheat,  beans  and  potatoes,  may 
all  be  greatly  reduced. 

Various  leguminous  plants  are  very  generally  cultivated,  and  form  an  important  item  in  the 
laborer's  food.  There  are  beans  (faba)  of  several  sorts;  a  species  of  horse-bean,  one  grown 
here  and  in  Japan,  and  seen  in  China,  having  small  hairy  pods  growing  in  thick  clusters ;  and 
the  genuine  black-eye,  cow,  or  Indian  pea,  found  indigenous  in  the  United  States.  The  garden 
pea  (pisum  sativum)  is  of  two  varieties,  one  having  a  white,  and  the  other  a  purple  flower. 
They  are  sown  in  rows  generally,  and  appear  to  be  productive.  The  latter  is  also  sown  broad- 
cast, and,  with  the  others,  are  often  grown  as  secondary  crops.  No  supports  or  stalks  are  ever 
furnished  the  pea.  Ground-nuts  {arachis  hypogace)  are  believed  to  be  raised.  An  article  of 
food  is  prepared  from  beans,  very  largely,  and  exposed  for  sale  in  all  the  markets,  which  so  re- 
sembled cheese  as  to  be  mistaken  for  it.     Possibly  goat's  milk  may  aid  in  its  manufacture. 

Turnips  (hrassica  rapa),  radishes  {^'aplianus  sativus),  enormously  large,  and  tasting  like 
turnips  when  cooked;  carrots  (dauciis  carota  sativa),  very  small,  but  long;  gourds  (lagenaria) 
of  monstrous  size,  and  used  as  a  substitute  for  pumpkins;  egg-plants  (solarium  esculentum), 
cyralings  [cucurhita  verrucosa),  onions  {allium),  and  other  esculents,  with  peppers,  (capsicum 
annuum,)  fennel  (foeniculum  vulgare),  &c. ,  are  cultivated  commonly.  Cucumbers  (cucumis 
sativus)  of  immense  size  are  very  abundant. 


A  G  R  I  C  U  L  T  U  R  E     O  F     L  E  W     C  H  E  ^V  .  33 

No  Irish  potatoes  {solanum  hiberosum),  no  Indian  corn  {Zen-mans),  were  seen,  or  are  believed 
to  exist;  altlioiigli  the  latter  is  mentioned  as  being  here,  in  both  Hall's  Lew  Chew  and  Belolier's 
Voyage  in  the  Samarang. 

Tobacco  (nicoiiana  tahacum),  of  a  healthy,  beautiful,  and  delicate  kind,  is  raised.  Enough 
is  made  for  the  consumption  of  all  classes,  and  the  people,  from  the  highest  to  the  lowest,  seem 
equally  to  use  it,  and  to  be  equally  unable  to  do  without  it.  On  journeys  they  regularly  call  a 
halt,  and,  taking  a  few  exhilarating  whiifs  from  their  excessively  diminutive  pipes,  they  resume 
the  road  with  cheerfulness  and  mirth.  There  is  nothing  peculiar  in  its  tillage;  but  in  curing, 
it  is  unnecessarily  or  purposely  exposed  to  weather  and  rain,  and  is,  consequently,  very  weak. 
If  properly  managed,  it  would  doubtless  make  delightful  cigars,  combining  strength  and 
mildness. 

Grasses. — Only  one  worthy  of  special  notice. 

A  coarse  grass,  somewhat  after  the  arundo  order,  springs  w^  spontaneously,  and  amidst  it 
there  are  a  few  ilner  sorts,  but  very  small ;  and  also  two  kinds  of  dwarf  clover  with  yellow  blos- 
soms, the  lupuline  (medicago  IwpuUna),  and  hop  trefoil  (trifolium  procumhens),  called  also  sheep 
clover.  This  grass  is  cut  from  the  borders  and  sides  of  the  terraces,  when  sufficiently  sloping, 
and  from  the  untilled  land,  and  fed  green  to  the  horses  and  stock.  Tethering  is  sometimes 
practised.  There  is  no  large  trifolium,  (or  clover,)  no  p)oa,  no  jMeum,  no  loliuni,  no  dactylis, 
or,  if  so,  none  practically  useful,  but  has  to  be  searched  for  by  the  botanist.  There  is,  however, 
one  grass  that  makes  a  beautiful  border  in  the  villages,  and  which  struck  me  at  first  sight  as 
being  a  magnificent  poa.  The  leaves  were  like  it  in  shape  and  length,  and  very  green.  Upon 
examination,  the  under  surface  of  the  leaf  had  elevated  white  ribs  along  it,  no  culm  could  be 
found,  and  the  jilant  extended  itself  by  rhizomas,  and  had  tubers,  or,  rather,  tumors  upon  the 
fibrous  roots.  It  is  a  hardy  plant,  and  would  probably  grow  in  the  sandy  soils  and  dry  climate 
of  New  Jersey,  Maryland,  &c.  Should  it  s'pread  rapidly  and  stock  be  fond  of  it,  it  would  be  a 
most  useful  and  valuable  boon  to  those  States.  But  it  must  be  remarked,  that  however  closely 
other  grasses  were  cut  and  gathered  for  stock,  this  seemed  to  be  always  left  untouched. 

A  few  stalks,  growing  wild,  were  seen  of  what  is  believed  to  be  the  yellow  lucern  (medicago 
falcata.)  It  is  coarser  than  lucern,  and  not  cultivated,  except  in  some  poor  soils  in  France  and 
England.  This  was  in  a  fertile  spot  and  very  luxuriant,  with  a  coarse,  woody  stem.  No  use 
seems  to  be  made  of  it,  though  it  might  be  turned  to  a  good  account  in  soiling.  Wild  garlic 
(allium  vineale)  was  seen  infesting  a  few  lots  or  parcels  of  wheat,  "as  thick  as  hops." 
.  Fruits. — Little  is  known  of  them.  A  large  and  a  small  species  of  orange  (citrus  aurantium) 
appear  in  market,  but  are  very  indifferent.  Peach  trees  (persica  vidgaris),  of  large  size  and 
healthy,  are  met  with  in  bloom.  Water-melons  (ciiridlus  vulgaris),  are  abundant,  but  inferior. 
No  other  fruits  are  remembered.  Apples,  pears,  cherries,  strawberries,  &c.,  would,  no  doubt, 
succeed. 

A  wild  raspberry  (rxibus  japonicus)  was  seen  growing  in  various  places  on  the  hills  of  the 
north.  The  flower  is  white,  and  unusually  large,  resembling  that  of  the  blackberry  or  bram- 
ble (ruhus  villosus).  The  fruit  is  also  very  large,  (for  a  wild  plant,)  but  the  flavor  is  not  very 
decided,  or,  rather,  is  mild.  It  would  be  greatly  improved  by  transplanting  and  culture, 
and  is  probably  worthy  of  introduction  into  the  United  States.  Four  species  of  raspberries  are 
mentioned  by  Thunberg  as  existing  in  Japan,  with  the  description  of  one  of  which  tlie  above 
plant  corresponds. 

Another  vine  or  shrub  was  found  in  like  situations,  which,  at  first,  was  mistaken  for  a  grape, 


34  EXPEDITION     TOJAPAN. 

SO  Strong  is  the  resemblance  of  the  leaf,  and  even  the  stem ;  which,  however,  is  more  brittle. 
What  kind  of  fruit  it  may  bear  is  unknown,  but  the  blossom  is  very  like  that  of  the  above  rasp- 
berry, or  a  strawberry,  and  grows  at  the  junction  of  leaf  and  stalk,  with  none  or  a  very  short 

peduncle. 

A  wild  fig-tree  (Jiciis)  was  also  seen,  with  two  mature  fruit  upon  it.  It  was  a  mere  shrub, 
about  twelve  or  sixteen  inches  high. 

Banana  (rmisa  sapientum).  This  is  not  commonly  reared  for  its  fruit,  if  atall.  Numerous  patches 
are  grown,  the  plants  being  very  close  together,  and  must  yield  very  largely  the  material  for 
which  it  is  cultivated.  The  fibres  serve  instead  of  hemp  or  flax  for  manufacturing  the  cloth — per- 
haps mixed  with  cotton — universally  worn.  Paper,  also,  is  probably  made  with  it.  Being  thus 
the  source  of  clothing  for  the  inhabitants,  it  is  a  most  important  crop,  second  to  few,  if  any,  on 
the  island.  In  this  connexion,  the  cotton-plant  {gossyjnum  herbaceum)  may  be  mentioned.  It 
is  cultivated  in  small  quantities,  in  rows,  and,  like  all  their  culture,  on  a  small  surface.  The 
only  exceptions  to  smooth  or  level  culture  are  the  before-mentioned  potato-beds,  in  heavy,  wet 
clays,  and  a  small  lot  "hilled  up,"  supposed  to  be  in  ground-nuts. 

The  clothing  of  the  upper  classes  is  always  neat,  ligh't  and  cool  in  the  summer,  lined  or  wad- 
ded in  the  winter.  The  color  generally  blue.  That  of  the  working-people  is  coarser  and  com- 
monly undyed.  They  are  never  allowed  to  wear  stockings,  nor  do  I  recollect  ever  seeing  them 
with  sandals  on.  While  at  labor  in  summer,  they  are  nearly  naked;  at  other  times,  they  are 
decently  clothed.  In  rains  they  do  not  abandon  their  work,  but,  donning  a  broad-brimmed 
conical  hat,  and  a  loose,  shaggy,  short  cape,  both  rudely  made  of  the  leaves  of  sugar-cane  or 
banana,  they  labor  on  without  intermission ;  at  least  this  was  witnessed  in  the  moderate  rain 
we  had.     Usually,  no  hats  are  worn  by  any  of  the  people. 

Dye-stuffs  of  some  sort  are  extensively  used,  but  what  they  are  could  not  be  ascertained.  Can 
it  be  the  dyer's  buck-wheat  {polygonum  tinctorium)  of  China? 

Granaries. — These  are  well  worthy  of  note.  Very  numerous  (supposed)  public  ones  are  pre- 
pared in  the  towns;  as  many  or  more  than  ten  or  twelve  occurring  occasionally  at  one  place. 
Private  ones  have  already  been  mentioned.  They  are  raised  from  the  ground  some  six  feet, 
and  supported  by  posts  placed  upon  stones.  The  body  (of  cane  interwoven  or  plank)  is  square, 
spreads  outward  on  all  sides  as  it  ascends  to  the  eaves,  and  is  covered  by  thick  thatch.  One 
will  hold  from  four  hundred  to  five  hundred  bushels,  or  more.  Eice,  wheat,  millet,  &c.,  are 
probably  deposited  in  them,  which  are  kept  perfectly  cool  and  dry  by  the  thatch  and  elevation 
from  the  ground,  and  completely  preserved  from  vermin;  a  necessary  precaution,  as  rats  arp 
numerous  and  of  very  large  size. 

Animals. — The  horses  are  small,  but  active  and  strong.  They  are  chiefly  used  for  riding  by 
the  rich;  some  carry  burdens  to  market,  &c.,  but  almost  all  such  labor  is  done  by  men  and 
women.  I  heard  of  horses  being  employed  at  the  plough  and  sugar-mill,  but  never  saw  it. 
The  cattle  are  universally  black  and  short-horned.  Bulls  are  not  large,  but  are  in  tolerable 
order,  and  work  as  before  indicated.  They  are  harnessed  by  a  strap  crossing  the  breast,  and 
leading  to  a  rough  wooden  saddle,  from  whence  it  goes  on  as  a  trace  to  the  place  of  attachment 
for  draught.  Cows  are  used  for  maintaining  the  stock.  How  the  cattle  are  ultimately  disposed 
ol  is  not  known.  Goats  are  kept,  probably,  for  their  flesh,  and  it  may  be  to  assist  with  their 
milk  in  making  the  bean-cheese.  <• 

There  are  great  numbers  of  hogs,  two  or  three  with  pigs  being  kept  in  pens  by  every  house 
in  the  villages.     They  are  a  small,  black  breed,  rarely  going  beyond  one  hundred  and  fifty 


AGRICULTURE    OF    LEW    CHEW.  •  35 

pounds,  but  becoming  very  fat ;  not  loose  and  soft,  as  in  tlie  China  pig,  but  well  laid  on  and 
comijact.  While  youngj  they  are  ill-kept  and  ugly  ;  but  are  well  shaped  when  grown,  with 
straight  backs  and  bellies,  good  beads  and  bodies,  and  short  legs.  The  introduction  of  a  few 
pairs  of  these  might  be  desirable  in  the  United  States,  though  less  necessary  from  the  number  of 
China  pigs  already  there.  Pork  appears  to  be  the  chief  or  only  animal  food  for  the  people  of 
Lew  Chew.  It  is  preserved  by  salting.  The  domestic  fowl  is  raised,  and  in  considerable  num- 
bers, but  the  consumption  of  it  is  probably  confined  to  the  upper  ranks. 

Afanures, — seem  to  be  assiduously  collected  and  applied.  It  is  furnished  by  the  stables,  cow- 
houses, pig-pens,  and  the  compost  holes  in  the  fields.  The  animals  being  all  soiled,  large 
quantities  ought  to  be  obtained.  Whether  it  is  well  preserved,  or  in  what  manner,  cannot  be 
stated.  How  night-soil  is  disposed  of  is  not  known ;  certainly  it  does  not  obtrude  itself  on  the 
senses,  as  it  does  in  China,  nor  is  it  applied  in  the  same  way.  It  is  doubtless  used  in  some  way, 
by  a  people  who  avail  themselves  of  every  practicable  spot  for  culture ;  and,  perhaps,  it  is  done 
in  a  compost. 

Beside  the  retention  and  use  of  the  alluvium,  already  spoken  of,  the  lighter  uplands  are  top- 
dressed  with  stiff  clay  from  bottoms  near  by.  This  I  saw  near  the  centre  of  the  island.  Also, 
on  an  alluvial  flat,  where  a  stream  falls  into  the  sea,  and  which  is  subject  to  overflows  by  salt 
water,  the  following  operation  was  witnessed:  Large  ditches  had  been  cut  chequerwise  through 
it,  to  draw  off  the  superfluous  water,  and,  the  intermediate  spaces  being  dried,  the  earth  was 
being  removed  and  spread  upon  the  adjoining  fields. 

I'imber  and  fuel. — Most  of  the  accessible  primitive  forests  have  been  exhausted.  Some  cypress 
{taxodium  disfichumf)  and  hard  woods  are  yet  found  in  the  glens.  The  present  growth  on 
uncultivated  land  seems  to  be  pine  and  chapparel,  i.  e.,  brush-wood  of  various  kinds.  Pine 
of  two  kinds  {pinus  paliistris?  and  P.  Strobios)  appears  to  be  the  chief  material  for  timber  and 
fuel.  It  is  transplanted  on  each  side  of  public  roads,  afi'ording  shady  avenues  in  the  heats  of 
summer;  and  each  one  being  cut  when  matured,  it  serves  for  timber.  Trees  of  all  ages  are 
thus  found  intermixed.  It  also  borders  certain  open  and  level  grounds  found  in  populous 
neighborhoods,  which  seem  to  be  designed  as  arenas  for  athletic  exercises  and  games.  These 
are  some  two  hundred  yards  long,  and  some  twenty  or  thirty  wide,  and,  being  perfectly  level, 
are  well  adapted  to  racing,  whether  on  horse  or  foot,  wrestling,  &c.,  and  to  ball-playing. 
This  is  probably  a  favorite  amusement,  as  very  many  balls,  highly  decorated  with  bright- 
colored  threads,  were  offered  in  the  markets  upon  their  New  Year's  Eve;  and  my  carriers, 
happening  to  meet  with  one  in  the  road,  amused  themselves  for  some  time  by  keeping  it  going 
with  their  feet.  The  oldest  and  finest  specimens  of  pines  are  around  these  places.  It  is  also 
planted  on  lands  exhausted  of  grain-forming  materials  by  previous  cropping,  and  in  poorer 
districts,  and  is  cut  for  fuel  when  four  or  six  inches  in  diameter.  This  affords  "rest"  to  the 
land,  which  is  more  or  less  renovated  by  the  chemical  changes  effected  within  it  in  the  course 
of  years.  Besides,  though  not  generally  known>  the  pollen  of  jjine  contains  more  phosphorus 
in  it,  brought  up  from  the  subsoil  by  long  tap-roots,  than  any  other  vegetable  substance;  and 
thus  a  pine  forest  is  one  of  the  very  best  renovators  of  land — j^hosphorus  being  essential  to 
grain-growing  crops.  Moreover,  it  is  grown  on  rocky  ridges,  in  some  rich  groves,  &c.  The 
pine  seems  to  be  sacred  or  reverenced,  as  was  the  miseltoe  of  old ;  all  the  villages,  boats,  and 
junks  being  ornamented  at  their  New  Year  with  its  evergreen  boughs.  Other  fuel  is  the  dry 
sugar-cane  and  leaves,  dry  brushwood,  coarse  grass,  &c.;  and,  being  scarce,  it  is  used  most 
economically  in  small,  well-shaped,  fuel-saving  furnaces. 


86  ■  E  X  P  E  U  I  T  I  O  N     T  O     J  A  P  A  N . 

Bamlioo  (arvndo  bambos),  the  larger  sort,  so  useful  for  carrying  burdens,  and  other  purposes, 
is  grown  in  plantations,  which  are  very  beautiful,  with  the  long  slender  stems  reaching  aloft 
into  the  air,  and  the  green  grass  making  a  thick  sward  beneath.  Two  or  three  dense  groves  of 
wood  were  seen,  of  four  acres  in  extent  or  more,  inclosed  by  three  cords  drawn  around  them  a 
few  feet  from  the  ground.     Were  they  sacred  or  tabooed? 

A  few  general  remarks  may  be  made  before  concluding  this  subject.  The  present  system  of 
agriculture  could  scarcely  be  improved  for  the  Lew-Chewans,  considering  the  circumstances  in 
which  they  are  placed.  The  amount  of  meat  and  fish  consumed  seems  to  keep  them  healthy, 
and.  were  additional  laboring  animals  introduced,  they  would  require  more  of  the  fruits  of  the 
earth  than  their  flesh  would  repay.  Besides,  the  manual  labor  thus  superseded  could  not  find 
employment  in  manufactures,  as  they  have  not  the  raw  material  to  work  on,  nor  foreign  com- 
merce to  demand  their  goods.  Animals,  then,  would  diminish  population,  by  taking  the  places 
of  men.  A  few  plots  of  clover,  lucern,  tares,  and  even  timothy,  would  be  beneficial,  as  afford- 
ing large  supplies^  for  soiling,  and  increasing  animal  food,  and  also  by  yielding  additional 
quantities  of  manure,  and  granting  to  the  land  timely  rest.  The  people  manage  their  few 
implements  very  adroitly,  and,  perhaps,  only  a  few  could  be  added  with  advantage — such  as 
better  sickles  or  scythes,  to  gather  in  their  crops  more  rapidly;  a  large  hand-rake,  to  cleanse  their 
mowed  crops,  as  is  done  by  our  cultivators;  and,  may  be,  spades,  shovels,  &c.  A  few  sheep, 
presented  to  them  by  Commodore  Perry,  may  be  useful  in  furnishing  wool  as  well  as  meat;  and 
they  can  be  supported,  in  some  numbers,  on  the  existing  grass-lands.  Indian  corn  and  Irish 
potatoes  might  be  beneficially  introduced,  and  also  apples,  cherries,  and  the  like.  And  we 
might  derive  some  advantage  also,  by  transferring  to  our  countr}'  their  figs,  the  wild  raspberry, 
the  green  border-grass,  and  the  many-headed  millet ;  and  perhaps  their  dye-plant. 

That  the  island  has  been  peopled  for  many  ages,  is  evidenced  by  the  graded  roads  and  deep 
cuts,  the  structure  and  manifest  age  of  the  bridges,  the  antiquity  of  the  villages,  the  great 
amount  of  stone-work  in  the  towns  and  in  the  fortresses — some  old  and  dilapidated,  some  modern 
and  in  rejiair ;  but,  above  all,  by  the  incalculable  amount  of  labor  done  in  grading  the  land  for 
culture.  That  which  is  now  so  perfect,  could  only  have  been  made  so  by  degrees,  like  structures 
reared  by  the  ant  or  bee.  The  population  must  have  been,  and  is  now,  very  considerable ;  prob- 
ably 150,000 — possibly  200,000.  This  will  not  appear  beyond  credence,  when  we  remember 
there  are  nine  towns  in  the  north,  and  twenty-one  (or  twenty-seven)  in  the  south — i.  e.,  towns 
with  public  houses  (or  kunquas)  in  them,  besides  numerous  agricultural  villages.  These  towns, 
including  Shui  and  Kapha,  probably  average  5,000,  or  4,000  at  the  least;  and  the  villages 
would  increase  the  total  to  the  above  numbers  of  men,  women,  and  children.  Nor  would  these 
numbers  appear  to  be  beyond  the  sustenance  of  the  island,  when  we  reflect  that  man  alone  con- 
sumes almost  all  the  produce  of  the  land,  which  is  further  assisted  by  considerable  supplies 
from  the  surrounding  seas.  The  surface  of  the  island  is  400,000  or  500,000  acres,  of  which 
at  least  one-eighth,  probably  more,  is  in  cultivation.  There  may  be  4,000  or  5,000  acres  of  rice 
land,  which,  at  20  bushels,  and  with  two  crops  per  annum,  would  reach  about  160,000  or 
200,000  bushels.  There  are  5,000  or  6,000  acres  in  wheat,  which,  at  eight  bushels,  would  be 
40,000  or  50,000  bushels.  There  are  some  2,000  acres  in  sugar-cane;  and  the  remainder, 
30,000  or  35,000  acres,  in  potatoes,  beans,  taro,  &c.,'&c.,  with  double  or  triple  crops  annually, 
would  yield  very  largely. 

During  the  absence  of  the  squadron  in  Japan,  an  eflbrt  was  made  by  the  oflicer  in  charge  of 
the  coal  depot  to  raise  Irish  potatoes,  Indian  corn,  and  tomatoes.     This   trial  unfortunately 


AGRICULTUREOFLEWCHEW.  37 

failed.  The  soil  used  was  a  stiff,  tenacious  clay.  Possibly  it  was  well  prepared  in  the  begin- 
ning ;  but  very  soon  after  the  plants  came  up,  there  was  a  heavy,  "beating  rain,  followed  by  hot 
dry  weather,  which  completely  consolidated  and  hardened  the  earth.  This  appears  never  to 
have  been  again  loosened  or  pulverized.  The  result  was,  that  although  the  potato  tops  were 
large  and  vigorous,  yet  they  yielded  no  tubers.  Upon  examination,  the  main  stock  had  been 
pressed  upon  and  strangled  just  below  the  surface,  and  was  black  and  dead,  together  with  all 
the  roots  below ;  and  additional  roots  had  been  thrown  out  by  the  stem  just  at  the  surface, 
which  alone  preserved  the  strength  and  verdure  of  the  vines.  I  regretted  this  failure,  as  it 
would  probably  deter  the  inhabitants  from  repeating  the  experiment. 

The  Indian  corn  was  not  more  successful.  From  the  same  causes,  it  was  stunted  and  dwarfed. 
In  addition,  hard  winds  prostrated  it.  The  yield  was  a  few  small  ears,  imperfectly  filled  with 
grains.  The  interpreter  informed  me  they  were  acquainted  with  maize  previously,  but  that 
hurricanes  prevented  its  cultivation. 

The  tomatoes  succeeded  rather  better.  Beside  other  unfavorable  circumstances,  the  soil 
where  they  were  planted  was  poor,  being  drawn  and  shaded  by  trees.  But  the  vines,  though 
much  crowded,  were  of  fair  growth  ;  and  the  fruit,  though  small,  was  quite  abundant. 

This  report  might  be  regarded  by  some  as  very  long,  and,  for  such,  a  mere  enumeration  of 
rice,  wheat,  sugar,  &c.,  as  the  produce  of  the  island,  would  be  sufficient.  But  to  give  a  proper 
idea  of  its  agriculture,  details  are  necessary;  and  these  have  to  be  as  extended  for  a  small 
country  as  for  a  large  one,  where  the  management  and  productions  are  the  same.  With  this 
remark,  it  is  respectfully  submitted. 

D.  S.  GREEN,  Surgeon  U.  S.  Navy. 

To  Commodore  M.  C.  Perky. 


7541S 


REPORT  MADE  TO  COMMODORE  TERRY 


THE  BOTANY,  ETHNOGRAPHY,  ETC., 


THE  ISLAND  OF  GREAT  LEW  CHEW: 


CHAS.  F.  FAHS,  M.  D., 

ASSISTANT  SURGEON  U.  3.  N., 

ATTACHED  TO  THE  U.  S.  STEAMER  SUSQUEHANNA  ON  THE  LATE  EXPEDITION  TO  JAPAN. 


REPORT 

ON  THE 

BOTANY,  ETHNOGRAPHY,  ETC.,  OF  LEW  CHEW. 

BY  C.  F.  FAHS,  ASSISTANT  SDEGEON  U.  S.  N. 


U.  S.  Steamer  Susquehanna, 
,  NapJia  Eoads,  Lew  Clieiv,  February  5,  1854. 

Sm:  I  respectfully  submit  to  you  the  following  report,  the  result  of  my  observations  on  the 
island  of  Lew  Chew,  during  the  late  expedition  sent  out  for  the  purpose  of  making  scientific 
researches. 

In  the  short  time  allotted  to  us,  it  was  of  course  impossible  to  make  any  very  minute  investi- 
gations upon  all  the  subjects  to  which  our  attention  was  directed;  and  therefore,  while  this 
report  is  not  designed  to  give  full  information,  it  is  at  least  hoped  that  it  may  be  the  means  of 
conveying  some  intelligence,  and  of  contributing  a  small  mite  to  the  general  fund  of  scientific 
knowledge. 

My  attention  has  been  mainly  directed  to  botany,  and  in  some  measure  to  ethnography ;  but 
I  have  also,  at  the  same  time,  examined,  to  a  certain  extent,  the  geology  of  the  island;  indeed, 
it  is  almost  necessary  to  investigate  the  latter  to  pursue  the  former  intelligibly. 

The  geological  features  are  certainly  very  striking,  and  cannot  fail  to  interest  any  one  engaged 
in  the  scientific  researches  of  nature.  The  first  peculiarity  that  strikes  the  eye,  is  the  great 
masses  of  coral  rock  everywhere  abounding,  even  on  the  tops  of  the  highest  mountains,  four 
and  five  hundred  feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea.  The  same  feature  presents  itself  in  nearly 
every  part  of  the  interior  of  the  island,  and  sometimes  forms  steep  promontories  along  the  sea- 
coast.  The  latter,  however,  as  a  general  rule,  is  boimded  by  gneiss  rock,  extending  back 
several  hundred  feet  from  the  beach,  where  it  is  overlaid  by  high  bluffs  of  coral  limestone ;  at 
several  places,  I  also  saw  strata  of  slate,  though  seldom  near  the  sea-coast,  which  was  likewise 
found  more  elevated  than  the  gneiss  and  granite  rocks.  The  latter  I  observed  only  at  one  point 
of  the  northwestern  coast,  and  it  appeared  to  be  of  a  soft  and  inferior  quality.  The  base  of  the 
island  is  undoubtedly  composed  of  gneiss,  granite,  and  slate  rocks ;  and  upon  this  the  zoophytes 
built  their  mountain  masses  of  coral,  which,  being  completed,  were  elevated  by  subterraneous 
upheaval  to  their  present  height ;  and,  in  time,  by  the  action  of  the  elements,  were  disintegrated 
on  the  surface,  so  as  to  form  soil,  which,  in  the  ages  that  have  elapsed,  became  mingled  with 
the  decayed  vegetable  and  animal  remains;  by  which  means,  the  present  geological  features 
6« 


42  EXPEDITIONTOJAPAN. 

were  produced.  The  island  everywhere  is  hroken  up  into  innumerahle  rounded  mountains  and 
hillocks,  at  the  hase  of  which  may  often  be  observed  strata  of  gneiss  and  slate  rocks.  The 
water,  nearly  everywhere,  is  soft,  and  almost  entirely  free  from  calcareous  matter — a  fact  showing 
that  the  lower  strata,  through  which  it  passes  before  being  collected  into  streamlets,  are  not 
calcareous,  as  are  some  of  the  rocks  which  I  have  already  mentioned.  That  such  has  been  the 
manner  of  formation  of  this  land,  can  scarcely  be  doubted;  and,  were  it  necessary,  I  might 
produce  the  strongest  facts  to  prove  my  assertions.  Having  premised  these  few  remaiks  upon 
the  outlines  of  the  geology,  I  will  at  once  jiroceed  to  what  I  have  to  say  in  reference  to  the 
botany  of  the  island. 

From  the  beautiful  aspect  everywhere  presented  to  the  eye  of  tlie  casual  observer,  he  is  led  to 
infer  that  the  variety  of  the  vegetable  kingdom  is  very  great.  But  this  idea  soon  vanishes  upon 
close  investigation  of  all  parts ;  for  there  is  a  remarkable  sameness  pervading  nearly  the  whole 
country,  from  north  to  south,  which  is  only  varied  now  and  then,  to  a  small  extent,  as  you 
approach  the  gneiss,  granite,  and  slate  districts,  and  at  considerable  elevations  above  the  sea. 
The  Flora,  in  some  measure,  presents  a  tropical  appearance,  though  not  as  much  as  might  be 
expected  from  the  position  of  the  island,  as  compared  with  some  others  having  a  higher  latitude. 
Some  of  the  trees  attain  to  a  large  size,  and  yield  useful  timber  for  building  and  other  pur- 
poses. The  most  abundant,  and  those  of  largest  growth,  are  several  species  of  pines  and  the 
banyan  (feus  Indica).  The  former,  in  many  places,  form  forests  of  small  extent;  but  the 
regularity  of  their  arrangement  into  rows,  affords  a  strong  proof  that  they  have  been  planted 
by  the  natives.  They  are  also  found  growing  along  most  of  their  highways,  forming  beau- 
tiful avenues  to  nearly  all  parts  of  the  island. 

Of  the  order  Coxifek^,  there  is  the  genxis  pimis,  having  the  species  P.  mitis  and  P.  strobus. 
Several  species  of  the  genera  abies  and  juniperus.  The  banyan  {Jicus  Indica)  is  also  found 
nearly  everywhere,  sometimes  growing  singly,  sometimes  in  large  groves,  and  very  often  it  is 
planted  on  the  tops  of  walls,  when  the  branches  are  trimmed  down  so  as  to  form  beautiful  square 
hedges.  It  does  not  grow  to  the  same  size  here  that  it  does  in  India  ;  although  now  and  then 
very  large  trees  are  found,  which  send  down  many  epiphytic  roots.  It  does  not  appear  to  be 
held  as  sacred  by  the  natives,  as  it  is  in  other  Buddhist  countries;  for  it  is  not  found  more  fre- 
quently about  their  temples  and  tombs  than  other  trees,  neither  is  more  attention  paid  to  its 
cultivation.  A  species  of  syphonia  is  very  abundant  in  the  southern  portion  of  the  island,  and 
sometimes  of  large  size.  In  the  northern  districts  it  is  found  only  in  the  villages,  forming, 
when  small,  a  very  beautiful  hedge.  It  appears  to  be  of  no  other  use  than  for  ornamental  pur- 
poses, for  which  it  answers  very  well  on  account  of  its  general  beauty.  The  ivory-nut  tree  I 
saw  at  one  place  quite  large  and  filled  with  fruit. 

Of  the  EBEXACEiE,  there  was  but  one  species  that  I  observed — the  diospyros  ebenus,  which  was 
of  sufficient  size  to  make  it  of  considerable  importance.  It  is  not  very  abundant,  and  is  found 
principally  in  the  southern  and  western  regions 

Order  Ei'PHORCiACEiE,  two  species:  Palma  Christi  (ricimts  communis)  or  castoSbcan,  and  box- 
wood {buxus  scmpervirens).  The  former  grows  quite  abundantly,  and  quite  large  in  many 
places.  The  use  of  the  bean  appears  not  to  be  understood  by  the  natives,  and  therefore  they 
are  allowed  to  fall  to  the  ground  and  decay  when  ripe.  The  boxwood  also  is  very  plentiful, 
particularly  in  the  south,  where  it  forms  handsome  evergreen  hedges. 

Of  the  MoREiE  I  saw  two  species,  the  morus  rubra  and  nigra  ;  the  latter,  occasionally,  as  a 
large  and  handsome  tree. 


BOTANYOFLEVVCHEW.  43 

Palm^e,  two  species  :  the  cocoanut  palm  {cocos  nucifera),  and  the  fan  palm  (corypha  umhra- 
caulifera) ;  none  of  them  very  common,  and  seldom  of  large  size. 

CuPULiFER^,  two  species :  the  beech  (fagus  ferruginea)  and  the  hazle-nut  (corylus  rostrata) ; 
the  former  occurring  occasionally  as  a  large  tree,  the  latter  as  an  undershrub  and  in  hedges. 

KosACE^E  :  The  peach  (pej-sica  vulgaris),  apricot  {armeniaca  vulgaris),  plum  {prnnus  domcstica), 
bay-laurel  (laurus  nobilis),  are  the  princijjal.  The  peach,  plum,  and  apricot  are  not  found  in 
any  great  abundance,  and  are  only  cultivated  about  the  kunquas,  and,  occasionally,  near 
the  houses  of  the  more  wealthy  people.  I  observed  three  species  of  roses — one  of  which, 
the  dog-rose  (rosa  caiiina),  was  growing  wild  in  the  mountains,  and  the  other  two  were  pot 
plants. 

AuRANTiACEiE :  Genus  citrus  yields  two  species — the  orange  (citrus  vulgaris)  and  the  lemon 
{citrus  lemonum) ,  neither  of  which,  however,  is  plentiful,  and  not  much  attention  is  jjaid  to 
them  by  the  natives. 

MusACE^:  There  are  several  species  of  this  plant,  and  I  am  inclined  to  think  they  are  not 
cultivated  for  their  fruit,  but  rather  for  the  fibre  which  they  yield,  and  that  musa  textilis  is  the 
principal  one.  I  think  it  is  this  that  affords  the  material  out  of  which  the  natives  manufacture 
their  coarse  garments.  The  banana  I  never  saw  growing  upon  any  of  the  trees,  but  I  am  in- 
formed there  is  an  inferior  variety  sold  in  the  markets. 

Camellike  :  This  genus  affords  four  varieties  of  the  japonica,  all  of  them  yielding  beautiful 
flowers,  and  are  carefully  attended  to  on  this  account  by  the  natives.  I  found  a  species  of  the 
camellia,  which,  I  think,  is  not  described  anywhere,  and  have  named  it,  from  its  numerous 
florets,  camellia  p)obj flora.  It  grows  mostly  where  the  gneiss  rocks  are  found,  and  is  from  two 
to  four  feet  high.  It  is  decandrous;  monogynous;  sepals  and  petals  5,  divided  to  near  the  recep- 
tacle; hypogynous;  leaves  alternate,  oval,  serrate,  and  coriaceous.  Florets  generally  growing 
from  the  axils  of  the  leaves ;  corolla  of  light-pink  color. 

Leguminos^e  :  The  tamarind  {tamarindus  Indica) ,  locust  tree  (rohinia  pseud-acacia),  the  kidney 
bean  (phaseolus  vidgaris),  two  varieties  of  the  pea,  white  clover  {trifolium  repens),  medick  (me- 
dicago)  are  the  principal  species.  The  tamarind  and  locust  are  rare;  but  the  beans  and  peas 
are  among  the  most  abundant  articles  of  cultivation;  indeed,  the  former  may  be  seen  in  large 
tracts  wherever  the  eye  is  cast,  and  forms  one  of  the  principal  articles  of  food  for  the  people ; 
and  pigs  are  also  fattened  with  them. 

Aquifoliace.^  :  Holly  (ilex  montana)  is  the  only  species  I  observed,  and  was  very  rare. 
Of  Dahlia,  there  are  several  varieties. 

Cactace^  :  Observed  four  species — two  very  large  and  numerous,  and  two  small,  and  found 
growing  principally  upon  walls  and  forming  hedges. 

Convolvulace^  :  Common  morning  glory  (convolvulus  purpureus  and  C.  albus),  sweet  potato 
(C.  batatas).  The  latter  is  cultivated  largely  over  the  whole  island,  and  forms  one  of  the  chief 
articles  of  diet,  particularly  for  the  laboring  classes.  They  generally  boil  a  large  quantity  of 
them  at  a  time,  and  make  them  last  for  several  days,  eating  them  cold. 

Solanacks;  :  Tobacco  (nicotiana  tabacum),  bittersweet  (solanum  didcamara),  and  deadly  night- 
shade (atropa  belladonna;)  the  latter  only  found  in  dry  and  sunny  places.  The  tobacco  is  culti- 
vated in  the  southern  portion  of  the  island  to  a  considerable  extent,  and  produces  very  fine 
large  leaves.  It  is  all,  however,  very  much  injured  by  the  manner  of  curing  it  which  is  adopted 
by  the  natives.  As  soon  as  the  plants  have  attained  a  proper  size,  the  leaves  are  stripped  and 
put  in  the  sun  for  drying,  where  they  are  allowed  to  remain  for  days  exposed  to  the  dew  and 


44  EXPEDITIONTOJAPAN. 

rain;  so   that  by  the  time  the  process  is  terminated,  all  the  volatile  principles  to  which  it  owes 
its  virtues  are  dissipated,  and  thereby  rendered  almost  worthless. 

MELiACEiE,  only  one  species — the  melia  azedarach,  or  pride  of  India.  I  saw  it  once  in  the  for- 
tifications of  the  old  castle  of  Nagagusko,  and  once  or  twice  in  the  open  country,  and  it  was  of 
its  usual  size. 

Labiate  :  Sage  (salvia  Claytoni),  cat-mint  {nepeta  cataria),  and  horehound  (marrubium  vvZ- 
gare). 

LiLiACE^ :  Garlic  (allium  sativum),  onion  (A.  cepa),  leek  (A.porrum),  and  a  species  of  lily, 
growing  in  many  places,  which  I  think  is  the  white  lily,  but  I  am  not  certain. 

Arace^  :  Taro  and  duckweed  (hmna  minor)  are  the  only  ones  observed.  The  former  is 
abundantly  cultivated  in  the  marshy  lowlands  for  its  tubers.  The  duckweed  is  also  found  in 
most  fresh-water  ponds. 

Piperace^  :  Only  one  species,  the  black  pepper  (jnjyer  niger),  was  found,  and  this  quite  rare. 

CnENOPODiACi^ :  VigvieeA.  (thenopodium  glaucinn) ,  heei  (beta  vulga7-is),  spinach  (sjnnacea  ole- 
racea) . 

Alsineje  :   Of  the  chickweed  there  are  three  or  four  different  species. 

Kanunculus:  There  are  several  species  of  the  crowfoot,  of  which  the  principal  is  the  yellow 
water  crowfoot  (ranuncidus  Purshii). 

CRtciFER^:  Water-cress  (nasturtium  officinale),  black  mustard  (sinapis  nigra),  radish  (rapha- 
nus  sativus),  cabbage  (brassica  oleracea),  and  turnip  (brassica  rapa).  The  radish  and  turnip 
grow  very  large,  but  are  almost  insipid,  from  their  rapid  growth,  which  appears  to  be  owing  to 
the  large  quantity  of  ammoniacal  matter  with  which  the  soil  is  manured. 

Helianthus  :  Jerusalem  artichoke  (helianthiis  tuherosns)  was  found  cultivated  on  the  western 
coast,  apparently  for  esculent  purposes ;  common  artichoke  (cynara  scolymus)  is  everywhere 
abundant  along  the  road-sides. 

CiCHORACE^:  Lettuce  (lactuca  sativa),  strong-scented  lettuce  (L.  virosa). 

Oxalis  :  Two  species  of  this  were  found — common  wood-sorrel  (0.  acetosella)  and  yellow  wood 
sorrel  (0.  sf7ncta). 

ViOLACRS  :   Two  species,  of  which  one,  the  sweet  violet,  is  very  common  all  over  the  island. 

Malvace^  :  Marshmallow  (althea  officinale)  and  the  hibiscus  (hibiscus  militaris)  are  the  only 
ones  observed ;  the  former  in  damp  and  marshy  places,  the  latter  around  and  about  houses, 
where  the  natives  pay  great  attention  to  its  culture  on  account  of  the  beauty  of  its  flowers. 
There  are  some  varieties  of  hibiscus  which  are  not  here  mentioned. 

CucmiBiTACE^ :  Water-melon  (cucurbita  citrullus),  the  pumpkin  (C.  Pejw),  cucumber  (G.  sa- 
tivus), are  all  very  plenty  in  the  markets. 

GRAjnxEiE  :  Spear-grass  (2'>oa),  several  varieties;  timothy  [jMeum),  millet  (milium  effusum), 
barley  (hordeum),  wheat  (triticum),  rice  (oryza),  jungle  weed  (luzula  campestris  and  Juncm  Jili- 
formis),  of  several  species;  sedge-grass. 

Ctperace^,  of  many  varieties:  sugar-cane  (saccharum  officinarum),  bamboo  (bambusa  arundi- 
nacea)  of  two  kinds,  and  the  principal  ones  that  came  to  my  notice. 

Barley,  in  the  summer,  is  one  of  the  jjrincipal  grains  planted,  and  yields  very  well.  Wheat,  as 
a  winter  grain,  is  grown  iu  some  portions  of  the  island  extensively,  but  does  not  appear  to  thrive 
well — more,  however,  on  account  of  the  manner  of  cultivation  than  from  any  other  cause.  Rice, 
here,  as  in  nearly  every  eastern  country,  is  the  chief  article  of  diet;  and,  consequently,  more  of 
it  is  grown,  and  its  culture  more  thoroughly  understood,  than  that  of  any  of  the  GramvinecB. 


ETHNOGRAPHYOFLEWCHEW.  45 

Wherever  the  eye  is  cast,  it  may  he  seen,  even  in  the  smallest  valleys  hetween  the  hills,  provided 
there  be  any  means  of  watering  it.  It  is,  moreover,  of  a  very  fine  quality,  and,  when  boiled 
becomes  as  white  as  snow.  The  jungle  and  sedgeweed  grow  very  luxuriantly  on  the  eastern 
shore.  Sugar-cane  in  the  south  is  quite  abundant,  but  it  is  very  small;  apparently,  on  account 
of  the  great  length  of  time  it  is  allowed  to  grow  in  the  same  tracts  without  being  transplanted. 
The  land,  however,  in  many  places  is  admirably  adapted  to  its  culture,  and,  by  proper  care  and 
attention,  elegant  and  valuable  sugar-plantations  might  be  formed.  Bamboo  is  as  important 
if  not  more  so,  than  the  rice  to  the  natives.  It  serves  them  in  numerous  building  purposes-  as 
food ;  enters  into  the  manufacture  of  their  clothing ;  and,  around  the  houses  and  along  the  streets 
of  the  villages,  forms  most  beautiful  evergreen  hedges. 

The  cryptogamous  class  of  plants  is  quite  large,  and  affords  some  of  the  most  handsome  trees 
and  shrubs  to  be  found  in  the  island.  Of  ferns  {jilices)  I  saw  nine  species,  five  of  which  are  beau- 
tiful tree-ferns,  and  grow  in  great  abundance  in  the  northern  and  southern  portions.  The  other 
four  are  small  and  herbaceous.  The  algce  are  found  in  but  few  species.  Lichens  are  only  occa- 
sionally seen,  and  do  not  afford  much  variety. 

Parasitic  plants  in  some  places  abound  to  some  extent,  but  I  could  pay  them  but  little  atten- 
tion, and  shall,  therefore,  say  nothing  more  in  relation  to  them. 

This  ends  what  I  have  to  say  of  the  botany  of  Lew  Chew.  It  is,  of  course,  a  mere  outline; 
but  even  so  far  as  it  extends,  the  arrangements  and  classification  are  not  complete,  for  neither 
the  proper  means  nor  time  were  at  my  command  to  make  it  so.  For  the  majority  of  trees  and 
plants,  the  season  had  not  arrived  to  allow  them  to  be  studied  to  advantage.  Very  few  of  them 
were  flowering,  and  seldom  could  any  be  found  containing  seeds.  In  reference  to  the  Cryptogami 
I  have  said  but  a  very  few  words,  for  I  had  no  means  of  investigating  them  pro^Derly;  indeed, 
they  are  so  numerous  as  to  require  the  closest  attention  and  a  great  deal  of  time  to  do  them 
anything  like  justice;  and  I  have,  therefore,  been  content  with  merely  mentioning  some  of  the 
most  striking.  During  our  excursion  over  the  island,  I  gathered  about  a  hundred  different 
specimens  of  plants,  some  of  which  are  noticed  in  this  report,  but  the  majority  have  not  been 
spoken  of.  They  have  been  carefully  pressed  and  preserved,  and  are  now  in  charge  of  Dr. 
Morrow. 

Having  finished  what  I  had  to  say  of  the  vegetable  kingdom,  I  proceed  at  once  to  the  animal 
kingdom,  or,  in  other  words,  to  the  ethnography  of  the  Lew  Chewans.  This  part  of  the  study 
of  nature  is  not  less  interesting  than  that  which  we  have  just  ended;  indeed,  in  some'respects  it 
is  more  so,  for  it  has  for  its  object  the  investigation  of  our  own  species — the  natural  history  of 
man.  The  former,  was  the  study  of  matter  merely  endowed  with  organic  life;  the  latter,  that 
possessed  not  only  of  this  principle,  but  likewise  of  animal  life,  or  the  life  of  relation — in  other 
words,  of  thought,  and  intelligence,  and  locomotion ;  those  ennobling  endowments  which,  in  a 
manner,  ally  man  to  the  Creator  of  all  animate  and  inanimate  matter.  While  the  general 
characteristics  of  all  races  of  men  are  the  same,  and  lead  us  to  the  natural  conclusion  that  they 
had  a  common  origin,  there  are  yet  peculiarities  sufiiciently  striking  to  show  that,  some  time 
since  the  creation,  some  great  cause  has  produced  many  divisions  and  alienations,  so  as  to  make 
some  naturalists  even  doubt  their  original  identity.  It  is  my  intention,  now,  to  endeavor  to 
trace  to  its  origin  a  small  branch  of  the  great  Mongolian  division  of  man — a  peojile  hitherto 
but  little  known,  and  scarcely  noticed  by  anj^  writers  upon  ethnograpliy.  The  only  accounts 
we  have  of  them  are  some  general  remarks  made  by  the  English  officers  who  have,  from  time  to 


46  EXPEDITION     TOJAPAN. 

time,  visited  Lew  Chew.     It  is,  therefore,  my  object  in  these  pages  to  make  some  more  minute 
researches — at  least  so  far  as  my  opportunities  of  observing  will  permit. 

This  island  appears  to  be  peopled  by  two  distinct  races,  judging  from  physical  characteristics ; 
and  so  it  proves  upon  close  investigation,  for  the  one  is  Japanese,  and  the  other  Lew  Chewan — 
properly  so  called.  The  peculiarity,  though  decisive,  is  not  such  as  to  make  me  doubt  their 
origin  in  common  ;  for  I  believe,  and  shall  show,  that  they  must  have  sprung  from  the  same 
branch.  There  are  not  wanting,  however,  some  persons  who  think  they  are  closely  allied  to 
the  Tagalla  race.  The  latter  are  spread  over  the  Philippine,  Marianne,  and  other  Pacific  islands, 
and  are  sprung  from  the  Malayan  stock  of  eastern  nations.  They  likewise  speak  a  dialect  of 
the  Malay  language.  There  is  no  affinity  between  the  Lew  Chew,  Malay,  and  Tagalla  lan- 
guages ;  neither  are  the  relations  of  their  physical  peculiarities  such  as  to  favor  the  above  opinion. 
Their  manners,  customs,  and  religion  are  also  very  different.  In  some  of  the  expeditions  of 
exploration  over  the  island,  some  remains  of  the  ancient  Hindoo  idolatry  were  discovered,  and 
some  surmises  were  formed  that  possibly  these  people  were  a  colony  of  Indians.  Whether 
these  are  the  relics  of  a  people  once  existing  here,  previous  to  the  present  races,  or  the  last  ves- 
tiges of  a  religion  of  one  of  the  races  of  this  time,  which  has  been  supplanted  by  the  wide-spread- 
in''  Buddhism,  is  not  very  easily  solved.  That  a  colony  of  Hindoos  may  have,  in  remote  times, 
emigrated  to  this  country,  and  become  lost  among  the  natives  in  the  course  of  ages,  is  not  to- 
tallv  improbable ;  but  I  nevertheless  doubt  it,  and  rather  incline  to  the  idea  that  the  religion 
was  introduced  either  directly  by  priests  coming  from  India  as  missionaries,  or  by  means  of  the 
commercial  intercourse  which  has  in  all  ages  existed  between  eastern  nations.  There  are  no 
other  indications  to  prove  such  an  emigration  as  has  just  been  supposed ;  the  language  has  no- 
thinf  in  its  construction  to  give  it  any  support,  neither  are  the  customs  and  habits  of  the  people 
similar.  Kear  the  temples  of  idolatry,  already  mentioned,  are  some  very  ancient  tombs,  which 
the  natives  say  contain  the  remains  of  devils.  They,  no  doubt,  were  the  people  who  worshipped 
in  these  sanctuaries ;  and  their  rites  were  such  as  to  be  condemned,  and  looked  upon  as  devo- 
tions to  the  devil. 

We  now  come  to  trace  the  relation  existing  between  the  Lew  Chewans  and  Japanese,  and 
hope  to  show  conclusively  that  they  are  branches  of  the  same  stock.  The  former  are  somewhat 
more  effeminate,  and  perhaps  not  quite  as  intelligent ;  but  this  is  owing  entirely  to  local  causes. 
They  have  never  had  any  intercourse  with  foreigners,  of  any  account;  they  live  in  a  mild  and 
temperate  climate ;  their  wants  are  few ;  and  nature  supplies  them  abundantly,  for  the  least 
exertion  on  their  part;  so  that  their  ingenuity  has  never  been  taxed  to  invent  means  of  sub- 
sistence, or  to  compete  with  rivals  in  commerce  and  politics.  These  causes  have  produced  the 
slio'ht  differences  of  physical  development  observed  between  the  people.  They  have  the  same 
heif'ht;  their  features  are  nearly  alike;  the  head  in  both  is  oval,  and  approaches  near  that  of 
the  European :  the  frontal  bones  rounded,  and  forehead  high ;  the  face  is  oval,  and  the  general 
expression  mild;  the  eyes  large  and  animated,  though  not  as  much  so  in  the  Lew  Chewan  as  in 
the  Japanese ;  the  irides  in  both  dark-brown  or  black ;  lashes  long ;  eyebrows  rather  heavy 
and  arched.  The  long,  angular  form  of  the  internal  canthus  is  seldom  observed  in  either. 
The  nose  in  most  persons  is  rather  handsome  and  well  proportioned  to  the  rest  of  the  body  ; 
the  root  of  it  is  not  depressed,  as  in  the  Chinese  and  Malays,  neither  are  the  nostrils  as  widely 
dilated.  The  cheek-bones  are  not  very  prominent;  and  consequently  there  is  not  the  broad, 
square  face,  which  is  so  striking  in  most  eastern  people.  The  mouth  is  rather  large;  the  teeth 
broad,  and  perfectly  white ;  the  chin  of  a  neat  form,  and  always  has  a  strong  black  beard — 


ETHNOGRAPHY     OF     LEW     CHEW. 


47 


another  distinguishing  feature  between  them  and  the  Malays  and  Chinese,  for  neither  of  the 
latter  have  any  of  sufficient  growth  to  be  mentioned.  The  other  parts  of  the  body  have  the 
same  close  relation  to  each  other  that  has  just  been  noticed.  But  it  is  not  in  the  physical 
development  and  relation  that  we  are  to  look  for  the  stringent  proof  of  the  identity  of  orio-in  ■ 
for  sometimes  the  most  dissimilar  in  external  appearance  can  be  traced  by  other  means  to  a 
common  stock.  It  is  by  the  study  of  languages  and  dialects  that  we  obtain  more  information 
and  light  upon  the  subject  of  ethnography  than  by  any  other  means  at  our  command.  History 
and  tradition  sometimes  afford  a  clue;  but  when  minute  information  is  required,  they  both  fail 
us,  and  we  are  obliged  again  to  fall  back  to  philology  to  lead  us  through  the  labyrinth  in 
which  we  find  ourselves  when  endeavoring  to  unravel  the  complicated  relationship  existing 
among  the  innumerable  nations  and  tribes  of  our  species.  To  meet  this  desideratum,  I  have 
paid  as  much  attention  to  the  Lew  Chew  language  as  it  was  possible  during  our  short  stay,  and 
have  a  sufficient  number  of  words  to  form  a  short  vocabulary,  and  have  carefully  compared  it 
with  the  same  terms  in  the  Japanese  tongue.     I  shall  now  proceed  to  give  it  in  a  tabular  form: 


Lew  Chew  an. 

Japanese. 

Lew  Chewan. 

Japanese. 

Water 

mi-dsoo 

ts-ya 

fi 

fi 

ts-ki 

ho-si 

ka-zee 

ni-wa-ts-ri 

to-ma-go 

oo-mi 

me 

te 

ha-na 

Icoo-tse 

ki 

Eice 

Tea 

chaa 

Sweet-potato 

Pan 

karaemu 

ka-ran-da-imo 

ko-ua-be 

sa-kee 

ta-ba-ko 

)ca-go 

si-ro-goone 

tets' 

ba-oosi 

ka-ga-mi 

s'yo-mots 

k'yokfrokf 

Sun 

fee 

nudee 

Fire i... 

fiee 

Wine 

sakee 

Moon 

sichee 

Tobacco 

tobalio 

Star 

iiasliet-cliair 

Silver 

liagoo 

nanzee 

Wind 

hadzee 

Cliickeu 

nuatuee 

Egg 

tomague 

Cap 

hachee  machee 

Sea 

oomee 

Lopking-glass 

Book 

Eye 

mee 

Hand 

tee 

Chair 

vee 

Nose 

lianaa 

Mouth 

koocliee 

Swine . . 

bootaa 

Tree 



It  will  at  once  be  seen,  upon  an  examination  of  this  comparative  vocabulary,  that  two- 
thirds  at  least  of  the  words  are  almost  exactly  the  same  ;  the  only  difference  is  the  orthography, 
which,  in  some  instances,  is  slightly  different;  but  this  is  a  matter  of  no  consequence,  so  long 
as  the  sounds  are  alike.  The  spelling  of  the  words  of  a  language,  which  is  written  in  unknown 
characters,  is  discretionary  with  the  particular  writers,  who  have  the  privilege  of  choosing  such 
letters  in  the  construction  of  syllables  as  seem  to  convey  to  their  ear  the  most  correct  sounds. 

Of  the  words  that  are  not  alike,  a  strong  affinity  can  yet  be  found  between  them,  and  they 
almost  always  have  the  same  roots,  only  varied  in  the  main  by  local  circumstances. 

The  few  that  do  not  agree  in  any  respect,  and  which  cannot  be  traced  to  a  common  derivation, 
I  think  most  probably  have  been  introduced  by  the  Chinese,  with  whom  they  have  been,  for 
hundreds  of  years,  associated  in  commerce.  The  above  vocabulary  has  been  collected  in  a  mis- 
cellaneous manner,  and,  short  as  it  is,  will  show  the  strong  relation  between  the  two  languages, 
and  demonstrate  conclusively  that  they  are  dialects  of  the  same  tongue.  The  facts  and  argu- 
ments here  presented  I  think  are  sufficient  to  convince  the  candid  inquirer^  and  to  solve  the 
problem  under  consideration,  or,  in  other  words,  that  the  Japanese  and  Lew  Chewans  had  a 


48  EXPEDITIONTOJAPAN. 

Having  finished  this  division  of  the  subject,  I  shall  proceed  to  an  account  of  their  manners, 
customs,  religion,  dress,  and  other  points  of  interest.  I  have  already  spoken  of  their  physical 
peculiarities,  in  comparing  them  with  the  Japanese  ;  hut  there  are  still  some  observations  which 
it  is  necessary  to  mention.  The  chin,  as  already  stated,  is  covered  with  a  jet-black  beard,  and, 
in  aged  men,  is  white  as  snow,  which  is  always  in  the  higher  classes  permitted  to  grow  to  a 
great  length,  and  is  looked  upon  as  a  most  honorable  custom.  The  lower  orders,  or  coolies, 
seldom  allow  it  to  grow  long,  being  obliged,  I  think,  to  cut  it  by  law.  The  moustaches  are 
also  worn  by  most  men,  but  never  attain  any  great  length.  The  head  is  covered  with  a  fine 
growth  of  jet-black  hair;  the  crown  is  shaven  to  the  scalp,  and  the  locks,  on  the  side  and  back 
of  the  head,  are  combed  up  to  the  top,  where  it  is  formed  into  a  knot,  which  conceals  the  shaved 
part.  In  this  they  wear  two  metallic  pins,  which  determine  the  rank  of  the  person,  according 
to  the  quality  of  the  metal.  The  hair  is  always  well  oiled,  which  gives  it  a  glossy  and  shining 
appearance.  The  ears  are  small,  and  rest  close  to  the  head;  the  neck  is  thin  and  rather  long  ; 
the  chest  generally  wide,  and  well  developed ;  the  pelvis  in  proportion  to  the  rest  of  the  body. 
Their  costume  is  neat  and  well  adapted  to  the  climate,  consisting  of  a  long,  loose  robe,  coming 
to  the  ankles,  with  very  wide  sleeves,  and  is  fastened  around  the  body  with  a  girdle  of  silk  or 
grass  cloth  ;  attached  to  the  latter  is  a  small  pouch  for  tobacco  and  a  smoke-pipe,  neither  of 
■which  is  ever  absent.  The  head-covering  is  a  peculiar  cylindrical  cajj,  called  by  the  natives 
hachee-machee,  which  appears  to  bemadeof  two  bands  crossing  each  other  in  a  "figure  of  eight" 
form.  Tlie  higher  classes  wear  a  white  stocking,  and  when  they  walk  out  have  over  this  a 
straw  sandal,  which  is  always  taken  off  before  going  into  a  house.  The  laboring  classes  always 
go  barefooted.  It  is  a  remark,  made  by  nearly  all  foreigners  who  have  visited  Lew  Chew,  that 
there  are  none  of  the  people  deformed ;  this  must  be  attributed  to  their  temjserate  habits,  and 
the  healthy  climate  in  which  they  live. 

The  women  are  of  small  stature,  and  those  that  have  come  to  our  notice  have  no  pre- 
tensions to  beauty ;  but,  of  course,  it  would  not  be  fair  to  draw  general  conclusions  from 
the  lower  classes,  the  only  ones  allowed  to  walk  out  from  their  houses.  The  few  of  the  higher 
order  who  have  been  seen  are  described  as  rather  handsome  and  quite  fair  in  complexion. 
Their  faces  are  inclined  to  be  more  square,  and  their  noses  more  depressed  than  in  the  men. 
They  have  their  hair  put  up  very  much  like  the  men,  only  the  topknot  is  a  little  more  in 
front,  and  to  one  side  of  the  head.  Their  dress,  also,  is  considerably  like  that  of  the  men — a 
long,  loose  robe,  coming  to  the  ankles,  but  is  not  fastened  by  a  girdle.  They  also  wear  sandals 
and  stockings,  like  the  men.  As  already  observed,  they  scarcely  ever  leave  their  houses  to  walk 
out,  and,  when  they  meet  the  men  on  the  streets,  are  scarcely  noticed  by  them ;  a  mark  of  dis- 
respect which  accords  badly  with  their  mild  and  amiable  deportment  when  met  by  foreigners. 
They  do  not  hold  a  high  social  position — in  many  instances,  being  the  mere  slaves  of  their 
husbands;  differing  very  much  in  this  respect  from  the  Japanese,  among  whom  they  hold  a 
much  higher  rank. 

The  government  of  the  Lew  Chewans  appears  to  be  an  absolute  despotism ;  nominally  a 
dependency  of  China,  but  really  tributary  to  a  Japanese  prince,  (Prince  of  Satsima,)  by  whom 
it  was  conquered  more  than  three  centuries  ago,  and  still  is  held  in  subjection.  The  policy  and 
exclusive  laws  exist  here  as  in  Japan,  and  the  people,  therefore,  are  not  permitted  to  hold  any 
intercourse  with  foreigners.  Numerous  spies  are  always  about  to  report  any  infraction  of  the 
laws.  When  we  first  arrived,  the  people  ran  away  as  soon  as  we  came  near  them;  and  if  any 
one  walked  through  the  streets  of  the  city,  they  were  cleared  in  a  minute,  and  all  the  doors 


ETHNOGRAPHYOFLEWCHEW.  4 

locked.  Several  thousand  persons  selling  and  buying  in  the  markets  would  desert  their  stores 
merely  at  the  sight  of  any  one.  Their  custom,  formerly,  was  to  supply  vessels  coming  in  with 
everything  they  required,  but  they  would  take  no  remuneration,  and  would  tell  them  to  leave. 
Most  of  these  prejudices  have  been  in  a  measure  overcome,  and  they  now  are  about  as  fond  of 
the  dollar  as  most  people,  and  do  not  hesitate  to  dispose  of  their  marketing.  I  do  not  believe 
that  this  fear  is  created  by  the  foreigners,  but  rather  that  it  is  the  result  of  the  absolute  and 
despotic  laws  operating  upon  them,  and  forbidding  them  to  hold  the  slightest  communication 
with  strangers.  The  lower  classes  appear  to  be  in  a  state  of  slavery,  and  are  kept  under  the  closest 
surveillance;  the  upper  classes  lead  a  most  indolent  life,  and  are  apparently  dependent  entirely 
upon  the  former  for  all  their  wants. 

They  are  a  very  polite  people,  and  treat  each  other  with  the  utmost  courtesy  at  all  times. 
When  meeting,  they  close  the  two  hands,  and,  putting  them  to  the  forehead,  make  a  most  pro- 
found bow;  if  to  a  person  of  high  rank,  they  nearly  fall  to  the  ground.  These  marks  of  civility 
are  extended  to  foreigners. 

Here,  as  in  all  eastern  countries,  the  Buddhist  religion  prevails;  in  some  instances  engrafted 
upon  other  idolatries.  The  people,  however,  appear  to  be  indifferent  to  it,  and  do  not  seem 
to  have  much  veneration  for  it.  There  are  not  many  temples,  and  seldom  are  there  seen  any 
worshippers  in  them.  Notwithstanding  this  apparent  indifference,  the  bonzes  or  priests  hold  a 
higher  position  than  they  do  in  China,  and  consequently  are  treated  with  more  respect,  and 
are  not  looked  upon  as  worthless  and  degraded  as  soon  as  they  leave  the  precincts  of  the  tem- 
ples. Though  their  social  position  here  is  better  than  in  China,  it  is  by  no  means  enviable, 
and  they  are  the  same  bald-headed  mendicants  that  they  are  there. 

The  greatest  honor  and  respect  are  paid  to  the  dead;  they  are  put  in  coffins,  and  are  carefully 
interred  in  large  well-built  stone  vaults  or  tombs  for  a  period  of  seven  years,  until  all  the  flesh 
has  decayed  from  the  bones;  the  latter  are  then  collected  and  carefully  dei^osited  in  stone  jars, 
which  are  placed  upon  shelves  in  the  vaults.  Poor  people  put  the  bones  of  the  dead  in 
earthern  jars,  and,  generally  having  no  tombs,  place  them  in  the  crevices  of  rocks,  wliere  they 
are  sometimes  found  exposed,  being  broken  by  accident.  The  remains  of  the  dead  are  followed 
to  the  tomb  by  a  large  number  of  relations  and  friends.  The  body  is  carried  in  a  coffin  in  a 
sitting  posture.  The  women  who  accompany  it  as  mourners  weai-  long  white  veils  over  their 
heads  and  faces.  Eegular  visits  are,  from  time  to  time,  paid  by  the  relatives  of  the  deceased, 
and  oiferings  are  made  upon  the  tomb. 

The  literature  is  j)rincipally  obtained  from  China  and  Japan,  and  many  of  the  literati  and 
professional  men  go  to  the  former  country  to  finish  their  education.  The  physicians  all  go 
there  to  pursue  their  studies,  and  remain  several  years,  and  then  return  prepared  to  combat  the 
enemy. 

They  have  no  commerce  of  any  note;  it  consists  in  a  few  Chinese  and  Japanese  junks  each 
year.  They  interchange  such  articles  of  clothing  and  provision  as  they  require  and  can  spare. 
They  have  no  money  currency  of  their  own,  but  the  Chinese  cash  supplies  this  in  some  measure. 

The  arts  and  manufactures  are  but  little  known  by  them,  except  some  of  the  more  simple, 
and  these  are  in  the  most  primitive  state.  The  manufacture  of  sugar,  a  coarse  kind  of  grass 
cloth,  and  an  inferior  kind  of  lacquered  ware,  are  the  only  ones  of  any  note.  The  sugar,  when 
finished,  is  merely  the  juice  of  the  cane  pressed  out  by  means  of  a  mill,  evaporated  to  a  proper 
consistency,  without  any  clarification ;  it  is,  therefore,  very  crude  and  dark,  and  almost  unfit 
for  use.  The  manufacture  of  salt  must  not  be  overlooked,  as  it  is  carried  on  quite  extensively, 
7s 


50  EXPEDITION     TO     JAPAN. 

and  forms  an  article  of  commerce.  Large  salt  flats  are  found  along  the  Bay  of  Napha,  whicli 
produces  occasionally  considerable  quantities,  though  of  an  inferior  quality.  Painting  and 
sculpture  have  received  hut  little  attention ;  the  former  appears  to  he  less  understood  than  the 
latter,  and  it  is  very  rare  to  find  any  paintings.  Specimens  of  sculpture  are  seen  about  the 
tombs  and  temples,  and  now  and  then  images  of  their  gods ;  but  they  are  all  rude  and  without 
finish.  Arcliitecture  is  rather  more  advanced,  as  is  seen  by  the  old  castles  and  the  arched 
bridges  found  in  different  parts  of  the  island.  The  bridges  thrown  over  the  creeks  are  all  built 
of  stone,  and  have  one  arch,  and  they  are  built  upon  correct  principles.  The  walls  of  the  castles 
and  fortifications  are  really  worthy  of  notice ;  for  they  are  almost  Herculean  when  the  means 
are  considered  by  which  they  were  built.  The  old  castle  of  Nagagusko  is  surrounded  by  a  wall 
nearly  a  quarter  of  a  mile  square,  from  twenty  to  fifty  feet  high^  and  from  ten  to  twenty  feet  in 
thickness.  The  stones  used  in  its  construction  are  sometimes  large  enough  to  weigh  at  least  a 
ton,  and  must  have  required  some  more  powerful  means  to  elevate  them  than  can  at  this  time  be 
discovered.  The  archways  through  them  present  a  grand  appearance,  and  show  much  skill  in 
their  construction.  The  houses  are  all  built  of  wood,  and  generally  covered  with  tiles;  all 
around  them  are  verandahs,  and  these  are  closed  by  means  of  blinds  constructed  of  bamboo 
lattice.  The  floors  are  covered  with  handsome  thick  mats,  upon  which  the  natives  sit  in  their 
peculiar  style.  The  only  other  furniture  in  the  rooms  are  some  stools,  sometimes  a  table,  and 
tea-pots  and  cups.  The  houses  of  the  poor  are  built  of  bamboo,  without  floors  or  any  other 
comforts.  In  the  cities,  every  house  is  surrounded  by  a  stone  wall  or  bamboo  hedge.  The 
highways  are  excellent,  paved  with  flat  stones  or  macadamized,  and  extend  all  over  the 
isli/nd.  Every  twelve  miles  has  a  rest-house,  or  kung-qua,  for  the  accommodation  of  travellers. 
They  are  neater  than  most  private  houses,  and  always  have  several  relays  of  chair-coolies. 

They  have  no  arms  or  ammunition  that  we  have  seen ;  not  even  spears  nor  bows  and  arrows. 
The  fortifications  show  no  indications  of  having  been  built  for  the  arts  of  modern  warfare.  We 
know  that  wars  have  been  carried  on  amongst  them  in  times  past ;  but  what  the  weapons  of 
destruction  were,  is  unknown. 

This  ends  the  second  part  of  my  report,  and  I  have  to  regret  that  it  could  not  have  been  made 
more  concise ;  but,  from  the  large  amount  of  material  which  required  notice,  I  found  it  impos- 
sible to  do  justice  to  the  subject  in  fewer  pages. 

Yery  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

CHAS.  F.  FAHS, 
Assistant  Surgeon  U.  S.  Navy. 

Commodore  M.  C.  Pekry, 

Commanding  U.  S.  naval  forces,  East  India,  China,  and  Japan  seas. 


REPORT  MADE  TO  COMMODORE  PERRY 


A  GEOLOGICAL  EXPLORATION,  ETC., 


THE  ISLAND  OF  GREAT  LEW  CHEW: 


REV.   GEORGE  JONES,  M.  A., 

CHAPLAIN  U.  3.  N., 
ATTACHED  TO  THE  UNITED  STATES  STEAM  FKIGATE  MISSISSIPPI. 


REPORT 

ON   A 

GEOLOGICAL  EXPLORATION  OF   LEW  CHEW 

BY  REV.  GEORGE  JONES,  CHAPLAIN  U.  S.  N. 


United  States  Steamer  Mississippi, 

Lew  Cheic,  February  6,  1854. 

Sir:  In  making  the  geological  report  of  our  recent  explorations  in  Lew  Chew,  it  may  be  well 
first  to  recapitulate,  briefly,  some  remarks  made  on  a  former  occasion,  respecting  the  geology 
of  the  southern  portion  of  the  island. 

Commencing  at  the  southern  end,  we  have  uniformly  an  aluminous  rock,  sometimes  pretty 
compact,  and  sometimes  running  into  shell;  from  it  comes  all  the  clay  or  common  soil  of  this 
part  of  Lew  Chew.  This  rock  or  clay  is  pierced  and  overlaid  by  limestone  of  a  most  singular 
character,  generally  in  belts,  running  N.  about  60°  E.,  and  rising  into  pinnacled  ridges,  so  much 
like  ruins  of  ancient  buildings,  as  to  deceive  the  eye  at  the  distance  of  only  a  few  hundred  feet. 
This  portion  of  the  island  is,  by  far,  the  richest  and  best  cultivated,  and  owes  its  fertility,  doubt- 
less, to  the  admixture  of  lime  with  the  argillaceous  soil.  I  will  notice  the  limestone  rock  again, 
by-and-by. 

About  seventeen  miles  north  of  Napha,  a  very  coarse  gneiss  begins  to  make  its  appear- 
ance, and  soon  becomes  the  prevalent  rock,  overhanging  the  sea-shore  in  bluffs  of  most  con- 
torted stratification,  or  running  out  in  great  ledges  of  jagged  forms  ;  the  vegetation  here 
changes,  and  the  surface  of  the  island  rises  into  motmtains  so  unfavorable  to  cultivation  that 
the  whole  region  is  abandoned  to  pines  and  other  forest-trees,  except  where  the  ravines  open  to 
the  sea.  The  limestone  rock  is,  however,  seen  yet  occasionally,  running  slantingly  across  the 
island,  in  broken  ridges,  as  before. 

At  forty  miles  from  Napha,  on  the  western  shore,  we  come  to  a  small  extent  of  granite  hills, 
piercing  through  the  gneiss.  It  is  the  only  granite  that  I  have  seen  on  the  island ;  and, 
though  having  all  the  characteristics  of  that  rock,  is  remarkable  for  being  so  soft  as  to  be  easily 
cut  with  a  knife.  It  is  white,  and,  when  it  is  broken,  the  black  mica  is  seen  lying  on  the  sur- 
face of  the  fracture,  in  regular  elongated  hexagons,  finely  contrasted  with  the  white.  Beyond 
this,  the  gneiss  begins  to  be  mixed  up  with  strata  of  clay-slate,  to  which  it  at  length  entirely 
gives  place  ;  and  at  Farnigi,  fifty-five  miles  north  from  Napha,  on  the  promontory  of  Fcrt  Mel- 
ville, we  came  to  a  coarse  conglomerate,  which  gave  us  the  first  promise  of  a  possibility  of  coal. 
The  conglomerate  soon  passed  into  a  coarse,  and  then  into  a  finer  sandstone ;  and,  in  this  region, 


54  EXPEDITION     TO     JAPAN. 

we  were  again  in  a  good  rich  soil,  and  among  grounds  in  the  highest  state  of  cultivation,  with 
broad  patches  of  flat  land  among  the  hills.  The  slate  and  sandstone  continued  as  we  advanced 
northwardly,  and  at  seven  miles  from  Farnigi,  or  sixty-two  from  Napha,  we  came  to  some  out- 
croppings  of  the  black  bituminous  slate,  usually  accompanying  coal. 

Three  miles  farther  on,  at  Shah  Xehatu,  or  "Shah  anchoriige,"  to  which  our  attention  had 
been  particularly  directed  by  Lieutenant  "Whiting,  the  outcropping  of  this  black  bituminous 
slate  was  on  a  larger  scale,  and  of  so  decided  a  character  as  to  give  reasons  for  hoping  for  good 
coal  beneath.  While  saying  thi.s,  however,  I  wish  to  guard  against  too  sanguine  or  certain 
expectations. 

We  found  near  the  water's  edge  two  bluffs,  each  about  ten  feet  in  height,  with  thin  strata  of 
this  coal-slate  cropping  out  in  them,  alternating  sometimes  with  seams  of  iron-stone,  in  which 
were  also  nodules  of  the  same.  The  lower  strata  of  coal-slate  were  thicker  than  the  upper,  and 
near  the  water-line  (mid-tide)  they  were  eight  inches  in  thickness,  as  well  as  of  a  better  quality 
than  above.  Attached  to  this  is  a  chart*  of  the  bay,  together  with  a  sketch  of  the  principal 
bluff.  We  also  coasted  all  around  the  little  island  on  which  Shah  village  is  situated,  and  found 
there  the  bituminous  slate  also  cropping  out  near  the  water-line. 

This  slate  docs  not  pretend  to  the  name  of  coal,  but  is  what  in  coal  districts  at  home  gene- 
rally immediately  overlies  the  coal,  and,  in  coal-mines,  forms  the  roof  of  the  galleries  or  mines. 
It  will  not  burn  by  itself,  but  ignites  and  gives  out  heat  when  used  with  good  coal ;  and,  in 
Europe,  is  often  so  employed  for  purposes  of  economy. 

In  our  own  casp,  for  steam  navigation,  it  would  be  useless  ;  and  it  is  worthy  of  notice  only  as 
an  incentive  to  further  examinations,  which  may  lead  to  the  discovery  of  good  coal.  The 
island  extends  about  twenty-five  miles  north  of  this,  and,  although  the  dip  of  these  strata  was 
northwardly  (about  15°  with  the  horizon),  yet  there  is  encouragement  to  give  the  remainder  of 
it  a  careful  exijloration. 

With  regard  to  these  sketches,  please  to  understand  that  I  pretend  to  no  skill  in  drawing ; 
but  my  own  exjjerience  in  reading  has  often  shown  me  that  a  very  coarse  and  indifferent  sketch, 
provided  it  be  accurate,  is  better  than  none  at  all. 

Ko.   1. 


No.  1  is  a  view  of  the  coal  bluff  at  Shah  bay. 

•  For  chart  see  atlas. 


C  1-.  0  I,  0  C  1  C  A  I,     r.  X  P  1.  O  R  A  T  I  0  M      O  1'     LEW     CHE  W 


No.  2. 


^®l*S5!!iJll»!!ffi? 


No.  2  is  a  view  of  this  most  singular  limestone  rock,  as  it  stretches  in  a  narrow  ridge  across 
the  island,  in  a  course  about  N.  60°  E.,  commencing  twelve  miles  from  Napha.  This  view  is 
from  its  northwest  side;  and,  strange  as  it  is,  may  be  depended  on  for  accuracy,  as  it  was  care- 
fully made.  This  rock  is  highly  crystalline,  is  full  of  marine  petrefactions  (generally  small), 
and  is  vesicular  to  an  extraordinary  degree.  It  seems  as  if,  when  the  rock  was  yet  pasty,  a  vast 
quantity  of  gas  had  been  disengaged,  which  not  only  caused  these  vesicles,  but  also  forced  its  way 
through  the  superincumbent  earth  ;  thus  creating  sharp,  pinnacle-shaped  vacancies  above,  into 
which  moulds  the  puffed-up  rock  was  forced  by  the  gas.  The  surface Js  generally  blackened  by 
time;  but  a  fresh  fracture  shows  a  yellowish-white  color.  Many  of  the  sharp  pinnacles,  when 
struck,  give  a  ringing  sound. 


No.  3. 


Ko.  3  is  a  view  of  the  same  kind  of  rock  at  Abbey  Point. 


56 


EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN. 

No.  4. 


.,,,:s''- 


No   4  is  a  close  view  of  a  portion  of  the  same  cluster. 

Kespectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

GEO.  JONES,  Chaplain  U.  S.  Navy. 
Commodore  M.  C.  Perky,  U.  S.  N., 

Commanding  U.  S.  naval  forces,  East  India,  China,  and  Japan  seas. 


REPORT  MADE  TO  COMMODORE  PERRY 


AN   EXPLORATION  OF  GREAT   LEW   CHEW 


EEV.  GEOKGE  JONES,  M.  A., 

CHAPLAIN  U.  e.  N., 
ATTACHED  IXD  THE  UNITED  STATES  STEAM  FRIGATE  MISSISSIPPI. 


8s 


REPORT 

>   OF 

AN  EXPLORATION  OF  GREAT  LEW  CHEW. 

BY  EEV.  GKORGE  JONES,  CHAPLAIN  U.  S.  N. 


U.  S.  Steamer  Mississippi, 
Bay  of  Simoda,  Japan,  3Iay  9,  1854. 

Sir:  My  historical  account  of  the  expedition  for  exploring  the  interior  of  Lew  Chew,  in 
January  and  February  last,  must  be  from  memory ;  as,  until  a  few  days  since,  I  was  under  the 
impression  that  another  of  our  company  had  taken  notes  for  this  purpose,  and  had  sent  in  a 
report. 

Our  party  consisted  of  five  officers — namely.  Dr.  Green,  as  reporter  on  diseases  and  agricul- 
ture; Mr.  Heine,  artist;  Dr.  Fahs,  as  botanist;  Dr.  Morrow,  collector  in  botany  and  agricul- 
ture; and  myself,  as  geologist,  and,  by  your  order,  as  leader  of  the  company;  together  with 
two  seamen  as  cooks  and  baggage  guards.     My  geological  report  has  already  been  given  in. 

We  landed  at  eight  o'clock,  at  Tumai,  where  the  native  authorities  had  promised,  the  day 
previous,  that  at  this  time  we  should  find  baggage-carriers  and  bearers  for  ourselves,  but 
where  not  the  slightest  indication  of  anything  of  the  kind  was  now  to  be  seen.  However,  when 
the  officials  who  gathered  around  us  found  that  we  were  determined  to  go,  they  immediately 
set  to  work  to  provide  the  means,  and  by  ten  o'clock  we  were  fully  accommodated  and  ready 
for  a  start. 

The  main  object  of  the  expedition  was  to  examine  some  indications  of  coal  at  Shah  bay, 
towards  the  northern  end  of  the  island;  and,  knowing  that  the  journey  would  have  to  be  a 
very  rapid  one.  Dr.  Green  and  myself  had  brought  Chinese  wicker  chairs,  to  be  slung  between 
bamboo  poles,  so  that  we  might  be  carried  when  tired  with  walking ;  and  a  very  excellent  relief 
they  proved  to  be.  The  others  of  the  party,  though  warned  to  make  similar  provision,  had  not 
done  so,  and  started  on  foot.  Our  American  feelings,  at  first,  revolted  against  using  our  fellow- 
men  so  much  like  beasts  of  burden ;  but  we  soon  became  reconciled,  on  observing  how  much 
like  a  joke  they  themselves  treated  it,  and  how  cheerfully  and  merrily  they  trotted  on.  Indeed, 
our  whole  company,  at  the  outset,  was  a  very  joyous  one.  The  weather,  though  on  the  31st 
of  January,  was  like  that  of  a  fine  May  day  at  home ;  our  spirits  were  up  and  buoyant ;  the 
Lew  Chewans,  about  thirty  in  number,  seemed  to  feel  that  so  large  a  gathering  made  quite  a 
holyday  for  them,  and  followed  on,  chattering  and  laughing,  and  joking  with  everybody  they 
met,  especially  with  the  women,  wlio,  Lew  Chew  fashion,  started  like  frighted  deer  from  the 
roads,  and  hid  themselves  as  we  approached. 


60  EXPEDITIONTOJAPAN. 

The  kimg-qua*  towns,  which  occur  at  distances  of  about  twelve  miles  along  the  main 
thoroughfares  of  the  island,  are  stations  also  for  exchanging  baggage-carriers  and  their  official 
directors ;  and,  on  our  arrival  at  those  places,  we  always  found  new  ones  already  prepared  and 
ready  to  take  us  up.  One  man,  however,  Usi-Sati,  kept  with  us  the  whole  way  as  interpreter 
and  guide,  till  on  the  third  day  he  broke  down,  and  had  to  be  left  behind. 

Our  route,  on  the  first  day  of  our  journey,  (Tuesday,)  was  mainly  along  the  western  side  of 
the  island,  and  was  over  the  same  road  that  we  had  returned  by  on  our  former  journey ;  and 
the  fine  bridges,  picturesque  ravines,  and  rich  cultivation  of  the  first  part  of  the  way,  together 
with  the  rough  mountain  scenery  further  to  the  north,  I  presume  have  all  been  described  in 
Mr.  Taylor's  report. 

We  were  hurrying  on  for  the  kung-qua  of  Peko,  thirty  miles  from  our  starting-point,  and 
night  overtook  us  while  we  were  still  five  or  six  miles  distant  from  it ;  but  at  one  of  the  villages 
we  found  our  interpreter,  who  had  preceded  us,  now  waiting,  with  a  good  provision  of  torches 
(dry  reeds  tied  in  long  bundles)  and  torch-bearers;  and,  with  their  help,  we  got  on  safely, 
sometimes  by  the  sea-shore,  sometimes  by  broken  and  tortuous  j^aths  in  the  interior.  Our 
party  came  dropping  into  the  kung-qua  between  eight  and  nine  o'clock,  the  American  part  of 
it  completely  exhausted  by  the  long  and  rapid  journey  ;  and,  although  our  Lew  Chew  officials 
presently  had  eggs  and  live  chickens  provided  for  us,  we  voted,  unanimously,  that  we  were  too 
tired  to  get  or  wait  for  a  regular  supper ;  and  so,  after  a  hasty  extempore  one,  we  tumbled  on 
the  thickly-matted  floor,  and  gave  rest  to  our  exhausted  limbs. 

On  Wednesday  our  course  was  still  as  in  our  former  return  journey,  until  about  twelve  o'clock, 
when  we  arrived  at  the  village  of  Kecumma,  and  here  Mr.  Heine  and  Dr.  Fahs  separated  from 
the  main  party;  our  mode  of  travelling  being  too  rapid  to  admit  of  sketching  or  careful  botaniz- 
ing, they  here  crossed  the  island,  and  returned  by  another  route. 

The  southern  portion  of  Lew  Chew  is  gently  undulating,  and  under  high  cultivation ;  then, 
going  northwardly,  we  came  to  a  very  mountainous  region,  with  specks  of  fields  and  villages 
only  where  the  short  mountain  gorges  open  to  the  sea.  Along  the  edge  of  this  mountain- 
country  our  road  still  continued,  after  leaving  Necumma,  mostly  on  the  winding  beach,  till 
about  four  o'clock,  when  we  came  to  a  region  of  a  totally  different  character.  We  were  now  at 
the  angle  whence  projects  that  long  promontory,  which,  stretching  out  westward  and  then  to 
the  north,  and  curving  round,  forms,  with  its  adjoining  islands,  the  large  bay,  and,  within  that, 
the  snug  little  harbor  called  Port  Melville.  This  promontory  itself  is  mountainous;  but  on 
the  main  island  the  mountains  now  simk  into  hills,  often  sharp  and  conical,  but  cultivated  to 
the  summits,  while  every  inch  of  the  valleys  between  was  turned  to  advantage  in  rice  and  other 
grains,  the  whole  presenting  a  scene  of  active  husbandry  and  great  agricultural  beauty.  At 
the  angle  on  the  sea-shore  we  found  the  very  pretty  town  of  Nugali,  with  several  junks  at 
anchor  in  front.  The  town  is  beautiful,  with  green  openings,  over  which,  and  along  its  streets, 
noble  trees  were  casting  their  shadows  ;  while  the  streets  themselves,  as  is  the  case  in  most  of 
the  Lew  Chew  towns,  were  remarkable  for  cleanliness  and  neatness.  We  were  taken  to  the 
kung-qua,  where  fresh  bearers  were  found  waiting  ;  and  as  the  populace,  in  their  curiosity  to  see 
the  strangers,  crowded  a  little  beyond  the  limits  allowed  them  by  Lew  Chew  etiquette,  the 
island  officials,  by  sound  blows  upon  the  backs  of  the  intruders,  soon  restored  them  to  their 
jilaces;  the  blows  being  received  with  a  patience  and  equanimity  very  wonderful  to  Americans. 

«=■  A  kung-qua  is  a  public  building  for  the  accommodation  of  travellers.  Mr.  Taylor  Las,  no  doubt,  described  them  in 
his  report  of  our  journey  in  June  of  last  year. 


EXPLORATION     OF     LEW     CHEW.  61 

Our  road  from  this  village,  crossing  the  promontory^  was  a  very  good  one,  overhung  mostly  by 
an  avenue  of  pines,  and  lying  through  a  rich  and  varied  country,  now  beautifully  tinted  by  the 
declining  sun,  while  the  softness  and  quiet  of  eventide  were  descending  on  the  scene.  Just  be- 
fore sunset  we  arrived  at  Farnigi,  a  kung-qua  town  perched  upon  the  hills ;  and  as  it  was  ex- 
pected that  our  journey  would  again  extend  into  the  night,  torches  and  torch-bearers  were  here 
again  provided  to  light  us  on  our  way.  Proceeding  on,  we  reached,  about  two  miles  from 
Farnigi,  the  waters  on  the  north  side  of  the  promontory;  and  here  our  guide  was  taking  us  to  the 
left,  under  a  misapprehension  that  we  wished  to  go  to  the  town  of  Port  Melville,  six  miles  towards 
the  west.  We  corrected  his  mistake ;  and  as  he  declared  that  the  road  northwardly  was  so 
rough  as  utterly  to  forbid  night  travelling,  and  that  there  was  no  kung-qua  in  that  direction 
nearer  than  Shah  bay,  we  were  reluctantly  compelled  to  return  to  Farnigi;  our  reluctance 
softened,  however,  by  the  very  agreeable  impression  just  made  on  us  by  the  clean  kung-qua  of 
that  place,  so  inviting  to  our  wearied  and  jaded  frames.  We  were,  indeed,  very  glad  to  stop 
and  rest. 

We  this  evening  adopted  a  system,  which  we  followed  afterwards,  and  found  very  useful 
through  the  rest  of  this  journey — namely,  to  cook  enough  provision  in  the  evening  to  last  for 
twenty-four  hours.  In  the  morning,  a  few  minutes'  warming  for  breakfast  had  it  ready  for  use; 
and,  at  noon,  we  were  ready  for  lunch  whenever  a  green  spot  by  a  rivulet  might  offer  itself. 
Thus,  on  Thursday,  having  roused  our  party  at  the  earliest  dawn,  we  had  our  breakfast,  and 
had  packed  up  and  were  ready  for  a  start  before  the  sun  was  iip. 

Passing  once  more  to  the  Port  Melville  shores,  our  road  curved  around  them  to  the  north- 
ward, leading  us  for  four  or  five  miles  over  a  fruitful  and  level  country;  but  it  then  entered 
upon  a  region  composed  entirely  of  almost  precipitous  hills  and  ravines,  where  not  a  house  or 
cultivated  spot  was  to  be  seen  ;  and  this  lasted  till,  at  10  o'clock,  we  reached  Shah  bay — this 
morning's  journey  having  been  the  most  fatiguing  in  the  whole  route.  We  had  to  walk  nearly 
the  whole  distance,  and  our  whole  progress  was  by  zigzags,  up  or  down  precipices,  or  by  clam- 
bering around  rocky  headlands,  when  the  tide  would  admit.  This  broken  region  of  hills,  given 
up  to  a  stunted  growth  of  trees,  probably  extends  quite  across  the  island,  as  does  the  mountain- 
ous country  further  to  the  south.  Shah  bay,  which  opened  upon  us  at  last,  is  a  pretty  spot ; 
and  if  it  had  depth  enough  at  its  entrance,  would  be  one  of  the  finest  harbors  in  the  world. 
There  is  a  village  on  an  island  at  its  mouth,  and  another,  with  a  kung-qua,  on  its  northern 
side. 

The  natives  accommodated  us  with  a  boat,  with  which  we  visited  the  coal-bluifs  (aBout  which 
I  have  made  a  separate  report),  and  then  coasted  around  the  island  at  the  entrance,  in  search  of 
further  indications  of  coal.  At  the  kung-qua  we  tried  to  hire  a  boat  to  transjiort  us  back  to 
Melville  bay,  our  jaded  bodies  revolting  against  a  return  by  the  morning's  road;  but  a  storm 
was  beginning  to  send  its  warnings  ahead,  and  the  boatmen  refused  to  venture  out.  So  at  2, 
p.  M.,  we  started  on  our  return,  and  reached  Farnigi  after  sunset,  having  travelled  the  last  six 
miles  in  heavy  wind  with  rain. 

Friday,  February  3. — Our  distance  from  the  ships  forbade  any  unnecessary  indulgence  in 
rest,  and  we  were  up  at  break  of  day,  and  soon  ready  for  a  start;  having,  however,  to  leave  our 
guide  and  interpreter  behind,  as  he  had  broken  down  in  consequence  of  yesterday's  fatigue  and 
exposure  to  the  rain.  Dr.  Green  administered  to  him,  and  left  behind  some  refreshing  aliment 
for  his  use.  A  new  guide  had  been  provided,  and  we  allowed  him  to  choose  liis  own  way  back. 
From  Farnigi  he  struck  at  once  across  the  island,  slantingly,  and  our  road  soon  entered  a  gorge 


62  EXPEDITIONTOJAPAJI. 

among  the  hills,  down  which  a  stream  was  brawling  and  foaming ;  the  hills,  though  they  soon 
became  exceedingly  steep,  were  cultivated,  and  (what  was  a  new  feature  in  Lew  Chew  cultivation) 
were  crossed  by  stockade  fences,  intended,  as  we  understood,  to  prevent  the  intrusion  of  animals — 
probably  wild  boars.  We  followed  the  stream  iipward,  and  its  rocky  bed  at  last  became  our 
only  road;  but,  though  rough  to  our  feet,  it  led  up  a  ravine  where  the  eye  was  charmed  by 
wild  vegetation  of  the  most  luxuriant  kind.  The  ferns  were  especially  beautiful  and  in  great 
variety ;  for  this  plant,  which  loves  moisture  and  heat,  found  in  this  sheltered  spot,  and  amid 
the  drippings  of  the  hUl-sides,  every  advantage  for  its  growth.  The  tree-ferns,  often  25  or  30 
feet  high,  and  from  6  to  8  inches  in  diameter,  were  especially  remarkable,  forming,  with  their 
feathery  tops,  a  canopy  to  each  tree  of  15  or  18  feet  in  width,  of  exquisite  gracefulness  and 
beauty.  The  resemblance  between  the  marks  of  their  fronds  on  the  stalks  or  trunks,  and  those 
on  the  large  fossil  trunks  in  the  strata  over  or  below  coal-beds  in  America,  is  very  striking, 
though  the  latter  show  a  colossal  growth  unknown  in  these  modern  times.  I  procured  speci- 
mens of  all  these  ferns,  having,  in  our  hurry,  to  pluck  them  almost  at  a  run  ;  and  I  tied  them 
up  carefully  at  the  next  kung-qua,  enough  to  be  a  load  for  a  man;  but,  on  arriving  at  the  ship, 
they  were  found  to  be  so  withered  that  we  had  to  throw  them  away. 

We  reached,  by-and-by,  the  dividing  ridge,  and  descended  into  a  fruitful  valley,  extending 
down  to  a  town  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  island.  Leaving  this  town,  we  came  soon  after  to  a 
large  indentation  or  bay,  with  a  village  on  its  shore ;  and  here  we  were  taken  into  ferry-boats, 
consisting  of  two  canoes  lashed  side  by  side,  and  so  were  transported  to  the  opposite  shore.  The 
hills  here  were  wild  and  rugged,  but  were  enlivened  by  great  abundance  of  azaleas,  their  heavy 
clusters  of  large  red  flowers  sprinkled  thickly  among  the  tropical  foliage.  Soon  after  crossing 
this  inlet,  we  came  again  to  a  gently  undulating  and  cultivated  region,  which  grew  richer  and 
more  pleasing  to  the  eye,  till,  as  darkness  was  setting  in,  we  reached  the  welcomed  kung-qua 
of  Ching,  which  was  to  me  an  old  acquaintance,  having  accommodated  us  the  third  night  out 
in  our  journey  in  the  summer. 

Mr.  Taylor  has,  doubtless,  described  this  village,  and  also  the  road  which  we  followed  in  the 
morning  (Saturday)  from  Ching  to  the  head  of  Barrow's  bay;  and,  therefore,  I  will  only  say 
that,  having  started  very  early,  we  arrived  about  ten  at  the  very  pretty  town  on  the  hill  just 
south  of  the  head  of  that  bay.  Here  we  struck  again  on  a  road  new  to  us,  but  old  to  the  Lew 
Chewans;  for  it  is  the  main  tlioroughfare  between  Shui  and  Barrow's  bay;  and  is  a  road  that,  in 
our  country,  would  be  called  handsome,  and,  for  travel  like  that  of  Lew  Chew,  a  good  one.  It 
is  about  twenty  feet  wide,  passing  in  its  whole  length  of  about  eighteen  miles  along  an  avenue 
of  pines,  and  is  kept  carefully  clean  and  in  good  repair.  Where  the  pines  are  growing  old, 
new  ones  are  planted,  to  succeed  them  when  these  decay.  The  road  also  traverses  a  charming 
country,  and,  being  generally  on  elevated  though  level  ground,  commands  views,  in  all  direc- 
tions, of  scenery  where  the  picturesque  is  combined  with  the  productive  in  the  highest  degree. 
A  very  curious  spectacle,  as  of  a  ruined  city  extending  for  miles  across  the  country,  and  in  sight 
for  a  long  time  in  our  journey,  is  given  in  my  geological  report.  Some  time  during  the  day  (I 
forget  exactly  when),  we  came  to  a  spot  where  the  road  widened  out,  with  a  grove  of  venerable 
trees  on  each  side ;  and  here  were  stone  steps  across,  with  a  lofty  triple  gateway,  as  at  the 
entrance  of  Shui,  except  that  this  was  of  wood. 

We  stopped  to  lunch  at  the  kung-qua  of  Vicoo;  changed  our  bearers,  who  had  come  the  whole 
way  from  Ching,  ibr  a  new  set — a  merry,  but  rather  lazy  one;  struck  off,  about  four  o'clock, 
from  tbe  main  road  into  by-paths  leading  to  Tumai,  and,  at  dusk,  reached  the  boat-landing 


EXPLORATIONOFLEWCHEW.  63 

there,  gratified  by  our  journey,  but  glad  to  be  so  near  our  ship-homes  once  more.  Dr.  Fahs 
and  Mr.  Heine  had  reached  the  ships  about  noon  of  the  same  day ;  they  have  given  in  their 
reports. 

During  the  latter  part  of  this  hurried  journey  of  one  hundred  and  twenty-five  miles  in  five 
days,  those  of  our  party  who  had  not  started  provided  with  chairs,  had  to  be  furnished  with  the 
native  "cago" — in  this  instance,  a  light  platform  suspended  to  a  pole,  and  clasping  the  plat- 
form underneath.  It  is  so  small  and  shallow,  that  the  person  carried  has  to  sit  huddled^up, 
^ith  his  head  and  neck  turned  to  one  side  of  the  pole;  and  he  holds  on  as  well  as  he  can.  It 
is  a  light  fragile  thing,  and  is  very  uncomfortable,  but  to  a  tired-out  man  is  still  a  welcome 
relief. 

We  found  the  natives,  through  the  whole  journey,  very  kind  and  friendly;  somewhat  shy — 
not  naturally,  but  compelled  to  be  so  by  our  attendant  officials ;  and  never  losing  their  good 
nature  and  cheerfulness,  though  the  exactions  from  our  rapid  movements  must  have  often  put 
both  to  the  test. 

Each  evening,  when  we  arrived  at  the  kung-qua,  we  made  out  a  list  of  things  needed  for 
cooking ;  and,  on  handing  this  to  the  interpreter,  they  were  furnished  as  promptly  as  possible, 
he  keeping  account  and  sending  in  his  bill  of  expenses  at  the  close  of  the  journey.  Such  of  the 
ship's  provisions  as  we  did  not  need,  together  with  the  cotton  cloth  which  you  furnished  us  for 
distribution,  were  given  out,  according  to  your  orders,  along  the  road,  and  were  thankfully  re- 
ceived. Some  of  the  cloth  we  gave  to  the  interpreter,  whose  services  were  very  valuable  as  long 
as  he  kept  with  us.     I  was  glad  to  hear  on  Monday  that  he  arrived  safely  at  home. 

We  stopped  and  examined  for  the  gunpowder  manufactory  at  the  village  mentioned  by 
Lieutenant  Whiting,  but  could  not  find  any ;  and  the  natives  professed  entire  ignorance  of  the 
existence  of  any  such  thing. 

Respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

GEO.  JONES, 

Chaplain  TJ.  8.  Navy. 

Commodore  M.  C.  Perry,  U.  8.  N., 

Commanding  U,  8,  Naval  Forces,  East  India,  China,  and  Japan  8eas, 


REPOUT  MADE  TO  COMMODORE  PERRY 


OPON 


THE  EXPLORATION  OF  PEEL  ISLAND 


BAYARD  TAYLOR,  Esq., 

TEMPOEAEILY  ATTACHED  TO  THE  U.  S.  STEAM  FRIGATE  SUSQUEHANNAH. 


98 


REPORT 

uroN 

THE  EXPLORATION  OF  PEEL  ISLAND 

BY  BAYARD  TAYLOR,  Esq. 


U.  S.  Steamer  Susquehannah, 

June  18,  1853. 

Sik:  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  to  you,  in  accordance  with  your  instructions,  the  i'oUowing 
report  of  an  exploration  of  Peel  Island,  in  the  Bonin  group: 

It  was  arranged  between  Dr.  Fahs  and  myself,  that  he  should  Land  at  the  northwestern  ex- 
tremity of  Port  Lloyd,  and  explore  the  ranges  of  hills  which  surround  that  bay,  comprising  the 
northern  half  of  the  island;  while  my  party,  landing  at  the  watering-place,  at  the  southeastern 
corner  of  the  bay,  should  strike  thence  across  the  island  to  its  southern  extremity.  I  subjoin  a 
sketch  map*  of  the  island,  showing  the  route  I  took,  and  the  tojjography  of  the  interior,  so  far 
as  my  observations  extended. 

The  party  under  my  charge  consisted  of  Mr.  Heine,  artist;  Mr.  Boardman,  midshipman;  Mr. 
Lawrence,  assistant  engineer;  Mr.  Hampton,  purser's  steward;  Smith,  marine;  Dennis  Terry, 
seaman ;  and  a  Chinese  coolie.  We  left  the  ship  at  5  o'clock  on  Wednesday  morning,  the  15th 
instant,  and  were  put  ashore  on  the  beach  near  Castle  Rock.  At  this  point  two  ravines  descend 
into  the  bay — one  from  the  eastward,  the  other  from  the  southward.  The  latter  was  j^ointed 
out  to  me  by  one  of  the  settlers  as  affording  the  easiest  access  into  the  interior  of  the  island. 
We  found  a  hut  near  the  beach,  inhabited  by  a  Kanaka,  who  refused  to  accompany  me  as  guide, 
but  pointed  out  a  small  foot-path,  which  he  said  led  across  the  hills  to  another  Kanaka  settle- 
ment, about  three  miles  distant. 

We  plunged  at  once  into  a  wilderness  of  dense  vegetation,  which  afforded  a  faint  type  of  our 
experience  for  the  rest  of  the  day.  The  trail,  so  faint  as  hardly  to  be  discerned,  was  steep  and 
slippery;  the  plants  were  wet  with  a  heavy  de-v^  and  the  wild  parasitic  vines,  which  hung  from 
tree  to  tree,  continually  caught  us  in  their  toils.  The  trees  were  jirincipally  jjalm,  among  which  I 
noticed  the  true  sago-palm,  from  which  the  sago  of  commerce  is  made.  Further  up,  I  found  the 
areca,  or  betel-nut  palm,  and  another  variety  resembling  the  cocoanut.  The  soil  was  a  ricli  dark- 
red  loam,  composed  of  disintegrated  trap  rock  and  vegetable  mould.  The  same  soil  prevails  all 
over  the  island,  except  on  the  northern  shore  of  Port  Lloyd,  where  it  is  mixed  with  a  greyish 

*  See  map  in  Vol.  T,  p.ige  107. 


68  EXPEDITION    TO   JAPAN. 

sand  and  gravel.  Trap  rock,  of  a  coarse  texture,  appeared  frequently  on  tlie  steeper  declivities 
of  tlie  ridge ;  and  a  variety  of  tlie  hibiscus,  -with  a  large  flower  of  a  dull  orange  hue,  grew  abun- 
dantly in  its  crevices.  The  ground  was  in  many  places  covered  with  a  shower  of  white  blos- 
soms, which  I  afterwards  found  had  dropped  from  a  tree  about  thirty  feet  high,  with  a  small 
glossy  leaf,  thick  foliage,  and  a  stout  smooth  trunk  of  a  greyish  color. 

The  forest  became  more  dense  as  we  reached  the  summit  of  the  ridge.  The  thick  luxuriant 
crowns  of  the  palms  above  our  heads  kept  out  every  ray  of  the  sun,  and,  combined  with  the 
creepers  swinging  from  trunk  to  trunk,  made  a  shade  so  impervious,  that  it  was  impossible  to 
see  more  than  fifteen  or  twenty  yards  in  any  direction.  The  multitude  of  large  brown  land- 
crabs  that  scampered  out  of  our  path  was  truly  amazing.  The  ground  was  alive  with  them  in 
the  moist  beds  of  watercourses,  and  the  largest  were  fully  six  inches  in  breadth. 

The  top  of  the  ridge,  an  undulating  tract  furrowed  with  deep  gullies,  was  about  a  mile  and  a 
half  in  breadth,  after  which  we  came  upon  a  descent  at  so  sharp  an  angle  that  we  were  obliged 
to  swing  ourselves  down  from  tree  to  tree,  to  avoid  tumbling  into  the  bottom  of  the  ravine.  We 
found  ourselves  in  a  wild  dell,  completely  shut  in  by  precipitous  mountains,  every  foot  of  whose 
sides,  except  the  walls  of  naked  rock  on  either  hand,  was  covered  with  the  richest  foliage.  A 
stream  of  good  water  trickled  over  the  rocky  bottom. 

This  dell  opened  to  the  southward  into  a  narrow  valley,  which  showed  signs  of  being  inhab- 
ited. Crossing  the  stream,  we  came  upon  a  patch  of  taro,  the  plants  of  which  were  the  highest 
and  most  luxuriant  I  ever  saw.  They  were  fully  six  feet  high,  and  so  drenched  with  the  night's 
dew  that  we  were  soon  wet  to  the  skin.  Finding  the  forest  beyond  impracticable,  on  account 
of  its  steepness  and  density,  we  followed  the  course  of  the  stream,  and  soon  reached  an  open 
space  covered  with  patches  of  sweet  potato,  taro,  pumjjkius,  tobacco,  sugar-cane,  and  the  sida, 
or  Indian  gooseberry,  growing  with  unrivalled  strength  and  luxuriance.  Two  huts,  thatched 
with  palm-leaves,  stood  in  the  centre  of  the  valley.  Finding  them  both  deserted,  though  ex- 
hibiting evidences  of  having  been  occupied  that  morning,  we  fired  our  guns,  the  report  of  which 
was  answered  by  a  hail.  Presently  a  South-sea  Islander,  in  a  coarse  cotton  shirt  and  pantaloons, 
and  with  one-half  of  his  face  tattooed  a  light-blue,  made  his  appearance.  He  said  he  was  a 
native  of  Nuka-hiva,  in  tlie  Marquesas,  and  named  "Judge."  He  conducted  us  around  the 
corner  of  the  mountain,  where  the  valley  opened  westward  to  the  sea.  The  stream  became  a 
creek  deep  enough  for  canoes,  in  one  of  which  the  Judge  had  just  arrived,  bringing  a  large 
turtle  with  him.  He  appeared  to  be  in  good  circumstances,  since,  in  addition  to  his  hut,  his 
plantation,  and  his  turtles,  he  had  four  dogs,  and  as  many  pigs,  of  the  same  lean,  black  breed 
as  we  found  in  Lew  Chew.  The  banks  of  the  stream  were  studded  with  a  shrub  about  12  feet 
high,  and  covered  with  large  blossoms  of  a  chrome-yellow  color,  to  which  he  gave  the  name 
of  "trao." 

"  Judge"  stated  that  the  southern  extremity  of  tlie  island  was  three  or  four  miles  distant. 
There  was  no  path,  and  he  refused  to  accompany  us  as  guide,  but  sent  his  boy  for  the  owner  of 
the  other  hut,  who  knew  the  way  over  the  hills^  Tlic  latter  was  a  tawny  native  of  Otaheite, 
and  spoke  very  little  English.  He  confessed  that  lie  knew  the  way,  and  was  familiar  with  the 
wild-boar  haunts,  but  refused  to  go  unless  the  Judge  accompanied  him.  To  this  the  latter 
finally  consented,  and  we  set  ofl"  again. 

The  valley  was  bounded  on  the  south  by  high  mountains,  which  appeared  to  us  impassable, 
on  account  of  the  lines  of  mural  rock,  rising  one  above  another  to  their  very  summits.  The 
main  valley,  however,  was  not  that  into  which  we  had  first  descended,  but  ran  away  to  the  east- 


EXPLORATION     OFPEELISLAND.  69 

ward,  whence  the  stream  came  down  a  long  ravine  between  two  peaks.  The  natives  informed 
us  that  the  sea  was  about  half  a  mile  distant,  from  which  I  should  judge  the  entire  lenf'th  of 
the  valley  to  be  a  mile  and  a  quarter,  with  a  breadth  of  a  quarter  of  a  mile  at  its  base,  expand- 
ing at  its  junction  with  its  northern,  branch,  and  then  gradually  diminishing  until  it  loses  itself 
in  the  ravine.  Its  bed,  therefore,  comprises  from  120  to  140  acres  of  the  richest  veo-etable 
mould.  All  the  vegetables  planted  by  the  settlers  were  unequalled  of  their  kind,  althouo-h  no 
labor  had  been  expended  on  their  cultivation,  beyond  the  mere  planting.  I  saw  several  lemons 
in  the  Judge's  hut,  which  he  informed  me  were  prsduced  in  the  valley.  The  tobacco  was  five 
feet  in  height,  and  had  the  same  pale-green,  velvety  leaves,  which  characterizes  the  famous  to- 
bacco of  Latakich.  The  stream  of  water  is  sweet  and  pure,  and  the  supply  is  constant  in  all 
seasons. 

We  proceeded  in  an  E.S.E.  direction  into  the  ravine,  which  we  ascended,  following  the 
watercourse.  Large  rounded  masses  of  traj)  rock  lay  in  its  bed ;  and  still  farther  we  came  upon 
nearly  perpendicular  cliffs  of  greenstone,  from  ten  to  thirty  feet  in  height.  This  was  the  only 
place  where  I  found  the  terraced  form  of  the  trap  rock  observed  by  Dr.  Fahs  on  the  northern 
side  of  Port  Lloyd.  In  some  places,  beds  of  a  coarse  conglomerate,  which  had  frequently  an 
appearance  of  sandstone,  rested  upon  the  trap.  But  this  evidently  belonged  to  the  same  forma- 
tion, since  the  only  rock  I  found  on  the  island  was  trap,  running  into  greenstone  occasionally, 
and  taking  a  basaltic  character  in  the  vicinity  of  the  sea,  as  in  the  caverns  of  the  Southern 
Head,  at  the  entrance  of  Port  Lloyd. 

The  forest  was  very  dense,  and,  from  the  moist,  unctuous  nature  of  the  soil,  our  progress  was 
exceedingly  toilsome.  The  Otaheitan  informed  us  we  were  in  the  neighborhood  of  wild  boars, 
and  we  crept  forward  in  silence.  Two  of  the  party,  who  were  iu  the  rear,  started  a  boar,  and 
shot  at  him,  but  unsuccessfully.  After  leaving  the  watercourse,  we  climbed  the  southern  side 
of  the  ravine,  by  clinging  to  the  roots  of  trees  and  the  tough  cordage  of  parasitic  vines. 

The  party  became  scattered,  owing  to  the  absenceof  any  path,  and  the  impossibility  of  seeing 
more  than  ten  yards  in  advance.  Among  the  palms,  I  noticed  here  the  latina,  with  the  broad 
fan-leaves  and  leaf-stems,  six  to  eight  feet  in  length,  the  jagged  edges  of  which  wounded  our 
hands.  There  was  also  a  variety  of  the  pandanus,  with  a  single  straight  trunk,  from  near 
the  base  of  which  projected  a  number  of  shoots  or  props,  which  became  roots  after  they  reached 
the  soil.  There  were  frequently  upwards  of  twenty  or  thirty  of  them,  forming  a  conical  basis 
to  the  slender  column,  which  rose  about  fifteen  feet  in  height,  crowned  with  its  leafy  capital. 
We  found  several  plants  of  a  species  of  morus,  or  mulberry,  with  fruit  six  inches  in  length. 
The  tree-ferns  were  of  remarkable  size  and  beauty.  Some  were  upwai'ds  of  fifteen  feet  high, 
with  leaves  eight  to  ten  feet  in  length.  In  fact,  the  entire  vegetation  of  the  island  is  of  a 
thoroughly  tropical  character,  embracing  many  plants  which  are  generally  found  in  the  neigh- 
borhood of  the  equator.  Its  dissimilarity  in  this  respect  to  tliat  of  Lew  Chew,  which  is  one 
degree  further  south,  must  be  owing  to  the  fact  of  its  being  within  the  range  of  the  north 
Pacific  trade-winds,  and  without  the  influence  of  the  cold  currents  and  winds  which  sweep  the 
coast  of  China. 

While  halting  on  the  top  of  a  ridge,  the  dogs  commenced  barking  ig  a  ravine  on  the  other 
side.  Two  of  the  party,  following  the  sound,  succeeded  in  shooting  a  boar,  about  a  year  old, 
and  of  a  dark  brownish-grey  color,  with  a  long  snout,  resembling  a  Chinese  hog.  One  of  the 
party,  overcome  by  the  laborious  nature  of  the  journey,  was  taken  sick  at  this  juncture ;  but, 
as  the  Otaheitan  stated  that  we  were  bift  two  miles  from  the  southern  extremity  of  the  island, 


70  E  X  P  E  U  I  T  I  O  N    T  O    J  A  P  A  N . 

he  determined  to  go  on.  In  another  half  hour  we  had  crossed  the  dividing  ridge,  and  began  to 
descend  the  other  side.  Through  an  opening  in  the  foliage,  I  caught  a  glimpse  of  the  sea,  and 
climbed  a  tree  to  obtain  a  lookout.  I  found  that  we  were  on  the  brow  of  a  very  steep  ridge, 
about  fifteen  liundred  feet  in  height,  looking  down  upon  a  small  bay  opening  to  the  southeast. 
Beyond  the  southern  promontory  of  the  bay  the  sea  was  again  visible,  with  the  group  of  Bailly's 
Islands  in  the  distance,  a  little  west  of  south.  The  mountains  descended  in  precipices  to  the 
water,  so  that  access  was  impossible,  except  near  the  head  of  the  bay,  where  two  abrupt  ravines, 
or  rather  chasms,  showed  a  speck  of  sandy  b^ach  at  their  meeting. 

The  Otaheitan  professed  to  know  the  way,  and  set  off,  creeping  slowly  down  the  steep,  we 
following,  until  a  sudden  light  broke  through  the  leaves,  and  we  found  ourselves  on  the  brink 
of  a  precipice,  the  height  of  which  we  could  not  estimate,  though  I  afterwards  saw  that  it  must 
have  been  near  two  hundred  feet.  From  its  base,  the  mountain  sloped  away  so  steeply  to  the 
brink  of  other  precipices  below,  that  we  seemed  to  swing  in  the  air,  suspended  over  the  great 
depth  which  intervened  between  us  and  the  sea.  The  guide,  it  was  evident,  had  taken  us  too 
far  to  the  right,  and  it  was  necessary  partly  to  retrace  our  steps,  in  order  to  avoid  the  precipice. 
We  clung  to  the  strong  grass  which  grew  on  the  brink,  and  thus  crept  along  for  about  two 
hundred  yards,  over  a  place  where  the  least  impetus  would  have  sent  us  headlong  hundreds  of 
feet  below.  On  this  part  of  the  mountain  I  found  a  shrub  with  a  dark,  glossy  leaf,  which 
diS'used  a  powerful  balsamic  odor.  In  Klaproth's  translation  of  the  Japanese  account  of  the 
Bonin  Islands,  it  is  said  that  a  species  of  sandal-wood  is  found  there,  and  it  is  possible  that  this 
shrub  may  have  been  mistaken  for  it.  It  aiijieared  to  me  and  to  Dr.  Fahs,  who  also  found  it, 
to  be  a  variety  of  the  laurus. 

Finally  attaining  a  point  where  the  precipice  ceased,  we  commenced  going  downward  at  an 
angle  of  about  sixty  degrees.  The  soil  was  so  slippery,  and  the  vines  and  horny  leaves  of  the 
palms  hung  so  low,  that  the  best  way  of  descending  was  to  lie  flat  on  one's  back,  and  slide 
down  until  brought  up  by  a  thicket  too  dense  to  get  through.  With  an  infinite  deal  of  labor 
we  at  last  reached  the  ravine,  or  chasm,  where  the  worst  of  our  toils  commenced.  The  ravine 
fell,  by  a  succession  of  rock}'  steps,  from  ten  to  forty  and  fifty  feet  in  perpendicular  height, 
down  which  we  clambered  with  hands  and  feet,  often  trusting  the  soundness  of  our  bones,  if  not 
our  very  lives,  to  the  frail  branch  of  a  tree,  or  to  the  firmness  of  a  root  dangling  from  the 
brink.  As  from  the  top  of  a  tower,  we  looked  down  on  the  beach,  lying  at  our  very  feet,  and 
seemingly  to  be  reached  by  a  single  leap,  though  still  far  below.  Down,  down  we  went  into 
the  depths  of  the  chasm,  in  constant  fear  of  reaching  a  wall  which  we  could  not  pass,  until,  at 
the  junction  of  another  ravine,  we  came  upon  the  hewn  stump  of  a  tree,  and  heard  the  roar  of 
the  surf  at  a  few  yards'  distance.  When  I  looked  back,  and  saw  from  below  the  steep  down 
which  we  had  descended,  I  could  scarcely  believe  it  possible. 

The  guides  called  the  place  "Southeast  Bay."  They  stated  that  it  was  frequently  visited  by 
wh-alers  for  wood  and  water,  which  accounts  for  the  stump  of  a  tree  smoothly  cut  off  with  a 
heavy  axe,  and  the  presence  of  a  patch  of  tomatoes,  which  we  found  growing  in  a  wild  state 
along  the  bank  of  the  stream.  The  fruit  was  about  the  size  of  a  cherry,  and  very  fresh  and 
palatable.  Tlie  ba}'  was  not  more  than  a  quarter  of  a  mile  in  depth,  and  enclosed,  except  at 
the  si)ot  we  reached,  by  perpendicular  rocks.  As  it  was  noon  by  this  time,  and  we  had  reached 
the  limit  of  our  journey,  I  halted  for  two  hours,  to  allow  all  hands  time  to  bathe,  rest,  and  take 
dinner.  The  guides  said  that  there  was  no  other  way  of  returning  except  tlie  ravine  by  which 
we  came.     We  all  shrunk  from  tiie  idea,  but  there  was  no  alternative.     We  climbed  the  preci- 


EXPLORATION    OF    PEEL    ISLAND  71 

pices  again,  in  the  heat  of  the  afternoon,  with  not  a  breath  ef  air  stirring.  The  labor  was  so 
severe  that  Mr.  Hampton  became  sick,  and  two  other  gentlemen  of  the  party  began  to  show 
signs  of  exhaustion.  This  obliged  me  to  halt  frequently,  and  we  did  not  reach  the  native  huts 
in  flie  valley  until  six  o'clock  in  the  evening. 

Instead  of  returning  to  the  watering-place  by  the  route  we  had  come,  I  employed  the 
"Judge"  to  conduct  me  over  the  hills  to  the  Kanaka  settlement,  at  the  southern  extremity  of 
Port  Lloyd.  We  were  obliged  to  ascend  the  intervening  ridge  at  an  angle  of  near  fifty  degrees. 
Under  the  thick  clusters  of  sago-palms  was  a  dense  undergrowth  of  fern,  in  which  we  could 
gain  no  foothold,  and  were  continually  falling  flat  on  our  faces.  After  gaining  the  summit,  we 
passed  over  an  undulating  tract  for  a  mile  or  more,  and  came  upon  the  western  slope  of  the 
island,  overlooking  Southern  Head,  and  the  entrance  to  Fort  Lloyd.  I  now  saw  that  a  deep, 
picturesque  bight  made  in  below  the  Head,  to  the  mouth  of  the  valley  we  had  left,  and  that 
probably  the  shorter  and  more  usual  route  of  the  natives  between  the  two  settlements  was  by 
water.  The  sides  of  the  hills  we  traversed  were  covered  with  a  deep,  coarse  grass,  waist-high, 
and  so  thick  that  we  fairly  waded  through  it.  Fortunately  for  us,  there  are  no  snakes  on  the 
island. 

It  was  dark  when  we  reached  the  Kanaka  huts,  but,  by  climbing  a  cliff,  and  firing  a  few  vol- 
leys, we  succeeded  in  obtaining  a  boat  from  the  ship.  We  were  delayed  a  short  time,  waiting 
for  one  of  the  party  who  remained  behind  from  exhaustion,  and  returned  on  board  about 
10  o'clock. 

Notwithstanding  the  unsurpassed  fertility  of  the  island,  the  luxuriance  of  its  vegetation, 
and  the  existence  of  a  constant  supply  of  the  best  water,  there  is  very  little  variety  in  the 
animals  and  insects  found  upon  it.  I  noticed  but  three  or  four  species  of  birds — one  of  wliich 
was  a  crow;  another  a  wood-bird,  of  a  mottled-brown  color,  not  unlike  the  robin ;  and  a  third,  a 
dove.  Mr.  Heine  has  since  shot  upon  Stapleton  Island  another  variety  of  the  dove,  as  large  as 
the  Chinese  pheasant.  We  observed  no  quadrupeds  except  the  wild  hogs,  which  are  sprung 
from  some  animals  placed  upon  the  island  prior  to  its  settlement.  The  iguana  is  said  to  exist, 
but  we  found  no  traces  of  it.  Snakes  and  venomous  reptiles  of  all  kinds  are  apparently 
unknown.  The  coast,  however,  abounds  with  fish,  among  which  are  many  rare  and  curious 
varieties.  During  the  summer  the  settlers  catch  a  great  quantity  of  turtles,  which  they  salt 
dovrn  for  their  winter  stores. 

According  to  the  account  given  by  the  oldest  residents,  the  climate  is  equable  and  exceedingly 
healthy.  The  Flora  of  the  island  struck  mc  as  being  of  more  than  ordinary  interest ;  but  as 
the  flowering  season  of  many  of  the  pla,nts  and  trees  was  just  over,  we  were  unable  to  procure 
many  serviceable  specimens. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

BAYARD  TAYLOR. 

Commodore  M.  C.  Perky,  U.  S.  N., 

Gommanding  U.  S.  Nm)ol  Force!!,  East  India,  China,  and  Japan  neas. 


REPORT  MADE  TO  COMMODORE  PERRY 


AN  EXPLORATION    OF   PEEL  ISLAND 


CHAS.   F.  FAHS,  M.    D.', 

ASSISTANT  SURGEON  U.   S.  N., 
ATTACHED  TO  THE  UNITED  STATES  STEAM  FRIGATE  SUSQUEHANNAH. 


10   5 


REPORT 

OF 

AN  EXPLORATION   OF  PEEL  ISLAND. 

BY  C.  F.  FAHS,  ASSISTANT  SURGEON  U.  S.  N. 


U.  S.  Steamek  Susquehannah, 

June  18,  1853. 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  of  reporting  the  result  of  the  observations  on  Peel  Island,  made  by  me 
and  the  party  under  my  charge,  on  the  subjects  submitted  by  you  for  investigation.  The  part 
of  the  island  explored  by  us  is  the  northern  half,  or  that  extending  from  Square  Kock,  in  a  cir- 
cular direction,  to  a  line  running  from  a  point  about  one  mile  to  the  westward  of  the  Paps  to 
the  eastern  coast  of  Fitton's  bay.  We  ascended  all  the  highest  peaks  ;  took  their  measurement ; 
examined  their  formation,  vegetation,  and  other  objects  of  interest ;  descended  into  most  of  the 
narrow  valleys;  penetrated  the  thickest  jungle  ;  crossed  the  sloping  plains  on  the  mountain 
sides,  and  carefully  noted  their  soil,  mineral  and  vegetable  productions,  sources  of  water,  and 
fitness  for  cultivation.  Taking  a  general  view  of  the  island  from  the  bay,  or  any  other  point, 
the  impression  is  created  that  the  whole  is  so  rugged  and  rocky  that  it  cannot  be  rendered  fit  for 
any  use  ;  but  this  is  entirely  removed  after  carefully  exploring  every  part  of  it,  and  you  are  not 
only  convinced  that  it  can  be  cultivated,  but  that  it  is  capable  of  supporting  a  large  popu- 
lation. The  small  portions  that  have  been  tilled  by  the  people  living  here,  show  that  the 
ground  is  highly  fertile  and  productive.  It  is  true,  only  the  plains  on  the  bay  have,  as  yet, 
been  cultivated  ;  but  there  is  no  reason  for  doubting  that  great  portions  of  the  remsfinder  will 
be  equally  productive,  for  the  soil  is  nearly  the  same  everywhere. 

Near  the  entrance  of  Port  Lloyd,  a  plain  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  wide  commences,  and  ex- 
tends in  a  northeasterly  direction  one  mile.  The  bed  of  it  is  an  ancient  coral  formation  resting 
on  trap  rock ;  the  soil  is  several  feet  thick,  consisting  of  a  dark  vegetable  mould,  intermixed 
with  fine  sand  of  disintegrated  coral  and  marine  shells.  The  greater  portion  is  under  cultiva- 
tion, and  yields  abundant  harvests  of  whatever  is  planted,  with  the  least  possible  toil.  From 
this  plain  or  valley  the  mountains  gradually  rise  in  the  form  of  a  circle  ;  at  some  parts  the 
ascent  is  sudden  for  40  or  50  feet,  giving  the  appearance  of  terraces  ;  then,  again,  plains  from  a 
quarter  to  half  a  mile  wide,  sloping  towards  the  summits,  are  formed  until  within  40  or  50  feet 
of  the  highest  peaks.  On  the  northern  and  northwestern  sides  the  mountain  terminates  in  a  very 
abrupt  and  precipitous  ledge  of  trap  rock,  which  is  washed  by  the  waves  of  the  sea.  The  first  peak 
on  the  northwest  I  have,  for  the  convenience  of  description,  named  A  ;  it  consists  of  trap  rock, 


76  EXPEDITION       rOJAPAN. 

aud  is  rounded  down  as  if  it  had  been  exposed  to  the  attrition  of  the  sea  or  some  other  cause  ; 
it  is  576  feet  high  i'rom  the  level  of  the  sea.  From  it,  a  high  ridge  called  the  Backbone  ex- 
tends to  the  head  of  the  bay,  and  then  branches  out  in  several  directions  on  the  southern  part 
of  the  island.  Half  a  mile  to  the  northeast  is  another  peak  (B),  but  it  is  not  more  than  250 
feet  high  ;  its  formation  and  general  appearance  are  similar  to  the  last.  Near  the  most  north- 
eastern point  of  the  island  is  a  third  peak  (C),  which  rises  rather  more  abruptly  than  the  other 
twO;  to  the  height  of  800  feet ;  it  is  covered  almost  to  its  summit  with  jungle-weed  and  a  thick 
undergrowth  of  trees.  From  it  a  mountain  ridge  extends  in  an  easterly  direction  towards  Buck- 
land  island,  and  is  the  boundary  to  a  j)lain  which  begins  at  the  base  of  the  peaks  just  described, 
and  extending  to  the  sea  on  the  north.  The  plains  sloping  towards  Port  Lloyd  are  traversed 
at  several  jilaces  by  deep  ravines,  which,  during  rainy  weather,  serve  as  outlets  to  the  mountain- 
streams,  but  are  entirely  dry  during  the  summer  months.  Most  of  them  contain  large  con- 
glomerate boulders,  which  at  first  sight  appear  to  be  sandstone,  but  on  a  close  investigation 
prove  to  be  several  kinds  of  trap-rock.  They,  no  doubt,  were  rolled  down  from  the  broken 
peaks,  and  were  worn  round  by  the  attrition  of  the  water  and  sand  to  which  they  have  for  ages 
been  exposed.  That  portion  of  the  island  which  is  between  the  head  of  the  bay  and  Buckland 
straits  is  not  more  than  about  one  mile  wide,  and  differs  in  some  respects  from  that  already 
noticed  ;  it  is  not  so  fertile,  the  vegetation  is  less  luxuriant,  and  the  rocks  present  a  different 
cliaracter.  Near  the  central  part  is  what  I  conceive  to  be  the  crater  of  an  ancient  and  extinct 
volcano,  as  many  facts  tend  to  demonstrate.  The  form  of  the  surrounding  hills  is  peculiar  ; 
large  masses  of  scorite  and  cinders  are  found  all  around  ;  along  the  sea  are  beds  of  hardened 
lava  resting  upon  each  other,  occasionally  interstratified  with  layers  of  sand,  scoriae,  and  cin- 
ders. The  trees  are  small  and  stunted,  and  the  ground  in  many  places  barren  and  unproduc- 
tive, in  consequence  of  the  soil  being  thin  and  readily  dried  out  during  long  droughts.  After 
this,  small  valleys,  plains,  and  hills  of  various  heights,  extend  to  the  east  and  north,  when  the 
island  again  becomes  much  wider.  The  two  peaks  called  the  Paps  here  rise,  the  one  to  1,000, 
and  the  other  to  l,f  00  feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea.  On  the  one  side,  at  the  base,  is  a  deep 
valley,  which  is  about  a  mile  in  length  and  half  a  mile  in  breadth,  and  a  stream  of  running  water 
passes  through  the  middle  of  it.  On  the  other  or  north  side  is  a  very  deep  ravine,  with  precipi- 
tous trap-rocks  rising  up  hundreds  of  feet,  and  at  the  bottom  precipices  20  and  30  feet  high, 
over  which  a  small  stream  of  water  falls.  On  the  southeast  of  the  mountains  large  sloping 
plains  are  formed,  which  extend  nearly  to  Fitton's  bay,  and  are  covered  with  beautiful  forests 
of  palms. 

The  whole  island  is,  undoubtedly,  of  volcanic  origin,  as  all  the  geological  facts  which  can  be 
collected  tend  to  prove,  and  its  general  conformation  and  lines  of  hills  give  strong  evidence. 
Ancient  craters  at  this  time  can  readily  be  traced  ;  trap-rock  forms  its  basis,  and  also  the 
highest  peaks  ;  basaltic  dykes  passing  through  beds  of  sand  ;  scoriae  and  cinders,  amygdaloid 
and  greenstone,  in  considerable  quantities,  are  found  at  many  places  ;  and  I  have  succeeded  in 
tracing  strata  of  old  lava  along  the  sea-coast,  and  other  parts  where  deep  sections  of  rock  were 
exposed.  In  a  ravine,  running  from  peak  0,  we  discovered  a  sulphur  spring,  the  odor  and  taste 
of  which  gave  the  strongest  proof  that  it  was  highly  impregnated  with  hydro-sulphuric  gas. 
Iron  pyrites  (bisulphuret  of  iron)  in  abundance  are  also  found  at  several  places.  The  vegeta- 
tion of  this  island  is  such  as  is  found  in  nearly  all  volcanic  countries  under  similar  latitudes. 
Its  luxuriance  ajij)ears  to  be  in  consequence  of  the  mineral  ingredients,  iron,  potash,  soda, 
lime,  alumina,  and  silica,  being  in  such  proportions  as  to  supply  its  demands. 


EXPLORATION    OF    PEEL    ISLAND.  ^7 

From  careful  observation,  I  am  inclined  to  believe  that  Port  Lloyd  was  at  one  time  the  crater 
of  an  active  volcano,  which  threw  up  the  surrounding  line  of  hills ;  and  that  the  present 
entrance  was  a  deep  fissure  in  the  side  of  the  cone,  through  which  streams  of  lava  were  poured  to 
the  bottom  of  the  sea ;  and,  when  it  had  acquired  a  sufficient  depth,  the  water  came  in,  and  has 
gradually  been  filling  up  its  original  central  depth  by  deposit  and  coral  formation.  The  deep 
excavations  on  the  sides,  of  which  I  have  already  spoken,  were,  no  doubt,  the  craters  of  smaller 
volcanoes  on  the  declivity  of  the  large  one,  as  is  seen  in  active  volcanoes  at  this  time.  In 
this  manner,  I  conceive,  the  hills  more  distant  from  the  grand  crater  had  their  origin. 

The  soil  is  mostly  vegetable  mould,  which  has  been  forming  for  thousands  of  years,  from  the 
gradual  decomposition  of  a  most  luxuriant  vegetation ;  intermixed  with  it  is  the  detritus  result- 
ing from  the  disintegration  of  trap-rocks,  which  for  ages  have  been  exposed  to  the  influence  of  the 
elements,  and  which  has  been  washed  into  the  plains  and  valleys,  until  it  has  acquired  a  thick- 
ness, in  many  places,  of  five  and  six  feet.  At  several  places,  near  the  summit  of  the  peaks,  it 
is  of  a  reddish  color,  looking  not  very  unlike  iron-clay;  this  was  particularly  the  case  on  the 
smaller  Paps. 

The  springs  in  the  northern  half  of  the  island  are  very  few — only  two  that  run  constantly 
and  contain  fresh  and  palatable  water.  There  are  several  others  in  the  valleys  ;  but  the  water 
is  so  brackish  that  it  cannot  be  used,  or  they  only  exist  during  the  rainy  months.  Most  of  the 
houses  on  the  beach  are  supplied  from  wells,  which  generally  are  not  more  than  ten  or  twelve 
feet  deep.  The  only  incidental  sources  of  water  are  the  heavy  rains,  which  in  some  seasons  fall 
and  fill  up  the  deep  pools  or  caverns  worn  in  the  bottoms  of  the  ravines,  where  it  continues 
fresh  and  fit  for  use  many  weeks,  by  being  covered  by  thick  overhanging  palms. 

The  Flora  is  tropical,  and  perhaps  as  beautiful  as  can  be  found  under  similar  latitudes.  In 
the  valleys,  and  along  the  sea-beach,  numerous  handsome  green  trees  are  growing,  called  cru- 
meno  by  the  people  living  here.  It  attains  a  large  size ;  the  trunk  is  thick  and  short ;  bark  grey, 
not  very  thick;  grain  twisted  and  tough;  the  foilage  very  dense;  leaves  large  and  oval,  smooth, 
and  of  a  bright-green  color;  petioles  short,  the  leaves  growing  in  thick  clusters  or  whorls  around 
the  branches;  and  from  the  terminal  ends  of  the  latter  the  peduncles  grow  out,  bearing  beautiful 
clusters  of  white  rotate,  polyandrous,  monogynous  flowers.  Ascending  the  moimtain  sides, 
dense  forests  of  palms  are  seen,  growing  nearly  to  the  highest  summits.  They  stand  so  close 
together,  that  but  few  of  them  become  of  a  very  large  size,  and  they  also  jirevent  the  growth  of 
nearly  all  other  vegetation.  There  are  six  species  on  the  island,  of  which  the  fan  palm  (corypJia 
umbracaulifera)  is  by  far  the  most  numerous.  Many  of  these  trees  seen  growing  in  ravines  had 
their  roots  above  ground  five  and  six  feet,  looking  like  branches  growing  downwards.  A  variety 
of  fraxinus  -was  at  several  places  discovered,  which  had  grown  more  than  two  feet  thick,  and 
was  covered  with  several  kinds  of  parasites.  There  is  another  species  of  large  tree,  in  some 
respects  resembling  the  dog  wood,  growing  abundantly  on  the  mountain.  The  trunk  is  two  and 
three  feet  thick ;  grain  twisted ;  bark  gray  and  thin ;  leaves  oval,  petiolate,  green  color ;  flowers 
rotate ;  calyx  greenish,  polyandrous  and  monogynous.  The  largest  of  all  trees  found  on  . 
any  of  the  Bonins  is  the  mulberry,  (piorus,)  which  in  some  instances  is  thirteen  and  fourteen 
feet  in  circumference.  The  other  principal  trees  and  plants  seen,  were  one  species  of  laurus, 
juniper,  boxwood,  tree-fern,  banana,  orange,  pineapple^  whortleberry,  (vacciniece,)  vitacew,  and 
several  varieties  of  undergrowth.  The  juniper,  in  a  few  instances,  was  found  quite  large,  but 
generally  it  was  small  and  dwarfish,  particularly  on  the  sides  of  the  Paps.  The  laurus  cam- 
phora  was  nowhere  seen,  although  it  was  carefully  sought  after.     The  tree-ferns  (Jilices)  were 


78  EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN. 

several  times  seen  ten  and  twelve  feet  high.  Lichens,  mosses  {musci),  and  other  cryptogamous 
plants  were  found  in  abundance.  There  are  very  few  kinds  of  grasses,  and  most  of  these  are 
unfit  for  pasturage.  The  jungle-weed  in  uncultivated  tracts  grows  so  dense  that  it  excludes 
everything  else.     The  sedge-weed  (q/peracece)  also  grows  very  luxuriantly  ;  mercury  (acalypha), 

sorrel   {oxalis  strida),   convolvulus, ?   (a  native  term),  and  a  few  others,   are   the 

most  important.  The  vegetables  grown  are  sweet  potatoes,  Irish  potatoes,  yams,  taro,  radishes, 
onions,  turnips,  beans,  peas,  pumpkins,  melons,  &c.  The  sweet  potato  yields  very  abundantly, 
and  grows  to  an  enormous  size.  The  Irish  potato  has  been  planted  but  a  short  time,  and  little 
is  known  respecting  it.  Indian  corn  is  cultivated  with  much  success.  Nothing,  however, 
appears  to  thrive  better  than  the  sugar-cane  ;  it  grows  to  a  very  large  size,  and  requires  scarcely 
any  labor.  There  is  no  doubt  that  large  portions  of  the  island  might  be  planted  with  it  to  great 
advantage. 

Very  few  species  of  animals  are  found  here,  or  on  any  other  island  of  the  Bonin  group,  and 
most  of  these  have  been  imported  since  they  have  been  inhabited  by  foreigners.  The  first  hogs 
were  put  on  Peel  Island  in  the  year  1827,  from  a  whaler  that  was  anchored  near  the  entrance  of 
Port  Loyd.  Many  of  them  have  since  run  wild,  and  are  hunted  like  other  wild  animals  on  the 
mountains.  The  goat,  originally  brought  here  tame,  has  also  gone  wild.  On  Stapleton  Island, 
it  is  reported,  there  are  six  or  seven  thousand  at  present.  The  settlers  have  plenty  of  chickens, 
ducks,  geese,  and  turkeys,  but  there  is  a  great  propensity  in  them  all  to  free  themselves  from 
the  restraints  of  domestic  life,  and  to  return  to  their  original  state.  The  only  other  birds  in  a 
state  of  nature  are  a  few  kinds  of  finches,  crows,  hawks  (milvus),  the  terragra,  sandpipers,  and 
pigeons.  There  are  no  reptiles  of  any  kind,  except  a  small  lizard  {lacerta),  tortoises  (cMlonke), 
and  the  iguana.     The  tortoise  is  of  very  large  size,  and  is  found  in  the  greatest  abundance. 

The  fisheries  are  excellent  along  the  coasts  of  all  the  Bonin  Islands,  and  the  fish,  perhaps, 
as  good  as  can  be  found  anywhere  in  the  East.  It  is  unnecessary  to  enter  into  the  species  that 
are  found  here,  as  they  are  too  numerous,  and  it  would,  moreover,  require  considerable  time 
to  ascertain  what  they  are. 

Accompanying  this  report  are  several  drawings*  of  trees,  plants,  flowers,  and  landscapes, 
made  by  Mr.  May  and  Mr.  Portman,  to  whom,  and  also  to  Mr.  Hibbert,  I  am  indebted  for 
much  aid  during  my  laborious  travel  in  exploring  the  island.  In  concluding  these  remarks,  I 
have  only  to  observe,  that  they  are  not  intended  to  convey  more  than  a  general  idea  of  the  sub- 
jects investigated  ;  and,  if  I  have  succeeded  in  this,  I  shall  consider  myself  amply  rewarded. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

CHAELES  F.  FAHS. 
Commodore  M.  C.  Perky, 

Commanding  U.  S.  naval  forces,  East  India,  China,  and  Japan  Seas. 

•  Not  published. 


REPORT  MADE  TO  COMMODORE  TERRY 


THE   AGRICULTURE    OF  JAPAN 


DANIEL   S.    GREEN,    M.    D., 

SURGEON  U.  S.  N., 
ATTACHED  TO  THE  UNITED  STATES  STEAM  FRIGATE  MISSISSIPPI. 


REPORT 

UPON 

THE   AGRICULTURE   OF   JAPAN 

BY  DANIEL  S.  GREEN,  SURGEON  U.  S.  N. 


The  aspect  of  Japan  is  mountainous.  In  the  portions  visited  by  the  squadron,  at  least  three- 
fourths,  perhaps  seven-eighths,  of  the  surface  may  be  occupied  by  mountains  or  very  steep  hills. 
None  of  these  seem  to  be  cultivated — that  is,  in  grain  or  food  crops — at  least,  to  any  extent ;  on 
the  other  hand,  the  intervales  or  bottoms  are  in  constant  cultivation,  and  produce  two  crops 
annually — one  of  winter  and  one  of  summer  grain.  The  bottoms  are  naturally  level  plains,  or 
are  made  so  artificially.  They  are  very  rich,  and  their  fertility  is  aided  by  irrigation;  facilities 
for  which  are  afforded  by  streams  from  every  vale.  The  more  accessible  parts  of  the  sides  of 
hills,  as  they  recede  from  the  plains,  are  also  graded,  often  levelled ;  and,  when  water  cannot 
be  procured,  are  planted  with  such  grain  or  vegetables  as  require  no  more  moisture  than  that 
supplied  by  rains  alone.     But,  whenever  irrigation  can  be  secured,  there  rice  is  also  planted. 

On  looking  over  the  western  shore  of  the  bay  of  Yedo,  in  the  months  of  February  and  March, 
from  the  deck  of  a  ship,  one  will  notice  a  range  of  high  hills  or  bluffs  rising  directly  from  the 
water's  edge,  and  scarcely  interrupted  by  even  small  and  narrow  vales.  Beyond  these  is  a 
rolling  upland,  more  or  less  broken,  bounded  by  a  range  of  not  very  elevated  mountains ;  and 
still  beyond  these,  covered  with  a  glistening  canopy  of  snow,  rises,  in  solitary  grandeur,  the 
cone  of  Mount  Fusi,  to  the  altitude  of  some  12,000  feet.  This  is  a  most  conspicuous  and 
beautiful  object  from  almost  every  point,  for  sixty  or  eighty  miles  around. 

At  this  early  season,  the  margin  of  the  bay  is  clothed  with  verdure ;  and  the  camellia  japonica, 
here  twenty  or  thirty  feet  in  height,  and  the  apricot  or  plum,  are  robed  in  blossom. 

The  face  of  the  hills,  except  some  gentle  slopes,  is  mostly  planted  in  pine.  The  plantations, 
liowever^  are  not  nearly  equal  to  some  at  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  nor  such  as  we  may  imagine 
in  the  highlands  of  Scotland.  They  are  arranged  in  slips  of  various  widths,  running  up  and 
down  the  hill,  as  if  in  possession  of  different  proprietors.  The  trees  are  seen  in  all  stages  of 
age  and  growth,  are  not  preserved  in  any  good  order,  but  are  obviously  set  out  in  rows,  and 
appear  to  be  cut  systematically  for  timber  or  fuel.  And  here  it  may  be  observed^  that  a  very 
large  portion  of  the  labor  of  the  country  must  be  employed  in  these  plantations,  in  cutting  and 
preparing  the  lumber  and  fuel,  and  in  transporting  them  to  supply  the  wants  of  the  numerous 
cities  and  towns  or  villages  throughout  the  land.  The  necessity  for  timber  is  very  great^  as  the 
vast  majority  of  houses  are  constructed  of  wood.  The  people  profess  to  be  able  to  build  them 
of  stone,  if  they  wished;  but  they  prefer  wood,  as  being  more  secure  during  the  earthquakes, 
lis 


82  E  X  P  E  D  I  T  1  O  N     T  O     J  A  P  A  N . 

to  which  their  country  is  so  much  subject.  And  this  profession  is,  no  doubt,  true,  from  the 
specimens  of  beautiful  workmanship  that  we  saw  in  stone.  We  observed  very  extensive  quar- 
ries, ckise  by  Simoda,  that  must  have  been  recently  worked,  and  perhaps  are  still  open.  The 
stone  appears  to  be  used  for  foundations,  piers,  &c. 

Where  not  occupied  by  woods,  the  slopes  are  mostly  set  in  a  tall,  coarse,  strong  grass 
(arundo),  which  was  being  cut  during  the  winter  and  carefully  made  int>  bundles.  No  animal 
could  think  of  eating  this;  it  is,  however,  of  great  value,  being  used  in  thatching.  Avery 
considerable  business  is  carried  on  in  furnishing  the  cities  with  this  article.  Many  houses  are 
covered  with  tile,  (and  beautiful  tile  they  have,  too ;)  but  by  far  the  larger  portion  are  thatched. 
It  would  be  difficult  to  find  a  better  material,  and  the  thatching  is  very  neatly  executed. 

On  the  remaining  slopes,  many  patches  of  bright-yellow  flowers  may  be  seen.  These  are 
the  blossoms  of  a  kind  of  turnip,  or  cole,  with  either  none  or  a  very  diminutive  bulb  at  the  root. 
Small  lots  of  it  are  also  sometimes  cultivated  in  the  richer  bottoms.  It  is  grown  for  the  sake 
of  its  oil,  expressed  from  the  seeds,  and  this  oil  is  used  in  lamps.  The  Japanese  have  can- 
dles, but  of  inferior  quality  and  in  insufficient  quantities ;  and  as,  from  their  customs,  they 
require  many  lights,  this  plant  is  of  great  importance  to  them;  insomuch  that,  when  they 
were  requested  to  furnish  the  tops  as  a  vegetable  for  the  squadron,  in  a  hygienic  point  of  view, 
they  declined,  upon  the  plea  of  its  great  necessity  to  themselves. 

Upon  the  uplands,  extending  back  from  the  brow  of  the  blutfs,  I  unfortunately  had  no  means 
of  making  observations.  But,  by  those  who  went  there,  I  was  told  that  the  same  patches  of 
turnip  or  cole  were  noticed,  and  also  fields  of  wheat.  By  the  way,  let  it  be  remarked  here, 
that  fields  in  Japan  are  very  different  things  from  what  they  are  in  America.  They  may 
extend  from  a  half  or  a  whole  acre  up  to  several  hundreds ;  these  latter,  however,  being  made  up 
of  any  number  of  the  former  in  juxtaposition.  Each  laborer,  or  family,  seems  to  have  a  small 
allotment,  or  holding,  divided  from  those  adjoining  by  only  a  furrow,  or  even  an  imaginary 
line  drawn  from  one  landmark  to  another.  These  allotments  are  all  very  small,  being  from 
a  half  up  to  one  or  two  acres,  apparently. 

While  the  climate  was  thus  mild  near  the  water,  and  the  vegetation  thus  forward,  the  range 
of  mountains  beyond  the  uplands  was  covered  with  snow,  which,  from  time  to  time,  came  down 
quite  low  towards  the  bay,  but  would  speedily  melt  away. 

I  had  an  opportunity  of  landing  at  only  one  of  the  villages  or  bottoms  on  this  bay,  and  that 
was  adjoining  the  treaty-house,  Yokuhama,  about  ten  miles  below  the  city  of  Yedo.  The  soil 
was  a  beautiful  black  mould,  with  some  clay  and  gravel  intermixed.  It  was  in  a  high  state  of 
tillage,  and  had  upon  it  principally  cereal  crops,  with  some  cole  or  turnips,  and  other  vegetables. 
The  young  wheat  here  was  more  thrifty  and  luxuriant  than  I  saw  anywhere  else,  or  perhaps 
than  I  ever  saw  before.  Like  the  other  crops,  it  was  drilled.  The  distance  between  the  rows 
was  about  twelve  inches.  It  had  been  recently  worked  with  hoes  or  rakes,  though  I  saw  no 
rakes  in  the  country,  and  probably  also  recently  manured  with  liquid  manure,  or  guile.  The 
earth  was  light  and  well  pulverized,  and  drawn  towards  the  plants  into  small  ridges.  As 
already  stated,  the  plants  were  in  the  most  flourishing  and  vigorous  growth.  This  lot  of  wheat 
(and  the  cole)  was  the  only  one  I  saw  thus  cultivated  in  Japan.  The  liquid  manure  is  very 
conveniently  situated  for  distribution,  being  held  in  vats  or  pits,  dug  at  suitable  intervals  on 
the  sides  of  paths  and  roads.  These  are  sections  of  a  tolerably  wide  and  deep  ditch,  and  are 
covered  by  liglit  thatched  roofs,  which  exclude  too  much  heat  and  restrain  excessive  evaporation. 

Upon  our  arrival  at  Simoda,  in  April,  (where  most  of  my  observations  were  made,)  the  wheat 


A  GRI  C  ULTU  R  E     O  F     J  AP  A  N.  83 

and  barley  were  advancing  toward  mutuiity;  and  upon  our  return  tliither,  from  Hakodadi,  ia 
June,  were  being  gathered  or  harvested.  These  crops  are  drilled,  either  upon  level  surfaces  or 
upon  narrow  beds,  from  four  to  six  feet  wide,  to  suit  the  soil  as  to  moisture.  When  sown  upon 
beds,  the  drills  appeared  to  be  invariably  across  them  instead  of  lengthwise.  Besides  the  bottom- 
lands being  completely  occupied  by  these  crops,  there  were  numerous  patches  or  terraces  upon 
the  sides  of  the  hills,  whose  summits,  too,  were  occasionally  occupied  by  them.  In  the  latter 
places  the  soil  is  a  red  clay,  but  poor,  and  the  crops  thin — not  producing  more  than  from  6  to  10 
bushels  per  acre.  In  the  plains,  even,  the  yield  is  not  very  large,  being,  on  an  average,  not 
beyond  fifteen  bushels.  As  to  the  produce  of  barley,  I  was  not  so  well  able  to  judge.  The 
wheat  is  of  two  kinds,  the  awned  and  the  awnless,  but  both  red.  The  barley  is  also  of  at  least 
two  varieties — one,  with  a  very  short  but  very  thick  head  (club-headed),  and  with  short  awns; 
the  other,  with  a  long,  rather  slender  head,  and  with  long  awns ;  but  both  sorts  are  six-round. 
I  noticed  oats,  but  not  as  a  crop.     They  had  sprung  up  here  and  there  accidentally. 

Harvest-time  seemed  not  to  be  a  period  of  any  unusual  excitement  or  jubilee  ;  each  occupier 
having  so  small  a  portion  as  to  be  able  to  manage  it  readily  by  himself.  There  is  no  scythe 
or  cradle,  unless  the  little  blade  with  a  handle,  about  one  foot  long,  may  be  regarded  as  a 
miniature  scythe.  It  is  not  unlike  a  brier-hook,  and  with  it  the  grain  is  reaped,  close  to  the 
ground,  without  a  straw  being  missed.  This  is  done  by  men,  and  the  straw  is  tied  into  bun- 
dles. These  are  carried  to  the  homestead,  or  to  some  convenient  place  in  the  field,  arranged 
for  threshing  out  the  grain.  I  saw  this  operation  only  once,  and  cannot  answer  for  its  being 
general.  Upon  the  side  of  a  hill  an  excavation  had  been  made  in  the  solid  but  easily  worked 
rock,  of  about  1  feet  by  10,  and  some  5  or  6  feet  in  depth.  This  room  opened  upon  the  face  of 
thfe  hill  by  a  door  at  one  angle,  and  was  covered  by  thatched  roofing.  At  the  inner  end 
there  was  a  heavy  beam  of  wood  resting  upon  supports,  with  a  brief  space  between  it  and  the 
wall.  A  young  woman  was  beating  the  sheaves  of  wheat  upon  or  over  this  beam,  and  the 
grain  was  thus  separated  from  the  straw;  another  woman  brought  the  straw  in,  and  passed  the 
straw  out.  Here  the  laborers  were  protected  from  the  sun,  and  the  grain  from  rain.  As  prim- 
itive as  this  may  appear,  the  winnowing  process  is  equally  so.  Many  persons,  chiefly  females, 
"were  observed  from  the  ship  winnowing  grain  upon  the  beach,  by  pouring  it  from  baskets  held 
above  the  head,  and  allowing  the  sea-breeze  to  blow  the  chaif  away  towards  the  land.  Small 
fanning-mills  were  also  seen ;  but  these  will  be  mentioned  more  particularly  jjresently.  Other 
modes  of  separating  grain  from  the  straw  are  believed  to  exist,  but  I  did  not  see  the  machinery 
of  one  of  these  in  motion.     Was  it  something  of  a  trip-flail? 

Barley  is  hummelled  by  beaters  and  mortars,  worked  either  by  hand  or  by  water,  and  also  by 
mills.  The  hand-machine  is  similar  to  the  homony-beater  of  our  native  Indians;  the  pestle, 
however,  being  at  right  angles  to  the  handle,  instead  of  being  in  a  direct  line  with  it.  The 
water  contrivance  is  a  trip-hammer,  like  one  iised  in  our  country  for  pounding  corn,  &c.,  for 
feed  for  animals.  In  a  shed,  near  a  small  stream,  a  beam  of  wood  is  suspended  upon  pivots 
near  its  middle,  with  a  pestle  arranged  at  one  end  for  working  in  a  mortar,  and  the  other  end 
is  scooped  into  the  form  of  a  spoon.  The  water  being  turned  upon  this  end,  it  descends  so  far 
as  to  allow  the  water  to  escape,  whereupon  the  pestle  falls  heavily  into  the  mortar^  and  this 
see-saw  motion  keeps  up  a  continuous  pounding.  In  tli^  United  States,  a  bucket  is  used  with 
a  tipping  bottom  instead  of  the  spoon-like  cavity.  The  mills  are  in  small  houses,  which  are 
divided  into  convenient  compartments.  The  machinery  is  simple,  and  is  worked  by  a  large 
undershot  or  breast-wheel.     The  axle  of  this  extends  into  the  house,  and  upon  it  are  a  series  of 


84  EXPEDITION     TOJAPAN. 

levers,  which,  as  it  revolves,  elevate  a  number  of  pestles,  by  catching  under  projections  upon 
them;  as  these  fall,  they  beat  the  grain,  operating  as  in  our  old  oil-mills.  From  time  to  time, 
as  the  beating  proceeds^  a  pestle  is  thrown  out  of  gear,  and  the  grain  is  taken  from  the  mortars, 
to  be  passed  through  a  small  fan  or  winnowing  machine.  It  is  again  placed  in  the  mortar, 
and  this  process  is  repeated  as  often  as  necessary,  iintil  it  is  thoroughly  cleaned.  The  fan  is 
very  small,  not  being  more  than  eighteen  inches  or  two  feet  in  length,  and  the  same  in  height, 
and  about  six  to  nine  inches  in  width.  The  barley,  however,  is  neatly  cleaned,  and  passes  out 
into  a  bag  at  one  side  of  the  machine.  Our  expedition  took  out  some  of  the  best  modern  wheat- 
fans,  as  presents ;  but  it  is  a  fact^  I  believe,  that  we  derived  them  originally  from  the  east — China 
in  particular.  What  an  interval  and  what  progress  between  the  primitive  and  the  developed 
manifestation  of  this  implement !  We  also  took  out  an  improved  cotton-gin,  but  we  found 
domestic  ones  already  in  use.  These,  as  I  was  informed  by  those  who  saw  them,  operated  by 
smooth  cylinders  ;  and  as  the  cotton  was  drawn  through  between  them,  the  seed  fell  to  one 
side,  and  the  staple  came  out  unbroken.  A  similar  machine  may  have  been  tried  in  our  own 
country. 

There  are  several  of  the  above  mills  in  the  neig-liborhood  of  Simoda,  and,  when  the  squadron 
arrived  there,  there  was  quite  a  large  one  in  process  of  construction,  with  its  race  finished.  But 
our  treaty  had  a  material  influence  upon  it,  causing  the  frame  to  be  quickly  taken  down,  and 
the  race  to  be  filled. 

Rice  is  hulled  after  the  manner  of  hummelling  barley ;  of  rice,  there  are  many  varieties  grown. 
These  are  of  every  shade  of  color,  from  light  yellow  to  red  and  brown,  and  black  or  deep  purple. 
In  a  walk  of  half  a  mile,  about  the  last  of  September,  I  have  gathered  samples  of  ten  or  fifteen 
shades,  or  upwards;  and  these  grow,  each  to  itself,  of  one  uniform  color,  in  separate  lots  or 
parcels,  and  not  intermixed — thus  indicating  distinct  varieties.  Another  difference  is  in  the 
rice  being  awned  or  awnless  ;  and  this  without  reference  to  color,  some  of  either  being  appa- 
rently of  every  shade;  whether  difference  of  color,  depending  upon  the  external  covering,  indi- 
cates any  difference  in  the  grain  within,  I  am  unable  to  state.  But  there  are  two  kinds  of  pre- 
pared rice  exhibited  for  sale — one,  white,  as  with  us;  another,  reddish  or  brownish,  apparently 
dependent  upon  a  film  or  membrane  left  upon  the  grain  after  the  removal  of  the  hull.  The 
former  was  not  noticed  as  having  any  peculiarity  of  flavor  or  otherwise,  whereas  the  latter  was 
unlike  anything  we  had  met  with  before.  After  boiling,  it  was  somewhat  adhesive,  glutinous, 
as  it  were — not  starchy ;  and  in  taste  it  was  compared  by  some  to  grits,  by  others  to  barley, 
and  was  by  many  preferred  to  the  other.  It  seemed  to  me  that  this  would  be  more  nutritious 
than  ordinary  rice;  but  it  may  be  that  all  rice  would  possess  the  above  properties  if  prepared 
in  the  same  manner — i.  e.  by  leaving  the  before-mentioned  pellicle  upon  it. 

In  regard  to  its  culture,  little  need  be  said  after  the  details  given  for  Lew  Chew  and  China. 
The  use  of  irrigation,  together  with  grading  of  ground,  the  opening  of  drains  for  transmitting 
water  to  all  parts  of  the  plains,  the  transplanting  from  seed-beds,  &c.,  being  similar  in  all.  By 
the  way,  it  is  sown  broadcast  in  seed-beds,  which  are  covered  by  shallow  water,  and  the  seed 
may  be  seen  lying  upon  the  earth,  through  this  water.  When  drawn,  the  plants  are  floated  by 
the  drains  to  the  place  of  planting.  In  preparing  for  this,  a  plough  is  used,  the  structure  of 
which  may  be  mentioned.  Upon  a  baam  to  draw  by,  a  large  piece  of  wood  is  mortised  very 
obliquely,  so  as  to  project  well  under  the  beam.  This  piece  is  scooped  out  upon  one  side  with 
a  long  slope,  forming  a  rude  mould-board,  and  the  point  is  shod  with  iron,  as  a  share.  The 
plough  is  drawn  by  a  bullock  or  a  horse,  which  is  driven  by  one  man,  while  the  plough  is 


AGRICULTURE     OF     JAPAM.  85 

managed  by  another  holding  the  handle.  In  light,  moist  ground,  (and  in  such  only  did  we  see 
it  operate,)  it  does  pretty  fair  ploughing,  turning  the  earth  very  well,  but  making  a  rather 
shallow  furrow.  In  tenacious  clays,  not  irrigable,  as  in  terraced  plats,  the  hoe  seems  to  be  used 
in  breaking  up  the  ground.  Hoes  are  made  chiefly  of  heavy  wood,  the  cutting  edge  and  sides 
being  cased  with  iron.  From  this  economy  in  its  use,  it  would  appear  that  iron  is  a  rather 
scarce  article.  After  the  operation  of  ploughing,  water  is  admitted  ;  and  the  laud  being  satu- 
rated, it  is  harrowed  and  cross-harrowed  repeatedly,  until  completely  dissolved.  This  is  done 
by  means  of  a  small  one-headed  harrow  with  pne  row  of  long  teeth,  being,  in  fact,  a  laro-e 
rake  without  a  handle.  There  are  two  uprights  with  a  cross-piece  to  hold  by,  and  the  imple- 
ment is  drawn  by  a  bullock,  with  traces  (not  chains)  attached  to  each  end  of  the  head-piece. 
The  whole  tool  may  be  seen  carried  upon  a  man's  shoulders,  realizing  the  sculptured  image  of 
the  Egyptian  deity,  (Osiris);  but  the  plough  is  far  too  heavy  for  similar  transportation.  Next 
in  order  after  this,  comes  a  very  peculiar  and  unique  process.  Coarse  grasses,  weeds,  &c.,  are 
brought  down  from  the  neighboring  acclivities,  either  by  men  or  upon  bullocks.  When  by  the 
latter,  it  is  placed  on  each  side  of  them  in  wooden  hooks,  analogous  to  panniers,  and  almost 
completely  envelops  the  small  animal.  This  material  is  spread  evenly  and  thickly  over  the 
surface  of  the  prepared  ground,  which,  it  will  be  remembered,  consists  now  of  earth  and  water 
in  a  state  of  loblolly.  A  man  then  enters  upon  it  at  one  side,  with  wide  and  long  frame-work 
pieces  attached  to  his  feet.  These  pieces  are  of  open  work,  for  the  passage  of  water  and  oose; 
if  closed,  they  would  be  good  snow-shoes,  as  used  by  the  Canadians.  The  man  passes,  with 
short  steps,  from  one  side  of  the  plot  to  the  other,  pressing  deep  into  the  mud,  and  concealing 
from  view  the  scattered  grass.  Returning,  he  places  the  inner  foot  where  the  outer  one  passed 
before,  and  so  on,  until  the  whole  is  done;  thus  pressing  twice  upon  every  part  and  portion. 
The  land  is  now  ready  for  planting;  but  whether  this  is  done  immediately,  or  postponed  until 
fermentation  commences,  I  am  unable  to  say,  though  there  did  appear  to  be  some  delay. 

Of  beans  the  Japanese  have  several  sorts,  as  white  and  black,  runners  or  climbers,  and  bush 
or  snap  beans;  the  black-eye  or  cow  pea,  and  a  peculiar  hairy-podded  bean,  growing  upon  a 
branching  stem,  called  commonly  Japan  pea;  and  also  a  diminutive  one,  not  much  larger  than 
a  lentil.  From  one  of  these  the  famous  soya  is  made,  a  fermented  condiment  used  for  various 
dishes. 

Tubers  of  the  genuine  potato  (solanum  tttherostim)  were  seen  at  Hakodadi,  and  a  small  lot  of 
them  was  seen  growing  near  Simoda  ;  and  a  small  lot  of  them  upland,  in  the  midst  of  an  orange 
plantation,  were  in  blossom.  No  tillage  seemed  to  be  used  after  planting,  as  the  whole  sur- 
face was  covered  with  a  thick  coating  of  fibrous  matter — in  other  words,  was  heavily  mulched 
or  gunneyized. 

A  few  yoiing  plants  of  Indian  corn  (maize)  were  also  observed ;  at  least  they  were  believed  to 
be  such,  as  contradistinguished  from  young  millet  {sorghum),  and  were  stated  to  be  such  by 
the  interpreters,  from  my  description  of  corn.  It  was  not  cultivated  to  any  extent,  but  appa- 
rently as  a  mere  vegetable.  I  endeavored  to  secure  a  few  ears,  or  even  a  few  grains,  but  could 
not  succeed.  And  here  a  characteristic  fact  may  be  mentioned.  Whatever  I  was  specially  de- 
sirous of  procuring  through  the  officials,  they  seemed  specially  determined  I  should  not  get; 
not  by  refusing  downright,  but  by  procrastinating,  and  finally  stating  it  could  not  be  obtained. 
The  Indian  corn  is  an  example,  as  also  small  camphor-plants  and  young  grape-vines,  and  some 
other  things.  Of  the  camphor  trees  it  was  said,  at  first,  they  were  abundant  and  easily  to  be 
procured  not  far  from  Simoda;  and  of  grape-vines,  there  were  })robably  many  at  hand.     But, 


86  EXPEDITION      TOJA PAN. 

finally,  it  appeared  that  the  former  could  not  be  had,  and  tlie  latter  grew  many  miles  away,  at 
the  foot  of  Mount  Fusi. 

This  grape  would  he  a  desirable  and  important  acquisition  to  our  country.  It  is  superior  in 
delicacy  and  flavor,  as  an  eating  grape,  to  any  of  our  natives,  not  excepting  the  cultivated  Isa- 
bella and  Catawba,  to  which  it  is  about  eqiial  in  size.  While  excelling  these,  it  is  inferior  to 
the  finer  European  varieties.  Tiian  those,  however,  it  is  doubtless  far  better  adapted  to  our 
country,  as  being  native  to  one  similarly  situated  on  the  eastern  side  of  an  extensive  continent, 
and  having  a  climate  ajiproximating  to  ours  in  extremes  of  temperature.  A  few  seeds  were 
preserved,  and  a  jjortion  left  at  San  Francisco  and  Valparaiso.  The  stems  of  the  bunches  seen 
by  us  were  dried  and  wrinkled.     They  probably  grew  at  the  base  of  Fusi,  as  stated. 

In  addition  to  the  vegetables  mentioned  above,  several  others  might  be  referred  to ;  but,  be- 
side being  similar  to  those  in  the  report  on  Lew  Chew,  none  of  interest  are  present  to  my  mind, 
except  that  important  article  of  food  in  Japan,  the  sweet  potato. 

Xo  cotton  or  sugar-cane  was  noticed  under  culture.  Other  fruits,  besides  grapes,  are  limes, 
oranges,  (mandarin,)  apples,  small  and  indiflerent;  pears,  large  hut  watery,  and  insipid;  and 
peaches,  plums,  and  apricots;  none  of  which  latter  did  we  see  ripe.  Indeed,  it  appears  that 
the  Japanese  consume  them  while  yet  unripe,  either  stewed,  preserved,  or  pickled.  They  have 
the  fig,  too,  a  tree  of  which  I  saw,  but  the  fruit  was  not  quite  matured,  Golownin  mentions 
raspberries,  andThur.berg  enumerates  three  or  four  kinds ;  but  these  they  consider  unwholesome, 
or  rather,  they  told  the  former  so  when  restraining  him  from  eating  them.  There  are  nurse- 
ries of  cherry-trees,  and  probably  plantations;  but  whether  for  fruit  or  fuel,  or  for  a  light 
tenacious  wood  for  lacquer-ware,  is  not  known. 

I\umerous  young  standards  (something  like  catalpa)  are  specially  cared  for ;  but  for  what 
purpose  I  know  not.  However,  there  were  obvious  and  important  uses  for  the  multitudes  of 
small  mulberry-trees  in  hedge-rows  and  nurseries.  Their  use  in  rearing  silk-worms  is,  doubtless, 
very  considerable  ;  and  we  saw  the  operation  in  progress  of  reeling  off'  silk  from  the  cocoons.  A 
nearly  equal,  if  not  more  important  use,  is  the  extensive,  enormous  manufacture  of  paper,  of 
various  sorts  and  qualities,  from  the  inner  bark  of  this  tree.  The  paper  is  of  every  degree  of 
fineness,  from  a  thick,  strong,  tough  article,  down  to  a  delicate  silk-like  texture.  Much  of  a 
thin  tissue-like  quality  is  beautifully  stamped  with  figures,  and  portions  with  colored  figures. 
As  the  men  use  a  coarse  paper  for  handkerchiefs,  it  was  suggested  that  this  delicate  material 
was  for  ladies'  handkerchiefs;  and  this  idea  was  readily  received.  But  the  true  use  of  it,  I  have 
reason  to  believe,  is  to  make  light-shades,  by  being  pasted  upon  wooden  frame-work.  These 
answer  the  same  purpose  exactly  that  glass-shades  for  candles  do  in  hot  climates.  A  stronger 
paper  is  used  in  the  structure  of  every  house.  It  is  pasted  upon  large,  light,  sash-like  frames. 
These  are  placed  in  grooves,  and  extend  from  the  ceiling  to  the  floor,  and  slide  along  the 
grooves  upon  little  chinaware  wheels.  In  many  houses  these  form  most  of  the  partitions;  and, 
by  removing  them,  or  the  reverse,  the  apartments  may  be  enlarged  or  diminished  at  pleasure. 
When  forming  the  outside  walls,  they  answer  the  purpose  of  windows,  and  the  paper  is  protect- 
ed from  rain  by  the  roofs  projecting  in  the  form  of  a  portico.  At  night  wooden  shutters  are 
placed  against  the  wall,  and  the  house  is  secured.  All  this  paper  is  remarkably  durable 
and  tenacious,  insomuch  that,  by  cutting  it  into  narrow  strips  and  rolling  it,  it  makes  good 
strings. 

A  few  years  ago  there  was  a  great  complaint  in  the  United  States  about  the  deficiency  of 
paper-making  material.     To  judge  from  the  abundance  and  cheapness  of  paper  in  Japan,  the 


AGRICULTUREOFJAPAN.  87 

mulberry  would  be  an  ample  resource  for  us  too  ;  and,  sbould  the  morusmulticaulis  answer  the 
same  purpose,  another  fever  might  spring  up  in  its  favor,  and  this  time  he  no  humbug. 

The  tea-plant  grows  in  this  vicinity,  and  we  saw  the  leaves  in  the  process  of  drying  and 
jjreparation.     It  is  probably  of  an  inferior  kind. 

The  Japanese  are  reported  to  have  great  skill  in  dwarfing  fruit-trees ;  and,  though  we  saw 
none  of  the  fairy  diminutiveness  described  in  books,  yet  we  did  see  a  pear-tree,  between  twelve 
and  eighteen  inches  in  height,  loaded  with  fruit.  However,  in  the  small  and  secluded  valley  of 
Simoda  we  had  no  chance  to  witness  the  wonders  of  their  skill  in  this  line;  nor,  indeed,  to 
judge  of  the  extent  and  proportions  of  their  agriculture,  further  than  as  a  small  sample,  like 
unto  the  toe  of  Hercules — ex  pede  HercuUm.  According  to  their  pictorial  representations,  which 
are  generally  quite  accurate,  they  prune  plums,  &c.,  very  closely.  The  accuracy  of  their  deli- 
neations might  he  doubted  from  the  outre  and  unnatural  appearance  of  fine  trees,  as  seen  in 
their  pictures.  But  we  had  the  living  originals  before  us.  They  were  skillfully  distorted,  and 
directed  from  their  proper  development.  In  some,  the  limbs  are  cut  out  at  odd  places,  causing 
picturesque  tliough  unnatural  shapes.  In  otliers,  the  lower  boughs,  and  even  the  main  stem 
are  led  out  horizontally,  and  so  maintained  by  suitable  restraints,  with  here  and  there  a  leafy 
branch  remaining,  but  all  the  rest  of  the  stem  completely  denuded. 

These  leafy  brandies  are  wound  into  coils  or  circles,  and  so  retained  by  hoops,  replaced  by 
larger  ones  as  increasing  growth  requires.  These  trees  have  long  and  awkward  arms,  with 
curious  detached  clumps  of  foliage,  and  it  would  seem  to  require  a  perverted  taste  to  admire 
these;  yet  Europeans  and  Americans  have  had  evergreens  clipped  and  worked  into  even  more 
fantastic  forms. 

Here  may  be  found  two  kinds  of  shrubs  of  lusty  growth,  admirably  adapted  to  form  orna- 
mental hedges,  or  separated  clumps,  about  a  house.  They  are  of  graceful  appearance,  and 
literally  clothed  with  blossoms  white  as  the  mock-orange,  and  even  more  delicate.  A  wild 
rose  (the  sweetbrier  of  Virginia)  is  also  found  here,  and  though  with  a  smaller  flower,  yet  with 
all  its  fragrance.  But  this  is  trenching  on  the  province  of  the  botanist.  Let  me,  how;ever, 
allude  to  the  beautiful  double-flowering  cherries,  &c.,  at  Hakodadi,  and  to  a  remarkable  co- 
niferous tree  in  the  temple  yards  at  the  same  place.  This  has  a  short,  soft,  and  most  abundant 
foliage,  envelopirtg  each  twig  as  with  a  dense  fringe  of  the  deepest  green.  The  cone  is  very 
small  and  round;  unfortunately,  no  seed  could  be  procured.  There  were  very  few  of  these  trees, 
and  an  idea  got  abroad  that  they  had  been  brought  hither,  from  Kamschatka,  by  the  Russians 
under  Golownin. 

In  this  place  are  numerous  storehouses,  not  only  for  the  safe  keeping  of  other  valuables,  but 
also  for  the  preservation  of  rice  and  other  productions  of  the  soil;  and  hence,  are  in  part  grana- 
ries. They  are  remarkably  well  built,  and  beautifully  finished  ofi",  being  as  hard  and  nearly 
as  smooth  as  our  own  hard  walls  made  of  plaster  of  Paris.  These  houses,  though  of  only  one 
story,  are  large  and  commodious,  being  about  fifty  by  twenty-five  feet,  and  the  walls  are  from 
two  to  three  feet  in  thickness.  The  material  of  which  they  are  built  is  uncertain,  being  cov- 
ered completely  by  stucco  or  plaster,  but  is  probably  of  stone,  brick,  or  concrete.  They  are 
fire-proof,  having  the  tops  made  of  the  same  material  as  the  walls,  which  are  protected  from 
the  weather  by  light  wooden  roofs. 

At  Hakodadi  large  numbers  of  horses  were  seen  entering  and  leaving  the  city,  used  as  pack- 
horses.  They  seemed  to  bring,  chiefly,  wood,  charcoal,  and  dried  fish,  for  exportation;  and, 
returning,  carried  out  manufactured  articles  and  means  of  subsistence  for  the  people,  introduced 
from  the  southern  inlands.     Indeed,  the  whole  island  of  Yesso  would  appear  to  be  a  mass  of 


88  EXPEDITION     TO     JAPAN. 

mountains,  and  incapable  of  culture;  certainly  such  was  the  case  as  far  as  the  eye  could  reach 
from  the  shipping,  with  very  limited  exceptions.  In  fact,  even  the  horses  seemed  to  be  ill-fed 
and  ill-conditioned.  These  were  small,  but  not  remarkably  diminutive.  Those  seen  near  Tedo 
and  Simoda  were  better  kept,  and,  though  not  large  formed,  were  fatter  and  stronger. 

For  the  accommodation  of  horses  and  bullocks  there  are  many  stables,  which  are  all  constructed 
upon  one  uniform  plan,  as  if  enforced  by  the  regulation  of  law.  They  are  rectangular  and  ob- 
long, about  twelve  feet  by  thirty,  and  are  divided  into  three  equal  compartments  with  a  loft  over- 
head. The  stables  are  very  neatly  and  very  well  built,  rivalling  in  these  respects  many  of  the 
houses.  At  one  end  is  a  room  for  provender,  &c.;  at  the  other,  a  place  for  receiving  and  com- 
posting manure,  and  the  animal  occupies  the  central  division.  From  this  equal  allotment  of 
space  and  shelter  for  provender,  animal,  and  manure,  an  idea  may  be  formed  of  the  great  im- 
portance attached  to  the  latter  by  the  Japanese.  And,  as  manifesting  this  more  strongly,  it 
may  be  mentioned  that  there  are  numerous  large  pipes  or  hogsheads  placed  beside  all  the  high- 
ways and  byways  about  Simoda,  for  the  reception  and  preservation  of  liquid  manure.  These 
are  employed  instead  of  the  pits  formerly  mentioned,  the  soil  being  here  too  sandy  and  porous  to 
retain  the  liquid  portions.  From  these  vessels,  which  have  a  light  conical  thatching,  the  odor 
is  very  oflensive  at  times,  but  it  is  blown  alike  upon  the  noble  and  ignoble  passer-by,  and  has 
to  be  borne  by  the  former  in  consideration  of  its  indispensable  necessity  in  providing  means  of 
sustenance  for  them  all.  As  in  China,  its  application  appears  to  be  preferred  in  the  liquid 
form  ;  and,  as  in  China  also,  it  appears  to  be  given  to  the  young  plant  while  growing,  instead 
of  to  the  earth  as  a  preparation  for  the  seed.  I  am  persuaded  there  is  much  wisdom  and  phi- 
losophy in  this  practice,  and  it  would  be  well  for  us  to  follow  the  example,  could  means  and 
appliances  sufficiently  economical  be  devised. 

Not  much  can  be  said  about  the  animal  food  used  by  this  remarkable  jjeople.  It  seems  to 
consist  in  fowls  and  their  produce,  and  of  fish.  To  show  to  what  small  particulars  they  descend, 
it  may  be  observed,  they  catch  and  dry  and  offer  for  sale  little  fishes,  of  which  it  would  require 
at  least  six  to  be  the  size  of  a  man's  little  finger.  And  this  shift  is  resorted  to,  although  they 
have  great  quantities  of  large  and  fine  fish.  It  merely  indicates  the  scarcity  and  value  of  ani- 
mal food  with  them. 

The  books  tell  us  they  do  not  eat  the  flesh  of  animals — such  as  cattle,  hogs,  &c. — on  account 
of  their  religious  opinions;  or,  because  as  the  bullock  has  to  work,  therefore  he  should  not  be 
eaten  ;  or,  as  the  cow  has  to  suckle,  therefore  she  ought  not  to  be  milked.  But,  be  this  as  it 
may,  they  one  and  all  ate  freely  and  heartily  of  all  kinds  of  meat  set  before  them  at  our  enter- 
tainments, of  which  the  fattest  pork  seemed  to  be  the  most  relished  morsel. 

There  appeared  to  be  quite  a  limited  number  of  horses  and  cattle  about  Simoda ;  and  there 
were  no  hogs,  no  sheep.  We  had  one  or  two  sheep  in  the  squadron,  and  they  were  objects  of 
much  observation  to  the  Japanese;  and  the  more  so,  when  informed  that  our  cloth  was  manu- 
factured from  their  wool.  The  cloth  itself  was  a  wonder  to  the  females,  who  admired  its  tex- 
ture, but  still  more  its  very  great  width. 

Had  I  known  from  the  beginning  that  these  sketches  were  to  assume  their  present  form,  they 
might  have  been  prepared  more  worthily  for  publication.  As  it  is,  they  have  been  arranged 
from  notes  written  at  the  time,  or  from  traces  left  upon  the  memory.  Some  errors  there  doubt- 
less are,  arising  from  partial  views  and  limited  observations,  but  in  the  main  they  are  correct. 
It  is  possible  they  may  aftbrd  some  interest  to  our  farmers,  however  incompletely  handled,  if 
from  the  novelty  of  the  subject  alone. 

Respectfully  submitted,  DAN'L.  S.  GREEN. 


REPORT  MADE  TO  COMMODORE  PERRY 


EDICAL TOPOGRAPHY  OF  JAPAN 


DANIEL  S.   GEEEN,  M.   D., 

SURGEON  U,  S.  N., 
ATTACHED  TO  THE  UNITES)  STATES  STEAM  FKIGATE  MISSISSIPPI. 


12  « 


REPORT 

UPON 

THE  MEDICAL  TOPOGRAPHY  OF  JAPAN 

BY  DAKIEL  S.  GEEEN,  SURGEON  U.  S.  N. 


U.  S.  Steamer  Mississippi, 
Simoda,  June  10,  1854. 

Sir:  In  obedience  to  your  order  of  tlie  1st  inst.,  I  respectfully  submit  the  following  report. 
It  is  prepared  from  observations  limited  to  the  months  of  February,  March,  and  April,  and 
parts  of  May  and  June,  in  the  bay  of  Yedo,  and  at  this  place ;  in  parts  of  May  and  June  at 
Hakodadi ;  and  also  during  a  short  stay  in  the  bay  of  Yedo  last  July ;  likewise,  from  what  I 
consider  may  be  the  probable  character  of  the  climate  at  other  seasons. 

The  port  of  Simoda  is  situated  near  the  S.E.  angle  of  the  island  of  Niphon,  on  a  long  penin- 
sula consisting  of  mountain  ranges,  and  is  itself  surrounded  by  very  high  lands.  These  have 
numerous  vales  between,  but  there  are  no  low,  flat  lands,  except  where  the  town  is  built,  and  in 
one  small  valley,  through  which  flows  a  rapid  stream  of  clear  water.  At  this  jjlace  it  is  never 
very  cold  near  the  level  of  the  sea,  there  being  seldom  any  ice  or  snow ;  but  the  elevated  ridges  are, 
doubtless,  often  covered  with  the  latter,  as  are  the  mountains  extending  hence  towards  Fusi. 
Eains  have  neither  been  infrequent  nor  in  excess,  and  fogs  sometimes  occur.  Under  these  con- 
ditions, the  climate  is  very  variable  in  winter  and  sjjring,  being,  at  times,  clear  and  cold,  or 
clear,  warm,  and  pleasant,  with  changes  to  cold,  raw,  and  disagreeable  weather.  The  alterna- 
tions of  southerly  winds  from  the  ocean,  with  those  from  the  snow-clad  moun^ins,  cause 
sudden  contrasts,  both  in  the  temperature  and  humidity  of  the  air ;  and  these  are  calculated  to 
produce  acute  inflammatory  diseases,  such  as  rheumatism,  pneumonia,  &c.,  unless  prevented 
by  proper  precautions. 

In  the  summer  and  autumn  it  is,  doubtless,  very  hot  in  the  day,  when  calm ;  but,  from  the 
features  of  the  adjacent  country,  land  and  sea  breezes  are  surely  to  be  expected.  The  nights 
in  Yedo  bay  last  July  were  cool,  or  cold,  accompanied  by  heavy  dews ;  and  the  same  may  rea- 
sonably be  anticipated  at  this  place.  Such  nights  with  hot  days  may  occasion  sporadic  cases 
of  cholera  morbus,  diarrhoea,  &c. ;  but  there  are  no  causes  (apparently)  existing  to  produce 
severe  epidemic  diseases,  such  as  fevers  and  dysentery ;  the  only  places  likely  to  generate  mias- 
mata being  the  low  level  town  and  valley  before  mentioned.  But  the  former  seems  to  be 
cleanly,  and  the  latter  is  wholly  occupied  by  cultivated  plants,  both  in  winter  and  summer, 
except  during  the  brief  intervals  between  one  crop  and  another,  when  the  land  is  undergoing 
preparation  afresh. 


92  EXPEDITIONTOJAPAN. 

Hakodadi  is  several  degrees  farther  north  than  Simoda,  and  is,  like  it,  surrounded  by  moun- 
tains, which  are  more  numerous  and  lofty,  though  at  a  greater  distance.  These  were  conspicu- 
ously crowned  with  snow  so  late  as  June  3d.  The  climate  is,  therefore,  much  colder  in  winter 
and  spring  than  at  tliis  place;  and  the  fogs  are  frequent  and  dense.  The  contrasts  of  temper- 
ature and  humidity  are  quite  as  sudden  and  more  extreme;  and  hence  it  must  be  more  subject 
to  inflammatory  diseases.  The  summer  and  autumn,  it  is  presumable,  are  somewhat  or  very 
similar  to  the  same  seasons  here — as,  also,  their  accompanying  complaints.  Nor  are  there, 
probably,  any  sources  of  miasmata  there,  as  the  town  is  situated  at  the  base  and  on  the  side  of 
a  considerable  mountain,  which  is  connected  by  a  narrow  neck  of  sand  to  the  neighboring 
plains,  extending  to  the  mountains  in  the  distance;  and,  as  the  Japanese  usually  drain,  cul- 
tivate, and  irrigate  most  carefully  all  marshy  places  and  low  level  lands,  it  is  more  than 
probable  that  these  plains,  though  having  several  small  streams,  have  no  marshes ;  but  of  this 
I  cannot  speak  from  personal  observation,  not  having  visited  them. 

Upon  the  whole,  then,  I  consider  these  ports  as  free  from  all  malignant  diseases,  and  quite 
salubrious — the  diseases  incident  to  the  season  being  capable  of  avoidance  by  due  precautions 
as  to  clothing,  exjiosure,  &c.  They  may,  therefore,  be  resorted  to  with  great  advantage  by 
our  ships-of-war  on  the  China  station,  jiarticularly  at  that  period  of  the  year  when  dysentery 
and  fevers  are  usually  i^revalent  there,  viz:  the  latter  part  of  summer  and  autumn.  This 
ojjinion  has  reference  solely  to  the  climate  of  these  ports.  An  equally  important  matter  is  the 
ability  to  procure  fresh  provisions  in  sufficient  quantities  to  preserve  health  and  to  avoid  scurvy. 
This  disease- is  said  to  be  very  common  in  Matsmai  or  Yesso.*  Nor  is  this  remarkable ;  for, 
although  not  a  disease  directly  depending  upon  climate,  it  is,  nevertheless,  caused  by  want 
of  fresh  provisions,  especially  of  vegetables  and  fruit,  which  may  well  be  scarce  towards 
spring,  where  the  winters  are  so  long,  and  the  apparent  space  for  culture  so  small.  Provision 
for  such  a  state  of  things  should,  therefore,  be  made  by  vessels  contemplating  a  long  cruise  to 
Hakodadi  at  that  season  of  the  year ;  but  such  wants  are  scarcely  to  be  anticipated  at  Simoda. 

Tlie  mineral  water  near  Hakodadi,  as  it  rises  through  the  crevices  of  the  rock,  is  considerably 
impregnated  with  sulphuretted  hydrogen  gas,  as  evidenced  to  the  senses ;  is  warm  to  the  touch, 
and,  when  drank,  sits  lightly  upon  the  stomach.  Its  gasses  and  odor  are  lost  by  being  kept, 
even  for  a  short  time.  It  contains  chloride  of  sodium,  and  probably  some  mineral  sulphate  or 
sulphuret.  Medicinally,  it  is  somewhat  diuretic  and  very  slightly  aperient,  and  would,  proba- 
bly, be  beneficial  in  some  cutaneous  diseases,  and  in  some  chronic  complaints  where  the  secre- 
tions are  disordered  or  suppressed.  Its  utility  in  the  former  may  also  be  inferred  from  the 
fact  of  certain  natives  making  signs,  at  the  spring,  that  the  water  was  not  good  to  drink,  but 
to  bathe  or  wash  the  skin  with,  and  from  their  having  erected  a  small  statue  ui^on  a  rock  imme- 
diately above  it.  The  efScac}-  of  the  water  would  be  greatest  if  used  at  the  spring,  and  copi- 
ously. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully, 

D.  S.  GREEN,  Fleet  Surgeon. 

Commodore  M.  C.  Perry, 

Commanding  U.  S.  Naval  forces,  East  India,  China,  and  Japan  seas. 

°  Golownin. 


MEDICAL     TOPOGRAPHY     OF     JAPAN. 


93 


Hong-Kong,  August  29,  1854. — Since  the  above  report  was  prepared,  the  following  tabular 
statement  of  thermometrical  and  barometrical  observations  has  been  kindly  furnished  by  Sur- 
geon C.  D.  Maxwell,  of  the  U.  S.  steam-frigate  Powhatan,  and  is  hereto  annexed. 

D.  S.  G. 


Thermometrical  and  barometrical  observations,  m,ade  in  Japan,  A.  D.  1854. 


Date. 

Ther. 

Barometer. 

Place. 

Date. 

Ther. 

Barometer. 

Place. 

Date. 

Ther 

Barometer. 

Place. 

Febraary     13 

45 

29.90 

Yokahama. 

March     27 

50 

29.77 

Yokahama. 

May           8 

68 

29.98 

Simoda. 

14 

43 

30.00 

(( 

28 

50 

29.90 

tt 

9 

71 

29.88 

(( 

15 

43 

30.12 

(C 

29 

48 

29.80 

tt 

10 

72 

29.68 

(C 

»■% 

48 

30.12 

(( 

30 

46 

29.95 

tl 

11 

65 

29.75 

tl 

17 

50 

29.35 

" 

31 

52 

29.80 

It 

12 

71 

29.75 

tt 

18 

50 

29.70 

'< 

April         1 

53 

29.70 

It 

13 

70 

29.80 

tt 

19 

50 

29.92 

it 

2 

54 

29.88 

tt 

18 

56 

29.75 

Hako 

30 

55 

29.73 

(( 

3 

62 

29.78 

tl 

19 

57 

29.60 

(( 

21 

60 

29.70 

tl 

4 

65 

29.62 

(C 

20 

60 

29.85 

tl 

22 

51 

29.35 

11 

5 

53 

29.78 

It 

21 

60 

29.96 

« 

23 

38 

29.50 

" 

6 

55 

29.95 

It 

22 

62 

29.90 

It 

24 

40 

29.80 

tt 

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EEPORT  MADE  TO  COMMODORE  PERRY 


BESPECTING 


A  MINERAL  SPRING  NEAR  HAKODADI, 

ON  THE  ISLAND  OF  JESSO,  JAPAN: 


REV.  GEORGE  JONES,  M.  A., 

CHAPLAIN  U.  S.  N., 
ATTACHED  TO  THE  U.  S.  STEAM  FKIGATE  MISSISSIPPI. 


DESCRIPTION 


A  MINERAL  SPRING  NEAR  HAKODADI, 


BY  REV.  GEORGE  JONES,  CHAPLAIN  U.  S.  N. 


U.  S.  Steamer  Mississippi, 
At^Sea,  June  5,  1854. 

Sir:  I  examined  the  mineral  spring  on  the  southwest  side  of  the  promontory  of  Hakodadi 
according  to  your  orders,  and  found  no  deposit  from  it,  except  a  thin  film  of  a  whitish,  slimy 
substance,  with  a  few  filaments  of  the  same,  seemingly  derived  from  the  action  of  the  sulphur- 
ous gasses  upon  the  alumina  of  the  rock  through  which  they  are  forced  up.  These  gasses  are 
tolerably  abundant,  and.  sometimes  produce  a  whizzing  sound  in  their  efforts  to  escape.  The 
water  issu^  forth  in  several  places,  through  small  crevices,  most  of  them  under  high-water 
mark ;  but  there  is  one  just  above  the  reach  of  ordinary  tides,  where  the  discharge  is  largest, 
and  the  odor  and  taste  are  strongest,  resembling  those  of  the  celebrated  spring  at  the  boat- 
landing  near  Castle  d'Uovo  at  Naples,  with  about  half  the  strength  of  the  latter. 

The  isolated  hill  (or  mountain),  on  the  side  of  which  Hakodadi  is  built,  consists  entirely  of 
sienite,  generally  grey,  sometimes  reddish,  in  which  the  crystals  of  tourmaline  are  very  dis- 
tinct. At  the  spot  where  the  mineral  spring  is,  this  rock  seems  to  have  been  d^isrupted  by 
some  subterranean  force,  so  as  to  make  a  crevice  about  20  feet  wide ;  and  into  this  another 
rocky  substance  has  been  forced  up,  similar  to  the  former,  except  that  the  tourmaline  has  disap- 
peared, and  the  feldspar  is  softer  and  in  distinct  masses,  so  as  to  form  a  porphyritic  rock.  Up 
through  this  filled-up  crevice  the  mineral  water  comes — probably  from  some  region  of  volcanic 
action  not  far  ofi". 

On  visiting  the  range  of  mountains  stretching  eastwardly  and  westwardly,  commencing 
about  8  miles  north  from  Hakodadi,  I  found  them,  as  far  as  I  penetrated  tlieir  recesses,  to  be 
entirely  of  volcanic  matter — either  basalt,  or,  in  other  instances,  volcanic  tufa — the  latter  with 
rounded  basaltic  masses  embedded  in  its  hardened  paste;  so  that  the  isolated  mountain  of 
Hakodadi  is  either  in  the  midst,  or  on  the  edge,  of  a  volcanic  region ;  and  it  is  not  at  all  sur- 
prising to  find  there  a  sulphur  spring.  Close  by  this  spring,  but  beyond  the  dyke  or  crevice 
noticed  above,  we  found  another  stream ;  the  latter  from  the  sienite  rock,  and  of  pure  water  of 
the  ordinary  kind. 

13  « 


98 


EXPEDITIOX     TO     JAPA>I. 


A  few  lurjidred  yards  westwardly  from  this  fountain  is  a  cave  of  a  remarkable  kind.  It 
opens  in  the  face  oi  a  projecting  perpendicular  hlufiF,  and  can  be  entered  only  in  a  boat.  It  is 
about  30  feet  high,  10  or  12  in  width,  and  the  water  at  its  entrance  has  a  depth  of  about  20  feet. 
We  penetrated  it  in  our  boat  until  the  darkness  became  so  great  that  we  could  no  longer  dis- 
tinguish objects;  but  we  found,  by  feeling  along,  that  the  cave  there  branched  off  right  and  left, 
with  apparently  still  as  great  a  depth  of  water  below  and  the  same  height  as  at  the  entrance. 
There  must  be  a  horrible  rush  and  roar  of  water  in  its  recesses  when  the  seas  are  high ;  but,  on 
this  occasion,  its  calmness,  and  the  smoothness  of  its  watery  pavement,  through  whose  clear 
depths  we  looked  down  on  the  white  sand  below,  were  a  pleasing  contrast  to  the  cold  wind  and 
drifting  mist  which  met  hs  as  we  emerged. 

The  bluff  itself,  in  which  the  cave  opens,  is  remarkable  for  a  columnar  formation  surmounting 
its  arch,  high  above.  This  had  so  much  the  appearance  of  basaltic  columns  similar  to  those  of 
the  Giants'  Causeway  in  Ireland,  or  to  trap  formations,  that  I  thought,  at  first,  they  i^st  ha 
such ;  but  the  rock  of  the  cave  is  all  sienite,  and  so  is,  probably,  that  of  the  columnar  arched 
rock  above.  I  subjoin  a  sketch  of  this  singular  formation,  and  of  the  entrance  to  the  cave. 
Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

GEORGE  JONES, 

Chaplain  U.  S.  N. 

Commodore  M.  C.  Perry,  U.  S.  N., 

Commanding  U.  S.  Naval  forces,  East  India,  China,  and  Japan  seas. 


.Mineral  spring  near  llakodadi. 


EEPORT  MADE  TO  COMMODORE  PERRY 


THE  AGRICULTURE  OF  CHINA 


DANIEL  S.   GREEN,  M.   D., 

SUKGEO      U.  S.  N. 

ATl'ACHED  TO  THE  UNITED  STATES  STEAM  FRIGATE  MISSISSIPPI. 


EEPORT 

tIPOH 

THE   AGRICULTURE  OF   CHINA, 

BY  DANIEL  S.  GREEN,  STJEGEON  U.  S.  N. 


My  observations  were  so  limited,  as  scarcely  to  justify  the  merest  notice  on  tlie  agriculture 
of  China ;  but  a  few  facts  of  some  interest  may  be  recorded. 

On  approaching  the  southeast  coast  of  China,  instead  of  meeting  with  alluvial  plains  or  low 
lands,  one  is  confronted  by  an  iron-bound  coast,  consisting  of  long  ranges  of  high  mountains. 
These  rise  abruptly  from  the  water's  edge,  without  even  a  narrow  belt  of  level  land  intervening ; 
and  the  sea  is  dotted  with  numerous  islands  similarly  circumstanced.  Both  are  now  destitute 
of  forests,  if  they  ever  were  clothed  with  them,  but  have  some  trees  and  underwood  growing 
in  valleys  not  altogether  arid.  The  residue  of  the  surface  is  either  bare,  or  covered  with  weeds 
and  short  coarse  grasses.  The  soil,  to  judge  all  by  one,  is  a  poor,  gravelly  clay — poor,  chiefly 
from  lack  of  moisture.  In  a  few  places,  principally  narrow  strips  at  the  bottoms  of  ravines, 
where  irrigation  can  be  practised,  small  portions  of  land  are  cultivated;  but  these  can  scarcely 
be  seen  in  the  great  blank  of  barren  wilds.  And  though  China  may  well  be  called  the  "Flowery 
Kingdom,"  it  here  presents  an  uninviting  and  most  unpromising  exterior. 

In  ascending  the  Canton  or  Pearl  river,  which  is  very  wide  at  its  mouth,  but  gradually  nar- 
rows towards  the  Boca  Tigris, miles  inland,  either  side  continues  to  present  the  same  ap- 
pearances as  the  seaboard.  In  short,  the  river  is  here  passing  through  the  coast  range  of 
mountains.  , 

Beyond  the  Boca,  the  land  extends  away  immense  distances,  in  flat  alluvial  plains.  Some  of 
the  alluviums  on  the  south  side  have  been  formed  within  the  memory  of  man,  and  further  ex- 
tensions are  now  being  deposited  below  the  Boca.  As  these  formations  go  on  and  acquire  suffi- 
cient extent,  embankments  are  thrown  up,  leaving  channels  or  canals  at  suitable  distances,  for 
the  admission  of  boats  to  all  parts  of  the  plain;  and  thus  a  large,  perhaps  the  larger,  portion  of 
all  the  canals  on  tide-water  have  been  constructed;  which  accounts  for  their  great  number  at 
little  expense.  The  earth  thrown  out  from  them,  to  form  the  limits  of  fields  or  enclosures,  seems 
to  form  dykes ;  and  to  prevent  the  tides  from  wearing  these  away,  rows  of  banana,  bamboo,  or 
other  trees  are  planted  upon  them.  Sluices  are  made  by  plank  boxing  or  otherwise,  by  which 
water  may  be  admitted  or  discharged,  according  to  the  tide,  either  for  the  purpose  of  warping 
or  of  irrigation. 

This  plain  is  of  very  great  size,  being  some  thirty  or  forty  miles  wide  from  the  coast  range 
to  the  next  range  of  highlands,  and  extending  between  them  as  far  as  the  eye  can  reach.     Over 


102  EXPEDITION     TO     JAPAN. 

its  wliole  surface,  two  crops  of  rice  are  j^roduced  annually,  except  where  sugar-cane  may  be 
planted,  and  where  culinary  vegetables  are  raised  for  the  supply  of  cities,  villages,  &c.  The 
preparation  for  rice  appears  to  be  simple  and  inexpensive ;  nor  did  we  at  any  time  witness  the 
great  gangs  of  agricultural  laborers  that  we  had  been  taught  to  anticipate.  At  harvest-time, 
indeed,  the  cities  seemed  to  pour  out  their  denizens  to  assist  the  countrymen;  and  at  least  one 
fleet  of  boats  passed  us,  with  crowds  on  board^  to  participate  in  gathering  the  just  ripening 
crops. 

The  land  is  prepared  either  by  a  plough  or  the  hoe.  The  plough  is  drawn  by  a  large,  heavy, 
unsightly  ox — the  water-buffalo.  It  is  a  rude  implement,  scarcely  a  step,  if  a  step,  in  advance 
of  its  ancient  congener  of  Greece  or  Rome.  The  ground  is  wet,  saturated  while  being  ploughed; 
hence  it  is  easily  worked,  and,  as  water  is  admitted  upon  it  immediately  thereafter,  it  is  not  in- 
jured by  being  baked  by  the  sun.  It  is  in  the  same  condition  when  worked  by  the  hoe,  a  large 
broad  implement.  A  gang  of  these  following  each  other,  make  a  series  of  furrows,  more  re- 
sembling those  of  a  good  plough  than  do  those  actually  made  by  the  plough  of  China.  After  the 
earth  is  completely  dissolved,  or  reduced  by  submersion — aided,  perhaps,  by  harrows  and  other 
tools — the  young  rice  (drawn  from  beds)  is  set  out  by  hand,  at  regular  intervals  of  about  twelve 
inches.  This  is  done  by  either  sex,  with  bare  feet  and  nude  legs,  wading  in  the  water.  The 
fields  are  regularly  irrigated  until  the  rice  is  about  maturing,  when  they  are  laid  dry.  This  is 
the  great  staple  in  China,  constituting  the  main  article  of  food,  being  a  substitute  for  bread 
for  all  the  numerous  population  of  that  country. 

Besides  rice,  various  other  articles  are  cultivated  in  the  neighborhood  of  Canton :  tea  to  a 
limited  extent;  sugar-cane  of  good  quality;  several  sorts  of  roots;  numerous  vegetables,  as 
maize,  potatoes,  tomatoes,  &c.;  also  fruits.  Of  these  last,  the  most  remarkable — and,  if  to  be 
introduced  into  the  United  States,  the  most  valuable — are  the  mandarin  orange,  small,  but  beau- 
tiful and  well  flavored,  and  possessing  tlie  peculiarity  of  a  very  thin,  loose  skin,  removable 
from  the  pulp  with  the  greatest  facility,  and  without  measurably  soiling  one's  fingers ;  the  hiche — 
a  special  favorite  among  the  Chinese,  and,  in  fact,  very  pleasant  to  the  taste — which  grows  upon 
a  highly  ornamental  tree,  requiring  a  hot  climate;  and  the  persimmon,  remarkable  for  the  great 
size  of  its  fruit,  some  being  near  three  inches  or  more  in  diameter,  and  is  mild  and  pleasant 
to  the  palate.  This,  however,  would  be  more  curious  than  valuable.  The  coolie  orange,  the 
banana,  custard  apple,  &c.,  are  also  grown  here.  These  trees  are  usually  planted  upon  the 
dykes  enclosing  rice  or  paddy  fields;  and  thus,  in  addition  to  preserving  them  from  damage, 
and  economizing  space,  contribute  to  relieve  the  monotony  of  a  landscape  of  large,  uniformly 
level  surfaces. 

The  animal  food  of  the  Chinese  of  this  section  appears  to  be  limited  in  variety  and  in  extent, 
consisting  chiefly  of  fowls  and  their  eggs,  fish,  pork,  and  a  modicum  of  coarse,  inferior  beef. 
Tliere  is  some  mutton,  but  this  is  brought  from  the  north,  at  high  prices,  and  for  the  foreign 
population. 

In  the  management  of  fowls,  except  of  ducks,  there  seems  to  be  no  special  peculiarity.  The 
eggs  of  these  latter  are  hatched  in  great  numbers  at  Canton.  They  are  arranged  in  layers,  with 
pa2)ers  between,  in  large  wicker-work  baskets,  the  size  of  barrels,  and  set  away  in  rooms, 
where,  in  due  time,  they  are  hatched  by  the  barrel-full.  I  am  not  informed  of  the  details,  nor 
whether  the  rooms  are  artifii;ially  warmed;  but  one  of  the  medical  ofiicers  of  the  squadron 
witnessed  the  operation  witli  admiration,  and  he  thought  that  incubation  was  efiected  by  the 
natural  temperature — at  least,  when  he  saw  it.     So  certain  is  the  operation,  that  the  time  of 


AGRICULTURE     OF     CHINA.  103 

hatching  is  known  -within  a  few  hours,  and  occurs  in  all  the  eggs  of  any  hasket  nearly  simulta- 
neously, with  few  or  no  failures.  When  of  proper  size,  the  young  ducks  are  sent  abroad  upon 
the  waters  in  large  duck-boats.  One  consists  of  a  long  central  boat  with  wide  platforms  extend- 
ing its  whole  length  on  either  side,  enclosed  by  slats  and  covered  by  coarse  matting.  In  these 
boats  ducks  are  accommodated  to  several  hundreds  in  numbers,  and  are  moved  up  and  down  the 
rivers,  from  time  to  time,  for  fresh  feeding-grounds — the  margins  of  streams  and  paddy  fields. 
For  their  admission  and  exit,  gang-boards  are  lowered  to  the  water ;  and  so  well  trained  are 
they,  that  at  a  regular  calling  they  hasten  home  incontinently;  and  so  punctually  is  this  done 
that  it  is  jocularly  said,  the  laggards,  or  those  last  in,  are  whipped  by  the  keepers  to  insure 
promptness.  Numbers  of  eggs  are  found  of  a  morning  in  these  boats,  which  are  duly  for- 
warded to  the  ecclobeon  establishments,  or  otherwise  disposed  of. 

Many  of  the  family-boats*  also  possess  a  pair  of  ducks,  kept  for  the  luxury  of  their  eggs. 
A  cylindrical  basket,  some  two  feet  long,  one  foot  in  diameter,  and  closed  at  the  ends,  suspended 
horizontally  by  cords  from  the  stern  of  the  boat,  contains  them ;  and  this  is  the  full  extent  of 
fowl-yard  and  fowl-house  together.  Tliey  are  lowered,  at  times,  into  the  water,  and  are  some- 
times allowed  the  freedom  of  an  excursion  around  the  boat. 

The  fish-ponds  are  celebrated ;  they  are  numerous  and  productive,  and,  together  with  the 
rivers  and  sea,  supply  the  people  with  a  large  proportion  of  their  animal  food,  and,  perhaps, 
the  most  nutritious  portion.  Our  chaplain  furnished  a  missionary  with  a  syuDjJsis  of  the  recent 
French  discoveries  in  pisciculture,  and  requested  him  to  communicate  the  details  to  the  Chi- 
nese. It  is  to  be  wished,  and  yet  to  be  doubted  whether  they  will  avail  themselves  of  the 
benefits  promised  by  them. 

The  hog  is  the  favorite  animal,  and  his  flesh  furnishes  the  principal  animal  food.  He  is 
carefully  reared  by  the  Chinese,  who,  though  in  many  respects  a  dirty  people,  keep  their  pig- 
pens with  the  greatest  neatness.  My  attention  was  particularly  drawn  to  this  fact  by  a  gentle- 
man resident  in  Singapore  (where  a  vast  majority  of  the  inhabitants  are  Chinamen),  who 
stated  that  their  pig-sties  (pointing  to  one  of  them)  were  cleaner  than  their  houses.  Hogs  are 
generally,  if  not  universally,  kept  in  close  pens  or  hoiises ;  and  such  has  probably  been  the 
custom  for  ages.  Deprived  of  much  exercise,  and  supplied  with  fattening  food,  such  as  refuse  rice, 
vegetables,  &c.,  they  have,  by  long  habit,  acquired  an  aptitude  to  lay  on  fat  and  to  reach  ma 
turity  at  an  early  age.  There  are  here  no  long,  lank,  roving  porkers,  but  all  are  compact, 
thrifty  animals — rather  inclined,  however,  to  be  pot-bellied  and  swag-backed.  Thgy  are  un- 
sexed  while  yet  young,  so  that  it  is  difficult  to  procure  breeding  pairs  for  exportation ;  especially 
is  it  so  to  meet  with  a  number  to  select  from.  Although  ordinarily  small,  or  not  exceeding  a 
medium,  still  some  attain  a  very  great  size — not  falling  far  below  the  immense  masses  of  flesh 
and  fat  sometimes  produced  by  high  and  long-continued  feeding  in  England  and  America. 

There  are  hogs  jDreserved  and  fed  within  the  precincts  of  temples,  and,  being  sacred,  (perhaps 
dedicated  to  deities,)  they  live  there  in  ease  and  luxury  until  they  die  a  natural  death.  Canton 
is  in  a  hot  climate,  yet  it  may  be  remarked  that  I  saw  no  hog-flesh  there  that  was  measley  or 
tuberculous,  as  is  not  unfrequently  the  case  in  tropical  America. 

In  feeding,  the  food  is  slightly  fermented.  Fermentation  effects  the  same  change  in  starchy 
food  that  boiling  does;  i.e.,  it  dissolves  or  ruptures  the  skin  or  pellicle  of  the  starch  grain. 
Corn  and  rice,  and  also  potatoes,  consist  mostly  of  starch  grains,  and  these  are  each  and  sev- 

°  Family  boats. — A  very  numerous  population  in  China  live  upon  the  water,  in  small  boats.  In  them  they  are  bom,  and 
live,  and  die.     They  carry  in  them  all  tlieir  household,  with  goods  and  appurtenances. 


104  EXPEDITION     TO     JAPAN. 

erally  enveloped  in  a  skin,  in  like  manner  witli  the  whole  grain — say  of  corn ;  unless  this  is 
ruptured,  the  grain  of  starch  can  be  digested  no  better  than  tlie  grain  of  corn  when  its  skin  is 
not  broken ;  and  this  is  often  passed  from  cattle  visibly  undigested  and  unaltered.  But  as 
grinding  ruptures  the  skin  and  breaks  down  the  whole  grain  of  corn,  rendering  it  more  digest- 
ible, and  consequently  more  nutritious,  so  does  boiling  or  fermentation  rupture  the  pellicle  and 
break  down  the  grain  of  starch,  and  renders  it,  also,  more  digestible,  and^  of  course,  more  nutri- 
tive. 

The  beef  of  this  portion  of  China  is  coarse  and  lean  ;  but,  bad  as  it  is,  there  is  not  much  of  it. 
The  lands  that  might  produce  good  beef  by  their  fertility  and  moisture,  are  all  under  culture ; 
and  the  uplands,  from  the  heat  of  climate  and  their  aridity,  can  only  bear  rough  innutritious 
grasses  or  weeds. 

From  Macao  the  seacoast  maintains  its  mountainous  character,  with  slight  modifications 
towards  the  northward  and  eastward  as  far  as  Ningpo ;  but  beyond  the  high  islands  about  Chu- 
san,  it  becomes  low  and  level.  This  is  a  portion  of  the  great  alluvial  plain  deposited  by  the 
waters  of  the  mighty  Tang-tse  Kiang.  Like  the  plains  near  Canton,  it  is  intersected  in  all 
directions  by  canals,  which  occasionally  assume  the  size  and  name  of  rivers.  From  these,  where 
the  tides  do  not  rise  sufficiently  high  for  irrigation,  water  is  raised  artificially  by  simple  and 
rude  machinery.  This  consists  of  a  main  cog-wheel,  worked  by  oxen,  which  turns  a  roller  at 
the  upper  end  of  a  trough ;  at  the  lower  end  of  which,  immersed  in  the  canal,  there  is  another 
rollerf  and  over  these  an  endless  series  of  wooden  boxes  revolve.  The  boxes  or  boards  fitting 
the  trough  elevate  the  water  and  pour  it  into  the  fields,  over  which  it  is  distributed  by  open 
drains.  The  whole  machine  is  readily  moved  from  place  to  place,  and  the  trough  can  be 
arranged  at  any  angle  to  suit  the  inclination  of  the  bank. 

In  approaching  Shanghai,  up  the  Woosung,  in  the  month  of  May,  the  coixntry  on  either  side 
presents  a  most  luxuriant  appearance  as  far  as  vision  can  extend ;  and  it  has  as  varied  and 
beautiful  scenery,  probably,  as  could  be  obtained  on  a  dead  level.  This  is  occasioned  by  many 
hamlets  and  villages  being  scattered  abroad,  and  environed  by  large  and  magnificent  trees ; 
also  by  multitudes  of  small  mounds,  which,  together,  break  the  uniformity  of  surface;  and, 
added  to  these,  the  whole  country  is  in  a  complete  state  of  cultivation.  Wheat  and  barley, 
near  maturity,  cover  all  the  land,  and  spread  out  mile  after  mile,  without  end,  and  with  no 
fences  to  interfere  with  the  apparent  continuity.  It  is  truly  a  rich  scene.  A  few  laborers  may 
be  seen  here  and  there,  who  seem  to  be  weeding  the  crops. 

Upon  a  nearer  approach  and  closer  observation,  one  is  greatly  disappointed  in  the  anticipated 
skill  and  cleanliness  of  Chinese  culture.  The  land  presents  a  damp,  moist,  almost  sobby 
state,  unsuited  to  wheat ;  and  the  ground  between  the  rows  or  drills  is  almost  covered  with 
grass  and  weeds.  Wheat  and  barley  are  both  in  rows,  as  if  drilled,  or  dibbled,  or  transplanted. 
The  yield  of  wheat  is  by  no  means  equal  to  what  its  appearance  from  a  distance  would  indicate. 
Its  heads  are  small  and  lean,  and  it  would  probably  not  exceed  ten  or  fifteen  bushels  per  acre; 
•whereas,  on  lands  of  apparent  similar  quality  in  the  United  States  and  England,  the  produce 
would  be  twice  or  thrice  that  quantity.  No  opportunity  occurred  of  examining  its  quality  at 
maturity;  but  a  sample  of  the  preceding  year  was  very  inferior — would  not  have  been  consid- 
ered "merchantable"  in  our  country,  and  yet  it  was  called  "good  wheat"  by  a  shopman  in 
Shanghai.  It  was  a  red  sort,  not  well  cleaned,  and  the  grain  was  small,  shrivelled,  and  light, 
and  withal  much  weavil-eaten.  If  such  be  a  fair  specimen,  there  is  no  wonder  that  the  Chinese 
do  not  like  it,  and  greatly  prefer  their  national  grain,  rice.     This  is  as  much  preferred  by  them 


ASRICULTURE    OF    CHINA.  [05 

to  wheat,  as  that  is  to  maize  by  the  English.  A  few  years  ago,  two  Chinamen  were  Bent  some 
hnndreda  of  miles  into  the  interior,  to  procure  a  coj)y  of  the  Hebrew  scriptures  from  a  fraternity 
of  Jews  living  in  a  city  upon  the  Hoang-ho.  In  the  report  of  their  journey  they  express  the 
severity  of  their  distress,  almost  amounting  to  famine,  on  the  borders  of  that  river,  by  stating 
that  the  inhabitants  were  reduced  to  the  necessity  of  using  "wheaten  bread,"  the  rice-crops 
having  failed  from  excessive  drought  and  scarcity  of  water. 

Second  crops  are  spread  over  all  this  region  in  autumn,  consisting  mainly  of  rice,  with  a 
proportion  of  cotton.  The  cotton  is  sown  broadcast  in  the  standing  wheat,  in  May,  by  a  man 
walking  through  it  and  casting  the  seed  (one  at  a  time)  in  front  of  him,  and  to  either  side. 
It  remains  uncovered,  and  vegetates  where  it  falls.  It  is  generally  of  the  white  kind,  though 
nankeen-colored  cotton  is  sometimes  seen. 

A  third  crop  is  also  grown  upon  these  cotton  patches — a  large,  hardy  kind  of  bran.  This  is 
sown  as  another  intermediary  crop,  amidst  the  growing  cotton-plants,  and  attains  maturity  in 
early  spring. 

It  would  thus  appear  that  the  Chinese  obtain  two  grain-crops  annually  from  almost  all  their 
cultivable  surface — or,  at  least,  of  that  which  can  be  irrigated.  And  although  the  produce  does 
not  seem  to  be  near  so  much  as  might  be  procured  by  better  management,  yet  the  two  yearly 
grain-crops  are  sufficient  to  account  for  the  lands  sustaining  so  large  a  population.  Nor  is 
much  of  this  grain  diverted  to  the  support  of  working  animals,  there  being  very  few — indeed, 
comparatively  none  employed  as  such. 

Besides  the  usual  vegetables,  there  is  one  so  common,  so  abundant,  and  such  a  favorite,  that 
mention  of  it  cannot  be  omitted.  It  is  to  the  Chinese,  what  cabbage  is  to  the  Dutch,  and,  like 
it,  is  of  the  hrassica  tribe.  The  petsai  (its  Chinese  name)  seems  to  be  a  medium  in  its  mode  of 
growth,  between  the  beet  and  the  colewort,  having  long,  rather  narrow,  and  crisp  leaves,  and 
yields  very  largely  in  rich  soil  with  irrigation. 

In  this  region  there  is  a  small  yellow  clover  of  little  value.  But  there  is  also  another  trefoil, 
which  probably  would  bo  of  great  value  in  our  middle,  and  more  particularly  in  our  southern 
States.  It  is  thus  spoken  of  by  Dr.  Wilson,  a  surgeon  in  the  English  navy,  who  was  stationed 
some  time  at  the  island  of  Chusan  during  the  opium  war:  "  At  the  close  of  autumn,  after  the 
rice-crop  is  gathered,  a  portion  of  the  soil  is  sown  with  a  hardy  variety  of  trefoil,  which,  notwith- 
standing occasional  severe  frosts,  grows  vigorously  during  the  winter.  (The  range  of  the  ther- 
mometer is  from  88°  to  28°  Fahrenheit.)  This,  which  is  cultivated  extensively,  is  ysed  almost 
entirely  as  a  manure,  and  no  doubt  possesses  powerful  fertilizing  properties.".  After  speaking 
of  its  quick  growth,  its  being  nutritious,  and  being  agreeable  to  the  eye,  having  a  flush  of  dark- 
red  flowers,  he  adds  :  "Its  precise  habits  are  not  known,  but  it  grew  in  a  dry  soil,  and  resem- 
bled, if  it  is  not  identical  with,  the  plant  called  sanfoin  in  England."  It  would  doubtless  prove 
very  valuable  for  soiling.  I  desired  to  procure  seeds  of  this  cultivated  grass,  but  was  unable. 
Endeavors  were  also  made  to  obtain  the  seed  of  the  dyers'  buckwheat  {polygonum  tinctoriuvi), 
but  without  success.  This  is  said  to  be  an  abundant  dye-plant  in  China,  and,  as  such,  would  be 
exceedingly  desirable  to  supply,  in  part,  the  increasing  demand  for  coloring  matter  by  our 
manufacturing  establishments. 

These  people  are  so  remarkable  for  their  success  in  the  use  of  manures,  that  some  notice  of  them 
is  necessary  from  the  most  transient  observer ;  and  such  was  I. 

Green  mamiring  has  just  been  referred  to,  in  an  extract  from  Dr.  Wilson.     Alluvial  do- 
posits,  from  the  margins  and  beds  of  rivers  and  canals,  are  spread  oyer  the  land  as  t()[)-dross- 
14  s 


106  EXPEDITION'TO    JAPAN. 

ings;  collections  of  offal  of  all  sorts,  and  of  all  refuse  matter,  seem  to  be  carefiiU.v  made, 
and  used  when  fermented.  Whether  urine  or  mineral  manure  of  any  kind  is  employed,  did 
not  come  under  notice  ;  though  doubtless  it  might  be,  with  great  advantage.  In  addition  to 
the  above,  human  excretions,  both  fluid  and  solid,  are  universally  employed — perhaps  to  a 
greater  extent  than  in  any  other  country.  No  measures  for  deodorizing  are  observed ;  conse- 
quently, the  eflluvium,  from  its  collection,  distribution,  and  employment,  is  one  of  the  most 
prominent  disagreeables  encountered  by  strangers,  whether  in  cities  or  highways,  or  in  the 
fields.  In  cities,  there  are  receptacles  at  various  distances,  on  the  street  side,  resorted  to  by 
passers-by,  and  so  open  as  to  be  offensive  to  the  eye  as  well  as  to  the  nose.  The  contents  of 
these  reservoirs,  and  the  same  from  private  houses,  are  carried  through  the  streets  in  open 
buckets,  China-fashion,  to  boats  for  transportation— much  to  the  annoyance  of  foreigners ; 
though  the  natives,  "to  the  manner  born,"  exhibit  a  most  stoical  indifference.  With  this,  and 
slop  and  mud,  in  narrow  streets,  it  would  be  difficult  to  find  a  more  filthy  and  disgusting  place 
than  a  China  city — Shanghai  being  the  example.  Conveyed  to  its  place  of  destination,  it  is 
put  into  any  capacious  earthenware  or  other  receivers,  protected  by  light  coverings  from  sun 
and  weather,  and  reserved  for  the  time  of  use — being  sometimes  watered.  It  is  thus  very  like 
SwisffT7wi7e.  The  time  of  applying  it  seems  to  be  one  of  the  most  important,  if  not  the  most 
important,  peculiarity  in  its  use — being  applied  either  to  the  germinating  or  to  the  very  young 
growing  plant.  This  forces  the  plant  forward  at  a  critical  period,  upon  which  its  whole  subse- 
quent development  and  maturity  very  much  depend.  This  manure  appears  to  be  always  used 
in  a  liquid,  almost  dilute  state,  and  to  be  distributed,  by  means  of  small  dippers,  to  each  in- 
dividual plant.  Its  powerful  nature  is  too  well  known  to  require  any  enlargement  upon  its 
effects.  In  speaking  of  manures,  it  may  be  remarked,  that  the  first  idea  produced  by  the 
numerous  mounds  (before  mentioned)  on  the  plains  of  the  Woo-sung,  was,  that  they  were  ma- 
nure heaps,'  covered  with  earth,  and  reserved  until  needed ;  but  their  size  and  number,  and 
the  abundance  of  verdure  upon  them,  cast  a  doubt  upon  this  impression.  They  are  the  gra,veH 
or  cemeteries  of  the  dead,  which  require  to  be  placed  upon  the  surface  of  the  earth,  in  this  low, 
wet  region.  Near  Canton  they  are  buried  in  excavations  made  into  the  sides  of  hills  and  moun- 
tains. Yet,  although  graves,  they  are  not  entirely  without  use  in  an  agricultural  point  of 
view,  inasmuch  as  the  grass  upon  them  is  given  as  food  to  cattle.  This  is  either  cut  and  fed 
to  stock,  or  the  animals  are  tethered  upon  the  mounds. 

Domestic  animals,  like  those  around  Canton,  are  found  near  Shanghai,  including  the  water- 
buffalo.  The  milk  of  this  animal  is  used,  even  by  the  foreign  population.  Besides  the  usual 
China  hog,  we  meet  here  with  an  ugly  little  black  pig,  with  a  dished  face  and  curiously  wrin- 
kled nose — of  the  Java  breed,  I  believe.  There  are  sheep,  also,  at  Shanghai ;  they  are  of 
two  kinds,  the  broad-tailed  and  a  common  sort,  not  very  unlike,  in  shape  and  appeaVance,  the 
Dorset  sheep  of  England.  Both  make  very  good  mutton ;  the  first,  however,  the  best.  This 
meat  is  superior  to  any  other  we  met  with  in  China ;  and  the  mutton  is  sent  from  hence 
to  Hong-Kong,  for  the  foreigners,  where  it  commands  a  high  price — some  37^  cents  per  pound. 
These  sheep  are  probably  brought  from  the  hill-country  near  Ningpo,  where,  according  to  some 
accounts,  there  is  good  grass  for  pasturage.  The  wool  of  the  broad-tail  is  coarse;  that  of  the 
other  is  coarse  hair  rather  than  fine  wool.  It  is  said  there  is  fine  wool  in  China:  can  this 
be  it? 

Ducks  are  not  common  here.  They  appear  •  to  have  been  superseded  in  popular  favor  by 
gallinaceous  fowls.     These  are  of  all  tlie  various  sizes  found  elsewhere;  but  the  largest  have 


AGRICULTURE     OF     CHINA.  107 

assumed,  i^ar  excellence,  the  name  of  the  place — Shanj^hais.  Among  these  are  mongrels  of 
every  degree.  The  best  are  well-proportioned,  i.e.,  have  large  bodies  with  short  legs  and 
necks,  and  are  of  solid  or  uniform  colors,  as  white  or  grey,  buff  or  yellow,  and  red,  which  show 
they  are  well-bred  and  of  good  strains.  But  better  fowls,  and  more  highly  improved,  may  be 
found  now  in  England  or  the  United  States,  just  as  better  merino  sheep  may  be  had  in  France, 
or  Saxony,  or  in  America,  than  in  Spain.  Nor  need  this  breed  be  greatly  desired,  if  judged  by 
the  flesh  obtained  at  Shanghai.  It  was  coarse  in  grain  and  insipid  in  flavor ;  this,  however, 
may  have  arisen  from  the  kind  of  food  upon  which  it  was  reared. 

In  this  neighboAood  there  is  a  hoe  in  general  use,  which  consists  of  three  or  four  prongs  or 
teeth,  instead  of  a  solid  blade — similar,  indeed,  to  our  dung-hoe.  Its  efi'ects  are  the  same  as 
those  of  forking  by  our  modern  gardeners. 

One  or  two  general  observations  will  conclude  these  brief  notices. 

It  may  be  inferred,  from  what  is  written,  that  I  do  not  entertain  the  exalted  opinion  of  the 
skill  and  perfection  of  the  agriculture  of  China  that  generally  prevails.  But  it  is  obvious  that 
enormous  quantities  of  food  must  be  produced  to  subsist  her  teeming  population.  How  can  this 
be  effected  without  science  and  industry,  knowledge  and  skill?  Four  means  will  answer  this 
question:  1st.  A  climate  remarkaibly  favoralile  to  vegetation,  from  its  great  heat  in  summer. 
2d.  The  almost  universal  practice  of  irrigation,  which,  from  the  natural  condition  of  the  coun- 
try, can  be  done  with  far  less  labor  and  to  a  far  greater  extent  than  is  readily  imagined.  3d. 
The  great  and  general  use  of  strongly  ammoniacal  manures,  a  knowledge  of  whose  efficacy  was 
attained  by  experience.  4th.  The  application  of  these  manures  to  the  germinating  or  growing 
plant— a  skill  acquired  from  routine  practice.  By  these  four  great  motive  powers,  immense  re- 
sults may  be  obtained  without  science  or  great  industry,  with  not  much  labor,  little  skill,  and 
less  knowledge.     And  such  appear  to  be  the  facts  in  China. 

I  had  designed  making  some  remarks  upon  the  nutritive  qualities  of  rice  and  vegetation  thu.'a 
forced ;  but,  without  entering  into  arguments  or  details  as  to  their  carbonaceous  and  aqueous 
conditions,  the  following  extract  upon  "Excess  in  Irrigation,"  taken  from  a  note-book,  will 
sufficiently  indicate  my  impression  upon  this  subject,  viz: 

' '  In  Valencia 
Flesh  is  grass, 
Grass  is  water, 
Men  are  women, 
Women  nothing." 

Respectfully  submitted, 

DAN'L  S.  GREEN. 


PAPER 


THE   AGRICULTURE  OF  CHINA 


G.   R.   WEST. 

[FOB  JAPAN  EXFKDrnON  REPORT.] 


PAPER 


THE  AGRICULTURE   OE  CHINA 


BY  G.  R.  WEST. 


The  Chinese  are  behind  the  age  in  the  science  of  mechanics  and  machinery.  But,  consider- 
ing they  possess  no  theoretical  rules  for  guidance  in  the  construction  of  machinery,  in  the  appli- 
cation of  the  mechanical  powers,  surprising  ingenuity  is  displayed,  and  efficiency  attained  by 
them.  All  machinery  employed  by  them  for  the  accomplishment  of  various  ends  is  exceed- 
ingly simple,  and  stamped  with  the  impress  of  primitiveness. 

In  these  rude  contrivances  (which  have  probably  existed  with  the  Chinese  for  thousands  of 
years)  are  involved  important  principles  in  machinery,  and  in  them  may  be  recognised,  by  the 
theoretical  mechanic,  the  types  of  many  practically  useful  machines  now  in  common  use  in 
western  countries. 

The  Chinese  operations  in  agriculture,  as  in  the  arts  and  manufactures,  are  upon  a  very 
limited  scale.  Tliis  accounts,  in  one  particular,  for  their  continued  use  of  rude  machinery,  and 
pertinacious  opposition  to  all  foreign  innovations.  Under  this  limited  plan  of  operations,  their 
rude  implements  are  more  serviceable  to  them  than  would  be  the  improved  machinery  of  western 
nations. 

For  example,  the  plough  is  used  by  them  for  breaking  up  alluvial  ground  for  rice  cultiva- 
tion, and  it  is  not  necessary  that  it  should  run  very  deep  or  possess  much  power.  For  breaking 
up  hard  ground,  a  peculiar  hoe  is  used.  The  plough  has  but  one  helve  or  handle,  but  in  other 
respects  is  the  same  in  principle  as  that  in  use  with  us.  It  is  provided  with  a  metal  share 
and  an  adjustable  mould-board.     (See  figure  5,  plate  1.) 

The  ploughing  is  conducted  while  the  fields  are  flooded ;  the  water-ox,  the  beast  of  burden  in 
the  south  of  China,  draws  the  plough,  reveling  in  the  slush,  followed  by  the  cheerful  farmer 
wading  knee-deep  in  mud  and  water  behind. 

The  plough  is  followed  by  a  harrow  with  a  scries  of  iron  blades  arranged  longitudinally  with 
the  frame,  so  as  to  divide  the  tenacious  clods  of  alluvial  earth.  (See  fig.  7,  plate  1.)  The  tooth- 
harrow  is  then  used.  Of  these  there  are  two  kinds;  one,  with  a  horizontal  frame  with  short 
and  strong  teeth.  The  buffalo  is  yoked  to  this,  and  while  in  use  it  is  pressed  down  by  human 
or  other  weight,  to  increase  its  effect  upon  the  ground.  Figure  6,  plate  1,  represents  a  smaller 
one  with  a  series  of  long  teeth  placed  at  an  angle  of  60°  or  70°  from  a  single  beam  provided 
with  handles  for  conducting  and  pressing  it  in  the  earth.  This  is  generally  worked  by  man- 
power. There  is  also  another  harrow  with  short  teeth  projecting  from  a  V-shaped  log  frame,  that 
is  pushed  by  hand.   (See  fig.  10.) 


112  E  X  P  E  D  I  T  I  O  :<      TO     J  A  P  A  ?f  . 

Figare  12,  plate  1,  represents  the  hoo  for  breaking  up  hard  ground.  It  resembles  more  our 
pick-axe  than  garden-hoo,  though  much  broader  and  thinner  than  the  former.  This  serves 
the  purpose  of  the  spade  with  us.  .  The  ground  is  afterwards  broken  up  and  mellowed  by  a 
band-rake  which  has  four  long  curved  prongs.     (See  fig.  2,  plate  1.) 

The  winnowing  machine  in  common  use  in  China  is  a  fac-simile  of  that  hand-machine  used 
in  our  southern  States ;  and  the  question  arises,  is  it  original  with  the  Chinese,  or  adopted  ? 
(See  fig.  1,  plate  1.) 

The  threshing  is  sometimes  conducted  in  the  field  at  harvest-time,  and  also  at  the  farm-honse, 
upon  cement  floors,  with  bamboo  flails. 

Harvest-time  in  China,  as  elsewhere,  is  one  of  rejoicing.  Men,  women,  and  children,  all  aid 
in  this  necessary  or  pleasant  operation ;  and  chickens  and  other  domestic  fowls  follow  them  to 
ihe  fields  to  pick  up  the  loose  grain  that  falls  to  the  ground.  The  reaping  of  rice  is  performed 
with  a  small  reaping-hook,  or  sickle,  which  is  serrated  on  its  cutting  edge.  The  scythe  eeema 
to  be  unknown  to  the  Celestials.     Figure  13,  plate  1,  represents  the  sickle. 

The  Chinese  are  exceedingly  ingenious  in  their  contrivances  for  raising  water  for  irrigating 
their  fields.  The  chain-pump  arrangement  predominates,  though  various  other  mechanisms 
and  methods  are  in  use  among  them.  Of  the  chain-pump  there  are  three  kinds  or  modifications 
(if  the  same  principle.  One  of  these  is  operated  by  animal-power,  the  other  two  by  man-power. 
The  first  is  provided  with  a  mechanism  precisely  the  same,  to  all  intents  and  purposes,  as  the 
horse-power  in  use  with  our  farmers  for  accelerating  the  speed  of  power  for  tbreshing,  hulling 
corn,  and  various  other  agricultural  purposes.  This  piece  of  machinery  is  probably  as  old  as 
husbandry  itself  in  China,  and  shows  that  tbose  people  were  early  acquainted  with  the  fact 
that  power  and  speed  vary  inversely,  or  that  power  or  time  is  gained  according  as  the  moving 
force  is  ajiplied  near  or  remote  from  the  axis  of  a  wheel.  Plate  2  represents  one  of  these  ma- 
chines, with  the  chain-pump  attached.  The  pump  consists  of  a  hollow  trunk  formed  of  boards, 
having  at  each  end  a  short  axle  provided  with  cogs,  over  which  an  endless  chain,  baving  a 
series  of  buckets  upon  it,  passes.  The  trough  is  placed  in  an  inclined  position,  with  one  end  in 
the  water  to  be  raised.  The  uj^per  axle  being  put  in  motion  by  its  connexion  with  the  power" 
machine,  (which  is  placed  on  the  bank  of  the  canal,  river,  or  pond,  and  operated  by  a  bufialo 
yoked  thereto,)  causes  the  endless  chain  to  rotate.  The  buckets  retain  the  water,  and  raise  it 
to  the  end  of  the  trough,  from  whence  it  flows  on  to  the  field. 

The  second  description  of  chain-pump  is  worked  by  men  operating  upon  a  description  of  tread- 
mill, with  the  feet.  The  upper  axle  of  the  endless  chain  of  pumps  is  extended  to  a  long  shaft 
on  either  side  of  the  trunk,  and  provided  with  short  radiating  arms,  serving  as  levers  for  the 
action  of  the  feet.  A  rotary  motion  is  thus  communicated  to  the  shaft  and  the  endless  chain 
of  buckets.  (See  plate  3.)  The  other  description  is  worked  by  a  crank  in  the  end  of  the 
upper  axle  of  the  chain-pump  by  hand-power. 

Bread  is  an  article  of  food  unknown  in  China.  Eice  is  the  staff  of  life  there.  The  little 
flour  required  for  the  making  of  pastry  is  produced  usually  by  the  aid  of  a  small  hand-mill ; 
thougb  rude  mills,  worked  by  buffalo-power,  are  sometimes  met  with  in  the  country,  by  which 
the  process  of  grinding  is  remarkably  slow  and  imperfect.  This  domestic  mill  consists  of  two 
stones,  the  lower  one  being  stationary,  and  the  upper  one  movable  on  the  face  of  the  former. 
This  is  put  in  motion  by  a  man  or  boy,  by  a  connecting  rod  jointed  to  a  short  lever  or  arm 
fastened  to  the  periphery  of  the  upper  stone.     (See  fig.  3,  plate  1.) 

A  large  mill,  worked  :  y  buffakvpowcr,  used  for  grinding  bones  for  manure,  beans  for  making 


AGRICULTURE      OF     CHINA.  H3 

oil,  and  substances  for  other  purposes,  is  frequently  to  be  met  with  in  the  southern  provinces. 
This  consists  of  a  circular  stone  trough  of  forty  or  fifty  feet  in  circumference,  in  which  a  heavy 
stone  wheel  rotates.  By  reference  to  the  figures,  plate  4,  the  construction  and  operation  of  this 
machine  will  be  readily  understood.  The  beam,  to  which  the  buffalo  is  yoked,  is  fulcromed  to 
a  stake  driven  in  the  ground  in  the  centre  of  the  trough,  and  the  buffalo  walks  in  a  circle  on 
the  inside  of  the  trough.  The  stone  wheel,  working  freely  on  its  axis  in  the  beam  to  which  the 
buffalo  is  attached,  is  not  only  drawn  around  on  the  circular  trough,  but  continually  rotates 
upon  its  own  axis,  crushing  and  triturating  any  substance  placed  in  the  trough. 

The  preparation  of  rice  for  market  employs  a  vast  number  of  persons  in  China ;  while  with 
one  of  our  improved  rice  cleaners  and  hullers,  no  hand  labor  worth  mentioning  would  be  re- 
quired, and  the  work  performed  in  a  thousandth  part  of  the  time,  and  with  vastly  more  effi- 
ciency. 

There  are  several  varieties  of  mills  in  use  for  separating  the  hulls  from  rice.  Figure  2,  plate 
1,  represents  one  of  these.  It  consists  of  two  wooden  circular  blocks,  so  adjusted  together  that 
the  ujjper  one  is  put  in  motion  in  contact  with  the  surface  of  the  other,  by  a  boy  or  man,  in  the 
same  manner  as  the  domestic  grist-mills,  before  described.  The  rice  is  thrown  through  the 
eye  of  the  upper  block,  and  passes  out  partially  hulled  at  the  peripheries  of  the  blocks.  This 
machine  is  imperfect  in  its  action,  and  the  rice  has  to  undergo  several  processes  after  passing 
through  it,  to  free  the  grains  from  husks,  and  make  it  marketable.  Large  stone  mortars,  and 
very  heavy-pointed  pestles,  are  used  for  this  purpose.  These  pestles  are  either  worked  by  the 
foot,  (as  iu  fig.  4,  plate  1,)  by  hand,  or  by  water-power,  as  the  case  may  be. 

The  contrivance  used  for  ginning  cotton,  met  with  in  the  cottages  in  the  vicinity  of  Shang- 
hai, though  not  worthy  of  the  genius  of  an  Arkwright,  are  still  more  efficient  in  removing  the 
seeds  of  cotton  than  the  old  plan  still  practised  in  small  country  towns  with  us.  It  consists  of 
a  frame,  having  at  one  end  of  it  two  uprights,  forming  the  bearings  of  two  small  horizontal 
rollers — the  upper  one  resting  upon  the  lower  one  with  a  slight  pressure,  so  as  to  be  rotated 
by  motion  communicated  to  the  former,  and  at  the  same  time  yielding  so  as  to  allow  the  cotton 
to  pass  through  or  between  the  rollers.  This  is  put  in  motion  hy  a  crank  or  leather  strap, 
operated  by  one  hand  of  a  man  or  woman,  seated  on  the  bench  part  of  the  machine,  while  with 
the  other  hand  the  cotton  is  fed  to  the  rollers.    (See  fig.  8,  plate  1.) 


15  « 


> 


REPORT  MADE  TO  COMMODORE  PERRY 


AN  EXAMINATION   OF  VOLCANO  BAY,  ISLAND   OF  JESSO, 


LIEUT.  COMD'G  JUNIUS  J.  BOYLE, 


ATTACHED  TO  THE  UNITED  STATES  STORE-SHIP  SOUTHAMPTON. 


REPORT 

OF 

AN  EXAMINATION  OF  VOLCANO  BAY, 

BY  LIEUT.  COMD'G  JUNIUS  J.  BOYLE,  U.  S.  N. 


Instructions  of  Commodore  Perrij  to  Lieutenant  Commanding  Junius  Boyle. 

U.  S.  Flag-ship  Powhatan, 

Hakodadi,  Japan,  3Iay  24,  1854, 
Sir:  When  the  wind  and  weather  permit,  you  will  proceed  with  the  U.  S.  store-ship  South- 
ampton, under  your  command,  to  Volcano  bay,  and  there  emjiloy  yourself  and  all  under  your 
command  in  making  as  perfect  a  survey  of  the  port  as  time  and  circumstances  will  allow,  being 
careful  to  collect  such  specimens  of  fishes,  shells,  birds,  plants,  minerals,  &c.,  as  it  may  be 
practicable  to  obtain  during  the  time  you  may  be  there. 

During  your  stay  in  the  bay  you  will  endeavor  to  conciliate  the  kind  feelings  of  the  people, 
and  it  will  be  expected  that  you  give  some  account  of  their  appearance,  habits,  manners,  &c. 
Determine  the  positions  of  the  prominent  head-lands;  note  the  time  of  tides,  their  set  and 
velocity,  and  vertical  rise  and  fall. 

You  will  leave  Volcano  bay,  weather  permitting,  on  Thursday  next,  the  1st  of  June,  and  pro- 
ceed thence  to  Simoda,  there  to  resume  your  former  anchorage.  In  your  passage  hence,  and 
all  the  way  to  Simoda,  you  will  make  such  observations  with  respect  to  the  appearance  and 
navigation  of  the  coast  as  opportunities  may  allow. 

I  send  you  a  tracing  copy  of  Broughton's  chart  of  Endermo  harbor  ;  but  it  is  better  not  to 
trust  to  the  chart  of  the  vicinity,  or,  indeed,  to  any  of  the  charts  of  the  coasts  and  harbors  of 
Japan,  as  they  must  necessarily  be  imjjerfect. 

Wishing  you  a  pleasant  passage,  I  am,  sir,  your  obedient  servant^  , 

M.  C.  PEERY, 
Commander-in-chief,  &c.,  <&c. 
Lieutenant  Commanding  J.  J.  Boyle, 

Commanding  TJ.  S.  Store-ship  Southampton,  Hakodadi,  Japan. 


Report  of  Lieutenant  Commanding  Boyle  to  Commodore  Perry. 

U.  S.  Stoke-ship  Soothampton, 
Harbor  of  Simoda,  Japan,  June  12,  1854. 

Sir:  Having  sailed  in  obedience  to  your  order  of  the  24th  of  May,  we  arrived  off  the  southern 
promontory  of  Volcano  bay  at  5  p.  m.,  when  it  fell  calm,  and  continued  so  until  midnight;  the 
roar  of  breakers  being  very  loud ;  the  nearest  land,  distant  three  miles;  depth  of  water,  33 


118  EXPEDITION     TO     JAPAN. 

fathoms.  In  the  morning  entered  the  bay,  tlie  weather  very  thick,  and  coasted  the  shore  along, 
2^  miles  distant;  kept  away  for  the  harbor  of  Endermo,  and  shortly  after  meridian  made  the 
land  aliead,  which  we  approached  within  two  miles,  and  ran  along  it  in  ten  fathoms  water, 
keeping  off  when  shoaling  that  depth ;  the  fog  continuing  thick,  and  the  surf  breaking  far 
from  the  shore,  could  not  see  the  entrance,  which  is  quite  narrow,  and  shut  in  by  adjacent 
points.  Having  passed  its  position,  continued  along  the  land^,  running  by  the  lead  until  7, 
p.  M.,  when  we  anchored  off  a  small  village.  After  night,  it  clearing  a  little,  discovered  three 
junks  anchored  near  a  large  town,  distant  about  three  miles.  During  the  night  and  all  next 
day  thick  fog  and  rainy,  with  fresh  breezes  from  E.S.E. ;  the  land  not  in  sight.  At  sunrise  on 
the  27th  the  fog  partly  dispersed ;  weighed  and  stood  for  the  eastern  coast,  sounding  from  a 
boat  in  5  fathoms  to  within  a  mile  and  a  half  of  the  shore  ;  also  running  a  line  of  soundings 
with  the  shij^,  as  we  had  previously  done  since  entering  the  bay.  At  11  the  fog  cleared  oft'  and 
disclosed  to  our  view  the  handsomest  country  I  have  seen  since  visiting  Japan.  The  hill-sides 
to  the  sea  were  covered  with  trees  of  a  dark-green  foliage,  interspersed  here  and  there  with 
yellow  spots,  which  I  supposed  to  be  under  cultivation ;  villages  and  scattering  houses  were 
in  sight  in  every  direction  near  the  beach,  which  is  generally  sandy.  The  bay  abounds  with 
sea-fowl,  and  has  every  indication  of  abundance  of  fresh  water  running  from  the  ravines.  At 
meridian  the  depth  of  water  was  17  fathoms;  running  9  knots  east,  for  an  indentation  in  the 
land,  supposed  to  be  the  entrance  of  the  port.  The  whole  circle  of  this  large  baj'  in  sight;  the 
tojis  of  most  of  the  mountains  covered  with  snow;  and  two  volcanoes  to  the  N.E.  in  a  state  of 
eruption.  As  we  apjiroached  the  land,  we  found  the  trees  and  shrubs  looking  less  verdant  than 
those  on  the  opposite  shore,  and  intermixed  with  a  great  deal  of  dead  wood,  both  erect  and 
prostrate.  Continued  on,  and  passed  a  small  island,  called  after  one  of  Broughton's  crew ;  also 
a  village  of  about  twenty  houses  opposite,  and  found  that  we  were  standing  up  the  channel  of  En- 
dermo; keeping  off  gradually  from  east  until  6''  30*°,  when  we  anchored,  heading  S.W.  A  few 
houses  abreast  of  the  ship,  on  the  port  side,  distant  half  a  mile ;  a  fortification  on  a  hill  south 
of  us,  and  a  shed  near  the  water,  where  we  supposed  two  guns  were  mounted.  At  8  p.  m., 
two  Japanese  officers  came  on  board,  rowed  by  Aino  Indians;  they  had  in  a  sheet  of  paper 
some  rice  and  a  small  piece  of  wood  ;  they  made  signs  to  know  if  we  wished  either,  also  water  ; 
and  being  told  we  wanted  nothing,  after  asking  the  usual  questions,  they  went  on  shore.  At 
7  P.  Ji.,  the  ship  was  visited  by  a  functionary  with  many  attendants  ;  he  was  clad  in  the  usual 
Japanese  manner,  but  had,  overall,  a  pelisse  coat  with  a  red  collar  and  considerable  embroidery. 
He  was  told  that  although  we  required  nothing,  we  would  pay  for  fish,  vegetables,  and  eggs, 
if  sent  on  board.  He  despatched  his  boat,  which  soon  returned  with  a  bundle  of  stems  looking 
like  the  rhubarb  plant;  he  said,  owing  to  the  bad  weather,  there  was  no  fish,  and  only  three 
chickens  in  the  place.  After  refreshments,  he,  with  his  party,  landed.  I  think  he  was  a  sort 
of  military  governor,  and  rather  unfavorably  inclined  towards  us.  The  preliminary  arrange- 
ments having  been  made,  the  survey  was  commenced ;  the  master,  Geo.  A  Stevens,  and  Midship- 
man May  being  detailed  for  that  duty  with  the  necessary  force. 

At  2  p.  M.,  a  large  party  came  off  with  the  two  officers  that  were  on  board  last  night,  and 
another  personage,  with  quite  a  showy  dress,  richly  worked  with  gold  thread  and  lace ;  he  was 
a  civil  or  political  officer  of  some  kind.  They  brought  several  bundles  of  vegetables,  herbs, 
and  a  few  salt  fish ;  hauled  up  a  net  alongside,  and  presented  us  with  the  contents — about  sixty 
flounders.  Declining  all  pay,  I  made  them  a  return  present;  when,  after  the  usual  refresh- 
ments, they  departed  in  fine  humor.     A  gang  of  hands  employed  clamming  returned  with  a 


VOLCAIVOBAY.  J  19 

mess  sufScient  for  all  hands;  so  ended  Sunday.  Monday  set  in  pleasant ;  prosecuting  the  sur- 
vey with  vigor.  A  party  on  the  heach  in  search  of  specimens  of  natural  history,  hringing  on 
board  in  the  evening  a  mess  of  clams  and  muscles,  a  variety  of  shells,  and  antlers  of  deer,  and 
a  few  small  snakes.  I  visited  the  small  island  at  the  entrance  of  the  harbor,  and  found  the 
grave  of  "Olason,"  buried  there  in  1796,  by  Captain  Broughton,  who  named  the  island  after 
him;  a  small  joss  house  is  erected  on  the  spot,  containing  all  the  paraphernalia  of  mourning, 
showing  by  this  that  the  inhabitants  had  respected  his  remains,  and  leaving  us  nothing  to  do 
to  mark  his  resting-place. 

A  party  from  the  northern  village  came  on  board,  were  entertained,  and  left  the  ship  well 
satisfied;  so  closed  Monday,  with  appearances  of  bad  weather.  Tuesday  commenced  with  east- 
erly winds,  cold  and  foggy;  few  visitors.  Surveying  party  hard  at  work,  also  a  party  clam- 
ming. During  the  night  the  mountains  in  the  N.E.  were  brilliantly  lighted  up  by  a  large  vol- 
cano in  full  blast — making  three  seen  from  the  ship  in  a  state  of  combustion,  but  only  this  one 
issuing  flames.  In  the  morning  thick,  disagreeable  weather;  hard  at  work  as  usual,  endeavor- 
ing to  complete  the  survey  before  the  weather  became  worse.  At  4  p.  ji.,  inclining  to  a  calm, 
got  under  way  and  stood  down  the  bay;  at  V"  SO"  picked  up  the  surveying  party,  they  having 
finished  their  labors.  A  thick  fog  coming  on,  continued  in  the  bay,  where  we  drifted  with  a 
light  air  during  the  night.  At  1  p.  m.,  June  1st,  made  the  land  on  the  western  shore;  tacked 
to  the  east,  and  at  4  p.  m.  took  our  departure  from  "  Olason's"  island,  bearing  N.E.,  distant 
4  miles.  On  our  arrival,  the  natives  were  seen  hurrying  off  with  back-loads  of  baggage  ;  the 
village  and  harbor  were  at  once  deserted  ;  most  of  the  population  we  saw  appeared  to  be  Aino 
Indians — the  fisherman  being  of  that  race.  In  stature  they  averaged  less  than  Europeans,  being 
but  little  over  five  feet,  but  well-proportioned,  with  intelligent  features  ;  their  color  dark,  with 
very  black,  coarse  hair,  cut  short  behind,  locks  long  and  bushy,  beard  and  moustaches  undip- 
ped and  uncombed,  and  altogether  filthy  in  their  appearance.  Their  dress  was  a  blue  under- 
garment reaching  to  the  knees,  with  a  coarse  brown  sack,  made  of  grass  or  skins,  over  all ;  leg- 
gins  were  not  worn,  their  legs  being  quite  hairy.  In  walking  they  turned  their  toes  out,  and 
in  rowing  pulled  right  and  left  alternately.  On  the  morning  after  our  arrival,  we  discovered 
that  a  calico  screen  or  battery  had  been  put  up  abreast  of  us  during  the  night.  The  Japanese 
were  similar  in  appearance  to  those  of  Hakodadi. 

I  will  enclose  the  result  of  the  reconnaissance  of  the  bay,  and  a  survey  of  the  harbor  of  En- 
dermo,  the  latter  being  the  joint  work  of  Messrs.  Stevens  and  May,  who  are  entkled  to  any 
credit  you  may  be  pleased  to  attach  to  it.  Since  being  passed  by  the  squadron  on  Saturday 
evening,  we  have  experienced  calms  and  head  winds,  with  adverse  currents,  which  delayed  our 
arrival  here  until  this  time. 

Hoping  for  your  approval  of  my  conduct,  I  am,  &c.,  &c. , 

JUNIUS  J.  BOYLE, 

Lieutenant  Commanding. 

Commodore  M.  C.  Perry. 


RErOUT  MADE  TO  COMMODORE  PEERY 

* 


OBSERVATIONS  AND  SOUNDINGS  OF  THE  ISLANDS  OF  JAPAN, 

FROM   HAKODADI   TO    SIMODA, 

CAPTAIN    JOEL   ABBOT,    U.   S.    N., 

COMMANDING  U.  S.  SHIP  MACEDONIAN. 


IG 


REPORT 

ON     AN 

EXAMINATION  OF  THE  COASTS  OE  THE  ISLANDS  OE  JAPAN. 

BY  CAPTAIN  JOEL  ABBOT,  V.  S.  N. 


InstructioTis  of  Commodore  Perry  to  Captai  Anbbot. 

U.  S.  Flag-ship  Powhatan, 

Hakodadi,  May  31,  1854. 
*     Sir  :  Wind  and  weather  permitting,  you  will  proceed  with  the  U.  S.  ship  Macedonian,  under 
your  command,  to  the  port  of  Simoda,  Japan. 

On  your  passage  you  will  keep  as  near  the  land  as  prudence  and  safety  will  allow,  in  view  o 
tracing  the  outline  of  the  coast,  and  determining  the  positions  of  the  prominent  headlands,  and 
otherwise  improving  the  very  imperfect  charts  of  this  part  of  the  world. 

It  is  important  that  the  islands  lying  south  of  Cape  King,  including  Fatsisio,  should  be 
sighted,  and  their  positions  marked  by  accurate  observations. 

Respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

M.  C.  PERRY, 
Oommander-in- chief  U.  S.  naval  forces,  East  India,  China,  and  Japan  seas. 
Captain  Joel  Abbot, 

Commanding  U.  S.  ship  Macedonian. 


Report  of  Captain  Abbot  to  Commodore  Perry. 

U.  S.  Ship  Macedonian, 
Simoda,  Japan,  June  11,  1854. 

Sir  :  Agreeably  to  your  orders  of  the  31st  ultimo,  I  left  Hakodadi,  island  of  Yesso,  Japan, 
on  that  date,  in  the  U.  S.  ship  Macedonian,  under  my  command,  for  this  place,  by  way  of  the 
island  of  Fatsisio,  and  I  have  the  honor  to  report  my  safe  arrival  here  this  evening. 

I  regret  to  have  to  state  that  the  very  unfavorable  winds  and  weather  have  not  afforded  a  good 
opportunity  for  a  close  continuous  view  of  the  coast  of  Niphon,  nor  to  determine  the  exact 
position  of  its  headlands  or  the  numerous  islands  south  of  Cape  King,  having  had  but  a  very 
few  reliable  nautical  observations.  The  first  three  days  were  attended  with  a  dense,  damp  fog, 
during  which  but  few  glimpses  of  the  land  were  had,  and  the  whole  passage  has  been  attended 


1*24  EXPEDITION    TO    J  A  P  A  ?i  . 

with  a  head  wind,  with  the  exception  of  about  twenty-four  hours.  Notwithstanding  which,  a 
pretty  close  proximity  has  been  had  to  the  coast  and  the  extensive  chain  of  islands  and  rocks  to 
the  south  of  Cape  King,  on  our  way  here,  and  frequent  casts  were  had  with  the  deep-sea  lead  ; 
bottom  was  generally  obtained  on  the  coast  of  Niphon,  at  a  distance  of  from  three  to  five  miles 
from  the  shore,  in  from  50  to  60  fathoms,  generally  sand  and  gravel.  On  one  occasion,  sound- 
ings were  had  in  26  fathoms,  about  five  miles  from  the  land. 

Among  the  islands  we  have  obtained  soundings  but  once.  When  about  ten  or  twelve  miles 
from  Fatsisio,  toward  South  Island,  which  was  in  sight  at  the  time  about  twenty  miles  distant, 
bottom  was  had  in  90  fathoms  water ;  dark,  grey  sand ;  but  close  to  the  island  of  Fatsisio,  within 
two  miles  of  the  shore,  no  bottom  could  be  found  with  125  fathoms  line.  Various  trials  were 
had  at  different  points.  I  will  here  remark,  that  Fatsisio  is  a  beautiful  looking  island,  and  ap- 
pears to  have  a  numerous  population,  and  to  be  in  a  high  state  of  cultivation.  A  high,  sugar- 
loaf  looking  island,  of  small  base,  about  two  miles  from  the  main  island,  is  cultivated  to  its 
very  summit — a  height,  I  should  think,  of  1,200  feet. 

Fatsisio,  instead  of  being  inaccessible  as  regards  convenient  landing-places,  on  the  contrary, 
has  a  number  of  fine  landing  beaches,  upon  one  of  which  could  be  seen  two  boats  hauled  up.  No 
boats  were  seen  afloat  at  the  main  island ;  but  the  high  sugar-loaf  island,  above  spoken  of,  had 
several  boats  near  it,  apparently  fishing. 

The  lack  of  observations,  on  account  of  the  thick,  stormy,  and  cloudy  weather  experienced  on 
our  passage,  will  allow  but  little  to  be  said  in  regard  to  the  position  of  the  coast  of  Niphon  and 
the  adjacent  islands. 

The  master's  monthly  report  will  contain  such  particulars  as  his  observations  will  warrant, 
both  as  regards  currents  and  position  of  places. 

All  which  is  respectfully  submitted,  by  your  obedient  servant, 

JOEL  ABBOT, 
Captain  U.  S.  Navy. 

Commodore  M.  C.  Perry, 

Commander-in-chief  U.  S.  naval  forces,  East  India,  China,  and  Japan  seas. 


REPORT  MADE  TO  COMMODORE  PERRY 


EXAMINATION  OF  THE  BONIN  GROUP 


CAPTAIN    JOEL    ABBOT,    U.    S.    N., 


COMMANDING  U.  S.  SHIP  MACEDONIAN. 


REPORT 

or 

AN  EXAMINATION   OP  THE  BONIN  GROUP  OP  ISLANDS, 

BY  CAPTAIN  JOEL  ABBOT,  U.  S.  N. 


Instructions  of  Commodore  Perry  to  Captain  Abbot. 

U.  S.  Flag-ship  Powhatan,  Yedo  Bay, 
Japan,  April  10,  1854 

Sir:  You  will  proceed  with  the  United  States  ship  Macedonian,  under  your  command,  to 
Port  Lloyd,  Peel  Island,  one  of  the  Bonin  Group,  and  there  examine  into  the  condition  of  the 
small  settlement  established  at  that  place  in  1830,  and  of  which  Nathaniel  Savery,  at  the  time 
of  my  visit  to  the  island,  was  the  only  surviving  white  man  of  the  first  settlers. 

I  have  strongly  recommended  the  Port  as  a  placs  worthy  the  notice  of  the  government,  it 
being  in  many  resjiects  suitable  for  a  harbor  of  resort  and  refreshment  for  vessels  plying  be- 
tween California  and  China,  also  for  our  whaling  ships,  and  especially  as  a  coal  depot  for 
steamers  that  will  doubtless  ere  long  be  running  as  regular  ^jackets  across  the  Pacific. 

To  this  end,  and  to  secure  the  only  suitable  locat'on  for  a  coal  depot  at  Port  Lloyd,  I  ob- 
tained by  purchase  from  Nathaniel  Savery  a  tract  of  land,  which  has  been  partially  surveyed, 
and  its  boundary-lines  established. 

The  object  of  your  visit  to  this  island  will  be  of  two-fold  consideration.  First,  to  render  all 
suitable  aid  to  this  little  settlement,  and  to  the  whaling  ships  usually  found  cruising  in  this 
vicinity — their  boats  frequently  entering  Port  Lloyd  for  supplies.  To  take  on  board,  unless  ho 
desires  to  remain,  John  Smith,  ordinary  seaman,  who  was  landed  in  June  last  from  the  Sus- 
quehanna; and  to  pay  ofl",  and  discbarge  from  the  books  of  the  squadron,  Nathaniel  Savery, 
who  has  been  allowed  the  pay  of  seaman,  with  one  ration,  for  the  services  he  has  rendered. 

Should  Smith  desire  to  remain  on  the  island,  you  can  discharge  and  pay  him  off. 

The  second  object  of  your  brief  cruise  will  be,  to  give  exercise  to  your  officers  and  crew,  and 
more  particularly  to  make  careful  observations  upon  the  winds  and  currents,  in  the  track  be- 
tween this  and  the  Bonin  Group — a  route  which  will  be  much  frequented  by  vessels  from  the 
Pacific  ports  of  the  United  States — and  to  mark  the  correct  positions  of  any  islands  or  rocks 
you  may  see  in  your  passage  to  and  from  Port  Lloyd. 

You  will  more  particularly  notice  the  direction  and  velocity  of  a  stream  of  moving  water, 
running  in  a  northeasterly  direction,  similar  in  many  respects  to  the  Gulf  stream  which  trav- 
erses our  own  coast,  marking  upon  the  chart  the  outlines  of  its  width  and  course;  and  noting, 
with  great  care,  and  at  every  hour,  the  temperature,  as  compared  with  that  of  the  atmosphere. 


i25<  r.  X  P  K  U  1    1  I  O  .N      TO     J  A  1'  A  N  . 

You  will  not  remain  at  Port  Lloyd  beyond  the  28th,  or,  at  farthest,  the  30th  instant ;  and 
will  then  proceed,  on  your  return,  to  the  port  of  Simoda,  in  Japan — one  of  those  assigned  by 
treaty  as  a  place  of  resort  for  American  vessels. 

If  you  can  obtain  at  the  islands  large  or  limited  supplies  of  pigs,  turtle,  vegetables,  or  fruit, 
for  the  use  of  the  squadron,  you  will  procure  what  can  be  conveniently  spared  by  the  settlers. 

When  at  the  Bonins,  in  June  last,  I  caused  to  be  landed  some  bullocks,  sheep,  goats,  and 
pigs,  for  breeding ;  and  it  is  my  desire  that  you  will  give  strict  orders  forbidding  the  destruc- 
tion of  any  of  those  animals  upon  either  of  the  islands,  as  it  is  important  that  they  should  be 
left  to  multiply  for  some  future  object;  nor  will  you  allow  the  wild  goats  belonging  to  the  set- 
tlers on  the  adjacent  islands  to  be  disturbed. 

I  send  a  few  implements  of  husbandry  to  be  distributed  under  your  supervision  to  Nathaniel 
Savery,  and  others  of  the  most  industrious  and  exemplary  of  the  settlers  ;  also  some  seeds. 

During  your  stay  at  the  island,  if  time  allows,  you  will  malce  such  observations  and  collec- 
tions in  the  various  branches  of  natural  history  as  may  be  practicable. 

Wishing  you  a  pleasant  cruise,  I  am,  sir,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

M.  C.  PERRY, 
Commander-in-chief  U.  S.  naval  forces,  East  India,  China,  and  Japan  seas. 

Captain  Joel  Abbot, 

Commanding  U.  S.  ship  Macedonian. 


Beport  of  Captain  Abbot  to  Commodore  Perry. 

U.  S.  Ship  Macedonian, 
Simoda,  Island  of  Niphon,  Japan,  May  2,  1854. 

Sib  :  In  obedience  to  your  orders  of  the  10th  ultimo,  for  objects  therein  stated,  I  sailed  the 
next  morning  in  the  U.  S.  ship  Macedonian,  under  my  commantl,  for  a  brief  ci'uise  to  the  Bonin 
Islands,  and  back  to  Japan.  In  the  performance  of  which,  I  have  to  report  that  I  did  not  arrive 
at  Port  Lloyd  until  the  afternoon  of  the  20th  April,  owing  to  bad  weather,  a  rough  sea,  and 
strong  currents. 

Immediately  on  leaving  the  passage  between  Oho-sima  and  Cape  King,  there  seemed  to  be  a 
stronc  northeasterly  current,  and  for  two  days  there  was  every  appearance  of  a  gulf  stream 
similar  to  that  on  our  own  coast  near  Cape  Hatteras;  the  water,  however,  is  not  so  warm  by 
about  10  degrees,  on  an  average,  as  the  Gulf  stream  on  the  coast  of  the  United  States.  The  sea 
was  very  rough  und  irregular,  boiling  up,  as  it  were,  into  heaps,  and  there  was  a  continual 
hissing  and  roar  of  tide-rips — a  perfect  chow-chow,  as  a  Chinaman  would  say.  The  weather 
was  thick,  stormy,  and  squally,  and  the  wind  very  irregular — all  round  the  compass — suddenly 
shifting  from  one  side  to  the  other,  and  taking  the  ship  aback.  Various  whirlwinds  were  seen; 
one  came  near  to  us,  and  raised  the  water  into  a  white  foam  as  it  passed  along.  Its  extent  and 
compass  was  small.  I  should  judge  there  had  just  been  a  very  heavy  rotary  gale.  There  was 
a  rough,  turbulent,  agitated  swell,  nearly  all  the  way  to  the  Bonin  Islands,  and  the  winds  very 
variable  ;  and  off  those  islands  the  current  set  very  strong — sometimes  to  the  northward  and 
eastward,  and  sometimes  to  the  southward  and  westward ;  the  latter  tlie  most  prevalent,  I 
should  think.  The  weather  was  such,  after  leaving  the  Japan  coast,  as  to  afford  no  reliable 
data  upon  which  to  determine  the  breadth  or  bounds  of  the  stream,  or  the  exact  velocity  and 


PEEL      ISLAND,      BONIN     GROUP.  129 

sets  of  the  current.  I  am  inclined  to  think  that  it  washes  the  entire  eastern  seaward  coast  of 
Japan;  and  that  its  hreadth,  southeasterly  from  Cape  King,  is  about  90  miles,  setting  to  the 
northward  and  eastward  with  a  velocity  of  from  2  to  3  miles  an  hour,  and  for  a  considerable 
distance  southerly  in  the  same  direction  with  less  velocity.  In  latitude  about  30°  40'  N.  (it 
being  calm),  lowered  a  boat  and  found  about  half  a  knot  westerly  current. 

In  the  hydrographical  report  of  Mr.  Walcutt,  the  master  of  this  ship,  will  be  found  pretty 
much  all  that  opportunities  had  will  allow  to  be  said  respecting  the  winds  and  currents  expe- 
rienced,  and  the  islands,  rocks,  &c.,  seen  upon  this  short  cruise. 

I  have  visited  all  the  settlers  and  residents  at  Port  Lloyd,  and  distributed  among  them  the 
vegetable  seeds  which  you  furnished  for  that  purpose  ;  also  the  agricultural  implements,  for 
which  they  appeared  to  feel  very  grateful  to  you,  and  properly  to  appreciate  these  benefits,  as 
also  all  your  other  acts  of  kindness  to  them.  Purser  Allison  and  Dr.  Gilliam,  of  this  ship,  have 
also  distributed  China  fruit  and  vegetable  seeds  which  they  procured  at  Hong  Kong. 

Since  your  visit  to  Port  Lloyd,  the  residents  and  settlers  have  formed  a  government  or  com- 
pact by  the  name  of  "  The  Colony  of  Peel  Island,"  and  established  laws  and  regulations  for 
their  mutual  welfare  and  protection — the  government  officers  consisting  of  a  chief  magistrate 
and  two  councilmen.  A  copy  of  the  instrument  of  their  government,  laws,  and  regulations,  is 
herewith  enclosed  for  your  information ;  also,  a  schedule  of  the  vessels  that  have  touched  at  Port 
Lloyd  for  supplies,  &c.,  since  th«  Plymouth  was  there.  These  notes  were  taken  by  George 
Horton,  a  man  who  belonged  to  the  Plymouth,  but  being  very  sick  with  the  dropsy,  and  his 
time  being  out,  by  recommendation  of  the  surgeon  he  was  discharged  by  Commander  Kelly,  and 
left  at  Port  Lloyd.  Since  he  has  been  there  he  has  entirely  recovered  his  health,  and  has 
bought  a  good  and  comfortable  place  of  a  man  who  desired  to  leave,  and  has  left,  the  island. 
Horton,  though  old,  is  a  smart  and  serviceable  man  at  tlie  island,  and  makes  an  excellent  pilot. 
He  j)iloted  the  Macedonian  in  and  out. 

The  settlers  being  desirous  of  hoisting  the  American  flag,  and  having  none  of  any  kind  to 
hoist,  and  as  I  thought  it  of  importance  to  the  many  vessels  touching  there  (principally  Ameri- 
can) that  there  should  be  a  flag  displayed  when  any  vessel  should  be  in  sight,  to  identify  the 
port,  I  loaned  them  one  for  that  purpose,  to  be  retained  until  called  for. 

I  regret  to  have  to  report  the  loss  of  a  bower  anchor  and  thirty  fathoms  of  chain-cable  at  Port 
Lloyd,  by  the  parting  of  the  chain  or  its  getting  unshackled  ;  I  suppose  the  latter,  as  the  wind, 
although  strong  in  pus's,  was  not  sufficiently  so  (having  two  anchors  down)  to  fairiy  part  such 
a  chain.  In  consequence  of  this  mishap,  it  cost  all  hands  two  days'  incessant  labor  in  eflbrts  to 
recover  it,  and  I  lament  to  say  without  success — the  water  being  so  deep  and  the  bottom  so 
rocky  and  foul.  Eight  anchors  have  been  previously  lost  there,  I  was  told,  and  none  of  them 
ever  recovered.  Notwithstanding  this  loss  and  hindrance,  together  with  three  days  of  bad 
weather,  in  which  little  or  nothing  could  be  done,  the  ship  was  filled  up  with  excellent  water, 
four  or  five  cords  of  dry  wood  obtained,  the  seine  a  nuuiber  of  times  drawn  with  good  success. 
The  great  guns  were  exercised  at  target-firing,  and  most  excellent  shots  made  ;  the  boat-gun 
was  taken  on  shore  and  also  exercised  at  target-firing,  and  the  marines  went  on  shore  to  drill 
and  exercise  in  the  same  way  ;  and  most  of  the  crew  had  liberty  to  land. 

The  residents  furnished  us  with  such  vegetables  as  they  could  spare,  which  this  season  of  tlie 

year  afi'ords — onions  and  sweet  potatoes  only — together  with  all  the  turtle  they  had  on  hand,  and 

all  that  our  short  stay  and  the  bad  weather  would  allow  them  to  take.     The  most  of  the  turtle 

I  have  brought  for  the  use  of  the  squadron,  one  of  which  is  a  present  to  you  from  Mr.  Savory. 

17s 


130  EXPEDITION     TO     JAPAN, 

Their  fruits  were  not  ripe,  and  they  had  recently  supplied  the  whale-ships  with  all  the  pigs  they 
could  spare,  which  have  heen  but  few  since  the  Russian  squadron  was  there,  in  July  and  Au- 
gust. The  fowls  of  the  Shanghai  breed  with  which  you  furnished  the  settlers  are  rapidly  mul- 
tiplying, and  they  will  soon  have  chickens  and  eggs  to  dispose  of.  The  sheep  you  left  on  Sta_ 
pleton  island,  I  was  informed,  were  doing  well,  and  that  a  second  generation  had  been  pro  • 
duced — i.  e. ,  the  first  lambs  brought  forth  there  had  also  had  lambs.  All  I  could  learn  respect- 
ing the  cattle  was,  that  the  bones  of  one  of  the  bulls  had  been  found.  Since  which,  none  of 
them  had  been  seen,  but  some  of  them  had  been  heard  lowing.  It  was  supposed  that  one  of  the 
bulls,  in  fighting  with  the  other,  got  pushed  over  a  precipice,  from  the  situation  of  the  bones 
that  were  found,  and  the  circumstance  that  they  began  fighting  soon  after  being  put  on  the 
island.  It  is  seldom  that  any  of  the  settlers  go  to  that  jjart  of  the  island  on  which  the  cattle 
are  placed.  I  intended  to  go  and  look  after  them  myself,  but  the  bad  weather  and  other  cir- 
cumstances did  not  permit  of  it. 

On  my  passage  to  Port  Lloyd,  I  fell  in  with  three  American  whale-ships,  from  two  of  which 
I  obtained  a  small  quantity  of  sperm  oil.  The  day  I  left,  one  arrived  from  which  I  got  a  good 
supply  for  the  Macedonian,  and  two  casks  containing  28T  gallons  for  the  use  of  the  squadron, 
which  are  now  stowed  upon  the  forecastle.     The  oil  cost  |1  25  per  gallon. 

My  surgeons  have  either  visited  or  prescribed  for  all  the  sick  on  board  the  whale-ships  with 
which  we  have  had  communication.  They  also  visited  the  8i»k  at  Port  Lloyd — there  being  a 
number  of  sick  men  left  there  from  whale-ships,  upon  one  of  whom  they  jJerformed  a  surgical 
operation,  and  left  him  in  a  fair  way  of  recovery;  but  for  their  timely  aid  and  assistance,  the 
man  could  probably  never  recover. 

I  left  Port  Lloyd,  Peel  island,  in  the  afternoon  of  April  28th,  the  day  you  named.  Our  return 
passage  has  been  characterized  by  nothing  of  particular  interest  except  the  discovery  of  a  singu- 
lar monumental-looking  rock,  several  hundred  feet  high,  which  is  not  laid  down  on  any  of  our 
charts,  and  which  bears  S.  f  E.,  distant  54  miles  from  the  island  of  St.  Peters.  The  master's 
monthly  report  will  contain  particulars  in  relation  to  it. 

All  which  is  submitted  by  yours,  most  respectfully, 

JOEL  ABBOT, 
Captain  U.  8.  N. 

Commodore  M.  C.  Perry, 

Commander-in-chief  U.  S.  naval/orces,  East  India,  China,  and  Japan  seas. 


ARTICLES  OF  AGREEMENT 

OF   THE   SETTLKRS    AT    PEEL    ISLAND. 

We,  the  undersigned,  residents  and  settlers  on  Peel  island,  in  convention  assembled,  wishing 
to  promote  each  other's  mutual  welfare  by  forming  a  government,  have  ordained  and  estab- 
lished the  following  articles,  which  we  solemnly  bind  ourselves  to  support  for  the  period  of 
two  years : 

Article  I. 
The  style  of  our  government  shall  be  "  The  Colony  of  Peel  Island." 


BONING  ROUP.  m 

Article  II. 

The  government  shall  consist  of  a  chief  magistrate,  and  a  council  comprised  of  two  persons  ; 
and,  by  virtue  of  this  article,  we  hereby  unanimously  elect  and  appoint  Nathaniel  Savory 
chief  magistrate,  and  James  Mottley  and  Thomas  H.  Webb  councilmen ;  each  to  hold  his 
said  office  of  chief  magistrate  and  councilman  for  the  period  of  two  years  from  the  date  of  this 
convention.  The  said  chief  magistrate  and  council  shall  have  power  to  enact  such  rules  and 
regulations  for  the  government  of  this  island  as  by  them,  from  time  to  time,  may  appear  ne- 
cessary for  the  public  good.  Such  rules  and  regulations,  to  become  binding  on  the  residents, 
must  have  the  approval  and  concurrence  of  two-thirds  of  the  whole  number  of  the  residents. 

Akticle  III. 

Until  such  time  as  the  chief  magistrate  and  council  may  be  enabled  to  form  a  code  of  regu- 
lations, we  hereby  unanimously  ordain  and  establish  the  following  thirteen  sections  under  this 
article^  which  shall  have  full  force  and  eifect  until  the  adoption  of  others,  and  until  the  expi- 
ration of  two  years : 

Section  1.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  any  and  all  person  or  persons  having  claims  and  demands 
against  each  other,  or  who  shall  have  any  disputes  or  difficulties  between  themselves,  which 
they  cannot  amicably  settle,  to  refer  the  same  to  the  chief  magistrate  and  council  for  adjudi- 
cation and  settlement ;  and  their  decision  shall  be  final  and  binding. 

Sec.  2.  All  penalties  in  this  colony  shall  be  a  pecuniary  fine  ;  and  no  penalty  fo»  any  ofience 
shall  exceed  the  sum  of . 

Sec.  3.  The  chief  magistrate  and  council  shall  have  power  to  direct  the  seizure  and  sale  of 
any  property  of  any  offender  sufficient  to  pay  the  same  against  whom  a  fine  has  been  decreed, 
wherever  it  may  be  found  within  the  limits  of  Peel  island. 

Sec.  4.  It  shall  be  unlawful  for  any  resident,  settler,  or  other  person  on  the  island,  to  entice 
anybody  to  desert  from  any  vessel  that  may  come  into  tliis  port,  or  to  harbor  or  secrete  any 
such  deserter. 

Sec.  5.  Any  person  who  shall  entice,  counsel,  or  aid  any  other  person  to  desert  from  any 
vessel  in  this  port,  or  shall  harbor  or  conceal  him  to  prevent  his  apprehension,  shall  be  liable 
to  a  fine  not  exceeding  fifty  dollars,  «- 

Sec.  6.  All  moneys  arising  from  the  levy  of  fines  upon  offenders  shall  be  a  public  fund  lor 
the  use  and  behoof  of  the  colony ;  and  the  same  shall  be  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  chief 
magistrate  for  safe-keeping,  and  to  be  appropriated  to  such  public  purposes  as  the  chief  magis- 
trate and  council  may  deem  necessary  and  proper  ;  and  a  correct  account  of  all  expenditures 
of  said  moneys  shall  be  kept  by  them,  and  a  statement  of  receipts  and  expenditures  i>ublished 
at  the  end  of  one  year. 

Sec.  7.  All  public  moneys  remaining  unexpended  at  the  end  of  one  year  shall  be  equally 
divided  among  the  present  settlers^  unless  otherwise  ordained  by  a  convention  of  the  people. 

Sec.  8.  Port  Eegulations. — There  shall  be  two  regularly  appointed  and  recognized  pilots  for 
this  port ;  and,  by  virtue  of  this  section,  of  article  3d,  we  hereby  unanimously  appoint  James 
Mottley  and  Thomas  H.  Webb  as  such,  for  a  period  of  two  years  from  the  date  of  this  conven- 
tion ;  said  pilots  may  appoint  capable  substitutes  under  them,  and  it  shall  be  unlawful  for  any 
other  person  or  persons  to  perform  the  duty  of  pilot.     Any  one  who  shall,  without  the  au- 


132  EXPEDITION     TO     JAPAN. 

tliority  of  either  of  the  appointed  pilots,  attempt  to  pilot  any  vessel  into  or  out  of  this  port, 
shall  he  liahle  to  a  fine  equal  to  the  amount  of  the  estahlished  rate  of  pilotage. 

Sec.  9.  It  shiill  he  unlawful  for  any  commander  of  a  vessel  to  discharge  any  of  his  crew  in 
this  port  without  permission  from  the  chief  magistrate  and  council ;  and  no  commander  of 
a  vessel  shall  leave  any  sick  or  helpless  man  or  men  upon  the  island,  unless  he  procure  a  house 
for  him  or  them,  and  make  suitahle  arrangements  for  his  or  their  suhsistence  and  comfort  du- 
ring his  or  their  illness. 

Sec.  10.  Any  person  or  persons  not  owning  land  upon  this  island,  who  may  hereafter  enter 
into  partnership  or  trade  with  a  resident  and  landholder,  or  who  shall  purchase  an  undivided 
interest  in  the  land,  if  a  resident,  must  enter  into  written  articles  of  agreement,  and  ohtain  a 
written  title  to  the  undivided  interest  he  may  purchase  in  lands,  stock,  &c. ;  and  in  the  event 
of  dissolution  of  partnership  or  death  of  either  party,  partition  of  the  property  shall  be  made 
by  the  chief  magistrate  and  council,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  secure  and  take  charge  of  the 
property  and  effects  of  any  deceased  person ,  for  the  benefit  of  his  friends. 

Sec.  11.  Any  person  or  persons  who  shall  be  guilty  of  trespass  or  waste  upon  the  lands  of 
any  of  the  inhabitants  shall  be  fined  in  a  sum  equal  to  the  value  of  the  damage  or  waste  he  or 
they  may  commit  thereon,  upon  a  proper  adjudication  thereof  by  the  chief  magistrate  and 
council. 

Sec.  12.  The  chief  magistrate  and  council  may,  when  they  deem  it  necessary,  call  a  conven- 
tion of  the  people  to  propose  new,  and  make  amendments  to  the  foregoing,  rules  and  regulations. 

Sec.  13.  Any  and  all  person  or  persons  who  shall  hereafter  emigrate  to  or  settle  in  this  col- 
ony shall  be»  subject  and  held  amenable  to  the  foregoing  rules  and  regulations. 

All  the  above  articles  of  government  having  been  prepared,  concurred  in,  and  adopted  by  us 
in  convention  assembled,  at  the  house  of  Nathaniel  Savory,  in  Port  Lloyd,  Peel  island,  on  the 

day  of ,  A.  D.  — ,  we  solemnly  pledge  ourselves  to  each  other  to  support  and  carry 

out  the  same. 

In  testimony  whereof,  we  have  hereunto  subscribed  our  names  the  day  and  year  aforesaid. 
(Signed  by)  NATHANIEL  SAVORY, 

And  all  the  other  residents  of  the  island. 


Report  of  Lieutenant  Balch  to  Commander  Kelly,  respecting  the  Bonin  Islands. 

U.  S.  Ship  Plymouth, 

At  Sea,  December  6,  1853. 

Sir  :  In  obedience  to  your  order  of  October  21st,  I  proceeded  on  the  22d  with  the  launch  and 
first  cutter,  the  latter  in  charge  of  Lieutenant  Cooper,  to  the  Bailey  group. 

With  the  exception  of  Newport,  on  the  west  side  of  Hillsborough,  formerly  known  as  Fisher's 
island,  and  a  small  cove  just  to  the  northward  of  it,  there  is  no  place  on  the  shores  of  any  of  the 
islands  suitable  for  a  coal  depot ;  nor  can  Newport  or  the  cove  be  recommended  as  places 
suited  for  such  a  purpose;  they  are  both  open  from  S.W.  to  N.W.,  the  holding  ground  is  not 
good,  being  sand  and  rocks.  Vessels  could,  however,  always  get  to  sea  on  the  approach  of  a 
gale,  as  there  are  two  safe  passages,  and  very  plain.  ^ 

Newport  affords  greater  advantages  for  a  depot  than  the  cove ;  it  would  be  necessary  to  cut 
away  the  bank  where  the  sheds  are  to  be  placed,  and  extend  a  jettee  out  some  seventy-five  feet ; 


HILLSBOROUGH      ISLAND,     BONIN     GROUP.  133 

and  it  should  be  so  constructed  as  to  form  a  breakwater  for  the  boats  and  lighters ;  it  would  be 
imjiracticable  otherwise  to  discharge  vessels. 

Hillsborough  island  (the  largest  of  the  group)  is  seven  and  a  half  miles  in  length,  by  about 
one  and  a  quarter  in  breadth.  The  greater  portion  of  it  is  rocky  and  hilly,  and  unsuited  for 
agricultural  purposes.  That  portion  of  it  which  could  be  cultivated  is  a  black  loam,  and  pro- 
duces sweet  potatoes,  yams,  taro,  and  Indian  corn,  bananas,  p'ne-apples,  water-melons,  and 
limes.  Sweet  potatoes  form  the  staple  support  of  the  few  inhab'  ants  of  the  island.  I  could  dis- 
cover no  appearance  of  minerals. 

There  are  several  varieties  of  timber  suited  for  mechanical    nd  ornamental  purposes. 

The  only  animal  on  the  island  is  the  wild  hog.  The  birds  consist  of  a  few  pigeons,  black- 
birds, and  flying  foxes. 

Fish  are  abundant,  and  of  excellent  quality.  Humpback  whales  resort  to  these  islands  from 
November  till  May,  during  which  time  they  are  calving. 

Turtles  are  found  in  abundance  in  season^  and  are  salted  down  by  the  inhabitants  in  lieu  of 
beef. 

Wood  can  be  obtained  on  Hillsborough  island.  Water  may  be  had  in  sufficient  quantity, 
and  of  good  quality.  A  small  stream  near  the  head  of  the  cove  furnishes  an  ample  supply;  but 
it  would  be  necessary  to  roll  the  casks  to  the  stream,  or  convey  the  water  to  the  boats  by  a  hose 
or  pipes,  which  could  easily  be  done. 

The  prevailing  winds  are  from  the  northward  and  eastward  from  May  1st  to  December,  when 
the  westerly  winds  set  in  and  blow  until  May ;  they  do  not,  however,  blow  with  the  regularity 
of  a  trade  wind  or  monsoon. 

A  chart  is  in  process  of  construction  from  data  obtained,  and  will  be  furnished  as  early  as 

practicable. 

I  am,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

GEO.  B.  BALCH, 

Lieutenant  U.  S.  Navy. 
Commander  John  Kelly, 

Commanding  U.  S.  ship  Plymouth. 


INSTEUCTIONS  AND  REPORTS 


IN  EELATION  TO  A 


TISIT  TO  MANILA  AND  FORMOSA, 

BY   THE  JAPAN   EXPEDITION. 


INSTRUCTIONS  AND  REPORTS 


IN    RElJlTION    TO 


THE  ISLAND  OF  TOEMOSA  AND  MANILA. 


INSTKUCTIONS. 

Commodore  Perry  to  Captain  Abbot. 

United  States  Flaq-ship  Powhatan, 

Simoda,  June  18,  1854. 

Sir  :  When  the  wind  and  weather  permit,  you  will  proceed  with  the  ship  under  your 
command  in  company  with  the  storeship  "Supply,"  Lieutenant  Commanding  Sinclair,  to  the 
port  of  Kelung,  in  the  island  of  Formosa. 

The  ohject  of  your  visiting  this  island  is  to  carry  out  the  instructions  of  the  Navy  Department 
touching  certain  inc{uiries  and  researches  to  be  made  with  respect  to  the  fate  of  several  missing 
persons,  whose  relatives  and  friends  entertain  a  hope  that  they  may  still  be  alive  and  possibly 
detained  in  captivity,  either  in  the  islands  belonging  to  the  empire  of  Japan  or  in  Formosa. 

The  enclosed  copies  of  papers  will  give  you  all  the  information  I  possess  with  reference  to  this 
interesting  subject,  and  it  will  be  necessary  that  you  base  your  course  of  action  upon  these  data. 

I  think  it  better,  therefore,  not  to  put  you  under  the  restraint  of  restricting  your  movements 
or  operations  by  any  particular  instructions  other  than  to  carry  out  the  views  of  the  Navy 
Department  in  a  manner  which  you  may  thiak  will  be  the  most  complete  and  effectual. 

Besides  the  business  of  prosecuting  the  researches  for  the  missing  persons  above  alluded  to,  it 
is  important  that  the  coal  localities  of  Formosa  should  be  carefully  examined,  in  view  of 
ascertaining  the  feasibility  of  obtaining  supplies  from  that  island ;  the  convenience  of  procuring 
and  shipping  it;  the  productiveness  of  the  mines;  the  quality  of  the  coal  for  steaming  purposes; 
its  cost  per  ton  of  2,240  poimds  at  the  mines  ;  the  convenience  and  cost  of  shipping,  &c.,  &c. 

The  "  Supply"  is  sent  with  you  for  reason  of  her  light  draught,  and  to  be  at  hand  in  case  of 
need  ;  as  also  to  take  on  board  whatever  coal  you  may  be  able  to  purchase. 

If  the  coal  is  dear,  say  from  $15  to  $20  per  ton,  I  request  that  you  purchase  not  more  than  fifty, 
seventy-five,  or  one  hundred  tons  ;  but  if  it  can  be  obtained  at  a  low  price,  say  fen  dollars  per 
ton,  it  will  be  desirable  that  you  purchase  and  put  on  board  the  "  Supply"  three  hundred  tons. 

The  general  orders  of  the  squadron  respecting  scientific  researches  will  be  carefully  observed 
by  all  under  your  command  during  your  cruise ;  and  to  assist  in  this  pursuit,  the  Kev.  Geo.  Jones 
will  be  ordered  to  report  to  you  for  suitable  accommodations  on  board  the  "Macedonian,"  and  to 
act  under  your  instructions. 

After  accomplishing  the  objects  above  detailed  in  the  best   practicable   manner,  you  will 
despatch  the  "Supply"  to  Hong  Kong,  in  China,  and  proceed  with  the  "  Macedonian"  to  the 
18s 


138  EXPEDITIONTOJAPAN. 

port  of  Manila,  in  the  island  of  Luzon,  and  there  enter  into  communication  with  the  United 
States  consul  and  American  merchants  resident  at  that  place,  in  view  of  giving  to  them  such  aid 
and  protection  as  they  may  require  ;  and  after  remaining  there  not  more  than  eight  days,  unless 
some  unforeseen  and  urgent  necessity  makes  it  proper  for  you  to  protract  your  stay,  you  will 
make  the  hest  of  your  way  to  Hong  Kong,  where  you  will  receive  further  instructions. 
It  is  desirable  that  you  should  be  at  Hong  Kong  by  the  1st  of  August. 

These  instructions  do  not  restrict  your  operations  solely  to  the  port  of  Kelung,  in  Formosa  ; 
if  you  deem  it  expedient  and  safe,  you  can  resort  to  other  ports  of  the  island  with  the  two  ships, 
provided  there  be  any  information  to  make  such  course  desirable. 
Wishing  you  a  pleasant  cruise,  1  am,  sir,  your  obedient  servant, 

M.  C.  PERRY, 
Commander-in-cliief  U.  S.  naval  forces, 

East  India,  China,  and  Japan  seas. 
Captain  Joel  Abbot, 

Commanding  U.  S.  ship  Macedonian. 

p.  S. — You  will  be  in  time  if  you  are  at  Ilong  Kong  by  the  5th  of  August  next. 

M.  C.  P. 


Commodore  Perry  to  Captain  Ahbot. 

United  States  Flag-ship  Powhatan, 

Simoda,  June  18,  1854. 
Sir  :  I  enclose  herewith  copies  of  certain  papers  received  from  the  Navy  Department  respecting 
the  procurement  of  plants  of  the  sugar-cane,  and  have  to  direct  that  you  advise  with  the  United 
States  consul  at  Manila  as  to  the  feasibility  of  obtaining  desirable  specimens  in  that  neighbor- 
hood. His  long  residence  in  the  country  will  enable  him  to  give  you  every  information  upon 
the  subject,  and  it  is  not  improbable  that  his  attention  has  already  been  called  to  the  advantage 
or  otherwise  of  sending  plants  of  the  cane  from  Luzon  to  the  United  States. 

Chaplain  Jones  will  aid  in  executing  the  wishes  of  the  government,  as  well  in  this  particular 
as  in  the  collection  of  other  specimens. 

You  will  perceive  that  the  letter  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior  authorizes  the  disbursement 

of  the  necessary  funds  to  defray  the  expenses  of  purchasing  and  securing  the  re(iuired  specimens. 

It  is  not  desirable  to  have  a  great  number  from  Luzon,  as  I  propose  to  obtain  specimens 

from  other  localities.     Please  make  yourself  acquainted  with  the  best  mode  of  preparing  and 

preserving  the  plants  on  shipboard. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

M.  C.  PERRY, 
Commander-in-chief  U.  8.  naval  forces, 

East  India,  China,  and  Japan  seas. 
Captain  Joel  Abbot, 

Commanding  United  States  shiji  Macedonian. 


MANILA    AND    FORMOSA.  139 

Commodore  Perry  to  Captain  Abbot. 

United  States  Flag-ship  Mississippi, 

Simoda,  June  19,  1854. 
Sir:  Some  time  last  winter  I  was  informed  by  Mr.  diaries  D.  Mugford,  of  Manila,  of  a 
most  melancholy  event,  which  had  brought  him  in  communication  with  the  authorities  of 
that  place.  I  am  yet  quite  ignorant  of  the  circumstances  of  the  case,  but,  in  consideration  of  a 
promise  made  to  that  gentleman  to  bear  the  subject  in  mind,  with  the  intention  of  inquiring 
more  fully  into  the  matter  should  it  be  in  my  power  to  visit  Manila,  I  have  to  request  that 
you  confer  with  that  gentleman,  as  also  with  the  United  States  consul,  Mr.  Edwards ;  and  if, 
by  any  just  and  proper  application  to  the  local  government,  you  can,  in  your  official  capacity, 
contribute  to  the  object  Mr.  Mugford  has  in  view,  I  request  that  you  may  do  so.  Under 
any  circumstances,  you  will  be  pleased  to  collect  all  the  information  you  can  upon  the  subject, 
and  report  to  me  for  my  further  guidance. 

Very  respectfully,  &c., 

M.  C.  PERRY, 
Commander-in-chief,  cfec,  &c. 
Captain  Joel  Abbot, 

Commanding  United  States  ship  Macedonian. 


Commodore  Ferry  to  Charles  D.  Mugford,  Esq. 

United  States  Steam  Frigate  Mississippi, 

Simoda,  Japan,  June  20,  1854. 
My  dear  Sir  :  I  regret  that  the  delays  which  have  attended  my  present  visit  to  Jaj)an  will, 
at  least  for  the  present,  deprive  me  of  the  pleasure  of  visiting  Manila;  but  mindful  of  the 
conversation  which  passed  between  you  and  myself,  respecting  the  melancholy  event  related 
by  you,  I  have  instructed  Captain  Abbot,  in  command  of  the  frigate  Macedonian,  to  confer 
with  you,  to  collect  all  necessary  information,  and  to  take  such  steps  as  may  lead  to  a  full 
understanding  of  the  question,  in  view  of  calling  for  the  further  action  of  the  commanding 
naval  officers  on  this  station,  or  of  the  interference  of  the  government  at  Washington. 
I  enclose  a  copy  of  my  instructions  to  Captain  Abbot. 

Very  truly  and  respectfully  your  obedient  servant, 

M.  C.  PERRY. 
Charles  D.  Mugford,  Esq.,  Manila. 


Commodore  Perry  to  Captain  Abbot. 

United  States  Flag-ship  Mississippi, 

Simoda,  June  19,  1854. 
Sir:  I  enclose  herewith  copies  of  two  reports  of  Lieutenant  Commanding  .J.  J.  Boyle,  which 
relate  to  the  rescue  of  six  colored  persons,  supposed  to  be  natives  of  the  island  of  "Silla-ba-boo," 
situated  in  latitude  3°  47'  north,  and  longitude  127"  11'  east. 


140  EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN. 

These  men,  as  you  are  aware,  have  been  kindly  treated,  and  retained  in  the  squadron  for  reason 
that  no  opportunity  has  offered  of  sending  them  back  to  their  native  island,  and  they  are  now 
put  on  board  the  Macedonian  to  be  taken  to  Manila,  from  whence  they  can  doubtless  find  means 
of  returning  home. 

Be  pleased  to  consult  with  Mr.  Edwards,  and  make  such  disposition  of  them  as  in  your  judg- 
ment may  seem  most  suitable. 

KespectfuUy,  &c., 

M.  C.  PERRY, 

Commander-in-chief  U.  S.  naval  forces,  etc. 

Captain  Joel  Abbot, 

Commandiiig  U.  S.  ship  Macedonian. 


REPORT  OF  LIEUTENANT  COMMANDING  J.  J.  BOYLE. 

Extract  of  a  report  of  Lieutenant  Commanding  J.  J.  Boyle,  commanding  United  States  sloreship 
Southampton,  attached  to  the  Japan  Expedition,  addressed  to  Commodore  M.  C.  Perry,  bearing 
date  United  States  storeship  Southampton,  Cum-sing-moon,  China,  August  29,  1853. 

August  5th,  at  9  a.  m.,  the  ship  being  in  latitude  18°  46'  north,  and  longitude  124°  east, 
a  boat  was  discovered  to  windward ;  we  were  steering  S.W.  by  W. ;  wind  from  the  north 
and  westward  blowing  a  fresh  top-gallant  breeze,  with  considerable  swell ;  after  heaving  to,  &c., 
succeeded  in  getting  on  board  six  persons  from  the  boat,  which  was  hoisted  in  ;  her  dimensions 
were  12  feet  long,  4  wide,  and  IT  inches  deep.  The  strangers  were  all  males,  four  of  them 
middle  aged,  and  two  boys,  apparently  about  fourteen.  They  were  licalthy,  of  a  dark  color, 
hair  cut  close,  not  tattooed,  and  did  not  appear  much  exhausted ;  I  thought  they  had  been  adrift 
two  or  three  days  ;  they  had  no  water  with  them,  about  two  or  three  dozen  ears  of  Indian  corn, 
and  some  prepared  betel-nuts,  a  cask,  with  two  gongs,  an  axe,  a  small  piece  of  grass  cloth  as  a 
sail,  and  a  colored  piece  supposed  to  be  a  flag  ;  no  one  on  board  can  understand  their  language, 
the  words  used  most  frequently  by  them  is  Silla-ba-boo.  The  nearest  land  to  us  was  Cape 
Engano,  N.E.  part  of  Luzon,  distant  about  100  miles.  The  Babuan  and  Barhio  group  were 
directly  to  windward,  distant  about  ISO  miles,  where  it  is  thought  they  belonged,  but  in  beating 
through  them,  and  passing  near  the  principal  ones,  they  saw  them  with  indifference  ;  when 
brought  particularly  to  their  notice,  they  shook  their  heads  and  made  signs  to  the  eastward, 
and  said  Silla-ba-boo,  shaking  their  heads  at  tlie  same  time.  There  is  an  island  by  that  name, 
described  by  Horsburgh,  in  latitude  4°  north,  longitude  127°  east.  Although  the  wind  was 
from  the  northward  and  westward  when  we  picked  these  persons  up,  we  had  a  short  time  previous 
heavy  southeasterly  weather.  After  entering  the  China  sea  on  the  9th,  the  winds  were  light, 
variable,  and  occasionally  sudden  squalls,  winds  mostly  from  W.S.W.  to  W.N.W.  At  11 
a.  m.,  Sunday,  21st,  took  an  outside  pilot  near  the  Great  Ladrone ;  at  2  a.  M.,  next  morning, 
anchored  in  Macao  roads,  where  having  received  your  orders,  got  under  way  at  8  p.  M.,  and 
anchored  at  Cum-sing-moon  at  2.30  a.  m.  next  day.  Many  have  visited  the  ship;  but  nothing 
more  has  been  found  out  respecting  the  persons  picked  up  than  I  have  stated.  The  Japanese 
from  the  flag-ship  disowns  them  as  countrymen  of  his.     They  have  been  taken  on  board  of  each 


RESCUE    OF    SIX    STRANGERS ETHNOLOGY    OF    THEM.  141 

of  the  ships  engaged  in  trade  here,  and  out  of  the  numerous  dialects  spoken  none  can  understand 
them.  There  are  Siamese  here,  whose  language  they  do  not  speak.  On  hoard  of  the  ship 
Bombay  they  dropped  a  few  words  which  the  captain  thought  he  recognized  as  the  language 
of  the  natives  of  the  Bentinck  islands ;  on  their  noticing  it,  they  made  their  usual  abject  motions 
and  salaams,  and  said  Silla-ba-boo,  and  then  remained  silent. 

I  do  not  believe  they  wish  to  make  themselves  known,  or  I  think  they  could  do  so  by  signs  or 
language,  where  so  many  different  castes  and  nations  are  assembled.  Their  usual  habit  of 
making  olT  and  biding  when  strange  persons  come  on  board  is  singular  to  me.  I  also  think  they 
all  act  by  direction  of  one  of  their  number  ;  they  have  a  strange  aversion  to  leave  the  ship,  and 
have  made  no  acquaintances.     They  have  been  made  comfortable  on  hoard. 

I  remain  yours,  &c.,  JUNIUS  J.  BOYLE, 

Lieutenant  Commanding. 


report  of  examination  of  the  six  rescued  natives. 

United  States  Naval  Hospital, 

Macao,  October  15,  1853. 

Sir  :  In  compliance  with  your  order  of  the  5th  instant,  requiring  a  careful  examination  of  the 
naked  bodies  of  the  Indians  rescued  by  the  United  States  ship  Southampton  to  be  made,  and  a 
written  account  of  their  conformation,  complexion,  cast  of  features,  and  any  peculiarities  of 
physical  development  with  reference  to  their  ethnographic  character  to  be  furnished,  we,  the 
undersigned,  have  the  lienor  to  submit  the  following  report,  the  result  of  our  investigation  : 

In  reference  to  their  stature,  we  find  they  are  of  about  the  medium  height,  well  set,  with  a 
moderate  muscular  development ;  body  and  limbs  well  proportioned ;  having  but  a  small  amount 
of  adipose  matter  in  their  subcutaneous  tissue,  it  gives  a  sharpness  to  their  contour.  Their 
heads  are  small  and  round,  with  a  large,  disproportionate  development  of  the  posterior  part  of 
the  cranium.  Their  faces  approximate  the  oval  form,  with  a  moderately  high  forehead  ;  eyes 
black,  but  not  very  brilliant  or  intelligent  in  their  expression  ;  chins  broad  and  rather  massive; 
noses  long  and  flat ;  lips  somewhat  thick  and  moderately  prominent,  so  that  their  features 
resemble  in  some  degree  those  of  the  mulatto.  Their  mouths  are  large,  displaying  strong  and 
well-formed  teetli  ;  which,  however,  are  much  disfigured  by  the  use  of  the  betel- nut.  Their 
skin  is  smooth  and  soft ;  the  head  covered  witli  a  profusion  of  coarse,  black,  and  straight  hair, 
generally  worn  short.  On  the  other  parts  of  the  body  where  hair  is  usually  found,  it  was  small 
in  quantity  and  thin.  Their  limbs  lithe,  hands  and  feet  small  ;  their  complexion  approximating 
that  of  the  dark  mulatto,  with  a  tinge  of  the  copper  color.  They  do  not  exhibit  any  of  the 
stern,  strong  features  of  the  North  American  aborigines.  They  usually  sit  on  their  haunches; 
are  very  taciturn,  and  with  a  stolid  expression  of  countenance. 

Their  language,  when  they  were  found  conversing  with  one  another,  was  soft  and  agreeable 
to  the  ear  ;  yet,  although  it  is  supposed  to  be  a  derivation  from  the  Malayan,  it  was  not  intelli- 
gible to  those  on  board  familiar  with  the  ordinary  dialect  of  the  Malays. 

From  tlie  position  where  they  were  found,  and  many  characteristics  about  them,  we  are  of 
opinion  they  are  of  Malay  origin.  It  is  probable  that  climate  and  other  accidental  causes  have 
tended  to  modify  and  change  them  somewhat  from  their  original  stock.     Their  intelligence  is  of 


14'2  EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN. 

a  very  low  order.     Various  attempts  were  made  with  the  langviage  of  signs  to  communicate 
with  them,  hut  without  their  acknowledging  the  least  comprehension  of  it. 
We  are,  sir,  very  respectfully,  your  ohedient  servants, 

T.  S.  SMITn,  Surgeon  of  the  Fleet. 
J.  J.  MESSERSMITH,  Passed  Assistant  Surgeon. 
Commodore  M.  C.  Perry, 

Commander-in-chief  Japan  Expedition,  dtc,  dc,  &c. 


REPORTS. 

Captain  Abbot  to  Commodore  Perry. 

United  States  Ship  Macedonian, 
Kelung,  Island  of  Formosa,  July  22,  1854. 

Sir:  I  very  hriefly  inform  you  by  the  "Supply,"  that  I  succeeded  in  getting  out  of  the 
haibor  of  Simoda  on  the  morning  of  the  26th  of  June,  in  company  with  the  "Supply,"  (she, 
however,  disappeared  the  second  day  out,)  and  that  T  arrived  here  on  the  morning  of  the 
11th  instant,  in  the  midst  of  a  tempest,  having  had  a  strong  opposing  current  and  a  head  wind 
nearly  all  the  way.  The  "Supply,"  greatly  to  my  annoyance,  anxiety,  and  regret,  did  not 
reach  here  until  yesterday  morning,  ten  days  after  us,  which  has  somewhat  prolonged  my  stay 
here.  The  first  night  here  it  blew  exceedingly  heavy,  so  as  to  have  to  let  go  the  sheet  anchor; 
since  which  the  Aveather  has  been  very  moderate  and  pleasant,  except  exceedingly  warm. 

All  on  board  have  been  constantly  employed,  and  arduously  so. 

With  a  good  deal  of  effort  and  labor,  we  have  succeeded  in  watering  ship  with  some  good 
and  some  bad  water ;  the  latter  I  considered  j^referable  to  filling  the  tanks  with  salt  water. 

My  mission  here  has  been  a  successful  one  in  all  respects,  except  obtaining  information 
touching  the  fate  of  our  missing  countrymen,  respecting  which  I  have  gained  no  intelligence. 

By  the  Rev.  Mr.  Jones's  indefatigable  searches  after  coal,  he  has  discovered  eight  or  ten 
very  extensive  and  valuable  coal-mines,  the  coal  from  which  appears  to  be  very  pure  and 
excellent. 

By  persevering  efforts,  in  the  face  of  opposing  influence  of  Chinese  officials,  about  twelve 
tons  of  coal  have  been  obtained,  and  taken  on  board  the  Supply  to-day,  and  three  small  junks 
have  gone  for  more.  The  coal  obtained  here  now,  under  disadvantageous  circumstances,  will 
probably  cost  about  three  dollars  ($3)  per  ton.  Mr.  Jones  is  writing  you  on  the  subject  of  the 
coal  mines,  so  I  need  say  no  more  now  myself. 

Lieutenant  Preble  has  perfected  a  good  survey  of  the  harbor,  and  an  adjacent  little  harbor 
near  one  of  the  mines,  that  is  protected  against  northeast  winds  and  is  almost  entirely 
landlocked. 

Mr.  Jones  has  purchased  a  stone  for  the  Washington  Monument — the  best  we  could  find. 

If  the  wind  and  weather  will  permit,  I  shall  sail  early  in  the  morning,  leaving  the  "Supply" 

to  get  necessary  supplies,  and  during  which  to  receive  all  the  coal  that  can  be  obtained. 

Most  respectfully,  I  have  the  honor  to  be  your  obedient  servant, 

JOEL  ABBOT, 

Captain  United  States  Navy. 
Commodore  M.  C.  Perry. 


FORMOSA     AND     MANILA.  143 

Captain  Abbot  to  Commodore  Perry. 

United  States  Ship  Macedonian, 

Hong  Hong,  August  26,  1854. 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  and  pleasure  to  report  to  you  that  I  have  safely  performed  the  cruise, 
and  successfully  accomplished,  as  far  as  practicable,  to  the  best  of  my  ability,  all  its  objects 
contained  in  your  instructions  of  the  18th  of  June  last. 

On  the  morning  of  the  23d  ultimo  I  left  the  harbor  of  Kelung,  island  of  Formosa,  for  Manila, 
in  the  island  of  Luzon,  leaving  the  "Supply"  to  sail  soon  for  Hong  Kong.  I  sent  on  board  of 
her  a  despatch  for  you,  giving  a  brief  statement  of  my  departure  from  Simoda,  passage  down  to 
Kelung,  and  of  our  doings  there ;  a  copy  of  which  will  be  herewith  enclosed,  should  you  not 
have  received  it. 

In  regard  to  matters  at  Kelung,  I  have  only  to  remark  in  addition  to  what  was  there  written, 
that  respecting  the  melancholy  fate  of  our  missing  countrymen,  supposed  to  have  been  lost  at 
sea  or  shipwrecked  upon  the  shores  of  Formosa,  or  in  its  vicinity,  I  could  gain  no  intelligence, 
although  I  made  diligent  inquiry  through  my  Chinese  steward  of  the  mandarins  and  all  other 
classes  of  persons  in  and  about  Kelung  in  regard  to  shipwrecks,  and  whether  there  were  any 
American,  English,  or  European  persons  in  any  part  of  their  island;  to  which  all  declared  that 
they  had  never  seen  or  heard  of  there  being  any  such,  nor  had  they  ever  known  or  heard  of  any 
vessel  being  wrecked  upon  the  island;  but  just  as  I  was  leaving  Kelung  I,  was  informed  by  the 
chief  mandarin  that  he  had  made  particular  inquiries  about  shipwrecks,  and  learned  that  a  ship, 
six  or  seven  years  ago,  was  wrecked  forty  or  fifty  miles  from  Kelung,  on  the  west  side  of  the 
island,  having  a  good  many  black  men  on  board  ;  that  the  white  men  took  the  boat  and  went 
off  to  an  adjacent  island,  and  that  the  black  men  all  died  on  board  the  ship  ;  that  he  would  send 
his  war  junks  with  me  to  show  the  place.  This  story  was  evidently  made  up  with  a  hope  of 
effecting  what  he  had  been  a  number  of  days  endeavoring  to  do — that  of  having  me  accompany 
his  war  junks  to  a  place  on  the  west  side  of  the  island,  that  he  said  would  only  take  four  or  five 
days  to  go  and  return,  and  assist  them  in  driving  off  the  rebels  collected  there,  with  which  his 
forces  had  lately  had  a  fight  and  been  beaten,  with  the  loss  of  thirty  men  killed  and  wounded.  If 
I  would  thus  go  and  aid  them  in  dislodging  the  rebels,  he  would,  immediately  on  my  return,  give 
me  a  large  ship-load  of  coal  and  make  a  present  of  it.  He  also  seemed  to  desire  to  prolong  my  stay 
at  Kelung,  in  view  of  the  safety  of  the  place  from  any  attack  of  the  rebels  whil^  the  ship 
remained  there.  Although  I  have  no  belief  that  any  of  our  missing  countrymen  are  alive  upon 
the  island  of  Formosa,  my  intention  was,  on  leaving  Kelung,  to  beat  down  the  west  side  of  the 
island  and  communicate  with  the  Chinese  villages,  that  my  efforts  might  be  as  broad  and 
searching  as  possible,  though  it  would  be  attended  with  inconvenience  and  dangerous  delay, 
and  notwithstanding  Commander  Kelly  had,  some  time  since,  touched  at  them  for  the  same 
purpose,  and  was  unable  to  obtain  any  information  touching  the  fate  of  our  lost  countrymen; 
but  soon  after  weathering  the  northern  point  of  Formosa  the  weather  became  bad,  and  very 
threatening  ;  in  fact,  we  were  upon  the  edge  of  a  typhoon  which,  fortunately,  carried  us  rapidly 
on  our  course  to  the  southward  of  the  south  end  of  Formosa  before  it  blew  so  heavy  that  we 
could  not  run.  After  the  gale  was  over,  my  limited  time  and  the  small  quantity  of  provisions 
on  board  would  not  allow  of  my  ruunin^^  back  for  any  purpose  whatever,  without  giving  up 
going  to  Manila ;  so  I  kept  on,  and  on  arrival  at  Manila  had  but  two  bags  of  bread  on 
board.     Although  my  passage  to  Manila  was  considered  by  the  gentlemen  there  as  a  very  quick 


144  EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN. 

one  for  the  season  of  tlie  year,  it  was  attended  with  the  worst  weather  I  ever  experienced.  We 
had  a  constant  succession  of  heavy  tempest  squalls,  with  heavy,  drenching  rains,  some  of  them 
peculiarly  severe  and  frightful  in  appearance.  The  ship  suffered  more  during  this  short  passage 
in  her  sails  and  rigging  than  on  her  whole  passage  out  from  the  United  States. 

I  lament  to  have  to  state  that  on  the  26th  ultimo,  while  shortening  sail  in  the  horder  of  the 
typhoon  spoken  of,  Charles  Wentworth,  an  excellent  man,  a  foretop-man,  fell  from  'the  fore- 
topsail  yard  overboard,  and  sunk  immediately,  first  striking  his  head  and  breast  upon  the  iron 
work  of  the  lower  studding-sail  swinging-boom,  splitting  his  head  open,  which  must  have  killed 
him  instantly.     The  death  certificate  required  by  regulation  is  herewith  enclosed. 

The  Macedonian  was  brought  to  an  anchor  off  the  town  of  Manila,  in  tempestuous  weather, 
late  in  the  afternoon  of  the  10th  instant.  The  next  morning  I  saluted  the  place  with  twenty- 
one  guns,  which  were  promptly  returned.  After  which  I  made  an  official  call  on  the  governor, 
or  captain  general,  in  company  with  our  excellent  consul,  William  P.  Pierce,  esq.  We  were 
cordially  received,  and  subsequently  dined  with  his  excellency  by  invitation. 

The  public  matters  which  you  were  pleased  to  confide  to  my  care  and  judgment  have  been 
disposed  of,  as  far  as  I  am  concerned,  and  have  considered  that  I  had  the  power  to  act,  in  a 
manner,  I  hope  and  trust,  that  will  be  acceptable  both  to  yourself  and  to  our  government. 

My  correspondence  with  his  excellency  the  captain  general  of  Manila  upon  the  subjects 
requiring  to  be  brought  to  his  notice  is  herewith  enclosed — the  copies  of  my  letters,  and  the 
original  official  replies  in  Spanish,  together  with  a  free  translation  of  the  same,  are  all  respect- 
fully submitted,  as  also  an  original  detailed  statement  of  the  bloody  tragedy  at  Santa  Mesa, 
addressed  to  me  by  Mr.  C.  D.  Mugford,  a  brother  of  one  of  the  murdered  Americans. 

By  aid  of  Mr.  Pierce,  our  consul,  a  quantity  of  sugar-cane  cuttings,  desired  by  the  Interior 
and  Navy  Departments  at  Washington,  and  directed  by  you,  have  been  procured,  and  are  on 
board  the  ship,  in  careful  keeping  of  Rev.  Mr.  Jones,  who  has,  with  his  characteristic  energy 
and  faithfulness,  attended  to,  and  been  successful  in,  the  accomplishment  of  all  the  other  direc- 
tions contained  in  your  instructions,  as  far  as  possible;  and  he  will  make  report  to  you  of  all  his 
doings,  which  I  have  no  doubt  will  meet  your  cordial  approbation  and  approval. 

The  young  gentlemen,  Passed  Midshipmen  Jones  and  Breeze,  and  Mr.  Williams,  master's 
mate,  detailed  by  you  from  the  Mississippi  to  aid  and  assist  Rev,  Mr.  Jones,  have,  besides 
attending  to  his  requirements,  performed  good  service  on  board,  having  volunteered  to  keep 
watch,  and  have  done  so.  Passed  Midshipman  Jones  has  also  performed  good  service  with 
Lieutenant  Preble  in  the  survey  of  the  harbor  of  Kelung,  the  chart  of  which  is  in  rapid  pro- 
gress of  construction,  and  I  think  it  may  be  relied  upon  for  correctness.  The  chart  by  which 
I  entered  the  harbor  is  very  erroneous  in  many  respects,  and  should  give  place  to  a  better  and 
more  recent  survey. 

In  taking  leave  of  Manila,  I  sliould  be  wanting  in  justice  and  generous  obligation  if  I  should 
neglect  to  acknowledge  the  able  assistance  and  friendly  attention  I  received  from  Sir.  Pierce,  the 
newly  appointed  American  consul,  in  my  intercourse  with  the  authorities  and  citizens  of  the 
place,  and  to  make  known  his  ready  and  careful  attention  to  all  the  wants  of  the  ship,  together 
with  his  generous  hospitality  to  myself  and  others,  and  to  express  my  belief  that  his  appoint- 
ment to  the  consulate  is  a  judicious  and  happy  selection  for  our  commercial  interests,  and  for  the 
protection  of  the  rights  and  privileges  of  American  residents  within  the  bounds  of  his  consu- 
late authority  and  influence. 

The  consul,  together  with  the  American  gentlemen  at  Manila,  desired  me  to  present  to  you 


FORMOSA     AND     MANILA.  145 

their  grateful  thanks  for  sending  a  ship-of-war  to  protect  and  look  after  their  interests  ;  and 
they  also  desired  me  to  say,  that  they  considered  that  the  visit  of  the  Macedonian  would  be  of 
real  service  to  the  American  interests  at  Manila.  There  seemed  to  he  no  regret  on  their  part, 
and  nothing  wanting  in  the  visit  of  the  Macedonian,  but  your  presence  ;  and  a  strong  desire 
and  hope  was  expressed  that  you  would  yet  favor  them  with  a  call  yourself  before  your  return 
to  the  United  States.  But  little,  however,  could  have  been  added  to  their  hospitable  attentions 
had  you  yourself  been  present.. 

Just  before  we  sailed,  the  naval  commandant  and  a  number  of  army  officers,  together  with 
the  consul  and  most  of  the  American  residents  and  ship-masters,  visited  the  Macedonian,  and 
appeared  highly  gratified. 

In  regard  to  the  coal-mines  in  Formosa,  those  already  known  to  us  are  very  extensive  and 
valuable,  and  there  are  probably  others  in  the  vicinity  yet  unknown  even  to  the  natives.  There 
is  also  good  reason  to  believe  that  coal  abounds  in  various  other  parts  of  the  island,  and  from 
the  mines  of  which  more  has  been  extracted  than  at  Kelung.  The  mines  we  have  already  seen, 
if  in  the  possession  of  an  American  mining  company,  would  be  exceedingly  valuable ;  and  I 
have  no  doubt  they  might  be  purchased  for  an  inconsiderable  amount.  They  are  so  situated 
that  the  coal  might  be  transported  at  a  trifling  expense,  by  means  of  inclined  planes  and  short 
railroads,  which  need  not  be  expensive  in  their  construction,  and  the  coal  dropped  directly  from 
the  cars  into  boats  and  small  vessels.  About  three  miles  from  Kelung  there  is  an  admirable 
little  harbor,  in  near  proximity  to  the  mines,  on  the  seacoast,  that  is  almost  entirely  land- 
locked and  completely  protected  against  northeast  winds.  At  a  small  cost  a  railroad  could  be 
run  from  the  mines  to  this  little  harbor,  of  which  Lieutenant  Preble  has  made  a  hasty  survey, 
and  attached  it  to  his  chart  of  the  harbor  of  Kelung. 

As  the  Eev.  Mr.  Jones  will  make  to  you  full  reports  of  a  scientific  and  geological  character 
in  relation  to  the  coal-mines  and  other  matters,  I  do  not  feel  it  necessary  or  profitable  for  me  to 
extend  further  remarks  upon  the  subject. 

After  a  stop  at  Manila  of  six  days  and  a  half — one  of  which  being  Sunday,  and  one  a  strict 
holiday,  and  two  so  rainy  that  but  little  could  be  done — and  having  obtained,  as  I  considered,  a 
safe  quantity  of  bread  and  other  necessaries  to  take  us  here,  the  Macedonian  was  underway  at 
an  early  hour  in  the  morning  of  the  ITth  instant  for  this  place,  at  which  I  have  the  honor  to  re- 
port my  arrival. 

Our  passage  from  Manila  here  has  been  characterized  by  a  singular  dissimilarity  to  the 
passage  there  from  Kelung.  The  first  five  days  out  there  was  either  a  dead  calm  or  light  baf- 
fling airs  and  winds  from  the  northward,  and  westward  and  northward,  during  which  but  little 
more  than  an  offing  from  the  land  was  obtained;  since  which,  calms  and  moderate  breezes  have 
prevailed,  and,  what  is  very  unusual,  there  has  been  scarcely  any  southing  in  the  wind,  and 
the  weather  has  been  remarkably  pleasant,  with  the  exception  of  one  day. 

With  the  sincere  hope  that  this  will  find  you  in  health  and  happiness,  I  am,  most  respect- 
fully, your  obedient  servant, 

JOEL  ABBOT, 
Captain  United  States  Navy. 
19s 


146  EXPEDITION     TO    JAPAN 


ap  tain  J.  Abbot  to  the  Governor  General  of  the  Philippine  islands. 

United  States  Ship  Macedonian,  August  12,  1854. 

Sir:  I  am  instructed  by  Commodore  M.  C.  Perry,  commanding  the  United  States  st[uadron 
in  the  East  Indies,  to  seek  information  from  your  excellency  relative  to  the  murder  of  two 
American  citizens,  in  the  month  of  March,  1853,  at  the  rope-factory  at  Santa  Mesa. 

The  fact  of  the  murder  is  undoubted,  and  the  friends  of  the  deceased  are  naturally  anxious 
to  know  if  the  exertions  of  the  police  or  other  agents  of  the  government  under  the  dignified 
command  of  your  excellency  have  been  able  to  identify  the  persons  of  the  murderers,  or  to  get 
any  clue  which  may  throw  light  upon  the  dark  tragedy. 

The  United  States  consul  tells  me  that  many  jiersons  were  arrested  on  suspicion  of  being 
concerned  in  the  murder,  but  that,  according  to  his  information,  they  have  been  liberated 
without  having  disclosed  anything  which  would  point  out  the  actual  perpetrators  of  the  deed. 
He  also  informs  me  that  it  was  proposed  to  your  excellency's  predecessor.  General  Urbistondo, 
at  the  time  of  the  occurrence,  by  the  Americans  resident  here,  to  offer  a  reward  of  such  sums 
of  money  as  might  be  thought  adequate  for  such  information  as  might  lead  to  the  discovery  of 
the  assassins.  His  excellency  declined  to  entertain  the  proposition  ;  but  it  is  still  the  opinion 
of  the  consul,  and  of  the  Americans  generally  here,  among  whom  is  a  brother  of  one  of  the 
murdered  men,  that  the  truth  may  be  discovered  by  oifering  a  reward  which  will  induce  some 
of  those  persons  who  have  the  information  to  betray  their  comrades. 

I  have  to  beg  that  your  excellency  will  give  me  such  information  as  you  may  be  possessed  of 
with  regard  to  this  subject,  and  inform  me  if  it  may  be  in  accordance  with  your  excellency's 
ideas  of  expediency  to  permit  the  offer  of  a  reward,  as  proposed  by  the  consul,  through  the  agency 
of  the  alcalde  or  some  other  officer ;  or  if  it^would  be  more  expedient  that  such  reward  be 
offered  directly  by  those  more  immediately  concerned,  the  owners  of  the  factory. 

Another  object  Commodore  Perry  had  in  view  in  ordering  the  ship  under  my  command  to 
Manila,  is  to  present  to  your  excellency  six  natives  who  are  believed  to  belong  to  some  island 
of  the  group  under  your  excellency's  government,  they  having  been  picked  up  by  the  United 
States  storeship  Southampton,  in  the  Pacific  ocean,  about  one  hundred  miles  from  Point  Engano, 
the  northeast  point  of  Luzon. 

Enclosed  I  have  the  honor  to  present  to  your  excellency  a  copy  of  the  report  of  the  com- 
mander of  the  Southampton,  addressed  to  Commodore  Perry ;  and  I  hold  myself  ready  to 
deliver  the  men  to  your  excellency's  order. 

As  I  am  instructed  to  make  my  stay  in  Manila  as  short  as  possible,  being  in  fact  ordered  to 
meet  the  commodore  at  Hong  Kong  in  the  present  month,  I  hope  to  receive  your  excellency's 
reply  at  an  early  day,  in  order  that  I  may  have  it  in  my  power  to  report  to  my  commanding 
officer,  Commodore  Perry,  the  result  of  my  mission. 

I  propose  to  sail  on  the  evening  of  the  16th  for  Hong  Kong,  and  I  hope  to  arrive  in  time  to 
place  letters  in  the  mail  which  will  go  out  on  the  22d.  And  I  take  this  opportunity  to  ©O'er 
my  services  to  your  excellency,  with  the  assurance  that  any  mails  or  despatches  which  may  be 
confided  to  my  charge  shall  be  carefully  delivered. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  your  excellency's  most  obedient  servant, 

JOEL  ABBOT, 
Captain  United  States  Navy. 

His  Excellencv  the  Governor  General  of  the  Philippine  Islands. 


FORMOSA     AND     MANILA.  147 

From  the  Governor  General  of  the  Philippine  Islands  to  Captain  Abbot. 

[Translation.] 

Manila,  August  14,  1854. 

My  Dear  Sir:  I  liav.e  received  your  communication  of  the  12tli  instant,  informing  me  that 
Commodore  M.  0.  Perry,  commanding  the  United  States  East  India  squadron,  has  confided  to 
you,  among  other  commissions,  to  procure  information  relative  to  the  state  of  the  case  pending 
with  reference  to  the  assassination  committed  on  the  persons  of  two  American  citizens  in  the 
month  of  March  of  last  year  at  the  rope-walk  at  Santa  Mesa^  and  asking  of  me  that  I  would 
give  you  the  information  sought.  Since  the  day  in  which  this  very  sad  affair  took  place,  the 
courts  have  not  ceased  in  their  investigation  and  inquiries  ;  arriving  at  .such  result  that  I  am 
able  to  say  to  you  that  if  it  is  true,  as  the  United  States  consul  has  told  you,  that  some  persons 
have  been  put  at  liberty  who  were  in  the  first  place  believed  to  be  culpable,  it  is  not  less  true 
that  others  have  recently  been  legally  condemned  to  various  terms  of  years  of  labor,  in  chains, 
with  other  penalties  included  in  the  sentence.  To  my  Queen's  government,  which,  by  royal 
order  of  16th  June  of  last  year,  demanded  the  result  of  the  investigations  which,  with  great 
zeal,  were  made  by  the  courts,  I  have  transmitted  some  time  since  the  sentence  passed  by  the 
supreme  court  of  these  i.slands,  and  I  do  not  doubt  that  the  government  of  the  United  States 
have  already  full  notice  of  the  same. 

The  indication  which  was  made  to  my  antecessor,  as  the  consul  has  informed  you,  and 
which  you  now  propose,  respecting  the  propriety  of  offering  a  reward,  to  see  if  by  this  method 
may  be  apprehended  the  two  fugitive  criminals,  you  will  understand  that  it  could  not  produce 
better  (more)  results  than  is  ofliered  by  an  administration  zealous  for  the  observance  of  the  laws 
and  for  the  just  punishment  of  criminals  ;  and  in  this  opinion  have  participated  the  country- 
men resident  here,  and  those  allied  to  the  victims,  for  otherwise  they  would  have  repaired  as 
interested  parties  to  the  courts.  These  courts  have  established  and  judged  the  case.  The 
judges  have  spared  no  legal  method  of  investigation,  and  you  may  rest  assured  that  they  will 
continue  to  fulfil  their  mission  for  the  punishment  of  the  two  presumed  criminals,  the  only 
ones  which  they  have  not  been  able  to  find,  but  who  will  suffer  the  penalty  they  merit  if  they 
are  still  in  the  islands  and  have  not  escaped  abroad. 

I  will  not  conclude  without  giving  you  my  sincere  thanks  for  the  delicate  attention  manifested 

in  your  offer  to  take  charge  of  such  correspondence  as  I  may  have  to  send  to  Hong  Kong  for 

the  mail,  which  leaves  that  port  for  Europe  on  the  22d  instant.  ' 

God  guard  you  many  years. 

EL  MAEQUES  DE  NOVALECHES. 
Captain  Joel  Abbot, 

Commander  of  the  United  States  ship  Macedonian. 


From  the  Governor  General  of  the  Philippine  Islands  to  Captain  Abbot. 

[Translation.] 

Manila,  August  14,  1854. 
Sir  :  I  have  received  your  attentive  communication  of  the  12th  instant,  and  with  it  a  copy  of 
the  letter  addressed  to  Commodore  M.  C.  Perry,  by  the  commander  of  the  United  States  trans- 
port ship  "Southampton,"  giving  particulars  relative  to  the  six  natives  of  these  islands  tha 


148  EXPEDITION     TO    JAPAN. 

were  picked  up  at  sea,  saving  them  from  the  danger  they  were  exposed  to,  and  paying  them  on 
board  of  his  vessel  every  care  and  attention. 

Besides  giving  a  full  account  of  the  vrhole  aflair  to  Her  Majesty's  government^  subjoining 
a  copy  of  the  document  from  Captain  J.  J.  Boyle  above  referred  to,  in  order  that  Her  Majesty 
may  appreciate  justly  the  services  rendered  on  the  occasion  by  the  said  captain  to  Her  Majesty's 
subjects,  it  is  my  duty  to  express  to  the  commander  of  the  transport  "  Southampton,"  to  Com- 
modore Perry,  and  to  yourself,  my  sincere  thanks,  in  the  name  of  my  sovereign,  in  that  of  those 
natives,  and  in  my  own,  for  the  humanity,  philanthropy,  and  generosity  you  have  all  used 
towards  those  unfortunate  people  in  saving  their  lives,  and  for  the  careful  attention  with  which 
they  were  provided  with  everything  that  was  necessary.  It  affords  me  great  pleasure  in  repeat- 
ins  again  mv  thanks,  begging  that  vou  will  transmit  them  to  all  those  that  have  had  anvthing 
to  do  on  the  subject  in  question,  and  I  beg  to  request  of  you  the  favor  to  grant  the  necessary 
orders  for  the  delivery  of  said  natives  to  the  captain  of  this  port,  who  has  got  my  orders  to 
receive  them. 

Please  receive  the  assurance  of  my  high  consideration  and  esteem. 

Eemaining,  dear  sir,  your  obedient  servant, 

EL  MAEQUES  DE  NOYALECHES. 

Captain  Joel  Abbot, 

Commander  of  the  United  States  ship  Macedonian. 


Captain  Abbot  to  the  Governor  General. 

U?nTED  States  Ship  JIacedonian, 

Manila  hay,  August  16,  1854. 

Sm:  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  receipt  of  your  excellency's  despatches,  dated  14th 
instant,  in  reply  to  my  letter  of  the  12th,  and  I  beg  to  tender  my  thanks  for  the  readiness 
shown  by  your  excellency  in  sending  replies  thus  early,  which  in  a  few  days  I  shall  have  the 
pleasure  of  delivering  to  my  commander-in-chief. 

"With  reference  to  the  case  of  the  murder,  at  Santa  Mesa,  of  the  two  Americans,  it  is  with 
great  satisfaction  that  I  learn  that  your  excellency's  attention  had  been  already  given  to 
it,  and  that  the  investigations  of  the  courts  have  resulted  in  the  condemnation  of  several 
persons  participators  in  the  bloody  tragedy.  The  two  still  at  large,  of  whom  your  excellency 
speaks,  will,  I  hope,  be  brought  to  justice.  My  commander-in-chief.  Commodore  Perry,  will, 
without  doubt,  be  very  happy  to  learn  that  the  particulars  of  the  case  have  been  sent  to  the 
government  of  her  Majesty  the  Queen,  and  probably  already  transmitted  to  the  government  of 
the  United  States. 

The  flattering  compliments  which  your  excellency  kindly  bestows  upon  the  officers  of  the 
"Southampton  "  and  the  squadron  generally,  in  the  rescue  and  care  of  the  six  natives,  already 
delivered  to  the  captain  of  the  port,  in  compliance  with  your  excellency's  expressed  wishes,  will 
be  fully  appreciated,  accompanied  as  they  are  by  the  demonstration  of  your  excellency's  benevo- 
lence and  goodness  of  heart  in  extending  to  these  unfortunates  your  paternal  care  and  solici- 
tude. 


FORMOSA     AiND     MANILA.  149 

I  hope  to  be  ready  to  sail  for  China  this  evening,  and  in  leaving  Manila  shall  bear  with  rae 
the  pleasing  memory  of  your  excellency's  most  gentlemanly  kindness  during  my  stay  in  port. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be  your  excellency's  most  obedient  servant, 

JOEL  ABBOT, 
Captain  United  States  Navy. 
His  Excellency  the  Governor  Captain  General  of  the  Philippine  Islands. 


The  Governor  General  to  Captain  Abbot. 
[Translation.] 

Manila,  August  14,  1854. 
Sir  :  In  your  attentive  communication,  which  receipt  I  have  acknowledged  in  another  letter, 
you  kindly  offer  to  take  charge  of  any  mail  letters  which  I  may  conveniently  send  on  board  of 
the  vessel  under  your  command  for  Hong  Kong^  offering,  besides,  very  kindly  indeed  on  your 
part,  to  deliver  them  there  to  the  person  who  may  be  aj^pointed  to  receive  them. 

It  gives  me  pleasure  to  observe  in  your  offer  to  me  a  true  proof  of  your  distinguished  senti- 
ments, for  which  I  beg  you  will  accept  my  best  thanks. 

Please  receive  the  assurance  of  my  high  consideration  and  esteem. 
Kemaining,  dear  sir,  your  obedient  servant, 

EL  MASQUES  DE  NOVALECHES. 
Captain  J.  Abbot, 

Commander  of  the  United  States  Ship  Macedonian. 


REPORTS  MADE  TO  COMMODORE  PERRY 


A    VISIT   TO   THE   COAL   REGIONS 


THE    ISLAND    OF    FORMOSA 


REV.    GEORGE   JONES,  M.  A., 

CHAPLAIN  U.  a.  N., 
ATTACHED  TO  THE  UNITED  STATES  STEAM  FEIGATE  MISSISSIPPI.  ' 


REPORTS 

ON 

THE  COAL  REGIONS  OE  THE  ISLAND  OF  FORMOSA 

BY  REV.  GEORGE  JONES,  CHAPLAIN  U.  S.  N. 


KEPORT    I. 

Chaplain  Jones  to  Commodore  Perry. 

United  States  Ship  Macedonian, 

Harbor  of  Kelung,  Formosa,  July  22,  1854. 

Sir  :  I  have  been  engaged  so  constantly  in  explorations  and  in  duties  connected  with  procur- 
ing coal,  as  to  be  unable  to  draw  up  a  detailed  account  of  this  region  and  of  events  ;  and  will 
ask  your  indulgence  in  this  respect  until  our  arrival  at  Hong-Kong,  and  will  now  only  give  a 
general  statement  of  what  has  been  seen  and  done. 

We  found  both  the  mandarins  and  people  disposed  to  be  friendly,  but  exceedingly  fearful 
each  one  of  tlie  person  immediately  above  him,  and  thus  in  constant  alarm  lest  some  unknown 
danger  to  them  might  lurk  in  every  piece  of  information  we  gained,  or  every  scrutiny  we  made. 
To  this  may  be  added  a  system  of  lying  and  deception,  from  the  highest  mandarin  down,  in  a 
degree  that  I  never  saw  before,  even  in  China.  Nearly  all  that  we  have  learned  about  the  coal 
in  this  region  has,  therefore,  been  by  pushing  and  persevering  investigations,  in  the  face  of 
constant  attempts  of  the  inhabitants  to  mislead  us  or  to  blind  us  as  to  the  facts.  They  have 
otherwise  thrown  no  obstructions  in  our  way.  When  they  found  we  would  go,  they  let  us  go  ; 
when  they  saw  they  could  not  cheat  us,  they  yielded  courteously  ;  now  and  then  wS  found  a 
native  willing,  for  a  good  reward  and  a  promise  of  secrecy,  to  help  us  and  to  act  as  guide ;  and 
so  we  have  been  able  to  ascertain,  I  think,  all  the  facts  with  regard  to  the  northeastern  portion 
of  the  island  as  respects  its  possessions  in  coal. 

The  coal  is  quite  abundant.  I  have  been  at  eight  distinct  mines,  and  have  explored  twelve 
drifts  to  their  termination,  in  most  cases  getting  specimens  of  the  coal.  The  seams  of  coal  are 
in  no  instance  that  I  have  seen  more  than  three  feet  in  thickness,  (never  less  than  twenty-eight 
inches;)  but  they  are  so  easily  worked  tliat,  probably  without  exception,  it  might  with  proper 
mining  be  delivered  at  the  mouth  of  the  mines  for  a  dollar  and  fifty  cents  per  ton  of  2,240 
pounds. 

As  to  its  suitableness  for  steamboat  purposes,  I  fear  that  it  burns  too  freely  to  make  it  rank 

among  the  best  kinds  of  coal.    But  it  is  a  perfectly  pure  coal  ;  it  does  not  cake  or  run  in  the 

least  degree  ;  it  leaves  scarcely  any  ashes  ;  and  if  too  free  in  its  combustion  when  alone,  it  will 

probably  be  found  valuable  for  mixing  with  anthracite  or  others  of  the  more  intractable  kmde. 

20  » 


154  EXPEDITION    TOJ  A  PAN. 

In  almost  every  instance,  the  coal  seams  are  remarkably  accessible ;  from  a  number  of  the 
mines  a  railroad  of  two  hundred  yards  would  deliver  it  on  the  banks  of  a  stream  navigable  at 
full  tides  and  debouching  in  the  harbor  of  Kelung,  while  at  a  spot  three  and  a  half  miles  east 
from  this,  a  seam  comes  cropping  out  in  a  bluff  rising  immediately  from  the  sea,  or  rather  from 
the  bottom  of  a  shallow  bay,  where  a  railroad  of  two  hundred  feet  from  the  mines  down  might 
drop  the  coal  at  once  into  boats  lying  in  the  safely- sheltepod  coves  among  the  rocks  below. 

I  have  explored  to  an  extent  of  seven  miles  east  from  this,  and  have  found  coal-mines,  or  in- 
dications of  coal,  over  the  whole  extent.  The  country  westward  has  exactly  the  same  geological 
character  as  the  east ;  but  I  have  not  had  time  to  give  it  any  examination. 

The  natives  have  done  a  little  at  mining  ;  but  it  is  in  a  slovenly  way,  and  with  indifferent 
results. 

We  have  had  great  difficulty  in  getting  a  stone  for  the  Washington  Monument,  the  rock  here 
being  all  a  soft  sandstone,  entirely  unfit  for  architectural  purposes  ;  but  we  finally  purchased  a 
granite  stone,  forming  part  of  the  quay  at  Kelung,  which  I  hope  will  suit. 

Captain  Abbot  has  requested  me  to  say  that  they  have  completed  a  good  survey  of  the  harbor, 
extended  also  to  the  coal  seam  at  the  east. 

I  remain,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

GEO.  JONES, 
Chaplain  United  States  Navy. 

Commodore  M.  C.  Ferry, 

Commanding  U.  S.  naval  forces,  East  India,  China,  and  Japan  seas. 


C  O  A  r,      R  F.  O  I  O  N  S     Of     F  0  R  M  O  S  A 


155 


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156  EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN. 

REPORT    II. 

Chaplain  Jones  to  Commodore  Perry. 

United  States  Ship  Macedonian, 

At  Sea,  July  28,  1854. 

Sir:  As  it  is  possible  tbat  the  increasing  steam  navigation  of  these  waters  may,  eventually, 
give  importance  to  the  coal  region  about  Kelung,  I  have,  in  this  recent  visit,  made  as  extensive 
researches  as  the  time  would  allow ;  and  I  will  now  give  a  detailed  report  of  them,  adopting  a 
succinct  journal  form,  as  this  will  show  the  disposition  of  the  authorities  and  people  of  that 
neighborhood,  as  well  as  the  results. 

Monday,  July  10,  1854.  Evening. — In  sight  of  the  northern  end  of  Formosa,  and  swept 
about  by  most  violent  currents.  There  are  three  small  islands  here,  (Agincourt,  Pinnacle,  and 
Crag  islands,)  good  landmarks  in  approaching  from  the  northward,  but  somewhat  dangerous 
amid  these  currents. 

Tuesday,  llth. — The  harbor  of  Kelung  not  easily 
made  out  at  a  distance,  but  a  high,  rocky  islet,  of  this 
shape,  stands  out  about  three  miles  to  the  north  of 
it,  and  will  prevent  any  mistake.     Leaving  this  a    , 
little  on  the  east,  and  steering  southwardlv,   the  " 

^  *■  Seen  trom  Uie  norlliward. 

harbor  will  develop  itself,  and  its  entrance  be  readily 

seen.     A  native  came  out  and  offered  himself  as  a  pilot ;  his  charge,  $o. 

The  harbor  is  about  two  miles  in  length,  with  pleasant  scenery  on  its  shores ;  a  couple  of 
hamlets  on  the  west;  halfway  up,  on  the  east,  a  village  with  quite  a  number  of  junks  anchored 
off;  above  this  village^  nothing  but  bare  flats,  in  low  tide,  with  a  channel  through  them  navi- 
gable for  flat  boats.  In  full  tide  our  ship's  boats  can  go  up  to  the  town  of  Kelung,  at  the 
head  of  the  harbor,  by  keeping  in  the  channel. 

In  the  afternoon,  went  ashore  with  the  purser,  Passed  Midshipmen  Breese  and  Jones,  and 
Mr.  Williams,  (master's  mate,)  determined  to  commence  our  explorations  before  the  authorities 
could  suspect  our  object  and  throw  difficulties  in  the  way.  Landed  at  Junktown.  Near  that 
saw  the  natives  burning  lime  (from  coral)  with  coal.  In  doing  this,  they  use  a  blower  like  the 
fanning  mills  of  our  barns,  worked  by  a  treadle.  Found  a  man  from  Amoy  who  could  speak  a 
little  English  and  was  acquainted  with  the  neighborhood.  He  took  us  to  a  house  in  Kelung 
where  was  a  large  pile  of  coal,  ten  or  twelve  tons,  but  most  of  it  dust.  They  offered  to  sell  it 
at  $2  21  a  ton  of  2,240  pounds. 

Kelung  is  a  town  of  about  three  thousand  inhabitants.  It  is  compactly  built,  and  the 
houses  have  their  roofs  projecting  in  front,  so  as  to  form  a  covered  way  all  along,  on  both 
sides  of  the  street.  Where  the  streets  are  narrow,  these  roofs  meet  in  the  middle  and  exclude 
the  air,  making  the  place  very  offensive  to  the  smell.  The  town  is  protected  at  its  two  ends  by 
walls  and  towers  ;  and  it  has  now  a  guard  of  soldiers,  as  they  are  in  daily  expectation  of  an 
attack  by  the  rebels  from  Amoy. 

Eastward  from  the  town,  a  valley  (a  stream  in  it)  stretches  up  for  about  two  miles  ;  and,  as 
our  information  led  us  to  expect  coal  in  that  direction,  we  now  set  out  on  an  exploratory  walk. 
Some  people  from  Kelung  followed  us  ;  but  to  our  questions  they  protested  that  there  was  not 
any  coal  in  that  direction.     However,  I  soon  found  some  fragments  in  the  path,  and  we  continued 


COAL     REGIONS     OF     FORMOSA.  157 

on;  the  natives  still  declaring  that  the  search  was  useless,  and  we  still  finding  bits  of  coal  along 
the  way.  At  a  mile  from  the  town  we  came  to  several  piles  of  coal,  on  the  bank  of  a  stream 
we  had  been  following  up  ;  and  here  our  Kelung  companions  quitted  us  and  returned  back  to 
town.  We  crossed  the  stream,  and  following  a  path  which  turned  into  a  short  vallev  branch- 
ing off  to  the  southward,  with  the  help  of  some  country  people  we  soon,  to  our  great  pleasure, 
discovered  some  mines.  Having  no  lant^-rns,  or  means  of  exploring  them,  and  it  being  now 
late,  we  returned  to  the  ship,  gratified  with  our  first  day's  work. 

Wednesday,  \2th. — Our  Amoy  man  had  promised  to  come  early  this  morning,  and  to  conduct 
us  to  some  mines^  which,  he  said,  were  far  along  the  coast  ;  and  I  waited  for  him  a  long  time, 
but  he  did  not  appear. 

Accompanied  Captain  Abbot,  at  his  request,  in  a  semi-official  visit  to  the  authorities  on  shore. 
In  the  afternoon,  went  with  Captain  Abbot  and  Purser  Allison  to  purchase  the  coal  (rejecting  the 
dust)  that  we  had  seen  in  store  in  town  ;  but  the  owner  had  now  taken  alarm  at  something  or 
other,  and  refused  to  sell.  Doubtless,  the  mandarins  had  interfered,  and  the  man  seemed  almost 
afraid  to  speak  to  us.  We  were  taken  afterward  to  the  house  of  a  mandarin  whose  name  is 
Le-chu-ou,  and  title  Hip-toy,  said  to  be  the  chief  mandarin  of  the  place.  He,  as  well  as  the 
owner  of  the  coal,  told  us  that  it  came  from  an  island  on  the  eastern  coast  of  Formosa,  one 
hundred  miles  from  this.     He  expressed  himself  willing  to  have  us  jjurchase  the  coal. 

Thursday,  I3lh  July. — Started  for  a  thorough  exploration  of  the  mines  seen  on  Tuesday,  the 
party  consisting,  besides  myself,  of  Mr.  Williams  and  four  seamen,  armed.  Left  Mr.  Breese 
in  Kelung,  to  endeavor  to  conclude  the  purchase  of  the  coal  stored  there.  The  map  appended 
to  this  will  show  the  position  of  the  mines  visited  to-day.  We  first  went  to  those  marked 
a,  h,  c,  the  letters  indicating  three  openings  into  the  bed  of  coal.  These  openings  are  about 
thirty  inches  wide  and  four  feet  in  height,  and  bring  us,  at  the  distance  of  ten  or  twenty  feet, 
to  the  coal  seam,  in  which  drifts  are  continued  horizontally  to  the  extent  of  about  one  hundred 
and  twenty  feet  from  the  entrance.  In  miner's  language,  passages  or  cuttings  to  the  coal  are 
called  "  tunnels;"  when  in  the  coal  seam,  they  are  called  "  drifts  ;"  and  when  there  are  two  or 
more  parallel  drifts  in  the  same  seam  of  coal,  the  cuttings  from  one  drift  to  the  other  are 
termed  ^^cross-headings." 

I  soon  discovered  that  the  three  openings  or  tunnels  at  this  place  all  led  to  drifts  in  the  same 
seam  of  coal,  the  two  lower  drifts  having  several  cross-headings  between  them.  The  seam  was 
three  feet  in  thickness,  its  strike  or  direction  was  northwest  and  southeast ;  it  had  a  .jouthwest 
dip  of  15°.  The  coal  is  remarkably  pure,  from  its  commencement  at  the  floor  to  the  roof;  but 
it  is  mined  in  a  most  awkward  and  wasteful  manner.  Their  only  implement  is  a  pick,  with 
which  they  dig  into  it  in  such  a  way  as  to  shatter  it  very  much  ;  the  fragments  are  put  into 
shallow  baskets,  and  these  on  a  flat  board,  and  they  are  thus  dragged  over  the  mud  to  the 
entrance.  All  the  coal  which  we  saw,  both  at  this  mine  and  at  the  creek  below,  consisted  of 
such  small  fragments  ;  but,  on  trial  with  hammer  and  chisel,  I  fouud  no  diSiculty  in  getting  it 
out  in  large  pieces,  of  which,  as  specimens,  we  brought  away  as  much  as  we  could  carry.  The 
floor  and  roof  are  both  argillaceous  rock  ;  and  the  softness  of  the  latter  is  the  only  obstacle  to 
the  easy  working  of  this  seam  ;  the  roof  caves  in  if  left  to  itself  only  for  a  few  feet  in  width, 
and  would  need  wooden  supports  constantly  and  carefully  applied. 

The  whole  character  of  this  seam  of  coal,  and  its  j'osition,  are  well  adapted  to  successful 
mining  operations.  I  am  told  that  in  Great  Britain  a  seam  of  three  feet  is  considered  as  prom- 
ising a  further  and  more  certain  continuance  than  any  other  thickness;  the  extent  of  this  I  had 


158 


EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN 


no  means  of  judging,  as  the  drifts  reached  but  a  short  distance,  about  one  hundred  and  twenty 
feet;  the  seam  had  the  same  thickness  at  the  end  as  at  the  beginning,  and  the  quality  of  the 
coal  improved  the  further  we  advanced.  Doubtless  the  stratum  extends  down  below  the  valley, 
and  far  along  among  the  hills.  It  requires  only  eight  or  ten  feet  of  tunneling  to  reach  it,  and 
the  dip  is  a  very  good  one  for  drainage  and  cross-headings.  A  railroad  of  six  hundred  feet 
would  bring  the  coal  to  the  stream  in  the  east  and  west  valley,  which  is  navigable  for  loaded 
flatboats  in  full  tides  ;  or,  if  thought  best  to  carry  it  by  railroad  to  Junktown,  on  the  harbor 
accessible  for  ships'  boats  at  all  tides,  a  railway  of  two  and  a  quarter  miles,  along  level  ground, 
would  be  sufficient  for  that. 

These  drifts  are  about  sixty  feet  above  the  bottom  of  the  lateral  valley  into  which  they  open, 
or  about  seventy-five  feet  above  the  stream  just  alluded  to. 

Across  this  lateral  valley,  and  at  about  the  same  elevation  above  it,  (at  the  place  marked  d,) 
is  another  mine,  which  I  also  visited  and  explored.  The  tunnel  at  this  place  is  a  few  yards 
longer  than  at  the  other,  and  is  cut  through  a  tolerably  hard  rock  ;  but,  at  the  distance  of  about 
twenty  feet,  we  came  to  the  coal  seam,  which  also  has  a  thickness  of  three  feet,  with  a  strike  to 
northwest,  and  a  dip  to  southwest  of  15°.  The  roof  of  this  seam  is  harder  and  drier  than  at 
the  other,  and  the  coal  is  firmer  and  not  so  easily  shattered.  They  have  penetrated  here  to  a 
distance  of  two  hundred  feet,  but  there  is  only  one  drift ;  and  although  there  is  no  ventilation, 
we  found  the  air  to  be  pure — a  proof  of  the  purity  of  the  coal.  This  mine,  however,  is  little 
used.     Neither  here  nor  at  the  other  did  we  find  any  person  at  work. 

I  thought,  at  first,  that  this  seam  must  be  a  continuation  of  the  other  ;  but  the  strike  and  dip 
of  the  two  lead  to  a  difierent  conclusion. 

We  hired  a  canoe  at  the  creek  below  to  transport  our  coal ;  the  tide  was  at  its  lowest,  and 
the  boatman,  after  poling  some  distance,  had  to  get  out  and  push  his  boat  over  the  mud. 

Mr.  Breese  found  the  coal-merchant  in  town  still  unwilling  to  sell. 

During  the  day  the  Hip-toy  sent  off  some  lower  mandarins,  with  his  compliments  to  Captain 
Abbot,  and  a  present  of  a  bullock  and  vegetables.  When  questioned  about  the  coal-mine 
along  the  coast,  these  officers  still  affirmed  that  it  was  on  an  island  one  hundred  miles  off. 

Friday,  ISlh. — On  my  bed,  sick  from  yesterday's  overexertion;  the  sun  here  dreadfully  hot. 
In  the  evening,  accompanied  Captain  Abbot  to  some  islands  at  the  mouth  of  theharbor,  to  look 
for  a  stone,  such  as  rou  desired  me  to  get  for  the  Washington  Monument.  Did  not  find  any- 
thing that  would  answer,  the  rock  here  being  all  a  very  soft  sandstone,  unfit  for  architectural 


purposes.  A  singular  effect  is  produced  at  those  places  by  the  wearing  action  of  the  waves,  in 
spots  where  the  soft  yellow  sandstone  is  interspersed  with  numerous  round  black  stones,  like 
boulders.  These  last  have  resisted  the  action  of  the  sea,  while  the  sandstone  has  yielded  to  it, 
so  as  to  form  a  vast  number  of  yellow  columns,  each  capped  by  a  round  black  head  as  above. 


COAL     REGIONS     OF     FORMOSA,  159 

Our  surveyors,  from  this  circumstance,  have  named  the  point  at  the  western  entrance  of  the 
harbor,  "Image  Point." 

Saturday,  IBth. — Captain  Abbot  wishing  to  make  the  Hip-toy  a  present  in  return  for  his  of 
yesterday,  requested  me  to  accompany  it,  whicli  I  did.  The  mandarin  was  greatly  pleased  • 
and  I  said  to  him,  "  You  s^e  that  our  coming  here  has  been  of  advantage  to  your  people  ;  they 
are  finding  a  good  market  in  our  ship  for  everything  they  bring,  and  we  are  scattering  a  great 
deal  of  money  among  them.  Now,  if  we  can  find  coal  here  of  a  suitable  quality  for  our 
steamers,  it  will  be  greatly  to  the  profit  of  your  country,  making  you  rich  and  prosperous.  A 
party  of  us  desire  to  set  out  overland  for  the  coal-mine  you  speak  of,  100  miles  from  this,  on  the 
eastern  coast ;  and  we  wish  you  to  furnish  us  with  four  sedan-chairs  and  bearers  for  that 
purpose."  He  replied  that  the  thing  was  impossible  ;  that  the  region  of  country  lying  between 
is  out  of  his  jurisdiction,  and  is  inhabited  by  savage  men,  who  are  cannibals  ;  and  that  his  own 
people  have  to  steal  the  coal  which  they  procure  there. 

At  3  p.  M.,  the  Hip-toy  came  in  state  to  visit  the  ship,  accompanied  by  four  other  mandarins 
in  official  costume.     They  were  shown  around  the  vessel,  and  seemed  to  be  greatly  pleased. 

Sunday,  IQth. — This  afternoon  a  native  came  alongside  in  a  shore-boat  with  coal  for  sale. 
He  said  he  brought  it  100  miles  in  his  boat,  whicli  was  evidently  false,  and  we  determined  on 
exploring  the  coast  ourselves  on  the  morrow  as  far  as  our  boats  could  venture  from  the  ship. 

Towards  evening  Captain  Abbot's  steward,  a  Chinaman,  brought  on  board  two  natives,  who 
offered,  if  we  would  pay  them  well,  and  keep  the  matter  secret,  to  conduct  us  to  the  mines  on 
the  coast,  which  they  said  were  distant  five  hours'  pull  iu  the  boats.  To  make  sure  of  them,  we 
determined  to  keep  them  on  board  all  night. 

Monday,  11th. — Purser  Allison,  Mr.  Breese,  and  myself,  together  with  the  two  natives,  started 
in  a  ship's  boat  at  earliest  dawn  ;  our  guides,  at  their  request,  disguised  in  sailors'  dresses.  We 
pulled  through  a  channel  between  the  main  and  a  small  island,  at  the  eastern  entrance  of  the 
bay,  (called  "junk  and  boat  passage"  in  the  chart;)  thence  on  by  a  sharp  promontory 
("Sphinx  Head")  two  miles  distant ;  and,  turning  this,  to  our  joy,  saw  the  mines  before  us, 
only  a  little  way  off;  so  that  the  100  miles  of  the  mandarins  and  of  the  coal-merchant  of 
Sunday,  and  the  five  hours'  pull  of  our  guides,  thus  resolved  themselves  into  a  distance  of  only 
three  miles  from  the  ship.  The  position  of  the  mines  was  also  everything  that  could  be  desired. 
They  are  represented  on  the  accompanying  map  by  the  letters  e,f,  g,  h.  A  steep  bluff,  200  feet 
high,  rises  here  almost  directly  from  the  water  ;  its  strata  of  various  kinds  distinctly  marked 
along  its  face,  and  running  down  at  an  angle  of  about  15°  with  the  horizon.  One  of  these 
strata  was  marked  by  black  coal-heaps  along  its  front,  and  showed  itself  to  be  a  coal  seam,  the 
several  drifts  opening  to  the  right  being  evidently  in  a  single  seam.     Their  appearance  is  thus  : 


§^'??sfex»--i3:^ir^T- :.    :^.  ^  -  ■i"i:-^^^'v-,to- J:i=^:  -1  -■ 


Entering  the  lower  drift,  which  is  about  20  feet  above  water  mark,  I  found  myself  at  once 
in  the  coal  seam,  here  32  inches  thick,  the  strike  E.  and  W.,  and  dip  10°  S.  This  drift  reaches 
to  the  extent  of  only  100  feet. 


160  EXPEDITION     TO     JAPAN. 

Drift  No.  2,  higher  up  ;  similar  to  the  last  in  all  respects  ;  the  roof  hard  and  good. 

Drift  No.  3,  considerably  higher  than  the  last.  The  coal  here  crops  out  in  the  face  of  the 
bluff;  is  28  inches  thick  at  the  entrance,  and  32  inches  further  in;  roof  dry;  strike  E.  andW.; 
dip  S.S.E.  8°  or  10°;  roof  hard  at  entrance;  softer  further  in;  the  coal  here  not  easily  shattered, 
and  10  or  12  tons,  in  large  lumps,  lying  at  the  mouth  of  the  drift. 

Drift  No.  4,  higher  up;  seam  30  inches  thick;  dip  S.S.E.  8°  or  10°;  strike  E.  and  W.;  hard 
roof;  coal  crops  out  in  the  bluff. 

These  drifts  extend  in  only  100  or  120  feet,  and  have  few  cross-headings.  There  are  a  few 
other  drifts  now  abandoned. 

This  coal  seam  probably  extends  a  great  way  into  the  hills,  and  doubtless  also  down  beneath 
the  sea  ;  and  the  coal  in  all  the  drifts  is  remarkably  pure  throughout  from  roof  to  floor.  The 
position  is  also  one  possessing  singular  advantages.  Lieut.  Preble  has  since  discovered  a  small 
basin  close  by,  (named  "Coal  Harbor"  on  his  chart,)  almost  land-locked  and  pretty  secure,  where 
one  or  two  vessels  may  lie  and  take  in  coal,  which  a  railroad  of  a  few  hundred  yards  in  length 
would  transfer  to  their  holds ;  or  boats  may  find  safety  in  a  little  cove  among  the  rocks  just 
below  the  mines,  and  thence  transport  it  to  the  harbor  of  Kelung. 

Their  present  mode  of  mining  it  is  ruinous  to  the  coal,  breaking  most  of  it  into  small  frag- 
ments or  turning  it  into  dust ;  while  from  the  upper  drifts  the  mode  of  getting  it  down  is  by 
rolling  it  over  the  face  of  the  rocks  till  it  reaches  a  gentler  inclination  below. 

After  examining  these  drifts,  I  took  some  of  the  boatmen  as  protectors,  and  crossed  the  hills, 
intending  to  return  by  land  and  explore  the  interior.  Our  path  soon  turned  to  the  eastward, 
and  brought  us  to  a  village  ((')  on  another  bay  ;  and  the  villagers  here  offered  to  conduct  me  to 
a  coal-mine,  one  mile,  they  said,  eastward  from  this  bay.  We  started  for  it;  and  after  half  an 
hour's  walk,  came  to  a  village  (k)  where,  on  the  shore,  were  a  number  of  heaps  of  coal,  most  of 
it  fine  and  of  a  quality  inferior  to  that  at  the  other  mines.  I  asked  the  villagers  to  take  me  to 
the  place  whence  it  was  procured  ;  but  they  said  that  this  was  far  in  the  interior,  10  or  12  miles, 
and  that  I  could  not  go  there  and  return  to-day. 

The  sun  had  now  got  towards  the  zenith,  and  was  intensely  hot;  and  as  we  were  far  from  the 
ship^  and  my  sailor  guards  were  suffering  from  the  heat,  I  gave  up  further  explorations,  and, 
hiring  a  native  boat,  returned  to  the  ship. 

Towards  sunset  made  another  attempt  to  find  a  stone  for  the  Washington  Monument,  but 
did  not  succeed. 

Tuesday,  ISfh. — Captain  Abbot  sent  me  to  the  Hip-toy  to  make  arrangements  for  purchasing 
the  coal  which  we  had  seen  yesterday  at  the  mouths  of  the  drifts,  and  also  that  in  town.  This 
mandarin  replied  that  "we  could  go  and  purchase  it  if  we  wished."  I  answered  that  "the 
owners  always  referred  me  to  him,  and  told  me  that  they  could  not  dispose  of  it  without  his  per- 
mission ;  that,  as  he  was  willing  to  have  it  sold,  I  now  wanted  a  written  permit  from  him  which 
I  could  show,  and  so  obviate  all  diflSculty."  He  said  that  "such  a  permit  would  not  avail 
unless  it  were  an  official  one,  with  his  oflicial  seal ;  that  this  seal  was  kept  locked  up,  and 
another  mandarin  had  the  key  ;  that  for  him  (the  Hip-toy)  to  get  it,  and  pass  through  the 
usual  formalities,  would  be  to  betray  himself,  and  that  then  he  would  be  punished  by  the 
authorities  at  Pekin  ;  but  that  if  I  would  bring  the  owners  of  the  coal  to  him,  he  would  give 
them  orders  orally."  He  had  several  times  before  hinted  at  danger  from  Pekin  if  he  were  to 
assist  us  in  our  doings,  or  be  thought  favorable  to  them. 

Wednesday,  I9th. — Captain  Abbot  has  concluded  not  to  proceed  further  in  coal  negotiations  till 


COAL     REGIONS     OF     FORMOSA.  Igl 

the  arrival  of  the  store-ship  "  Supply."  We  went  in  the  afternoon  to  the  rocky,  precipitous 
island  of  Kelung,  three  miles  out  from  the  hay.  It  appears,  singularly  enough,  to  he  a  mass  of 
eienite,  stuck  up  like  the  sharp  end  of  a  wedge  through  these  formations  of  sandstone  and  coal. 

Thursday,  20. — Captain  Abhot  being  desirous  of  seeing-the  coal  bed  at  e,f,  g,  I  went  with 
him,  intending  to  search  for  the  mines  back  of  h.  We  started  at  earliest  dawn,  and  I  asked 
Captain  A.  to  proceed  at  once  to  k,  and  to  put  me  ashore  with  two  seamen  as  guards,  and  an 
interpreter.  When  there,  a  native,  caught  by  the  ofler  of  some  cotton  cloth  which  I  held  out  to 
him,  agreed  to  conduct  me  to  the  mines,  hut  was  forbidden  by  the  other  villagers,  and,  per- 
sisting, brought  upon  himself  a  storm  of  angry  words,  with  which  they  pursued  us  to  the  edge 
of  the  village,  and  as  much  further  as  they  could  be  heard.  But  he  talked  as  loud  as  they,  and 
stalked  on,  leading  the  way  along  a  valley,  and  then  up  a  ravine  that  struck  upward  towards 
the  top  of  a  high  isolated  mountain  on  the  east.  We  had  proceeded  little  more  than  half  a  mile 
from  the  village,  when  we  came  to  the  mines,  (Z,)  a  distance  which  their  lying  tongues  had 
magnified  to  10  or  12  miles. 

Entering,  we  proceeded  by  a  tunnel  40  feet  long,  and  then  struck  the  coal  seam,  the  drift 
thence  continuing  400  feet,  with  20  inches  in  thickness  of  coal ;  the  strike  E.N.E.,  and  dip  N. 
60°.  Beyond  this,  the  dip  changed  to  40°  northward,  and  the  seam  grew  thicker.  Its  thick- 
ness was  3  feet  at  the  end  of  the  drift,  which  was  altogether  700  feet  in  length.  The  roof  in 
this  mine  was  firm  and  good;  but  the  coal  is  not  so  good  as  at  the  other  mines.  It  is  rather 
dull,  somewhat  earthy,  and  is  mixed  with  sulphuret  of  iron  ;  the  higher  inclination  of  its  dip 
will  also  be  a  difficulty  in  working  this  seam.  Yet  the  mining  here  has  been  carried  much 
further  in  than  at  any  other  place  visited  in  this  region  of  country. 

Descending  once  more,  we  quitted  the  ravine,  and  crossed  the  valley;  and  now,  at  about  a 
quarter  of  a  mile  from  the  village,  came  to  another  mine,  (m.)  It  lies  W.  ^  S.,  a  quarter  of  a 
mile  from  the  former  one,  {I,)  and  may  be  a  continuation  of  the  same  seam ;  but  the  coal  is 
much  better  in  quality.  The  strike  is  W.  ^  S.,  and  the  dip  N.N.W.  70°;  the  roof  good  and 
firm.  The  drift  extends  in  about  300  feet.  It  would  be  an  easy  matter  to  construct  a  railroad 
from  this  mine  to  the  village,  as  it  lies  only  a  few  feet  above  the  valley  debouching  at  that  place. 

After  finishing  our  explorations  here,  we  returned  across  the  country  to  Kelung,  a  distance 
of  about  seven  miles.  The  whole  region  lying  between  the  two  places,  hilly  and  broken,  is 
probably  filled  with  coal.  Along  the  streams,  the  natives,  in  order  to  make  terraces  for  rice 
fields,  have  had  to  dig  down  along  the  steep  hill-sides,  and  at  n  we  came  to  coal  cropping  out  in 
one  of  these  escarpments.  It  was  mixed  with  eartliy  matter,  but  the  fragments  were  good, 
pure  coal,  and  the  seam  appeared  to  be  worth  following  up.  Here  and  there  we  saw  other 
indications  off  the  path,  but  the  day  was  dreadfully  hot,  and  my  guards  could  scarcely  drag 
themselves  along.  We  were  all  right  glad  when  we  got  from  the  stifling  air  of  the  tortuous 
ravines  along  which  our  pathway  had  led,  and  found  ourselves  once  more  in  a  boat  enjoying 
the  breezes  of  the  bay  of  Kelung. 

Purser  Allison  left  Captain  Abbot's  boat  at  the  mines,  (e,/,  g,)  and  also  crossed  through  the 
interior  to  Kelung. 

Friday,  21. — The  "Supply"  was  seen  early  in  the  morning  making  for  the  harbor,  and  I 
went  ashore,  at  Captain  Abbot's  request,  to  procure  native  boats  or  junks  to  bring  the  coal  from 
e,f,  (J.  The  captains  of  the  junks  expressed  a  willingness  to  do  so,  but  then  drew  back,  and 
said  that  they  could  not  without  permission  from  the  Hip-toy.  So  I  went  to  see  this  officer, 
determined  now  to  have  action  instead  of  words.  He  said,  "  Yes,  we  could  have  the  junks." 
21  s 


162  EXPEDITION     TO     JAPAN. 

I  replied  that  their  owners  referred  me  to  him  ;  and  vrhen  he  began  to  shuffle  and  prevaricate, 
I  told  the  interpreter  to  say  to  him  that  "  he  had  trilled  with  lis,  had  lied,  and  tried  to  deceive 
us  from  the  beginning,  and  that  we  would  be  trifled  with  no  more  ;  that  if  he  intended  to  let  us 
have  the  junks,  he  could  easily  send  for  the  captains  and  give  his  orders  or  permit ;  and  that  if 
he  did  not  so  intend,  to  say  no,  and  I  would  go  and  make  a  report  of  it  to  Captain  Abbot,  but 
that  I  would  not  go  away  without  something  decisive."  On  this  he  called  an  attendant,  and 
sent  him  for  the  captains  of  the  junks. 

The  Supply  had  now  got  in  and  anchored,  and  I  went  and  brought  Captain  Sinclair,  of  that 
ship,  to  see  the  mandarin,  and  so  have  the  whole  matter  transferred  to  his  (Captain  S.'s)  hands. 
The  Hip-toy  had  in  the  meantime  seen  the  junk  owners,  and  they  were  to  come  down  at  night 
and  anchor  by  the  Supply,  so  as  to  be  ready  to  start  early  in  the  morning. 

In  the  afternoon  I  went  with  Captain  Sinclair  and  some  of  his  officers  to  the  mines,  (e,/,  g,) 
to  show  them  the  coal,  and,  by  Captain  Abbot's  directions,  to  purchase  all  that  was  sufficiently 
large  for  our  purposes,  which  I  did  at  §16  for  each  hundred  piculs.  They  demanded  $20.  The 
Hip-toy  had  said  that  we  ought  to  give  but  $12,  and  $12  is  probably  the  regular  price  ;  but  we 
thought  it  cheap  at  $16,  and  were  glad  to  get  it  at  that.  The  junks  came  down  after  dark, 
and,  anchoring  near  the  Supply,  took  the  coal  bags  on  board. 

Saturday,  22. — Passed  Midshijjman  Breese  went  over  with  the  junks  to  attend  to  getting  the 
coal,  and  during  the  day  they  came  back  loaded  with  part  of  our  purchase. 

I  was  desirous  of  following  up  some  other  indications  towards  the  head  of  the  valley  east- 
ward from  Kelung,  and  went  oif  in  the  forenoon  prepared  for  explorations.  We  visited 
three  mines,  marked  o,p,  q — all,  however,  abandoned,  and  with  the  roofs  lallen  down.  At  o 
we  could  not  penetrate  at  all ;  p  has  a  strike  north  and  south,  its  dip  towards  the  east ;  at  q 
the  strike  is  northeast,  the  dip  southeast.  At  the  last  mine  we  came  at  once  to  the  coal,  no 
tunnel  being  necessary.  The  water  at  the  bottom  of  this  mine  was  strongly  impregnated  with 
iron,  but  the  coal  seemed  to  be  of  good  quality.  There  is  also  a  coal-mine  somewhere  about  r, 
on  the  opposite  side  of  the  creek,  but  where  I  could  not  discover. 

A  native  sent  Captain  Abbot  word  to-day  that  he  would  bring  him  a  boat-load  of  coal  from 
town  if  it  would  be  received  at  night. 

The  Hip-toy,   referring  to  our   success  in  these   explorations,  told   the  captain's  steward 
(a  Chinaman)  that  the  authorities  must  have  been  sold  to  us  by  some  one  on  shore. 
Sunday,  23. — The  Macedonian  sailed,  leaving  the  Supply  to  finish  with  the  coal. 

I  wish  to  express  here  my  obligations  to  Captain  Abbot  and  his  officers,  especially  to  the  first 
lieutenant,  ]Mr.  Avery,  for  the  facilities  they  have  given  me  in  these  explorations.  Purser 
Allison  has  always  assisted  in  them  personally  when  his  duties  on  board  would  permit.  Passed 
Midshipman  Breese  and  Mr.  Williams  have  given  me  essential  aid. 

During  our  stay  at  Kelung  the  ship  was  abundantly  supplied  with  meats,  fruits,  and  vege- 
tables by  the  boats  alongside,  or  from  the  markets  on  shore.  Chickens,  ducks,  and  geese  were 
abundant ;  bullocks  were  brought  ofl"  when  we  desired  it ;  pineapples,  large  and  of  good  flavor, 
mangoes,  lichees,  bananas,  and  pears  were  plentiful ;  sweet  potatoes  of  an  excellent  kind,  and 
vegetables  of  a  variety  of  sorts,  could  be  had  in  any  quantities,  and  all  were  at  moderate  prices. 

Navy  buttons  were  taken  in  exchange,  four  small  ones  being  valued  at  $1,  and  two  large 
ones  at  $1  25.  One  of  the  seamen  told  me  that  he  catered  for  his  whole  mess  during  our  stay 
with  navy  buttons,  getting  a  fowl  for  a  small  button,  and  fruits  and  vegetables  in  proportion. 


COAL     REGIONS     OF     FORMOSA.  163 

There  appears  to  be  abundance  of  sulphur  and  alum  accessible  from  Kelung,  but  where  I 
could  not  learn. 

An  English  miner  on  board  the  Macedonian,  who  accompanied  us  in  some  of  those  visits  on 
shore,  says  that  he  can  deliver  this  coal  at  the  mouth  of  the  mines  at  $1  25  per  ton. 
Respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

GEO.  JONES, 

Chaplain  United  States  Navy. 
Commodore  M.  C.  Perry, 

Commanding  U.  8.  naval  forces,  East  India,  China,  and  Japan  seas. 


Brooklyn,  July  6,  1855. 
I  had  already  mentioned,  in  a  brief  letter  to  Commodore  Perry,  that  this  coal  is  bituminous, 
and  burns  almost  entirely  away,  leaving  no  cinder,  and  scarcely  any  ashes.  In  burning, 
however,  it  gives  out  a  thick  smoke  and  very  offensive  smell.  It  burns  rather  too  freely  for 
steam  purposes,  but  would  do  well  if  mixed  with  anthracite,  which  latter  is  said  to  be  procurable 
on  the  opposite  coast  of  Amoy,  G.  J. 


REPOKT 


A    COMPAEATIVE    ANALYSIS 


CUMBERLAND,  FORMOSA,  AND  JAPAN  COAL: 


PEOFESSOR  B.  F.  BACHE, 

DIBECTOE  OF  THE  tTNITED  STATES  NAVAL  LABORATORY,  NEW  YORK. 


COMPARATIVE  ANALYSIS 


CUMBEELAND,  FORMOSA,  AND  JAPAN  COAL, 


United  States  Naval  Laboratory, 

New  York,  March  1,  1856. 

In  a  technical  analysis  of  coal  for  practical  purposes,  it  is  desirable  to  have  a  standard  of 
comparison  for  the  value  of  the  coal  analysed ;  and  an  analysis  of  the  standard  coal  selected 
precedes  that  of  the  coal  to  he  judged  hy  it. 

The  standard  adopted  in  this  analysis  is  the  Cumberland  coal  used  at  the  navy  yard  of  this 
station.  It  is  the  coal  of  the  Cumberland  Coal  and  Iron  Company,  and  comes  exclusively  from 
what  is  known  as  "  the  fourteen-foot  or  big  vein."  The  specific  gravity  of  this  coal  is  deter- 
mined from  an  average  of  sixty  fragments  from  various  parts  of  a  large  pile ;  and  the  powder 
for  analysis  was  obtained  by  taking  portions  from  many  parts  of  the  pile  with  a  shovel,  and 
therefore  represents  the  coal  as  it  is  used,  and  not  as  it  might  be  selected. 

This  coal  is  black,  with  smooth  shiny  surfaces.  Tha  fracture  is  crystalline,  with  plane 
cleavage  surfaces,  well  defined  angles  and  edges,  and  the  fi-agments  are  cuboid.  It  is  easily 
broken  down  into  a  soft,  smooth  powder,  free  from  grittiness,  of  a  jet-black  color,  soiling  and 
adhering  to  surfaces  with  which  it  is  brought  in  contact.  This  powder,  after  having  been  freed 
by  exposure  at  ordinary  temperatures,  is  peculiar  in  the  projiierty  that  it  gains  in  weight  on 
being  dried  at  280°,  23robably  by  the  oxidation  of  some  of  its  constituents.  The  streak  left  upon 
drawing  this  coal  over  white  paper  is  of  a  clear  umber-brown  color,  with  sharp  well-defined  edges. 

The  Formosa  coal  is  of  a  more  dingy  brownish-black  color,  with  smooth  tarnished  surfaces. 
The  fracture  is  somewhat  laminated,  with  plane  cleavage  surfaces,  well-defined  angles  and  edges, 
and  the  fragments  are  rhomboid.  It  is  much  harder  than  the  Cumberland  coal,  freer  from  dust, 
and  much  less  easily  rubbed  into  powder.  The  powder  is  of  a  brown  tinge,  but  black  in  color, 
is  rough  and  gritty,  heavy,  not  dusty,  and  does  not  soil  or  adhere  to  surfaces  like  that  of  the 
Cumberland  coal.  The  streak  is  paler,  of  a  dirty  fawn  color,  and  somewhat  less  defined  at  the 
edges.  Some  fragments  of  this  coal  are  altogether  dull  in  appearance,  very  friable,  and  of  a 
fibrous  or  striated  texture  and  fracture. 

Upon  a  casual  inspection  of  the  Japan  coal,  of  the  several  parcels,  two  varieties  of  it  were 
distinctly  noticed.     These  were  found  to  difi'er  so  widely  as  to  require  separate  analyses. 

The  first  variety  of  the  Japan  coal  has  the  appearance  of  a  mined  mineral,  and  is  of  a  deep 
claret  or  purplish-brown  color.  The  lumps  are  amorphous,  and  the  fracture  irregular,  altogether 
dull  and  unlike  that  of  coal.  It  is  harder  than  the  Cumberland  coal,  but  softer  than  the  For- 
mosa, and  rubs  down  into  a  smooth  powder,  of  a  dark  snuft-brown  color  and  purplish  tmge. 
It  adheres  to  and  soils  surfaces  slightly.  The  streak  is  of  a  yellowish-brown  color,  less  dingy, 
and  better  defined  than  that  of  the  Formosa. 

This  variety  has  a  small  admixture  of  heavy  lumps  of  mineral  that  gives  sparks  with  steel, 
and  is  not  coal. 


168 


EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN, 


The  second  variety  of  Japan  coal  has  the  appearance  of  outcrop  or  surface  coal,  which,  from 
long  exposure,  may  have  had  all  the  softer  portions  disintegrated  and  washed  away.  It  is  of  a 
dull  greyish-hlack  color  like  slate,  and  the  cleavage  planes  are  interspersed  with  small  resin  or 
amher-like  tears  or  grains,  which,  separating  in  the  same  planes,  leave  a  portion  attached  to  each 
fragment.  The  lumps  are  very  much  fissured  in  three  principal  directions.  The  fracture  is 
laminated,  slaty,  with  plane  cleavage  surfaces  and  well-defined  angles  and  edges,  the  fragments 
heing  generally  trapezoid.  It  is  not  quite  so  hard  as  the  Formosa  coal,  hut  has  a  toughness 
which  renders  it  less  easy  to  powder.  The  powder  is  heavier  than  either  of  the  others,  is  of  an 
olive,  grey-black  color,  sabulous  and  clean,  not  adhering  to  or  soiling  surfaces.  The  streak  is 
of  a  lighter  umber-brown  color  than  that  of  the  Cumberland,  but  has  a  yellow  tinge,  though 
less  yellow  than  the  last  two  varieties. 

The  Cumberland  is  a  very  soft  semi-bituminous,  caking,  coking  coal.  It  is  easily  kindled, 
burns  freely  with  a  moderately  long  voluminous  smoky  flame,  fuses  partially,  and  aggregates 
into  lumps  in  the  fire,  but  does  not  cake  to  a  very  great  or  injurious  extent.  It  yields  a  large 
spongy  compact  coke,  and  a  reddish-grey  light  ash. 

The  Formosa  is  a  hard  bituminous,  splint,  semi-caking,  coking  coal.  It  is  much  more  easily 
kindled,  and  burns  more  freely  than  the  Cumberland,  and  yields  a  longer,  less  luminous,  and 
more  smoky  flame.  It  fuses  partially  and  aggregates  slightly  into  lumps  that  are  very  friable, 
and  scarcely  cakes  at  all  in  a  free  fire.  It  yields  a  richer,  granular,  more  friable  coke,  and  a 
small  heavier  ash  of  a  dirty  ochrey  yellow  color. 

The  Japan  coal,  first  variety,  is  a  soft  bituminous,  caking,  coking  coal.  It  is  more  easily 
kindled  than  the  Cumberland,  but  does  not  burn  so  freely  nor  so  rapidly,  and  gives  a  shorter 
voluminous  smoky  flame.  It  fuses  as  it  burns,  and  cakes  so  badly  that  the  whole  fire  becomes 
fused  into  a  single  mass,  and  the  draught  very  much  obstructed.  It  then  burns  much  more 
slowly  until  draught  openings  are  efiected  by  the  combustion,  when  it  brightens  into  a  steady 
hot  fire.  It  yields  a  very  large  and  Inlky  friable  coke,  and  an  ash  of  a  redder  tinge  than  the 
Cumberland. 

The  Japan  coal,  second  variety,  is  a  hard  bituminous,  cannel  coal.  It  is  more  easily  kindled 
than  the  Cumberland,  and  burns  as  freely,  with  a  large,  clear,  luminous,  and  but  little  smoky 
flame.  It  does  not  fuse  nor  cake  at  all  in  the  fire,  and  in  this  respect  burns  much  like  anthra- 
cite coal.  It  yields  no  coke,  properly  so  called,  but  after  dry  distillation  has  the  same  form  and 
appearance  as  before.     It  yields  a  clean  ash  of  a  very  light  grey,  almost  white  color. 

The  (quantitative  results  of  the  analysis  may  be  best  exhibited  in  a  tabular  form,  as  follows : 


Technical. 

Elementary  proximate. 

Variety. 

I 
fa 

s 

s 

o 

"5S  . 
"■S£ 

Isi 

c-s  a, 

IIS 

i!i 

s 

c 

V 
V 

o 

B. 

aT 

c 
2 

u 

1 

o 

3 

•gg 

o 

n 

I 
i 

o 
•3 
S 

i 

o 

s 

o 

i 

si 

n 

II 

S)  a, 

III 
|-° 

30.02 
27.10 
23. -10 
.14.08 

i 

"s 

u 

1 

1 

33 

2 

.1 

3 
f. 
3 

at 

K 

o 

Cumberland 

1.330 
1.254 
1.268 
1.471 

/  Gains  \ 

1, 0.071 ; 

3.774 
0.203 
7.W7 

0.027 
1.410 
0.038 
2.230 

81.813 
47.875 
63.130 

73.717 
43.467 
42.224 
20.871 

8.096 
4.408 

20.906 
38.091 

Reddisb  grey. 
YeUow 

Red  grey..  .. 
Light  grey... 

18.187 
52.125 

36.870 
41.033 

Brown 

Fawn 

Brown  yellow. 
Yellow  brown. 

81.674 
73.013 
66.034 
43.039 

5.583 
6.313 
5.175 
4.297 

D.411 
0.330 
0.901 
0.115 

1.482 
1.087 

4.19S 
0.039 

3.7M 
14  B49 

Japan  1st  variety.. 
Japan  2d  variety  . . 

3.486 
14.419 

ANALYSIS    OF    CUMBERLAND,    FORMOSA,    AND   JAPAN    COAL. 


169 


The  carbon  and  hydrogen  were  determined  by  combustion  with  oxide  of  copper,  metallic 
copper,  and  oxygen  gas,  by  a  modification  of  the  method  of  Dumas  and  Stass. 

The  nitrogen  was  determined  by  Dumas'  method,  and  the  sulphur  by  Liebig's  method  in  the 
dry  way. 

Some  of  the  deductions  from  the  analytical  results  may  be  stated  as  follows  : 

The  most  desirable  qualities  of  coal  for  sea  steamers  are — 

1st.  High  heating  or  evaporative  power. 

2d.  Compact  structure,  so  that  the  greatest  quantity  may  be  stowed  in  the  smallest  space. 

3d.  Ready  inflammability  and  quick  action,  that  steam  may  be  got  up  easily  and  quickly. 

4th.  Infusibility,  or  absence  of  the  quality  of  caking,  so  that  the  draught  may  remain  free, 
and  the  combustion  perfect. 

5th.  Freedom  from  sulphur  and  other  substances  injurious  to  the  metal  of  grate-bars,  boilers, 
and  chimneys. 

6th.  Small  residue  after  combustion  ;  and  this  residue  infusible  or  indisposed  to  form  clinker, 
so  that  it  may  pass  the  grate-bars  with  the  least  possible  labor  and  interference  with  the  com- 
bustion. 

7th.  Not  smoky,  so  that  the  fires  may  be  kindled  or  kept  without  disclosing  the  circumstance 
to  an  enemy. 

The  amount  of  carbon  in  a  fuel  forms  the  best  single  indication  of  its  evaporative  power, 
though  the  hydrogen  must  give  additional  value  to  the  fuel  that  contains  it  in  greatest  propor- 
tion, everything  else  being  equal,  because  it  produces  great  heat  and  a  long  flame.  Therefore 
the  Ist  of  the  requisite  qualities  is  deduced  from  the  proportion  of  these  two  elements. 

The  2d  requisite  quality  is  deduced  from  the  specific  gravity. 

The  3d,  4tli,  and  7th  are  estimated  from  separate  practical  observations. 

The  5th  is  deduced  from  the  proportion  of  nitrogen  and  sulphur. 

The  6th  is  deduced  from  the  proportion  of  ash  and  from  separate  practical  observation. 

The  deductions  may  be  tabulated  from  these  data,  so  as  to  indicate  the  comparative  value  of 
the  coal  examined,  by  the  diiference  in  the  sum  of  the  advantages  calculated  per  centum. 


1 

.■S.S 

Cumberland  coal  has 
the  per-centage  ad- 
vantage over  For- 
moso. 

Formosa  coal  has  the 
per-centage  advan- 
tage over  Cumber- 
land. 

Cumberland  coal  has 
the  per-centage  ad- 
vantage   over   Ja- 
pan, (1st  variety.) 

Japan  coal   (1st  va- 
riety) has  the  per- 
centage advantage 
over  Cumberland. 

Cumberland  coal  has 
the  per-centage  ad- 
vantage   over   Ja- 
pan, (2d  variety.) 

Japan    coal    (2d  va- 
riety) has  the  per- 
centage advantage 
over  Cumberland. 

Cumberland         coal 
would  have  the  per- 
centage advantage 
over  a  mixture  of 
equal     proportions 
of  Japan. 

A  mixture  of  equal 
proportions  of  Ja- 
pan    coal     would 
have  the  per-cent- 
age advantage  over 
Cumberland. 

1 

8.6 

8. 

15.6 
6. 

38.6 

27.1 

2 

14. 
2. 
5. 
1.4 

4. 

3 

2. 
1. 

0.6 
3.7 

1. 

1.5 

4 

15. 
2.7 
12.8 

8. 
1.3 
21.4 

6 

6 

30. 

7 

2. 

2. 

2. 

1 

18.6 
7.2 

7.2 

• 

52.1 
1. 

1. 

68.6 
24.4 

24.4 

57.8 
7.6 

7.5 

11.4 

51.1 

44.2 

60.3 

22  s 


(( 


170  EXPEDITIOIf    TO    JAPAN. 

Thus,  the  Cumberland  coal  has  the  aggregate  advantage  in  value — 

Over  the  Formosa  coal,  of. 11.4  per  cent. 

"         Japan,  (1st  variety,)  of. 51.1 

"         Japan,  (2d  variety,)  of. 44.2 

"         Mixture  of  Japan,  of. 50.3 

As  far  as  chemical  analysis  and  examination  can  go,  the  catio  of  these  numbers  expresses  the 
comparative  value  of  these  varieties  of  coal  in  their  application  to  sea  steamers  only,  for  it  is  in 
this  connexion  alone  that  they  have  been  exan^ned. 

From  the  fact  that  varying  proportions  of  the  carbon  of  fuel  escapes  combustion,  or  is  only 
imperfectly  burned,  it  becomes  impossible  to  establish  the  actual  value  of  any  fuel  for  any  given 
purpose  by  chemical  analysis,  or  by  any  other  method  than  by  practical  application  on  the  large 
scale.  And  even  then,  the  economic  value  as  applied  to  one  purpose,  and  obtained  from  one 
furnace,  flue,  and  chimney,  will  be  no  better  index  of  value  for  other  purposes,  with  other 
furnaces,  flues,  and  chimneys,  than  a  chemical  analysis  to  the  general  purposes  to  which  fuel  is 
applied. 

■   B.  F.  BACHE, 

Director  Laboratory, 


REMAUKS  OF  COMMODORE  PERRY 


ON   THE   EXPEDIENCY   OP 


THE  EXTENSION  OF  FURTHER  ENCOURAGEMENT 


AMERICAN  COMMERCE  IN  THE   EAST. 


REMARKS  OF  COMMODORE  PERRY 

I'PON    THE   EXPEDIENCY    OF    EXTENDlliO 

FURTHER  ENCOURAGEMENT  TO  AMERICAN  COMMERCE  IN  THE  EAST, 


In  the  general  increase  and  extension  of  the  commerce  of  the  world,  and  the  necessity  of 
employing  the  constantly  accumulating  capital  which  the  mines  of  California  and  Austi-alia 
are  annually  yielding,  it  is  important  that  the  government  of  the  United  States  should  turn 
its  attention  to  the  expediency  of  opening  new  avenues  of  trade,  by  the  accomplishment  of 
treaties  of  amity  and  commercial  intercourse  with  those  people  of  the  East,  who  are^  wholly 
or  in  part,  independent  of  the  control  of  the  powers  of  Europe,  and  are  looked  upon  as  of  suf- 
ficient importance  to  he  entitled  to  sovereign  rights. 

Though  England  and  the  government  of  the  Netherlands,  as  principals,  and  France,  Spain, 
and  Portugal,  in  a  more  limited  degree,  have  extended  their  sway  over  large  portions  of  the 
territories  of  the  East,  there  are  still  left,  in  comparative  independence,  extensive  areas  of  cul- 
tivated and  populous  lands,-  which  have  so  far  escaped  the  grasping  policy  of  those  powers  ; 
and  though  these  lands  are  ruled  over  by  half-civilized  despots,  nature  has  given  to  them 
advantages  which,  if  properly  directed,  would  render  them  available  in  contributing  by  their 
products  to  the  general  resources  of  commerce. 

With  the  flourishing  kingdoms  of  Japan,  Lew  Chew,  and  Siam,  we  have  recently  negotiated 
treaties,  from  which  important  benefits  will  undoubtedly  be  obtained.  Though  up  to  this  time 
but  little  interest  has  been  manifested  by  our  government  in  availing  itself  of  the  means  thus 
placed  at  its  disposal,  the  day  will  however  arrive,  and  at  no  distant  period,  when  political  events, 
and  the  unanimous  and  urgent  appeals  of  our  commercial  men,  will  make  it  obligatory  on  the 
United  States  to  look  with  greater  solicitude  to  our  eastern  commerce,  and  to  extend  the 
advantages  of  our  national  friendship  and  protection,  as  well  to  Japan  and  Lew  Chgw  as  to 
other  powers  but  little  better  known  to  western  nations. 

I  may  refer  to  Siam,  Cambodia,  Cochin  China,  parts  of  Borneo  and  Sumatra,  and  many  of 
the  islands  of  the  eastern  archipelago,  and  more  especially  to  the  island  of  Formosa. 

It  may  be  interposed  as  an  objection  to  my  proposition,  that  either  one  or  more  of  the  Euro- 
pean governments  already  mentioned  may  claim  jurisdiction  over  these  countries,  and  conse- 
quently the  native  princes  would  be  excluded  from  any  right  to  enter  into  treaty  relations  with 
us.  But  the  right  of  sovereignty  should^  in  these  enlightened  days,  be  admitted  only  upon 
proof  of  the  power  of  the  sovereign  claiming  jurisdiction  to  enforce  his  assumed  prerogative,  the 
same  as  with  respect  to  the  belligerent  right  of  blockade,  which  should  be  recognized  in  national 
law  only  when  it  can  be  sustained  by  competent  force  ;  and  I  maintain  that  the  government  of 
the  United  States  cannot  justly  be  debarred  from  entering  into  treaty  stipulations  with  either 
one  or  all  of  the  native  governments  or  communities  of  the  East  that  are  known  to  be  de  facto 
independent  of  any  other  established  power. 


174  EXPEDITION    TO    ,1  A  P  A  N  . 

It  should  not  be  admitted,  because  England,  Holland,  or  Spain  may  hold  an  insignificant 
part  of  a  kingdom  or  province,  that  their  lawful  sovereignty  should  extend  by  consequence  over 
the  whole  country.  And  so  in  regard  to  Borneo  and  Sumatra ;  have  we  not  the  same  right  to 
negotiate  with  the  native  princes  as  England  and  Holland  claim  to  have  ? 

But,  deferring  for  the  present  any  further  remarks  upon  those  islands,  let  us  speak  of  Siam, 
Cambodia,  Cochin  China,  and  Formosa — the  three  former  independent  sovereignties,  and  the 
latter  a  nominal  dependency  of  China. 

A  treaty  with  Siam  has  recently  been  arranged,  and  it  may  not  be  out  of  place  here  to  refer 
briefly  to  the  resources  of  that  country,  which,  unlike  China,  has  been  rather  inclined  to  encour- 
age foreign  commerce,  though  certainly  under  restrictive  regulations.  The  government  of  Siam 
has  at  this  day  many  well- equipped  ships,  and  other  square-rigged  vessels,  which  trade  to  the 
neighboring  countries.  I  met  one  ship  at  Ceylon,  and  two  at  Hong  Kong,  and  in  the  course  of 
time  we  may  expect  to  see  the  Siamese  flag  flying  ii>  our  own  waters. 

The  soil  of  Siam  is  exceedingly  fertile,  producing  bountifully  and  in  great  perfection  all 
those  fruits  of  the  earth  which  are  common  to  intertropical  latitudes. 

The  principal  staples,  however,  are  sugar  and  rice ;  hut  cotton,  tea,  cofiee,  tobacco,  indigo, 
pepper,  and  various  other  valuable  products,  are  grown  with  but  little  labor,  as  also  the  most 
delicious  fruits. 

Various  descriptions  of  drugs,  ivory,  beautiful  fancy  woods,  and  teak  timber,  are  exported  in 
vessels  chiefly  belonging  to  the  Siamese  king  and  nobles,  who  monopolize  all  the  foreign  trade, 
employing  vessels  mostly  built  and  equipped  after  the  European  fashion  ;  and  in  this  respect 
the  Siamese  are  in  advance  of  the  people  of  China,  who  still  adhere  to  their  misshapen,  unwieldy 
junks,  which  are  incapable  of  making  any  way  against  the  prevailing  monsoons,  and  they  rarely, 
if  ever,  venture  the  attempt. 

Cambodia  and  Cochin  China  (the  latter,  if  not  both,  sometimes  called  by  the  general  name 
of  Annam*)  are  the  intermediate  kingdoms  between  Siam  and  China  proper  ;  and  though 
capable  of  sustaining  by  their  products  and  other  resources  a  flourishing  commerce  with 
strangers,  have  little  trade  beyond  a  limited  intercourse  with  the  ports  of  Siam,  Singapore,  and 
those  of  China.  Though  some  feeble  attempts  have  heretofore  been  made  by  England  and 
France  to  establish  a  friendly  understanding  with  these  countries,  they  have  met  with  indifi"erent 
success,  and  probably  by  reason  of  injudicious  diplomacy ;  and,  to  make  matters  worse,  two 
French  frigates,  in  1847,  came  into  armed  collision  with  the  authorities  at  Touron  bay,  by 
which  the  native  flotilla  was  destroyed,  with  the  loss  of  the  greater  number  of  their  crews ; 
and  though  Sir  John  Davis,  then  governor  of  Hong  Kong,  visited,  with  two  British  ships  of 
war,  the  same  place  shortly  after  the  occurrence  of  this  event,  in  the  hope  of  effecting  for 
England  some  friendly  arrangement  with  the  Annamese  government,  he  was  obliged,  after  a 
disagreeable  and  perplexing  delay,  to  depart  without  being  admitted  to  an  audience,  or  allowed 
even  to  visit  Hue,  the  capital. 

Now,  the  evident  causes  of  the  failures  to  bring  these  prejudiced  and  conceited  people  into  any 
terms  promising  useful  results,  may  be  chiefly  ascribed  to  the  course  of  mistaken  policy  pur- 
sued by  the  western  powers,  whose  agents  invariably  approach  them  as  superiors,  demanding 
nolens  volens,  and  with  little  ceremony,  concessions  in  the  way  of  trade,  the  free  exercise  of 
religion,  &c.,  &c.;  of  the  advantages  or  disadvantages,  or  ultimate  bearing  and  consequences  of 

o  sir  .Iiihn  Davis,  in  his  account  of  China,  remarks  :  "  It  might  be  as  well  if  the  latter  unmeaning  designation,  {Cochin 
L'liiiia.)  the  authority  tur  which  is  very  ohscnre.  were  abandoned,  and  the  true  name,  AnnJiui,  adopted. 


EXTENSION     OF     AMERICAN    COMMERCE     IN  THE    EAST.  175 

whicli  the  native  princes  must  necessarily  be  ignorant ;  and  in  the  fear  of  granting  too  much,  or 
even  admitting  amongst  them  strangers,  of  whose  grasping  propensities  and  love  of  encroach- 
ment they  have  full  knowledge,  they  adopt  the  extreme  course,  and  doggedly  refuse  all  commu- 
nication whatever  ;  and  in  their  failure  to  recognize  those  rules  of  diplomatic  courtesy  which 
are  held  sacred  by  more  enlightened  nations,  and  which  they  have  never  been  made  to  compre- 
hend and  appreciate,  some  unwonted  and  perhaps  unintentional  insult  is  given,  and  then 
follow  collision  and  shedding  of  blood,  and  the  door  is  more  firmly  closed  against  peaceful 
negotiation.  Besides,  these  people  are  too  sagacious  to  be  influenced  by  specious  arguments  or 
propositions  of  friendship,  unless  those  professions  are  accompanied  by  corresponding  acts. 

It  is  not  intended  here  to  speak  of  the  treaty  relations  of  the  western  nations  with  those  of 
the  East,  with  which  treaties  do  exist ;  all  the  world  knows  how  frequently  these  compacts  have 
been  violated ;  but  it  will  not  be  amiss  to  argue  the  possibility  of  these  people  being  brought 
into  a  more  liberal  and  friendly  intercourse,  by  a  system  of  policy  based  as  well  upon  practical 
as  professional  good  faith.  We  Christian  people,  claiming  for  ourselves  greater  advantages  of 
civilization  and  moral  cultivation,  seek,  unasked  of  them,  commercial  and  social  intercourse, 
upon  the  principles  which  inculcate  recii^rocity  of  rights,  and  recognize  the  contracting  parties 
as  equals,  and  yet  we  practically  treat  them  as  inferiors  ;  and  if  perchance  difficulties  arise^ 
growing  out  of  local  disturbances,  mistakes^  or  misinterpretation  of  treaties,  or  causes  probably 
originating  with  ourselves,  we  immediately  force  upon  them  the  alternative  of  submission  to 
our  view  of  the  case,  or  chastisement. 

It  would  seem  to  be  more  consistent  if  the  western  governments  were  to  set  the  example  of 
national  probity  before  undertaking  to  coerce  those  of  the  East,  with  whom  we  have  treaty 
relations,  into  a  subserviency  to  our  demands. 

It  is  true  that,  in  all  negotiations  with  China  and  other  eastern  nations,  the  display  of  a 
respectable  armed  force  is  necessary  to  satisfy  those  people  of  the  power  of  the  foreign  contract- 
ing party  to  protect  its  rights  and  enforce  its  just  claims ;  but,  in  most  cases,  the  mere  presence 
of  such  force  will  answer  all  the  purposes  desired  ;  and  being  thus  backed  by  this  mediatorial 
poiuer,  the  negotiator  may,  with  befitting  grace,  prosecute  his  object  with  a  greater  degree  of 
kindness  and  liberality — a  course  of  diplomacy  always  calculated  to  beget  reciprocal  good  will 
and  confidence. 

But  in  any  aspect  of  negotiation,  humanity  as  well  aa  sound  policy  enjoin  that  all  peaceful 
means  of  equitable  arrangement  should  be  exhausted  before  taking  the  dernier  resort  o&  hostile 
action;  and  when  once  this  alternative  is  adopted,  there  should  be  no  peace  until  the  object  for 
which  hostilities  have  been  commenced  shall  be  attained ;  for  it  is  plain  that,  upon  every 
principle  of  humanity  and  positive  expediency,  whether  brought  about  by  peaceful  or  hostile 
means,  these  vast  territories  should  be  opened  to  a  more  general  and  enlightened  intercourse 
with  the  world,  and  the  great  aim  should  be  to  accomiDlish  these  inevitable  results  by  a  course 
in  all  respects  just  and  honorable. 

I  cannot  bring  myself  to  believe  that  the  Chinese  and  their  neighbors  are  entirely  devoid  of 
generous  impulses  and  honest  convictions  ;  and  though  it  is  their  wont  to  practise  deception  in 
their  relations  with  strangers,  no  one  who  has  mingled  much  with  them  can  truthfully  say  that 
they  do  not  possess  many  redeeming  qualities,  and  especially  are  these  favorable  traits  observ- 
able in  the  conduct  of  the  more  respectable  classes  engaged  in  trade. 

It  has  been  generally  conceded  that  the  operations  of  the  English  in  what  has  been  called  the 
"opium  war,"  though  brought  about  by  causes  not  to  be  commended,  yet  in  their  consequences 


176  EXPEDITION     TO     JAPAJf. 

have  resulted  greatly  to  the  benefit  of  China  and  the  whole  commercial  world ;  and  it  may  truly 
be  asserted  that  England,  when  possessed  of  unbounded  control  over  the  destinies  of  that  singular 
nation,  retired  from  the  contest  without  availing  herself  of  the  advantages  which  the  fortunes 
of  war  had  thrown  into  her  hands.  This  forbearance,  more  generous  than  wise,  redounds 
certainly  to  the  humanity  of  the  then  ministry  and  the  officers  in  command  :  but  it  would  have 
been  the  more  sagacious  course,  and  perhaps  tending  to  mercy  in  the  end,  if  the  occasion  and 
opportunity  had  been  seized  upon  to  establish  throughout  the  empire  a  more  liberal  form  of 
government,  and  to  insist  upon  the  unconditional  recognition  of  those  reciprocal  interchanges 
of  just  and  friendly  intercourse  which  subsist  between  all  civilized  nations  in  time  of  peace — 
the  admission  of  foreign  ministers  at  the  court  of  Pekin  ;  protection  of  the  persons  and  property 
of  foreigners  throughout  the  empire  ;  the  free  exercise  of  civil  and  religious  rights,  when  not 
conflicting  with  the  reasonable  laws  of  the  land,  &c.,  &c.  All  this  could  have  been  accom- 
plished by  a  continuance  of  the  war  another  year,  and  probably  without  additional  bloodshed  ; 
and  all  this  is  yet  to  be  done,  as  a  measure  of  paramount  necessity,  in  view  of  the  suppression 
of  the  terrible  state  of  anarchy  which  at  present  distracts  the  whole  land,  and  the  ultimate 
reorganization  of  the  political  condition  of  the  empire ;  and  inasmuch  as  the  government  ot 
the  United  States  and  those  of  the  European  powers  generally  would  be  equally  interested  in 
the  consummation  of  a  measure  alike  beneficial  to  China  and  the  civilized  world,  it  would  be 
the  undoubted  policy  of  all  to  unite  in  bringing  about  a  revolution,  civil  and  military,  (and  it 
might  be  a  bloodless  one,)  which  would  place  China  upon  a  footing  with  the  most  favored 
nations. 

China  proper,  once  disenthralled,  Japan,  Lew  Chew,  and  the  other  countries  already 
mentioned  in  this  paper,  would  enter  of  necessity  into  this  new  family  of  commercial,  or,  at 
least,  trading  nations ;  and  the  commerce  of  the  East  would  be  improved  ten-fold  by  the  impulse 
thus  given  to  the  advance  of  civilization  and  the  industrial  arts ;  and  the  benefits  resulting 
from  such  change — religious,  moral,  and  political — could  not  be  correctly  estimated.  The  end 
would  therefore  unquestionably  justify  the  means  ;  and  if  ever  an  armed  interference  of  one  or 
more  nations  with  the  political  condition  of  another  could  be  fully  justified,  it  would  be,  as  I 
have  stated,  in  bringing  by  force,  if  such  result  were  necessary,  the  empires  of  China  and 
Japan  into  the  family  of  nations,  upon  the  basis  of  equal  international  duties  as  well  as 
rights. 

In  further  illustration  of  my  argument,  I  may  briefly  quote  from  two  communications  of 
mine,  published  a  few  weeks  since  in  the  New  York  Courier  and  Enquirer :  "  The  equivocal 
and  unsettled  relations  of  all  Christian  nations  with  the  government  of  China,  notwithstanding 
the  obligations  of  existing  and  pending  treaties,  render  intercourse  with  that  empire  unstable 
and  difficult  to  be  managed.  The  weakness  of  the  reigning  dynasty,  the  insurrectionary  spirit 
of  the  people,  and  the  consequent  injuries  inflicted  upon  the  agricultural  and  manufacturing 
interests  of  the  country,  tend  greatly  to  the  derangement  of  its  outward  trade ;  and  it  requires 
the  talents  and  energies  of  strong-minded  men  (and  such  are  most  of  the  American  and 
English  merchants  resident  in  China)  to  comprehend  the  mysteries  and  overcome  the  obstacles 
which  stand  in  the  way  of  all  mercantile  transactions  with  a  people  well  enough  inclined,  but 
so  stultified  by  national  forms  and  prejudices  as  to  make  them,  in  many  essentials,  obstinate 
and  impracticable ;  and  even  when  disposed  to  act  fairly  and  aboveboard,  their  government 
has  not  the  power  to  protect  them  from   the  extortions   of  the  provincial  officials,   or  the 


EXTENSION    OF    AMERICAN    COMMERCE    IN    THE     EAST.  Itl 

depredations  o    the  myriads  of  pirates  who  swarm  upon  the  coasts  of  the  empire ;  and  hence 
the  necessity  of  providing  suitable  vessels  of  war  for  the  protection  of  its  foreign  commerce." 

Again :  "  The  Ibreigu  commerce  of  China,  under  its  modern  aspects,  has  as  yet  been 
hut  imperfectly  developed,  nor  will  it  he  established  iipon  any  satisfactory  basis  until  its 
government  is  compelled,  either  by  its  own  efforts  or  aided  by  other  powers,  to  enter  into  a  just 
and  liberal  intercourse  with  its  sister  nations  to  receive  at  its  capital  diplomatic  representatives 
and  to  protect  tTiroughout  its  vast  dominions  whomsoever  may,  for  business  or  pleasure,  visit 
its  cities  and  provin^s." 

"The  unsocial,  I  may  almost  say  insolent,  exclusiveness  which  its  people  have  hitherto 
practised  with  regard  to  strangers,  should  no  longer  be  tolerated.  They  should  be  made  to 
understand,  as  have  been  the  Japanese,  that  their  beautiful  country  was  not  intended  to  be 
closed  forever  to  the  people  of  other  nations,  with  whom  a  free  and  untrammelled  intercourse 
could  not  but  contribute  to  their  advantage." 

"  Such  large  and  productive  portions  of  the  earth  could  never  have  been  designed  for  their 
exclusive  benefit ;  and  though  it  is  not  pretended  that  strangers  have  any  positive  right  to 
encroach  upon  their  privileges,  social  or  political,  it  is  maintained  that  all  foreign  nations 
would  be  fully  justified  in  constraining  the  governments  of  China  and  Japan  to  recognize  the 
great  essentials  and  fundamental  requirements  of  international  law." 

"  Whatever  may  have  been  the  justice  or  morality  of  the  English  war  with  China,  it 
resulted  in  comparative  benefit  to  both  nations ;  and  the  only  mistake  was,  that  it  did  not 
continue  until  those  ignorant  and  besotted  people  had  been  made  more  fully  satisfied  of  their 
own  weakness,  and  the  consequent  folly  of  assuming  to  be  superior  to  all  the  rest  of  the 
world." 

"  China  should  be  more  thoroughly  Europeanized.  The  people  do  not  want  for  civilization 
in  their  way,  but  they  require  a  more  practical  form  of  government,  and,  as  before  remarked, 
a  less  restricted  intercourse  with  the  world.  Until  these  desirable  ends  can  be  brought  about, 
it  would  seem  to  be  the  interest,  indeed  the  duty,  of  all  commercial  nations,  to  urge  upon  them, 
in  such  manner  as  will  prove  effectual,  the  necessity  of  a  more  enlightened  policy." 

"The  existing  treaties  of  the  United  States  and  France  with  China  are  imperfect;  and 
though  they  are  based  upon  the  one  with  England,  and  are  quite  as  advantageous  as  could 
have  been  expected  under  the  circumstances  in  which  they  were  negotiated,  they  require 
revision,  and  should  be  remodelled  on  the  first  favorable  occasion  ;  and  in  all  future  treaty 
arrangements  there  should  be  provision  made  for  the  mutual  enforcement  (if  need  be,  by  armed 
intervention)  of  all  the  stipulated  obligations  and  conceded  rights  of  the  contracting  parties." 

"Diplomatic  representatives  should  reside  at  Pekin,  and  consuls  be  received  at  all  the  prin- 
cipal ports.  Tlie  property  and  personal  safety  of  aliens  and  strangers  guarantied,  and  tlie 
same  privileges  conceded  to  foreigners  residing  in,  or  visiting  China,  as  are  granted  to  them  in 
Europe  and  America." 

It  is  idle  to  suppose,  that  because  the  policy  of  the  United  States  has  hitherto  been  to  avoid, 
by  all  possible  means,  any  coalition,  or  even  connexion  with  the  political  acts  of  other  nations, 
we  can  always  escape  from  the  responsibilities  which  our  growing  wealth  and  power  must 
inevitably  fasten  upon  us.  The  duty  of  protecting  our  vast  and  rapidly  growing  commerce  will 
make  it  not  only  a  measure  of  wisdom,  but  of  positive  necessity,  to  provide  by  timely  prepara- 
tion for  events  which  must,  in  the  ordinary  course  of  things,  transpire  in  the  east.  In  the 
developments  of  the  future,  the  destinies  of  our  nation  must  assume  conspicuous  attitudes  ;  we 
23* 


178  E  X  P  E  U  I  TI  O  N     T  O    JA  P  A  N  . 

cannot  expect  to  be  free  from  the  ambitious  longings  for  increased  power,  which  are  the  natural 
concomitants  of  national  success.  The  annexation  of  one  country  or  province,  whether  by 
conquest  or  purchase,  will  only  tend  to  increase  the  desire  to  add  another  and  another,  and  we, 
as  a  nation,  would  have  no  right  to  claim  exemption  from  this  universal  vice,  and  in  this  view 
we  should  be  prepared  to  meet  the  inevitable  consequences  of  our  own  ambitious  tendencies. 

But,  after  all,  these  events  in  the  history  and  fate  of  nations  are  doubtless  directed  by  an 
overruling  Providence,  and  probably  we  could  not,  if  we  would,  change  their  course,  or  rvert 
our  ultimate  destiny.  It  only  belongs  to  us  to  endeavor  to  act  justly  and  honorably  in  all  our 
foreign  relations,  and  I  cannot  but  believe  that  we  should  be  just  to  ourselves  and  to  the  world, 
to  enourage  whatever  practical  measures  might  be  suggested  to  change  for  the  better  the  politi- 
cal and  civil  conditi(m  of  China  and  Japan,  and  the  countries  more  to  the  south;  and  especially 
with  respect  to  Formosa.  The  United  States  alone  should  assume  the  initiative.  This  magni- 
ficent island,  though  nominally  a  province  of  China,  is  practically  independent.  The  imperial 
authorities  maintaining  a  feeble  and  precarious  footing  only  in  isolated  parts  of  the  island  ;  a 
large  portion  being  in  possession  of  independent  tribes,  and  yet  such  is  its  productiveness  in 
minerals,  drugs,  and  the  more  valuable  products  of  those  genial  regions,  that  at  this  time  a 
revenue,  estimated  at  a  million  of  dollars,  is  collected,  though  little  or  none  of  it  goes  into  the 
imperial  treasury. 

The  inhabitants  of  the  island  may  be  divided  into  two  classes :  the  first  composed  of  those 
at  present  submitting  to  the  authority  of  China,  whether  of  native  or  Chinese  blood  ;  and  the 
other,  and  probably  the  more  numerous  portion,  of  natives,  yet  in  their  unconquered  and  primi- 
tive state.  The  whole  population  has  been  estimated  at  two,  and  by  some,  as  high  as  three 
millions  ;  and  looking  to  the  peculiar  abstemiousness  of  the  people  of  the  east,  who  rarely 
indulge  in  any  other  than  vegetable  food,  it  may  reasonably  be  supposed  that  an  island  of  the 
extent  of  Formosa,  and  of  such  fertility,  could  subsist  even  a  larger  number. 

It  may,  I  think,  be  safely  assumed  that  an  American  settlement  at  Kelung  would  be  looked 
upon  with  favor  by  the  Chinese,  for  reason  of  the  advantages  of  protection  that  would  be  secured 
to  them  by  the  presence  and  co-operation  of  the  more  warlike  settlers,  in  the  defence  of  the 
port  and  its  neighborhood  from  the  depredations  of  the  numerous  rebels  and  pirates  who  infest 
the  whole  island  and  its  coasts. 

Grants  of  land  and  important  privileges,  includingthe  advantages  of  working -the  coal  mines, 
could,  doubtless,  be  obtained  by  purchase  at  nominal  cost,  and  without  looking  to  any  other 
protection  from  the  government  at  Washington  than  that  which  would  be  rendered  by  the 
occasional  presence  of  one  or  more  of  the  vessels  of  the  China  and  Japan  squadron,  a  flourish- 
ing community  of  Americans  might  soon  be  established,  wlfich  would  contribute  greatly  to  the 
convenience  and  advantages  of  our  commerce  in  those  seas. 

Kelung  woiald  become  a  port  of  general  resort  for  vessels  of  all  nations.  The  settlers  might 
not  only  direct  the  working  of  the  mines,  already  fully  described  in  this  volume,  but  the  pro- 
ducts of  the  land  could  be  largely  increased  by  the  introduction  of  those  improvements  in  agri- 
culture and  the  mechanic  arts  which  have  been  hitherto  unknown  to  the  Chinese,  who  are 
deficient  neither  in  sagacity,  ingenuity,  or  industry,  or  incapable  of  profiting  by  foreign  instruc- 
tion. Indeed,  they  may  be  looked  upon  as  remarkable  for  their  industrious  habits  ;  and  conse- 
quently there  would  be  no  want  of  laborers,  at  very  moderate  compensation.  In  fact,  we  find 
the  Chinese  established  at  most  of  the  European  settlements  in  the  east,  not  far  remote  from 
their  native  country,  where  they  form  themselves  into  communities  and  practice  their  own 


EXTENSION    OF    AMERICAN    COMMERCE    IN    THE    EAST.  179 

domestic  and  religious  customs,  giving  due  obedience  to  the  laws  of  the  country  in  which  they 
reside.  These^  people  chiefly  belong  to  the  laboring  and  mechanical  classes,  though  many  of 
them  engage  in  trade,  and  witli  considerable  success.  They  are  singularly  provident  in  their 
habits  of  saving,  and  it  is  not  unusual  to  find  amongst  them  persons  of  considerable  means, 
their  aim  being  to  accumulate  sufficient  to  enable  them  to  return  to  their  homes.* 

An  American  settlement,  once  firmly  established  in  Formosa,  would  gradually  increase  its 
social  and  political  power,  its  area  of  landed  possessions,  and  consequently  its  wealth  and  use- 
fulness. Neither  of  the  European  governments  could  reasonably  object  to  its  advancement.  On 
the  contrary,  it  would  be  their  policy  to  foster  and  protect  it,  because  those  of  their  subjects 
trading  in  the  east  would  equally  benefit  by  the  advantages  which  it  would  oifer  to  the  general 
commerce  of  those  seas. 

In  a  communication  of  mine  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  dated  Madeira,  December  14, 
1852,  and  published  in  Senate  Ex.  Doc.  No.  34,  of  33d  Congress  2d  session,  I  endeavored  at 
that  early  period  to  impress  upon  the  government  the  importance  of  adopting  timely  measures 
for  securing  an  influence  in  that  part  of  the  world.     I  quote: 

"  When  we  look  at  the  possessions  in  the  east  of  our  great  maritime  rival,  England,  and  of 
the  constant  aud  rapid  increase  of  their  fortified  ports,  we  should  be  admonished  of  the  necessity 
of  prompt  measures  on  our  part. 

"By  reference  to  the  map  of  the  world  it  will  be  seen  that  Great  Britain  is  already  in  posses- 
sion of  the  most  important  points  in  the  East  India  and  China  seas ;  and  especially  with  refer- 
ence to  the  China  seas. 

"Singapore  commanding  the  southwestern,  while  Hong  Kong  covers  the  northeastern 
entrance,  with  the  island  of  Labuan  on  the  western  coast  of  Borneo,  (an  intermediate  point,) 
she  will  have  the  power  of  shutting  up  at  will,  and  controlling  the  enormous  trade  of  those 
seas,  amounting,  it  is  said,  in  value  to  300,000  tons  of  shipping,  carrying  cargoes  certainly  not 
under  £15,000,000. "t 

"  Fortunately  the  Japanese  and  many  other  islands  of  the  Pacific  are  still  left  untouched  by 
this  gigantic  power,  and  as  some  of  them  lay  in  a  route  of  a  commerce  which  is  destined 
to  become  of  great  importance  to  the  United  States,  no  time  should  be  lost  iu  adopting 
active  measures  to  secure  a  sufiicient  number  of  ports  of  refuge,  and  hence  I  shall  look  with 
much  anxiety  for  the  arrival  of  the  Powhatan,  and  the  other  vessels  to  be  sent  to  me." 

The  experience  of  my  recent  cruise  did  but  serve  to  strengtlieu  the  opinion  expressed' in  this 
letter,  and  to  confirm  the  policy  of  my  oft  repeated  suggestions,  that  commercial  settlements  in 
the  China  and  Pacific  seas  will  be  found  to  be  vitally  necessary  to  the  continued  success  of  our 
commerce  in  those  regions. 

So  long  as  such  a  settlement  as  I  propose  does  not  become  a  fortified  place,  and  of  sufficient 
strength  to  excite  the  jealousy  of  other  powers,  it  should  be  looked  upon  as  a  port  of  resort  for 
all  nations. 

It  would  therefore  be  unadvisable  to  have  any  other  defences  tliau  enough  to  protect  the  port 
from  the  attacks  of  pirates  and  common   marauders,  of  which  there  are  very  many  in  the 

"  The  natives"of  China  who  are  sent  away  as  coolies  are  of  the  very  worst  of  the  population,  mere  vagahouds ;  and  most 
of  those  emigrating  to  California  are  of  this  character  ;  but  those  who  are  found  in  the  countries  bordering  the  China  seas 
and  Indian  ocean  are  of  a  better  class. 

fSee  Governor  Crawford's  opinion  iu  "Tlie  Expedition  t)  Porneo,"  by  hei'  Majesty's  ship  "Dido,"  chapter  24.  publisheil 
by  Harper  &  Brothers,  New  York,  184(5. 


180  EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN. 

Chinese  seas.  In  truth,  it  would  be  the  wiser  policy  if  the  European  powers  were  to  leave  their 
least  important  colonies  undefended,  as  in  such  condition  they  would  not  in  time  of  war  be 
otherwise  molested  than  by  occasional  visits  of  the  enemy  for  refreshments  and  supplies,  which 
would  in  most  cases  be  paid  for.  As  fortified  places,  their  possession  would  be  seized  upon 
when  practicable  as  were  the  strongholds  of  Europe  in  former  wars  by  contending  forces.  The 
troops  of  either  one  or  the  other  of  the  belligerents  forcibly  occupying  and  holding  them  as 
garrisons,  regardless  of  the  interests  or  safety  of  the  proper  residents.  But  in  later  times  the 
inhabitants  of  many  of  those  cities,  profiting  by  experience,  have,  wherever  they  have  had  the 
power,  thrown  down  their  defences,  and  thus  rendered  them  untenable  for  military  purposes. 
And  so  it  would  be  the  policy  of  England  and  France  to  demolish  the  defences  of  their  minor 
colonies,  withdraw  the  garrisons  and  leave  the  inhabitants  dependent  on  their  own  resources; 
and  free,  if  they  should  desire  it,  to  secure  by  negotiation  their  neutrality  in  time  of  hostilities. 

The  constantly  ameliorating  changes  which  have  transpired  in  latter  times  in  the  laws  and 
customs  of  war,  will  no  longer  justify  those  measures  of  coercion  and  cinielty  which  were  prac- 
tised in  former  days.  The  world  will  never  again  countenance  rapine  and  murder  ;  the  wanton 
destruction  of  edifices  of  religion  and  learning,  of  works  of  art,  and  defenceless  private  pro- 
perty ;  wars  will  hereafter  be  conducted  in  a  manner  more  honorable  and  magnanimous ;  and  that 
nation  will  deservedly  receive  the  execrations  of  all  good  men,  who  shall  henceforth  allow  of  the 
perpetration  of  those  acts  of  barbarity  which  have  been  of  common  occurrence  even  in  recent 
times. 

The  geographical  position  of  Formosa  renders  it  eminently  suited  as  an  entrepot  for  American 
trade,  from  which  communications  might  be  established  with  China,  Japan,  Lew  Chew,  Cochin 
China,  Cambodia,  Siam,  the  Philippines,  and  all  the  islands  situated  in  the  adjacent  seas  ;  and 
it  recommends  itself  more  strongly  from  the  fact  of  its  capability  of  furnishing  abundant  sup- 
plies of  coal,  which,  in  the  present  and  increasing  use  of  steam  for  purposes  of  commerce,  will 
prove  of  vast  importance  to  the  eastern  trade. 

Up  to  the  present  time  the  greater  part  of  the  vast  quantities  of  coal  consumed  by  the 
numerous  war  and  commercial  steamers  which  navigate  the  waters  of  the  east  is  brought  from 
England,  at  enormous  cost  of  freight,  tlie  mines  of  Labuan  supplying  only  an  insignificant 
portion  of  that  which  is  required. 

Another  recommendation  may  be  found  in  the  advantages  of  its  naval  and  military  position, 
situated  as  it  is  directly  in  front  of  many  of  the  principal  commercial  ports  of  China.  It  covers, 
and  might  be  made  with  a  sufficient  naval  force  to  command,  not  only  those  ports,  but  the 
northeastern  entrance  of  the  China  seas,  precisely  as  Cuba,  in  the  hands  of  a  powerful  maritime 
nation,  might  command  the  American  coast  south  of  Cape  Florida  and  the  entrance  to  the  Gulf 
of  Mexico  ;  and  from  the  extent  and  fertility  of  soil  of  Formosa,  it  might  be  made  capable  of 
furnishing,  in  addition  to  its  home  consumption,  large  quantities  of  agricultural  and  other 
products  for  exportation. 

The  establishment  of  a  commercial  entrepot,  unshackled  by  the  restrictions  of  duties  upon 
foreign  or  domestic  commerce  beyond  some  trifling  municipal  impost,  would  draw  to  its  ports 
vessels  of  all  nations,  and  it  would  not  be  long  before  it  would  rival  the  great  commercial  marts 
of  Hong  Kong  and  Singapore. 

Now,  it  is  evident  that  whatever  may  benefit  the  commerce  of  the  United  States  will  also 
contribute  to  the  advantage  of  other  commercial  nations,  and  the  extension  of  American  terri- 
tory cannot  but  result  advantageously  to  other  powers,  as  offering  new  markets  for  the  disposal 


EXTENSION    OF    AMERICAN    COMMERCE    IN    THE    EAST.  181 

of  their  products,  whether  manufactured  or  otherwise ;  and  viewing  these  settlements,  not  as 
fortified  positions,  ever  to  act  on  the  aggressive,  but  merely  as  trading  establishments,  they 
could  in  no  possible  way  excite  the  suspicion  or  jealousy  of  other  nations,  but,  as  before 
remarked,  would  rather  contribute  to  their  convenience  and  profit. 

In  conclusion,  I  may  make  one  more  quotation,  and  from  another  published  paper  of  mine : 

"  Objections  to  an  American  colony  considered. — We  proceed  now  to  consider  briefly  another 
point.  What  are  the  objections,  let  us  inquire,  which  may  be  interposed  to  the  establishment 
of  an  American  settlement  or  colony  such  as  we  have  described  ?  Can  they  be  sustained  by  any 
national  argument?  I  think  not.  In  truth,  colonies  are  almost  as  necessary  to  a  commercial 
nation  as  are  the  ships  which  transport  from  one  country  to  another  the  commodities  in  the 
interchange  of  which  commerce  subsists. 

"  The  objections  hitherto  advanced  by  our  wisest  men  against  the  admission  of  detached  and 
distant  colonies  into  our  federative  organization  cannot  apply  to  small  and  distinct  settlements 
established  merely  for  purposes  of  trade  or  some  religious  or  moral  object.  If  once  a  few 
Americans  determine  to  congregate  and  sit  down  together,  whether  in  the  western  wilds  or 
upon  some  remote  island  in  the  Pacific,  there  must  be  some  insurmountable  obstacle,  indeed, 
which  will  ever  prevent  the  accomplishment  of  their  designs  ;  and  carrying  with  them,  as  such 
adventurers  would,  the  elements  to  constitute  a  useful  and  happy  government,  it  would  not  be 
long  before  their  infant  colony  would  grow  into  a  flourishing  settlement;  and  though,  according 
to  the  theory  of  our  institutions,  it  would  not  at  first,  if  separated  from  our  recognized  territory, 
meet  with  much  countenance  from  the  government  at  Washington,  yet  the  very  circumstance 
of  the  settlers  being  thrown  upon  their  own  unassisted  resources  would  prompt  them  to  extraor- 
dinary exertions,  and  when  fairly  established  in  their  new  home  they  would  themselves  deter- 
mine upon  a  congenial  form  of  government,  and  elect  their  own  rulers. 

A  general  idea  prevails  that  the  possession  of  settlements  abroad,  however  insignificant, 
involves  the  necessity  of  their  defence  against  the  combined  forces  of  an  enemy.  This  is  only 
true  to  a  certain  extent,  and  with  strongholds  vitally  essential  to  the  prosperity  and  safety  of 
the  institutions  of  the  nation  to  which  they  belong  ;  but  in  regard  to  minor  places,  such  as  can 
have  no  influence  upon  the  results  of  a  war  between  two  great  nations,  they  should  be  considered 
neutral,  so  long  as  they  shall  keep  aloof  i'rom  any  part  in  the  struggle.  It  is  not  to  be  sup- 
posed, in  these  enlightened  times,  that  the  barbarities  practised  in  former  wars  are  to  be  any 
lon,";er  tolerated.  The  extraordinary  improvements  in  the  means  of  destruction  in  battle,  both 
by  sea  and  land,  will  render  partisan  warfare  contemptible,  and  hence  there  would  be  little  of 
honor  or  advantage  in  making  forays  upon  small  isolated  colonies,  to  wliatever  nation  belonging. 
They  should  be  left  undisturbed,  and  for  the  very  good  reason,  that  if  thus  regarded,  they  might 
be  resorted  to  by  the  vessels  of  either  of  the  belligerents  in  cases  of  extremity. 

In  the  late  war  of  the  United  States  with  Mexico,  the  Americans  held  for  a  long  time  many 
of  the  principal  cities  and  towns,  and  all  the  seaports  of  the  enemy,  but  so  far  from  molesting 
the  inhabitants  of  those  places,  they  were  actually  protected  from  the  exactions  of  their  own 
rulers  ;  private  property  was  considered  sacred,  everything  required  for  our  use  not  belonging 
to  the  Mexican  government  was  scrupulously  paid  for,  and  no  private  building  was  occupied 
without  a  just  compensation  to  the  owner ;  such  were  the  facts  within  the  sphere  of  my  observa- 
tion, and  I  believe  the  same  liberal  policy  was  pursued  co-extensively  with  all  the  operations  of 
the  Americans  pending  the  war. 

It  may,  therefore,  be  assumed  that  a  few  small  settlements,  scattered  through  the  Pacific 


182  EXPKl>lTIONTO     JAPAN. 

ocean,  and  subject  to  their  own  local  laws,  will  sooner  or  later  be  established  as  measures  of 
necessary  expediency  and  convenience  to  our  growing  commerce. 

The  moment  a  vessel  at  the  present  day  leaves  the  American  shores  upon  a  foreign  voyage,  go 
where  she  will,  her  officers  and  men,  in  entering  port,  become  subject  to  laws  often  oppressive 
and  generally  at  variance  with  the  spirit  of  our  institutions. 

Whatever  of  prejudice  there  may  be  in  the  minds  of  many  of  our  rulers  to  these  proposed 
settlements,  their  coming  into  existence  cannot  be  prevented,  nor  can  the  onward  spirit  of  our 
people  be  stayed  by  any  laws  that  could  be  made,  consistent  with  the  conservative  elements  of 
our  Constitution.  The  people  iciU  emigrate  and  settle  in  remote  places,  and  the  notice  and 
sympathies  of  the  country  will  be  drawn  toward  them  ;  and  in  this  way  we  shall  have  foreign 
settlements,  even  if  they  are  not  established  by  positive  enactment. 

They  may  not  be  considered  strictly  as  colonies,  but  all  such  settlements  would  very  soon,  if 
composed  of  our  countrymen,  make  their  own  constitutions  and  local  laws.  They  would  be 
offshoots  from  us  rather  than,  strictly  speaking,  colonies ;  apd  it  would  be  hard  to  say  how  they 
could  be  prevented  by  any  government. 

M.  C.  P. 


REMARKS  OF  COMMODORE  PERRY 


THE   PROBABLE   FUTURE   COMMERCIAL   RELATIONS 


JAPAN    AND    LEW    CHEW. 


REMARKS  OF  COMMODORE  PERRY 


CFON    THE   PROBABLE 


FUTURE  COMMERCIAL  RELATIONS  WITH  JAPAN  AND  LEW  CHEW. 


The  extent  and  value  of  American  trade  with  these  countries  will  mainly  depend  upon  the 
will  and  decided  action  of  the  United  States  government,  and  the  enterprise  of  our  own 
merchants,  who  are  rarely  wanting  in  this  el-ement  of  success ;  doubtless,  a  profitable  inter- 
change of  commodities  could  be  brought  about  by  a  judicious  prosecution  of  the  friendly  rela- 
tions already  established  by  the  treaties  of  "  Ka-na-ga-wa"  and  "Napha,"  and  by  the  formation, 
in  due  time,  of  commercial  treaties,  which  will  embrace,  in  their  details,  all  the  stipulations  of 
reciprocal  trade. 

Some  few  of  the  trading  community  have  either  wilfully,  or  through  ignorance,  misconstrued 
the  meaning  of  the  letter  and  spirit  of  the  treaties  above  referred  to,  and  have  adventured  upon 
speculations  which,  though  in  some  instances  remunerative  in  their  results,  were  not  authorized 
by  promises  held  out  either  by  the  treaties  or  by  incidental  information  officially  or  privately 
communicated. 

The  treaty  with  Japan  professes  to  be  nothing  more  than  a  compact,  establishing  between 
the  United  States  and  that  empire  certain  obligations  of  friendly  intercourse  with,  and  mutual 
protection  to,  the  citizens  and  subjects  of  the  contracting  powers,  and  granting  to  American 
citizens  rights  and  privileges  never  before  extended  to  strangers. 

This  treaty,  in  its  concessions  on  the  part  of  the  Japanese,  far  exceeds  the  most  sanguine 
expectations,  even  of  those  who,  from  the  first,  advocated  the  policy  of  the  Japan  expedition. 
It  purports  to  be  a  preliminary,  and  surely  a  most  important  step,  in  advance  of  a  commercial 
arrangement  to  be  agreed  upon  when  the  Japanese  government  may  be  better  prepared  by  a 
more  perfect  knowledge  of  the  usual  requirements  of  international  law  and  comity  to  enter 
upon  additional  pledges.  Certainly  the  advantages  of  this  treaty  have  been  considered  of 
sufficient  importance  by  four  of  the  great  powers  of  Europe  to  be  sought  for  by  them. 

It  was  expressly  stated,  pending  the  negotiations,  that  as  Japan  had  not,  at  the  time,  any 
foreign  commerce,  the  people  were  ignorant  of  the  requirements  necessary  to  its  re-establish- 
ment and  prosecution  ;  that  in  consequence  of  the  long  discontinuance  of  foreign  intercourse, 
the  country  furnished  nothing  more  than  was  needed  for  its  home  consumption  ;  and  time  would 
be  required  to  produce  the  commodities  suitable  for  exportation,  in  payment  for  articles  pur- 
chased from  strangers.  That  the  laws  of  Japan  in  regard  to  foreigners  had  been  for  a  long 
period  inflexibly  stringent,  and  though  it  was  admitted  that  they  were  not  suited  to  the  present 
24.* 


186  EXPEDITJO^fTOJAPA.V. 

enlightened  condition  of  the  workl,  they  could  only  be  ameliorated  by  slow  degrees  ;  that  there 
was  an  evident  desire  with  many  of  the  people  to  cast  off  the  shackles  which  had  so  long  bound 
them  to  a  mistaken  policy  ;  but  however  a  portion  of  the  most  intelligent  might  wish  for  a 
change,  there  would  still  be  arrayed,  for  a  time  at  least,  in  opposition  to  the  measure,  a  majority, 
and  especially  amongst  the  hereditary  princes,  who  had  their  proprietary  estates  in  the  interior, 
and  whose  power  over  their  vassals — a  power  subject  only  to  the  more  despotic  rule  of  the 
court,  would  be  seriously  lessened  by  the  introduction  of  the  more  liberal  principles  of  Christian 
nations  ;  and  yet  there  can  be  little  doubt  that,  by  the  exercise  of  just,  honorable,  and  concilia- 
tory measures  towards  these  singular  people,  they  could,  and  in  no  great  space  of  time,  be 
brought  into  friendly  commercial  relations  with  the  United  States  and  the  powers  of  Europe. 

The  arguments  of  the  Japanese  princes  who  negotiated  the  treaty  were  certainly  reasonable 
enough,  and  their  sincerity  was  sufficiently  proved  by  the  fact  that  a  few  of  the  most  obnoxious 
of  the  laws  of  the  empire  were  repealed  or  set  aside  before  the  departure  of  the  American 
squadron  ;  such,  for  instance,  as  the  abrogation  of  that  which  inflicted  the  punishment  of  death 
upon  all  who,  whether  by  accident  or  design,  found  themselves  separated  from  their  country ; 
another  which  prohibited  the  slightest  barter  with  strangers,  and  the  more  singular  decree 
which  required  that  all  Japanese  vessels  should  be  constructed  upon  one  precise  model  and  rig^ 
with  open  sterns,  thus  purposely  rendering  them  unsafe  for  ocean  navigation.  Other  changes, 
tending  to  the  same  liberal  object  have  since  taken  place,  and  it  may  be  safely  predicted  that 
many  years  will  not  elapse  before  this  magnificent  country  will  be  numbered  amongst  the  most 
important  of  the  eastern  nations,  with  which  a  profitable  trade  will  be  established  by  the  inter- 
change of  many  of  our  manufactured  articles  for  the  products  of  a  country  already  possessed  of 
great  resources. 

Amongst  many  articles  which  they  very  much  need  is  that  of  woolen  cloth  ;  debarred  by 
their  religion  from  rearing  animals  for  slaughter,  they  confine  their  domestic  quadrupeds  to 
the  horse,  the  bullock,  the  dog,  and  cat,  and  consequently  have  no  material  of  which  to  manu- 
facture warm  clothing,  skins  being  an  abomination  to  them  :  they  are  obliged  to  quilt  together 
folds  of  their  flimsy  cotton,  or  the  more  costly  texture  of  silken  cloth,  and  hence  the  manufac- 
tured woolen  and  cotton  cloth  of  the  United  States  and  Europe  would  be  gladly  received  in 
exchange  for  their  home  products  of  gold,  silver,  copper,  camphor,  coal,  lumber,  spars,  dried 
fish,  tobacco,  and  various  descriptions  of  grain^  in  addition  to  their  own  manufactured  articles, 
such  as  silks,  crapes,  grass-cloth,  lacquered  ware,  porcelain,  &c. 

For  the  last  two  centuries  the  Japanese  have  been  left  to  provide  for  themselves,  being  in  no 
way  dependent  upon  foreign  supplies ;  but  as  they  are  unquestionably  a  luxurious  and  pleasure- 
loving  people,  they  would  be  inclined  to  seize  with  avidity  upon  the  means  of  adding  to  their 
comforts  and  convenience,  and  would  soon  find  the  way,  in  their  abundance,  to  pay  for  what- 
ever they  purchased  of  foreign  production  ;  and  thus  the  enjoyment  of  one  foreign  luxury 
would  beget  the  desire  for  others,  and  from  being  at  first  luxurious  they  would,  as  in  respect  to 
the  early  introduction  into  Europe  of  spices,  teas,  and  other  eastern  products,  soon  become 
necessaries,  and  in  this  way  a  successful  commerce  would  be  created. 

But  in  order  to  bring  about  and  render  permanent  this  desirable  object,  the  government  of 
the  United  States  should  watch  with  constant  solicitude  the  attempts  which  have  already  been 
made,  and  will  doubtless  continue  to  be  made,  by  persons  calling  themselves  American  citizens, 
to  force  upon  the  Japanese  a  traific  which  they  cannot,  under  present  circumstances,  entertain  ; 
and  to  claim  privileges  not  provided  for  in  the  treaty,  but  which  may  be  secured  by  fair  and 


FUTURE    COMMERCIAL    RELATIONS    WITH    JAPAN    AND    LEW    CHEW.     187 

honorable  means,  if  net  prevented  by  the  unauthorized  and  covert  acts  of  these  men,  who  in 
their  desire  for  gain,  assume,  whether  rightly  or  not,  all  the  immunities  of  citizenship,  but 
entirely  overlook  the  honor  and  character  of  the  country  whose  protection  they  are  always  ready 
to  claim. 

It  has  been  hinted,  with  what  truth  I  shall  not  undertake  to  say,  that  at  least  one  experiment 
has  already  been  made  to  introduce  into  Japan  the  abominable  traffic  in  opium  ;  fortunately, 
this  diabolical  attempt  was  defeated  by  the  sagacity  of  the  Japanese  authorities. 

Of  the  Lew  Chews  I  have  little  to  say  in  this  paper,  other  than  to  remark  that,  as  places  of 
resort  for  temporary  equipment  and  supplies,  these  islands  hold  out  every  convenience  to  vessels 
passing  in  their  route  ;  fertile  beyond  measure,  as  some  of  them  are,  and  jieopled  by  an  inoffen- 
sive, industrious  race,  they  could,  by  the  practice  of  kind  and  honorable  measures  towards  them, 
be  brought  into  the  most  friendly  intercourse  ;  but,  as  before  remarked,  the  governments  of  the 
United  States  and  Europe  should  protect  these  and  other  defenceless  communities,  in  remote  parts 
of  the  world,  from  the  acts  of  injustice  and  outrage  not  unfrequently  committed  by  the  crews  of 
ships  navigating  distant  seas,  who,  in  the  confidence  of  escape  from  detection,  inflict  upon  the 
simple  natives  wanton  and  unprovoked  wrongs^  threatening  them,  if  they  resist,  with  the  inter- 
position of  the  power  of  their  respective  governments,  whose  good  faith  they  deliberately  violate. 
And  if  perchance  the  natives  assume  the  defensive  in  the  jirotection  of  their  lives,  their  property, 
and  domestic  rights,  and  blood  is  shed,  then  the  home  governments  are  beset  with  complaints 
emanating  from  the  aggressors  themselves,  misrepresenting  and  exaggerating  the  acts  of  the 
natives,  who,  having  no  means  of  explanation  or  defence,  are  consequently  looked  upon  as 
guilty — for  how  can  it  be  otherwise  proved  ?  And  the  governments  thus  importuned  can  do  no 
less  than  to  cause  investigations  to  be  made ;  and  this  can  only  be  accomplished  by  the  despatch 
of  vessels-of-war,  at  considerable  cost,  to  the  distant  regions  where  these  outrages  of  the  natives 
are  alleged  to  have  been  committed  ;  and  the  results  will  turn  altogether  upon  the  prudence, 
•discretion,  and  sense  of  justice  of  the  officers  entrusted  with  this  duty.  Meanwhile,  the  really 
guilty  parties  go  unwhipped  of  justice. 

Now,  to  avoid  these  acts  of  cruelty,  at  least  to  guard  against  their  being  perpetrated  by 
persons  sailing  under  the  American  flag  without  the  knowledge  of  the  authorities  at  home, 
consuls,  or  consular  agents  should  be  sent  to  every  part  of  the  world  visited  by  our  ships,  there 
to  be  prepared,  in  their  official  character,  as  well  to  watch  over  the  rights  and  interests  of  our 
bona  fide  citizens  as  to  detect  and  bring  to  punishment  a  class  of  adventurers  to  be  found  every- 
where— men  who,  from  their  cosmopolitan  and  vagabond  life,  have  no  claim  upon  the  protection 
of  any  nation — yet  are  they  the  most  clamorous  in  demanding  their  assumed  rights. 

The  additional  cost  of  salaries  to  the  increased  number  of  consuls  would  bo  as  nothing,  com- 
pared with  the  advantages  that  would  accrue  from  their  services  ;  indeed,  it  might  be  a  question 
whether  the  outlay  would  not  be  in  a  measure  returned  to  the  revenue  of  the  country  by  the 
remunerative  results  arising  from  the  greater  facilities  rendered  to  our  foreign  commerce. 

M.  C.  P. 


CORRESPONDENCE 


REFERENCE   TO    SUM 


CORRESPONDENCE 


REFERENCE  TO  SIAM. 


In  connexion  with  this  report,  it  may  be  well  to  notice  certain  measures  which  doubtless  had 
a  leading  influence  in  bringing  to  a  successful  issue  the  treaty  recently  negotiated  by  Mr.  Town- 
send  Harris  with  the  kingdom  of  Siam.  Indeed,  Mr.  Harris  writes  to  Commodore  Perry,  under 
date  of  June  4,  185G,  as  follows  : 

"I  should  have  mentioned  before  that  both  the  kings  of  Siam  inquired  after  you  and  your 
welfare.  Tliey  are  both  aware  of  your  services  to  your  country,  and  of  your  opening  Japan, 
and  I  do  not  hesitate  to  say  to  you  that  your  expedition  to  Japan  was  one  of  the  great  causes 
that  led  to  the  English  and  American  treaties  with  Siam." 


Commodore  Perry  to  the  Second  King  of  Siam. 

U.  S.  Flag  Ship  Mississippi, 
Point  de  Galle,  Island  of  Ceylon,  March  14,  1853. 

Most  Exalted  Prince  :  I  have  been  most  happy  to  meet  at  this  port  a  vessel-of-war  belonging 
to  the  kingdom  of  Siam,  one  of  beautiful  form  and  construction,  and  commanded  by  an  ofEcer 
of  skill  and  merit. 

In  remembrance  of  the  kindness  you  extended  to  the  late  Mr.  Roberts  and  the  officers  of  the 
United  States  ship  "Peacock,"  in  1836,  I  beg  your  acceptance  of  a  curious  pistol,  which  has 
been  entrusted  to  my  charge^  to  be  presented  to  some  high  functionary  who  has  sufficient 
acquaintance  with  the  arts  to  understand  its  mechanism  and  use. 

The  renown  which  your  highness  has  acquired  in  America  for  your  attainments  in  every 
branch  of  science  induces  me  to  place  at  your  disposal  this  trifling  gift  of  Mr.  Colt. 

I  hope  that  you  will  send  one  of  your  ships  of  Siam  to  America,  where  I  can  promise  her 
officers  a  friendly  and  honorable  welcome. 


192  EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN. 

And  it  will  at  all  times  give  me  the  greatest  pleasure  to  render  to  all  vessels  under  the 
Siamese  flag  whatever  aid  and  assistance  it  may  be  in  my  power  to  command. 
With  profound  respect,  I  have  the  honor  to  be  your  most  obedient  servant, 

M.  C.  PERRY, 
Commander-in-chief  U.  S.  naval  forces,  East  India,  China,  and  Japan  seas. 
His  Royal  Highness  Phar  Pen  Glow  Chow  You  Hou. 


The  Second  King  of  Siam  to  Commodore  Perry. 

Palace  of  the  Maha  Uperat  of  the  Kingdom  of  Siam, 

Bangkok,  September  25,  1853. 
Respected  Sir  :  It  gives  me  great  pleasure  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  favor  of  March 
14,  1853,  from  Point  de  Galle,  together  with  the  beautiful  pistol  which  you  did  me  the  honor 
to  forward  for  my  acceptance. 

It  is  the  best  and  most  perfect  thing  of  the  kind  I  have  ever  seen,  and  does  great  credit  to 
American  genius  and  American  skill.  I  desire  to  communicate,  through  you,  my  best  thanks 
to  the  distinguished  and  ingenious  inventor,  Mr.  Colt,  for  this  beautiful  gift. 

I  beg  you  will  also  accept  for  yourself  my  acknowledgements  for  the  kind  and  flattering 
manner  in  which  you  have  couveyed  the  gift  to  me. 

I  shall  ever  retain  a  pleasant  remembrance  of  my  intercourse  with  the  late  Mr.  Roberts  and 
the  officers  of  the  United  States  ships  "Peacock"  and  "Enterprise,"  during  their  stay  here 
in  1836. 

I  would  desire  to  reciprocate  to  you  personally  and  to  your  country  all  the  friendly  interest 
you  have  expressed  for  Siam 

With  great  respect,  I  have  the  honor  to  remain  your  much  obliged  friend, 

PHAR  PEN  CLOW  CHOW  YOU  HOU, 
Maha  Uperat  of  the  Kingdom  of  Siam,  or  Second  King  of  Siam,  dtc,  (fee,  <&c. 
His  Excellency  M.  C.  Perry, 

Commander-in-chief  U.  S.  naval  forces,  East  India,  China,  and  Japan  seas. 


Commodore  Perry  to  the  Second  King  of  Siam. 

U.  S.  Flag  Ship  Susquehanna, 

Macao,  December  15,  1853. 
Most  Exalted  Prince  :  I  have  had  the  honor  and  great  satisfaction  of  receiving  your  commu- 
nication of  the  25th  of  September  last,  and  now  beg  to  thank  you  for  the  kind  and  cordial 
manner  in  which  you  have  received  the  trifling  present  which  I  did  myself  the  pleasure  of 
tendering  to  your  acceptance,  not  from  any  value  it  possesses,  but  as  a  curious  and  useful 
invention. 

It  would  give  me  the  highest  gratification  to  be  able  to  visit  Siam  with  my  squadron  some 


CORRESPONDENCE    IN    REFERENCE    TO    SIAM.  193 

time  during  the  following  summer,  not  only  that  I  might  have  the  honor  of  paying  my  personal 
and  ofEnial  respects  to  his  Majesty  the  First  King  and  to  your  highness,  but  to  offer  in  a 
hecoming  manner  the  friendly  wishes  of  my  government  for  the  prosperity  of  the  Siamese 
kingdom,  and  to  invite  a  friendly  reciprocity  of  social  and  commercial  intercourse. 

I  am  the  more  anxious  to  visit  Siam,  and  to  make  the  acquaintance  of  your  royal  highness, 
as  I  have  in  my  squadron  many  rare  modern  inventions,  which  I  should  be  most  happy  to  exhibit 
to  one  so  highly  gifted  as  your  highness  is  with  scientific  knowledge. 

With  the  most  profound  respect,  I  subscribe  myself  your  most  obedient  servant, 

M.  C.  PERRY, 
Commander-in-chief  U.  8.  naval  forces ,  East  India,  China,  and  Japan  seas. 
His  Royal  Highness  Phar  Pen  Clow  Chow  Tou  Hou, 

Maha  Uperat  of  the  Kingdom  of  Siam,  <&c.,  dec,  d-c. 


The  Second  King  of  Siam  to  Commodore  Perry. 

Northern  Royal  or  Second  King's  Palace, 

Bangkok,  Siam,  March,  1854. 
Respected  Sni :  I  have  the  pleasure  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  letter,  dated  Macao, 
December  15,  1853. 

I  have  given  due  attention  to  its  contents,  which  gave  much  pleasure.  I  have  acquainted 
his  Majesty,  my  much  esteemed  royal  elder  brother  Somdet  Phoa  Paramende  Maha  Morykeet, 
the  supreme  King  of  Siam,  with  the  substance  of  your  communication.  His  Majesty,  on  being 
informed  of  it,  was  pleased  and  gratified  that  you,  being  a  distinguished  ofiicer  of  the  United 
States,  having  entire  control  of  aifairs  in  India,  should  think  of  those  countries  which  long 
have  been  distinguished  friends.  His  Majesty  also  thanks  you  for  being  so  good  as  to  send  a 
communication,  informing  us  of  your  desire  to  visit  Siam  ;  you  say  that,  should  you  be  able, 
you  •yyould  be  happy  to  visit  Siam.  Upon  the  present  occasion  you  have  come  from  the  United 
States  on  account  of  the  state  of  aifairs  in  Japan  and  China  ;  but  China  being  now  in  a  disturbed 
state,  you  must  probably  be  engaged  in  looking  after  the  interests  of  the  merchants  of  the 
United  States,  who  are  in  all  parts  of  China,  and  must  have  a  great  deal  to  attend  to.  If  you 
should  find  it  consistent  to  visit  Siam  or  not,  let  it  be  as  you  please.  Should  you  decide  to 
come,  please  write  to  His  Excellency  Chau  Phaya  Pliraklang,  minister  for  foreign  affairs,  a 
month  or  two  previous  to  your  coming,  and  inform  him  of  the  time  of  your  arrival  here,  and 
how  many  vessels  and  men  will  accompany  you,  as  his  excellency  is  the  proper  person  to  receive 
foreign  visitors.  He  will  arrange  to  receive  you  in  a  proper  manner. 
I  remain,  respectfully  yours, 

PHAR  PEN  CLOW  CHOW  TOU  HOU, 

Second  King  of  Siam,  d:c.,  <&c.,  do. 
His  Excellency  M.  C.  Perry, 

Commander-in-chief  U.  S.  naval  forces,  East  India,  China,  and  Japan  seas. 

25  s 


194  EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN. 


Commodore  Peri-y  to  Messrs, 


U.  S.  Flag  Ship  Mississippi, 

Macao,  October  20,  1853. 

Dear  Sirs  :  Our  friend,  the  Rev.  Dr.  •,  of  Canton,  informs  me  of  his  having  written  to 

you  with  reference  to  a  contemplated  visit  of  mine  to  Siam,  after  I  shall  have  accomplished  my 
Japan  mission. 

He  has  doubtless  intimated  to  you  my  desire  to  obtain  some  accurate  information  as  to  the 
probability  of  a  favorable  reception  by  the  King  of  Siam  of  any  propositions  I  might  mate  for 
modifying  and  enlarging  the  stipulations  of  the  present  treaty  between  the  United  States  and 
that  kingdom,  and  of  inducing  the  king  to  send  one  of  his  finest  ships  to  the  United  States  in 
charge  of  some  of  the  most  intelligent  of  his  officers,  that  they  might  examine  into  our  institu- 
tions, religious,  civil,  military,  iind  commercial,  and  take  back  with  them  an  account  of  what 
they  shall  have  seen,  as  furnishing  evidence  of  the  advantages  that  Siam  would  derive  from  a 
free  and  mutually  liberal  intercourse  with  us. 

I  am  well  aware  of  the  impolicy  of  taking  any  steps  in  this  business  until  I  can  learn  of  cer- 
tainty whether  the  king  and  his  advisers  would  receive  my  propositions  with  favor,  and  be 
disposed  to  enter  into  friendly  negotiations. 

Another  failure  following  that  of  Mr.  Ballestier  would  put  our  relations  on  a  worse  footing 
than  they  now  are,  and  this  is  the  object  of  my  addressing  myself  to  you  to  ask,  as  a  particular 
favor,  that  you  would,  if  it  be  at  all  practicable,  ascertain  the  feelings  and  disposition  of  the 
king  and  his  councillors  with  respect  to  any  diplomatic  visit  I  might  make  to  Bangkok. 

These  enquiries  should  be  made  as  if  emanating  directly  from  yourselves,  as  Americans  and 
well  wishers  of  a  more  friendly  understanding  between  the  two  countries.  You  might  say  that 
you  have  been  credibly  informed  that  Commodore  Perry  has  been  charged  with  full  powers  to 
negotiate  with  Japan,  Siam,  Cochin  China,  and  other  eastern  nations,  but  he  is  not  disposed  to 
make  any  advances  towards  Siam  until  he  is  well  assured  that  such  friendly  demonstrations 
would  be  met  in  the  same  frank  and  liberal  spirit ;  that  the  United  States,  as  a  nation,  is  very 
powerful,  and  any  rejection  of  proffers  made  by  an  accredited  ambassador  of  that  country  would, 
if  treated  coolly,  give  great  offence  ;  that  a  reciprocal  treaty  with  a  nation  of  such  vast  com- 
mercial resources  must  result  to  the  advantage  of  the  weaker  power,  and  if  Commodore  Perry 
could  have  sufficient  proof  from  any  authentic  source  that  a  visit  from  him,  with  one  or  more 
of  the  splendid  steam  frigates  he  has  under  his  command,  would  be  favorably  received,  he 
would  doubtless  go  to  Siam,  and  pay  his  respects  to  the  king. 

When  at  Galle,  in  Ceylon,  in  March  last,  I  saw  a  Siamese  sloop-of-war  at  that  port,  and  was 
visited  by  her  captain  and  some  Buddhist  priests,  who  were  on  a  pilgrimage  to  a  temple  near 
by,  I  sent  the  Second  King  of  Siam,  the  one  who  speaks  English  so  well,  a  trifling  present ; 
since  then,  a  Siamese  vessel  at  Whampoa  has,  at  the  request  of  her  captain,  been  assisted  by 
one  of  my  ships.  These  little  acts  are  proofs  of  our  friendly  disposition  towards  the  Siamese, 
and  I  feel  assured  that  if  the  king  would  send  one  of  his  ships,  whether  with  cargo  or  not, 
to  the  United  States,  the  result  would  be  most  gratifying  to  him. 

The  Sultan  of  Muscat  sent  some  years  ago  a  sloop-of-war  to  our  country,  and  her  officers  were 
treated  with  great  kindness  and  distinction  ;  the  same  civilities  were  extended  to  an  officer  sent 
a  short  time  after  by  the  Sultan  of  Turkey  to  the  United  States. 


CORRESPONDENCE  IN  REFERENCE  TO  SIAM.  195 

If  the  King  of  Siam  determines  on  despatching  one  of  his  ships,  whether  on  a  voyage  for 
observation  or  commerce,  or  both,  it  will  give  me  pleasure  to  offer  my  services  in  any  possible 
way  to  facilitate  so  desirable  an  object. 

You  will,  my  dear  sirs,  readily  understand  the  motives  which  actuate  me  in  this  delicate 
business,  and  whilst  you  are  acting  seemingly  to  effect  some  object  desirable  to  your  own  wishes, 
you  may  be  the  means  of  obtaining  such  information  as  will  make  a  visit  of  mine  of  great 
advantage  to  both  nations. 

If  it  were  possible  to  bring  about  an  invitation  from  the  King  that  I  should  visit  Siam,  nego- 
tiations would  follow  as  a  matter  of  course. 

I  have  sent  a  copy  of  this  letter  to  each  of  you  gentlemen,  and  by  different  mails,  in  the 
possibility  of  the  miscarriage  of  one  of  them. 
Very  respectfully, 

M.  C.  PEERY, 
Commander-in-chief  U.  S.  naval  forces,  East  India,  China,  and  Japan  seas. 


Commodore  Perry  to  Mr.  3IcLane. 

Singapore,  September  19,  1854. 

My  Dear  Mr.  McLane:  On  arrival  at  this  place  I  was  informed  by  our  consul  that  a  Siamese 
messenger  from  the  king  had  been  waiting  some  time  here  to  see  me. 

I  have  this  moment  parted  with  him,  and  he  informs  me  that  the  king  was  much  pleased 
with  the  intelligence  that  I  contemplated  visiting  Siam,  and  had  erected  a  building  for  my 
reception,  and  made  many  other  preparations  to  do  me  all  honor ;  that  on  such  occasion,  or 
rather  the  occasion  of  my  visit,  he  would  depart  from  the  usual  court  etiquette,  and  receive  me 
in  person,  &c. ,  &c. 

An  hour  befoi'e  my  interview  with  the  Siamese  messenger  I  had  held  a  long  conversation  with 
ColoneF  Butterworth,  the  governor  of  Singapore,  who  had  received  a  letter  from  the  king  of 
Siam,  an  old  correspondent  of  his,  in  which  the  king  refers  to  me,  and  remarks  that  he  was 
anxiously  awaiting  my  arrival ;  another  letter  received  by  the  governor  from  the  same, source 
he  had  forwarded  to  Sir  John  Bowring,  which  he  will  doubtless  show  you. 

I  give  the  above  for  what  it  is  worth.  All  these  preparations  may  possibly  be  intended 
merely  as  a  blind  to  conceal  a  predetermined  intention  of  conceding  nothing  in  the  way  of 
improving  the  character  of  the  existing  treaty  with  the  United  States. 

As  Colonel  Butterworth  very  justly  remarked,  the  Siamese  princes,  like  all  eastern  potentates, 
are  full  of  diplomatic  duplicity ;  nevertheless,  I  should  have  much  liked  to  have  had  a  bout  with 
his  Siamese  Majesty. 

Most  respectfully  and  truly  yours, 

M.  C.  PERKY. 

His  excellency  R,  M.  McLane, 

United  States  Commissioner  to  China. 


196  EXPEDIT10>T0JAPA>". 


Commodore  Perry  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy. 

Ox    BOARD    EXGLISH    MaIL   StEAMF.R    HiXDOOSTAN, 

At  sea,  Indian  Ocean,  October  7,  1854. 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  enclose  herewith  a  copy  of  a  communication  addressed  bv  me,  from 
Singapore,  to  the  Hon.  E.  M.  McLane,  commissioner  to  China  ;  in  explanation  of  which  I  may 
inform  the  department  that  on  arrival  at  Ceylon,  on  my  outward  passage  to  China,  I  met  a  ship 
of  the  king  of  Siam,  having  on  hoard  a  number  of  distinguished  Buddhist  priests,  on  a  pil- 
grimage to  a  temple  near  to  Galle.  To  the  captain  of  this  ship  and  to  the  pilgrims  I  paid  some 
attention,  in  view  of  availing  of  so  favorable  an  opportunity  of  opening  a  correspondence  with 
the  younger  brother  of  the  king,  the  one  who  evinced  so  much  friendship  to  those  of  our  officers 
who  had  already  visited  his  country. 

Accordingly,  in  a  letter  addressed  to  this  prince,  I  informed  him  of  my  desire  to  visit,  at 
some  future  time,  with  the  steamers  of  my  command,  his  flourishing  country  ;  and  to  endeavor 
by  every  suitable  act  to  enlarge  and  cement  more  strongly  the  friendly  intercourse  already  sub- 
sisting between  the  United  States  and  Siam. 

It  was  my  desire  to  revise  the  treaty  entered  into  by  the  late  Mr.  Roberts,  which  had  virtually 
become  a  dead  letter  and  altogether  inoperative  ;  and  that  with  England  had  also  shared  the 
same  fate.  And,  although  subsequent  attempts  had  been  made  by  Sir  John  Davis  and  Sir 
James  Brooke,  (the  Rajah,)  on  the  part  of  England,  and  Mr.  Ballestier,  as  envoy  from  the 
United  States,  I  was  induced  to  think  that  another  trial  would  have  resulted  more  successfully  ; 
and  consequently,  under  the  authority  of  one  of  my  blank  letters  of  credence,  took  the 
preliminary  steps  in  the  business. 

But  knowing  the  character  of  all  eastern  potentates^  I  was  not  disposed  to  venture  hastily 
upon  a  visit  to  Bankok,  (even  if  it  had  been  at  the  time  practicable,)  there,  possibly,  to  be 
politely  repulsed,  as  the  three  gentlemen  last  mentioned  had  been.  Therefore,  on  arrival  at 
Canton^  and  conferring  with  our  secretary  of  legation,  Dr.  Parker,  I  addressed  myself,  with  his' 
assistance,  confidentially,  to  two  of  the  American  missionaries  resident  in  Siam,  and  in  good 
favor  with  the  king,  requesting  them  to  make  inquiry  as  to  the  feelings  of  the  king  and  his 
ministers  with  repect  to  the  government  and  people  of  the  United  States,  and  to  give  me  their 
candid  opinions,  whether,  if  I  came  to  Siam,  I  should  be  successful  in  efl'ecting  the  object  of  my 
visit. 

In  due  time  I  received  replies,  not  only  from  the  second  king,  but  from  the  reverend  gentle- 
men addressed  by  me.  The  letter  of  the  king  was  merely  one  of  courtesy  ;  those  of  the  mis- 
sionaries assured  me  of  a  friendly  reception  at  court,  but  expressed  some  uncertainty  as  to  the 
disposition  of  the  government  to  enter  into  more  liberal  commercial  intercourse  with  foreign 
powers.     On  the  whole,  however,  they  rather  recommended  the  proposed  visit. 

Since  the  dates  of  these  letters,  I  have  received  another  from  the  second  king,  equally  friendly, 
and  referring  me  to  his  brother,  the  first  king  ;  and  from  other  information  obtained,  I  should 
have  made  up  my  mind  to  enter  upon  the  experiment  after  my  return  from  Japan,  if  circum- 
stances had  permitted. 

It  may  be  asked  why  I  did  not  take  advantage  of  the  interval  of  my  detention  in  China  to 
make  the  desired  visit.     The  answer  is,  that  I  had  not  at  the  time  a  sufliciency  of  coal  on  hand 


CORRESPONDENCE     IN     REFERENCE     TO     SIAM.  197 

to  authorize  so  large  an  expenditure  as  would  have  been  required  in  the  passage  of  the  steamers 
to  and  from  Siam,  and  still  leave  an  adequate  supply  for  my  second  visit  to  Japan. 

One  of  my  objects  had  been  to  induce  the  king  to  send  one  of  his  ships  (all  of  which  combine 
both  war  and  commercial  purposes)  to  the  United  States,  with  some  of  his  most  intelligent 
officers — many  of  whom  speak  English* — there  to  examine  into  our  institutions,  resources, 
&c. ;  the  surest  way,  in  my  opinion,  of  securing  the  respect  and  friendship  for  our  government 
of  a  people  not  more  than  half  civilized,  as  we  understand  civilization. 

My  plans  with  respect  to  Siam  have,  however,  been  frustrated  by  the  indispensable  delay  in 
the  negotiations  with  Japan,  and  the  necessary  return  of  the  Mississippi  and  Susquehanna  by 
way  of  the  Pacific,  the  employment  on  special  service  of  the  Powhatan,  and  the  imperative 
necessity  of  keeping  a  ship  constantly  at  Canton  and  Shanghai. 

Copies  of  all  the  correspondence  referred  to  have  been  furnished  to  Mr.  McLane,  and  will 
also  be  forwarded  to  the  department  on  my  return  to  the  United  States. 

With  respect  to  the  possibility  of  opening  an  intercourse  with  Cochin  China,  notwithstanding 
the  previous  failures  of  England,  France,  and  the  United  States,  I  am  of  opinion,  founded  upon 
reliable  information  obtained  in  China  proper,  and  at  Singapore,  that  a  favorable  issue  might 
be  accomplished,  provided  that  small  steamers  of  light  draught  were  employed  to  ascend  the 
rivers  upon  which  the  principal  cities  are  situated,  and  in  sufficient  force  to  resist  and  prevent 
insult,  to  command  respect,  and,  as  a  consequence,  to  secure  the  friendship  of  these  singular 
people ;  and  though  the  trade  of  Cochin  China  and  the  neighboring  countries  is  growing  in 
importance,  it  is  a  question  whether  the  advantages  of  a  treaty  purchased  at  so  much  expense 
would  be  otherwise  desirable  than  as  reflecting  high  lionor  upon  the  enterprise  and  energy  of  a 
nation  yet  comparatively  in  its  infancy. 

With  great  respect,  I  have  the  honor  to  be  your  most  obedient  servant, 

M.  C.  PERRY. 

Hon.  James  C.  Dobbin, 

Secretary  of  the  Navy,  Washington. 

°  Both  the  kings  speak  and  write  English. 


LETTER 


CAPTAIN  H.  A.  ADAMS  TO  COMMODORE  PERRY, 


COMMDNICATINQ 


THE  PAETICULARS  OF  THE   RATIFICATION 


THE  TREATY  OF  KA-NA-GA-WA. 


LETTER 


COMMUNICATING     THE 


PAETICULARS  OF  THE  MTmCATION  OF  THE  TREATY  OF  KAMGAWA. 


Captain  H.  A.  Adams  to  Commodore  Perry. 

Philadelphia,  July  9,  1855. 
Sir  :  In  the  belief  that  an  account  of  my  proceedings  since  I  left  your  immediate  command  in 
April,  1854,  may  be  acceptable,  I  will  offer  you  a  statement  in  detail  which  will  include  an 
account  of  the  exchange  of  ratifications  of  the  treaty  with  the  Emperor  of  Japan.  Agreeably 
to  your  orders  I  sailed  from  Yedo  bay  on  the  4th  of  April,  1854,  in  the  Saratoga,  Commander 
Walker,  carrying  with  me  the  treaty  you  had  just  concluded.  We  reached  Honolulu  on  the 
1st  of  May,  where  I  took  the  first  vessel  that  offered  for  San  Francisco,  whence  I  started  by  the 
mail  route  via  Panama  for  New  York  and  Washington,  and  reached  the  seat  of  government  on 
the  12th  of  July.  The  news  of  the  treaty  was  received  with  much  pleasure,  and  obtained  the 
immediate  and  unanimous  apjDroval  of  the  Senate.  The  ratified  copy  of  the  treaty  was  intrusted 
to  me  to  carry  out  to  China,  and  subsequently  to  Japan.  I  left  New  York  on  the  30th  of  Sep- 
tember, and  arrived,  by  the  English  overland  route,  at  Hong  Kong  on  the  1st  of  January,  1855. 
Commodore  Abbot,  in  accordance  with  instructions  from  the  Navy  Dejiartment,  gave  orders  to 
Captain  McCluney  to  convey  me  in  the  Powhatan  to  Simoda,  where  we  arrived  on  the  2Cth  of 
January.  At  Hong  Kong  I  had  engaged  a  very  intelligent  gentleman,  Mr.  Wilhelm  Lobscheid, 
to  act  as  interpreter.  On  my  arrival  I  addressed  the  following  letter  to  tlie  chief  of  the  supreme 
council,  which  I  sent  by  an  officer  of  the  governor  of  Simoda,  requesting  him  to  forward  it 
immediately  to  Yedo. 

U.  S.  Ship  Powhatan, 

Simoda,  January  26,  1855. 

Your  Exckllency:  I  have  the  honor  to  acquaint  you,  for  the  information  of  his  Majesty  the 

Emperor  of  Japan^  that  I  have  arrived  here  from  the  United  States  of  North  America,  and 

bring  with  me  a  copy  of  the  treaty  made  by  Commodore  Perry  with  the  Empire  of  Japan,  which 

has  been  approved  by  the  Senate  of  the  United  States,  and  signed  by  the  President.     I  am 

furnished  with  full  powers  to  exchange  ratifications  agreeably  to  the  12th  article  of  the  treaty, 

and  am  ready  at  any  time  to  meet  such  high  officer  as  shall  be  properly  authorized  for  the  same 

purpose  by  the  Japanese  government. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

^  ^  H.  A.  ADAMS, 

Commander  U.  S.  Navy. 

His  Excellency  Abe  Ise  Nokami,  &c.,  &c.,  dc,  Yedo. 

26  s 


202  EXPEDITION    TO     JAPAN. 

I  gave  the  following  memorandum  to  the  Japanese  interpreter,  Mr.  Lohscheid,  explaining 
for  his  information  each  paragraph  separately'. 

MEMORANDUM. 

It  is  provided  by  the  12th  article  of  the  treaty  that  ratified  copies  shall  be  exchanged  within 
eighteen  months  after  the  day  on  which  it  was  signed  at  Ka-na-ga-wa  by  Commodore  Perry  and 
the  Japanese  commissioners.  I  have  brought  a  copy  for  this  purpose,  approved  by  the  Senate 
of  the  United  States  and  signed  by  the  President.  I  wish  to  deliver  this  to  some  person  of  the 
highest  rank  who  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Emperor  to  receive  it,  and  to  deliver  to  me  in  return 
a  copy  in  the  Japanese  language,  approved  and  signed  in  the  same  manner  by  the  Emperor. 

As  I  have  a  special  power  for  this  purpose,  which  I  will  deliver  with  the  treaty  to  the  high 
officer  appointed  to  exchange  ratifications,  I  shall  expect  that  high  officer  to  have  the  same 
authority  in  writing  from  the  Emperor,  which  he  will  deliver  to  me  at  the  same  time.  This  is 
in  accordance  with  the  usage  of  nations. 

It  is  desirable  that  the  exchange  shall  be  made  as  soon  as  possible,  as  I  wish  to  return  with 
the  Japanese  copy  immediately  to  the  United  States.  I  am  ready  to  proceed  for  this  purpose  to 
Yedo,  if  it  is  agreeable  to  the  government  of  Japan ;.  or  to  make  the  exchange  in  proper  form 
on  board  the  United  States  ship  Powhatan,  as  soon  as  the  Japanese  commissioner  is  ready. 

The  Japanese  copy  of  the  treaty  is  to  have  the  seal  and  signature  of  the  Emperor  attached  to 
it,  in  like  manner  as  the  seal  and  signature  of  the  President  of  the  United  States  are  affixed  to 
the  copy  which  I  bring. 

It  wiU  be  necessary  to  have  the  original  treaty  at  hand  when  the  ratifications  are  exchanged, 
in  order  to  compare  it  with  the  copies,  and  see  they  all  agree. 

When  the  exchange  is  made,  the  commissioners  will  sign  two  certificates  of  the  fact,  to  be 
transmitted  to  the  President  of  the  United  States. 

The  Japanese  officer  who  boarded  the  ship  informed  us  that  the  town  of  Simoda  had  been 
totally  destroyed  by  the  efiPects  of  an  earthquake  on  the  23d  of  December.  The  Russian  frigate 
Diana,  which  was  lying  here  at  the  time,  received  so  much  injury  that  she  subsequntly  foun- 
dered.    I  will  subjoin  to  this  communication  a  full  account  of  this  calamity. 

On  the  29th  January  I  paid  a  visit  of  ceremony  to  the  governor  of  Simoda.  I  found  him  to 
be  Isawa  Mimasaki  Nokami,  who  had  been  one  of  the  commissioners  for  making  the  treaty.  He 
received  me  in  a  temple  situated  on  an  eminence,  which  seemed  to  have  escaped  serious  damage 
from  the  earthquake.  He  stated,  in  the  course  of  conversation,  that  the  Japanese  government 
would  not  be  prepared  to  exchange  ratifications  at  this  time,  as  by  the  treaty  this  was  not  to  be 
done  until  eighteen  months  had  elapsed  from  the  time  it  was  made.  I  told  him  this  was  a 
mistake,  and  referred  him  to  the  12th  article  of  the  treaty  itself,  which  says,  "  within  eighteen 
months,  or  sooner  if  practicable."  Before  leaving  him  I  expressed  a  hope  that  he  would  do  all 
in  his  power  to  forward  the  business,  which  he  promised  he  would.  He  said  it  would  require 
six  days  to  send  a  letter  to  Yedo  and  get  an  answer  back. 

On  the  4th  of  February  I  received  a  message  from  the  governor,  saying  that  letters  had  come 
from  Yedo,  and  inviting  me  to  a  conference  on  shore.  I  went  accordingly.  After  the  usual 
compliments,  and  an  expression  of  regret  at  the  delay  I  was  subjected  to,  which  he  said  was  partly 
owing  to  the  destruction  of  the  place  by  the  earthquake,  and  partly  to  their  press  of  business 
with  the  Russians,  who  were  here  negotiating  a  treaty,  he  began  to  state  other  difficulties  which 
stood  in  the  way  of  immediate  exchange  of  ratifications.     In  the  first  place,  he  asked  if  I  had 


RATIFICATION    OF    THE    TREATY    OF    KANAGAWA.  203 

brought  a  Dutch  translation  of  the  treaty,  and  being  told  I  had  not,  he  said  it  would  then  he 
impossible  to  proceed,  as  they  did  not  understand  English.  To  this  I  replied  that  we  were  in 
similar  circumstances,  as  none  of  us  understood  Japanese  ;  that  I  had  brought  a  copy  of  the 
treaty  in  English,  signed  and  sealed  by  the  President  of  the  United  States,  and  all  I  requiicd  in 
return  was  a  copy  in  Japanese,  signed  and  sealed  by  the  Emperor.  I  added  that  they  had 
already  translations  of  the  treaty  both  in  Dutch  and  Chinese,  which  had  been  carefully  compared, 
both  by  their  own  interpreters  and  ours,  when  the  treaty  was  made  at  Kanagawa,  and  moreover, 
that  their  interpreter,  Moiyama  Yenoske,  who  assisted  at  making  and  translating  the  treaty, 
was  now  at  Simoda,  and  understood  English  sufficiently  to  compare  the  ratified  copy  with  the 
original,  and  to  see  that  they  were  word  for  word  the  same.  I  requested  him  to  send  to  Yedo 
for  a  Dutch  translation.  He  said  he  had  done  so  already.  Our  conversation  was  carried  on  in 
this  manner . 

Captain  A.  How  long  will  it  be  before  it  arrives,  and  you  are  ready  to  finish  this  business? 

Governor  I  cannot  give  a  decided  answer  to  this. 

Captain  A.  I  wish  to  have  a  definite  answer.  I  consider  the  ship  in  danger  here,  from  the 
insecurity  of  the  harbor  and  the  frequent  earthquakes.  Captain  McGluney  is  also  very  uneasy, 
and  it  is  important  I  should  know  as  soon  as  possible  whether  the  Japanese  government  is 
willing  to  act  in  accordance  with  the  12tli  article  of  the  treaty  or  not.  If  I  am  to  be  kept 
waiting  long,  I  must  request  Captain  McCluney  to  take  the  ship  high  up  in  Yedo  bay,  where 
she  will  be  safe,  and  where  the  communicatian  with  Yedo  can  be  so  much  shorter. 

Governor.  They  are  willing  to  do  everything  according  to  the  treaty.  But  one  thing  must 
be  mentioned.  It  is  impossible  the  Emperor's  name  should  be  to  it.  He  never  signs  anything; 
it  is  contrary  to  the  custom  of  Japan. 

Captain  A.  It  must  be  signed  by  the  Emperor,  "the  august  sovereign,"  or  the  person  who 
holds  the  supreme  power  in  Japan,  by  whatever  name  he  is  called. 

Governor  then  says  repeatedly  that  only  the  commissioners  who  would  be  appointed  to 
exchange  ratifications  and  tlie  chief  of  the  supreme  council  could  sign  it. 

Captain  A.  I  cannot  consent  to  this,  nor  make  any  exchange  under  such  circumstances.  The 
copy  I  bring  is  signed  by  the  President  of  the  United  States,  and  I  will  not  accept  in  exchange 
for  it  anything  less  than  the  signature  of  the  Emperor  himself. 

Governor  here  goes  into  a  long  explanation  to  show  that  the  sovereign  power  is  really  in  the 
hands  of  the  supreme  council,  and  that  the  Emperor  has  nothing  to  do  with  afiairs  of  tliis  kind. 

Captain  A.  Tbat  may  be  so  ;  but  as  the  Emperor's  name  only  is  used  in  the  treaty,  I  can 
recognize  no  other  authority. 

Governor.  Have  you  seen  the  supplementary  articles  made  to  the  treaty  by  Commodore  Perry 
at  Simoda  ? 

Captain  A.  I  have  heard  of  them,  but  never  seen  them. 

Governor.  It  is  agreed  by  them  that  the  commissioners  only  shall  sign  the  ratifications. 

Captain  A.  I  would  like  to  see  these  articles,  but  they  could  not  govern  me  in  this  case.  I 
wish  to  know  distinctly  whether  the  Japanese  government  is  willing  to  comply  with  the  stipu- 
lations of  the  12th  article  of  the  treaty  or  not ;  and  if  not,  that  the  chief  of  the  supreme  council 
will  please  state  the  reasons  in  writing,  in  order  that  I  may  lay  them  before  my  own  govern- 
ment.    Among  western  nations  such  a  denial  would  be  considered  a  great  affront. 

Governor.  All  will  be  done  according  to  the  treaty.     Commissioners  will  be  sent  here  to  meet 


204  EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN. 

yon,  and  exchange  ratifications.  I  have  sent  for  a  Dutch  translation  of  the  treaty  that  we  may 
see  exactly  how  it  reads. 

Captain  A.  Unless  I  can  hear,  in  the  course  of  five  or  six  days,  that  the  commissioners  are 
coming,  a  regard  for  the  safety  of  the  ship  will  make  it  necessary  to  more  her  up  Tedo  bay  to 
some  safe  anchorage. 

Governor.  Everything  will  be  done  quickly.  Will  you  be  good  enough  to  give  me  an  English 
copy  of  the  treaty. 

Captain  A.  Not  at  present.  AfV^r  the  ratifications  are  exchanged,  I  will  have  a  copy  made 
for  you  with  great  pleasure. 

Here  the  interview  terminated  with  the  usual  compliments  on  both  sides.  On  the  9th  of  Feb- 
ruary. Hi'.ajama  Kanziro,  an  officer  of  rank  and  man  of  learning,  arrived  from  Tedo.  He  came 
on  board  the  Powhatan  to  see  me,  and  announced  that  the  commissioners  were  on  their  way  to 
Simoda,  and  might  be  expected  in  three  or  four  days.  He  said  the  Japanese  were  totally  unused 
to  treaty  making,  and  ignorant  of  the  proper  forms.  I  explained  everything  to  him,  assuring 
him  that  by  following  my  directions  they  would  not  go  wrong,  as  everything  would  be  done  in 
accordance  with  the  practice  of  western  nations.  Kanziro  had  three  scribes  with  him,  who  put 
down  all  I  said  in  writing.  I  gave  him  a  memorandum,  in  which  I  stated  among  other  things 
that  no  preparation  was  necessary  for  the  exchange  of  ratifications  except  a  comparison  with  the 
orif'inals,  which  would  be  made  by  the  interpreters  in  the  presence  of  the  Japanese  commis- 
sioners and  myself,  and  that  I  hoped  they  would  conclude  the  business  as  soon  as  possible.  An 
accident,  similar  to  the  one  that  caused  the  loss  of  the  Diana,  might  befall  this  ship  if  we 
remained  here.  We  had  felt  several  heavy  earthquake  shocks  since  we  had  been  in  port ;  and 
during  a  gale  two  days  since  we  were  obliged  to  get  up  steam  to  prevent  the  ship  from  going 
ashore.  She  was  dragging  on  the  rocks,  with  three  anchors  down.  There  was  no  holding 
ground  ;  and  that  if  he  had  not  assured  me  the  commissioners  were  coming,  the  ship  would  this 
day  be  on  her  way  towards  Yedo,  to  find  a  secure  anchorage,  and  wait  for  the  action  of  the 
Japanese  government.  On  the  12th  of  February,  Kura-kawa  Kahei,  lieutenant  governor  of 
Simoda,  came  on  board,  when,  after  the  usual  compliments,  the  following  conversation  took 
place : 

Lieutenant  Governor.  One  of  the  commissioners  arrived  last  night. 

Captain  A.  When  may  the  others  be  expected? 

Lieutenant  Governor.  1  liave  come  to  speak  on  that  subject.  The  original  Japanese  version 
of  the  treaty  reads  that  ratifications  of  the  treaty  shall  not  be  exchanged  until  eighteen  months 
have  elapsed.  It  will  be  compared  with  the  Dutch  translation  and  the  English  original.  It  is 
perhaps  the  fault  of  the  interpreters.  The  commissioner  who  has  arrived  would  be  glad  to 
see  Captain  Adams  on  shore  to-morrow,  to  compare  the  originals  and  translations. 

Captain  A.  In  case  the  comparisons  are  satisfactory,  is  the  commissioner  authorized  and  pre- 
pared to  make  the  exchange  of  ratifications  immediately  ^ 

Lieutenant  Governor.  It  will  be  done  very  soon,  but  I  cannot  say  in  how  many  days.  The 
commissioner  has  the  ratified  copy  with  him  ;  but,  in  consequence  of  the  difference  between  the 
original  and  the  translation,  it  will  be  necessary  to  refer  again  to  Tedo. 

Captain  A.  I  have  prepared  a  letter  to  the  prime  minister,  which,  however,  I  will  not  send 
until  after  my  interview  with  the  commissioner  to-morrow.  I  do  not  like  this  procrastination, 
and  cannot  remain  here  much  longer.  Captain  McCluney  has  given  a  large  part  of  his  provi- 
sions to  the  Russians  ;  and  we  may  be  in  want  ourselves  if  we  are  delayed  for  any  time. 


RATIFICATION    OF    THE    T  R  E  \  T  Y     OF    K  A  N  A  G  A  VV  A .  *i05 

Lieutenant  Governor.  We  do  not  understand  English,  and  wish  you  to  give  us  a  Dutch  trans- 
lation of  the  treaty. 

Captain  A.  I  cannot  do  that.  You  have  already  a  Dutch  translation,  which  was  made  and 
carefully  compared  with  the  treaty  at  Kanagawa. 

Lieutenant  Governor.   We  do  not  understand  the  meaning  of  the  word  "  within." 

The  meaning  of  this  word  was  here  explained  in  Dutch  and  Chinese  by  Mr.  Lobscheid.  The 
difficulty  about  the  signature  of  the  Emperor  was  resumed  by  Kurakawa  Kahei.  He  wished  to 
know  whether  the  ratification  should  not  be  signed  by  the  high  government  authorities  ;  they 
were  the  proper  persons,  &c.,  &c.  I  told  him  very  shortly,  that,  as  I  had  often  said  before, 
according  to  the  12th  article  of  the  treaty,  the  ratifications  were  to  be  signed  by  the  President 
of  the  United  States  and  the  august  sovereign  of  Japan,  and  that  I  would  not  accept  anything 
less  than  the  name  of  the  august  sovereign  of  Japan,  whoever  he  might  he,  inasmuch  as  the 
President  of  the  United  States  had  signed  the  ratification  liimself. 

Lieutenant  Governor.  The  Emperor  does  not  rule  in  Japan.  The  government  is  conducted  by 
a  supreme  council,  and  the  chief  of  the  council  is  the  head  of  the  government.  He  performs 
all  duties. 

Captain  A.  I  have  heard  this  before.  Why,  then,  was  the  Emperor's  name  inserted  in  the 
original  treaty  ?  Why  not  the  prime  minister  ?  Now  the  Emperor  must  sign  the  treaty.  It 
is  useless  to  discuss  the  matter  any  further  at  present. 

Lieutenant  Governor.  Here  is  a  bundle  of  religious  books,  left  in  Simoda  by  "^Bittinger." 
This  is  contrary  to  Japanese  law,  and  is  not  right.  The  governor  has  had  them  all  collected, 
and  begs  you  will  receive  them,  and  carry  them  away  to  America. 

Captain  A.  I  will  take  them.     To-morrow  I  will  wait  on  the  commissioner. 

The  next  day,  February  13th,  I  went  on  shore  to  the  house  of  the  governor,  accompanied  by 
Lieutenant  Pegram,  Purser  Eldridge,  Mr.  Lobscheid,  and  Mr.  Craig,  Captain  McCluney's 
clerk,  who  was  to  take  notes  of  the  conversation.  I  found  the  commissioners  had  all  arrived, 
and  were  in  readiness  to  receive  me.  Their  namps  were  :  Ido-Tsu-Sima  Nokami,  Isawa  Mima- 
saki,  Nokami,  Tsoesocki  Soeroega  Nokami,  3Iatsmotu  Dzulo,  and  Koka  kin  Idsero,  with  Tatse- 
noske  for  chief  interpreter.     After  an  exchange  of  salutations,  compliments,  &c., 

Captain  A.  Have  the  commissioners  brought  the  original  treaty  with  them  from  Yedo? 

Commissioners.  We  have  brought  them  for  comparison  ;  the  same  that  were  written  at 
Ka-na-ga-wa  last  year.  ' 

These  copies  were  now  produced,  and  the  ratified  copy  brought  by  me  carefully  compared 
with  the  Dutch  translation.     After  the  reading  was  done  : 

Captain  A.  You  have  heard  it  now,  is  it  all  right? 

Commissioners.  All  is  right  ;  hut  our  understanding  was  that  the  exchange  should  not  take 
place  for  eighteen  months.  The  fault  of  the  delay  was  on  our  part,  not  yours  ;  another  excuse 
for  us  is,  that  we  have  been  very  busy  with  the  Russians. 

Captain  A.  Since  the  American  copy  is  found  to  be  all  right,  if  you  have  the  Japanese  ratifi- 
cation, we  will  now  compare  that  with  the  Dutch  translation. 

Commissioners.  We  have  here  the  original,  which  was  made  last  year.  We  wish  to  compare 
that. 

The  Japanese  original  was  then  produced,  and  carefully  compared  with  tlie  Dutcli  translation. 
They  were  found  to  difier,  the  Japanese  averring  that  in  their  lan-uage  it  read  "after  eighteen 
months." 


•206  E  X  P  E  D  I  T  I  O  >"    T  O    J  A  P  A  >' . 

Captain  A.  Have  you  the  Chinese  copy  ?     We  will  examine  that. 

The  Chinese  copy  was  examined  and  found  to  agree  in  substance  with  the  English  and  Dutch. 

CaptaiJi  A.  You  perceive  that  the  Japanese  copy  is  the  only  one  that  differs  from  the  others. 
That  was  made  by  your  own  interpreters.  Ours  did  not  understand  Japanese,  and  as  the 
original  was  made  in  English,  any  difference  from  it  in  the  translation  must  be  wrong. 

Commissioners.  Yes,  that  is  undeniable,  the  error  is  ours. 

Captain  A.  Kow,  I  would  like  to  see  the  Japanese  ratification,  that  I  may  know  how  it  is  signed. 

Commissioners.  It  is  not  here.     On  finding  that  it  differed  from  the  English,  it  was  sent  back 

to  Yedo. 

The  objections  to  the  Emperor  signing  the  ratification  were  now  renewed  in  the  strongest  and 
most  formal  manner.  The  former  assertions  made  on  the  subject  were  repeated  over  and  over. 
The  discussion  lasted  three  or  four  hours.  I  did  not  recede,  but  insisted  that  it  should  be  signed 
bv  the  Emperor  "Kubo,"  august  sovereign,  or  person  of  the  highest  station  in  the  empire,  by 
whatever  name  or  title  he  was  known ;  one  whose  authority  could  never  be  called  in  question ; 
and  I  further  said,  that  as  they  declared  the  power  of  making  and  ratifying  treaties,  and  doing 
similar  acts,  was  vested  in  the  supreme  council,  it  would  be  necessary  and  proper  for  them  to 
sio'n  it  also,  and  pointed  out  to  them,  that  the  American  ratification  bore  the  signature  of  the 
Secretarv  of  State  in  addition  to  that  of  the  President.  By  this  time  I  had  learned  that  the 
ratification  they  had  brought  down  with  them,  was  without  the  signature  of  the  Emjieror.  I 
now  had  the  following  note  translated  into  Dutch  and  handed  to  them. 

"  It  api>ears  that  the  ratification  of  the  treaty  brought  by  you  from  Yedo  was  not  signed  by 
the  Emperor,  or  august  sovereign,  as  it  should  be  according  to  the  12th  article  of  the  treaty. 
Therefore  it  will  be  impossible  for  me  to  receive  it  in  exchange  for  the  one  brought  by  me  from 
the  United  States  signed  and  sealed  by  the  President.  I  will  prepare  a  letter  to  Abe  Ise 
Nokami,  and  send  it  to  the  governor  by  an  officer :  and  I  beg  the  favor  of  him  to  forward  it 
immediately  to  Yedo.  In  a  case  so  unexpected  as  this,  it  is  my  duty  to  inform  the  President  of 
the  United  States  as  soon  as  possible.,  that  he  may  take  such  measures  as  he  shall  think  necessary 
for  the  honor  and  dignity  of  the  country."  The  commissioners  begged  leave  to  retire  with  this 
note  for  consultation.     They  returned  after  about  fifteen  minutes  absence. 

Commissioners.  We  have  agreed  that  the  Emperor's  name  shall  be  to  the  treaty.  The  prime 
minister  will  sign  it  by  his  authority. 

Captain  A.  It  wont  do.  The  President  of  the  United  States  put  his  name  to  the  treaty,  and 
the  Emperor  must  do  the  same. 

Commissioners.     We  have  no  great  seal  like  yours. 

Captain  A.  That  is  unnecessary.  If  you  have  any  mark  or  sign  which  is  put  by  the  govern- 
ment on  public  papers  to  show  that  they  are  authentic,  such  a  mark  will  be  sufficient. 

Commissioners.  We  have  such  a  sign. 

The  Japanese  after  some  private  conversation  among  themselves  now  said  that,  in  order  to 
avoid  misunderstanding  and  preserve  friendship,  everything  should  be  done  as  I  desired,  and 
encased  to  have  the  signatures  of  the  Emperor  and  supreme  council  affixed  to  the  treaty  in  the 
place  and  manner  prescribed  by  me.  A  form  was  made  out  by  them,  and  submitted  to  me  for 
examination. 

Captain  A.  This  is  all  right.  I  will  keep  this  to  compare  it  with  the  treaty  when  it  arrives, 
to  prevent  mistakes  or  misunderstandings.     How  soon  will  you  be  ready? 

Commissioners.  In  eight  days. 


RATIFICATION     OF     THE     TREATV      OF     KANAGAWA.  ^407 

Captain  A.  I  cannot  wait  so  long.     It  must  be  sooner. 

The  Japanese  here  stated  that  in  three  days  from  this  their  new  year  commenced,  which  was 
a  season  of  rejoicing,  visiting,  and  festivity;  and  both  by  law  and  custom  no  work  was  done  for 
several  days  at  this  period.  They  persisted  so  earnestly  in  this,  that  I  consented  at  last  to  wait 
seven  days.  On  the  20th  of  February,  the  lieutenant  governor  came  off  to  the  ship,  attended 
as  usixal.     After  an  exchange  of  compliments: 

Captain  A.  I  hope  you  have  come  to  say  that  everything  is  prepared  on  shore. 

Lieutenant  Governor.  We  wish  to  speak  on  that  subject.     Immediately  after  the  last  interview 

the  commissioners  wrote  to  Yedo  to  have  the  ratification  signed  in  the  form  agreed  on.     The 

ratified  copy  has  come  from  Yedo.     We  have  brought  it  for  your  examination,  and  also  a  letter 

from  the  chief  commissioner  explaining  the  proper  title  of  the  Emperor  when  used  in  great 

m  attes 

(Mr.  Lobscheid  had  always  used  the  word  Kubo,  in  his  translations,  as  an  equivalent  for 
Emperor.) 

The  Utter. 

The  commissioners  have,  as  much  as  was  in  their  power,  and  as  distinctly  as  possible,  written 
to  Yedo  about  everything  that  was  agreed  on  at  the  meeting  recently  held  in  the  temple  of 
Tsio  Lakzi,  translated  by  Lobscheid,  and  the  commissioner  Idsero,  in  order  that  all  affairs,  each 
word,  and  each  line,  might  be  fulfilled  according  to  promise.  Further,  about  the  conclusion  of 
the  treaty,  we  have  to-day  received  the  following  document  from  the  supreme  council  at  Yedo : 

"  The  reason  of  this  is — that  though  his  excellency,  Adams,  wishes  to  have  the  word  'Kubo' 
written,  the  government,  after  consultation,  finds  this  word  improper,  because  the  word  'kubo' 
is  with  us  only  used  by  the  common  people ;  and  that,  in  so  important  a  document  as  the  stipu- 
lations of  the  treaty,  and  such  like,  always  Tai-Koen  is  written,  which  is  in  accordance  with 
Japanese  usage;  and  especially  should  this  title,  'Grand  Lord,'  or  'August  Sovereign,' 
be  written  in  a  public  document  which  is  to  be  sent  to  a  foreign  country  and  faithfully  kept  till 
in  eternal  life.  In  such  a  document,  the  word  '  kubo,'  as  a  common  or  vulgar  word,  may  never 
be  written.  Also  in  the  letters  which  are  sent  from  Corea  to  Japan,  and  from  Japan  to  Corea, 
the  word  '  Tai-Koen,'  has  been  used  for  many  hundred  years.  Therefore,  according  to  the  old 
usage,  the  word  ^Tai-Koen'  is  used  in  the  confirmation  of  the  treaty,  not  only  because  it  is 
becoming  to  do  so,  but  because  it  would  be  impolite  to  insert  a  word  used  only  by  the  common 
people  in  a  document  on  a  level  with  his  Majesty  the  President  of  the  United  States'  signa- 
ture, written  with  his  own  hand.  The  above  mentioned  will  be  well  known  to  his  excellency, 
Adams,  if  he  remembers  the  Japanese  usage  of  last  year.  But  should  he  not  lemember  this, 
or  the  high  officers  of  the  United  States  doubt  it,  then  tlie  plenipotentiaries  Ido-Tsu-Siraa, 
Isawa  Mimasaki,  Tsoesocki  Soeroega,  Matzmoto  Dzulo,  and  Hokakin  Idsero,  will  sign  a  declara- 
tion to  that  effect  to  remove  all  doubt.  The  word  command  or  order,  signifies  what  proceeds 
from  the  grand  lord  to  his  subjects.  He  assembles  his  subjects  and  verbally  communicates  to 
them.  Thus  it  speaks  for  itself  that  in  such  a  case  he  has  also  the  power  to  enforce  the  obe- 
dience of  his  subjects.  Hitherto,  in  important  documents,  by  or  through  authority,  the  words, 
power  and  order  are  used,  which  express  the  above  meaning.  The  confirmation  of  the  treaty 
is  also  signed  by  the  six  supreme  councillors,  as  desired  by  his  excellency,  Adams,  and  with 
this  reason,  because  all  political  affairs,  be  they  large  or  small,  must  be  done  by  these  jjersons, 
who,  in  all  affairs  of  the  government,  must  meet  at  the  same  time,  and  in  all  councils  and 


208  EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN. 

affairs  of  state  mnst  sit  in  the  same  chamber.  Therefore,  in  all  home  affairs,  as  well  as  those 
that  have  reference  to  foreign  countries,  the  names  of  all  persons  are  written.  So  it  has  hitherto 
been  the  case  in  those  documents  sent  to  Russia  or  Holland.  Thus,  according  to  our  old  usage, 
this  will  also  be  strictly  observed.  If  only  one  name  was  written  in  the  confirmation  of  the 
treaty,  which,  as  an  important  document,  will  be  kept  till  eternal  life,  it  would  be  contrary  to 
Japanese  custom,  and  besides,  impolite  to  the  United  States.  All  this  is  written  after  the 
council  of  the  government,  and  sent  with  the  confirmation  of  the  treaty.  In  order  to  prevent 
any  mistake  in  the  interpretation,  this  has  been  written  in  Dutch. 

IDO-TSU-SIMA  XOKAm. 

After  reading  this  letter,  which  was  translated  by  Mr.  Lobscheid.  I  asked  to  see  the  ratified 
treaty  which  the  lieutenant  governor  had  brought  off  with  him.  It  bore  the  signature  and  seal 
of  Tai-Koen,  in  full,  with  a  column  of  Japanese  characters  adjoining  it,  expressing,  as  was 
explained  to  me,  his  power  and  dignity.  It  bore  also  the  seals  and  signatures  of  the  six 
supreme  councillors,  in  a  lower  place. 

Captain  A.  This  letter  and  the  signatures  to  the  treaty  are  all  quite  satisfactory.  Will  the 
commissioners  be  ready  to  conclude  the  business  to-morrow  morning  ? 

Lieutenant  Governor.  Yes,  they  will.  We  wish  further  to  say  that  the  commissioners  have 
received  from  Tedo  a  ratified  copy  of  the  supplementary  articles  to  the  treaty  of  Kanagawa, 
which  were  added  by  Commodore  Perry  last  year  at  Simoda,  and  we  wish  to  know  if  you  will 
receive  it  and  carry  it  to  the  United  States.  When  these  supplementary  articles  are  also  con- 
firmed by  the  American  government^  the  ratification  can  be  sent  out  by  some  ship  coming  to 
Japan. 

Captain  A.  Yes,  I  agree  to  do  this. 

Lieutenant  Governor.  On  this  important  occasion  the  Japanese  wish  to  give  a  proof  of  their 
good  will  and  friendship  towards  the  Americ-ans.  They  therefore  request  that  the  ratifications 
may  be  exchanged  on  shore,  where  they  are  preparing  an  entertainment,  and  where  they  have 
arranged  some  trifling  presents  for  the  captain  and  officers  of  the  ship. 

Captain  A.  By  whom  are  these  presents  offered?  Do  they  come  from  the  Emperor  or  the 
government  ? 

Lieutenant  Governor.  No.     They  are  offered  by  the  commissioners. 

Captain  A.  I  must  be  perfectly  assured  on  that  point.  By  the  laws  of  our  country,  officers 
are  forbidden  to  accept  presents  from  the  governments  of  other  countries. 

Lieutenant  Governor.  We  are  aware  of  that ;  we  were  told  so  by  Commodore  Perry.  But 
these  are  not  from  the  Emperor  nor  the  supreme  council,  nor  the  government  in  any  way. 
They  are  only  a  few  trifles  from  the  commissioners  for  the  captain  and  officers  of  the  ship,  in 
return  for  the  books  and  other  valuable  things  given  to  them,  of  which  they  beg  your  accept- 
ance as  old  friends. 

The  next  day,  February  21st,  a  Japanese  officer  came  off  to  the  ship,  and  announced  that  the 
commissioners  were  ready  at  the  temple  to  receive  me.  I  went  on  shore  immediately,  attended 
by  as  many  officers  of  the  Powhatan  as  could  be  spared  from  duty.  The  treaty  was  carried  by 
sailors,  with  the  United  States  flag  flying  over  it.  On  my  arrival  at  the  temple,  after  the  com- 
pliments of  reception,  we  were  shown,  according  to  the  custom  of  Japan,  the  presents  intended 
for  the  captain  and  officers  of  the  Powhatan.  They  consisted  of  some  pretty  specimens  of 
lacquered  ware.     Three  or  four  pieces  were  for  myself.     The  treaties  on  both  sides  were  then 


RATIFICATION  OF  THE   TREATF  OF   KANAGAWA,  "209 

produced  and  carefully  examined ;  and  after  receiving  the  formal  assurance  of  the  commissioners 
that  the  seal  and  signature  of  the  Tai-Koen  and  supreme  council  were  genuine  and  authentic, 
and  finding  everything  else  right,  ^e  exchange  was  made  ia  due  form.  This  was  imme- 
diately communicated  to  Captain  McCluney,  on  board  the  Powhatan,  who  fired  a  salute  of 
seventeen  guns,  with  the  Japanese  flag  at  the  fore.  We  then  sat  down  to  the  feast  they  had 
prepared  for  us,  where  we  drank,  in  many  cups  of  sakee,  to  the  eternal  friendship  of  the  two 
countries.  The  commissioners  accepted  an  invitation  from  me  to  visit  the  Powhatan,  and  I 
went  on  board  to  receive  them.  They  came  off. in  about  an  hour  after  me,  attended  by  a  large 
suite  of  officers,  interpreters,  and  servants.  They  were  received  with  a  salute  of  thirteen  guns, 
and  were  entertained  in  the  cabin  and  wardroom.  About  sunset,  they  left  the  ship  in  high 
spirits,  and  apparently  much  delighted  with  their  visit.  A  parting  salute  of  thirteen  guns 
was  given  them.     The  next  morning  we  left  §imoda  in  the  Powhatan  for  Shanghai. 

Notwithstanding  the  delay  In  perfecting  the  treaty,  I  found  the  Japanese  during  my  visit 
much  more  disposed  to  be  friendly  and  sociable  than  formerly.  Our  officers  roamed  where  they 
pleased  over  the  country  and  the  villages,  and  were  welcomed  everywhere.  There  was  no 
attempt  to  watch  or  follow  them.  A  bazaar  was  opened  in  a  temple  at  the  foot  of  the  hills  and 
filled  with  articles  of  Japanese  manufacture,  brought  from  Yedo  and  other  places.  We  were 
not  only  invited  but  absolutely  importuned  to  buy.  At  the  interviews  I  had  with  the  governor 
and  commissioners  on  shore  everything  was  conducted  as  at  the  making  of  the  treaty  at  Ka-na- 
ga-wa.  The  hall  was  fitted  up  in  the  same  manner,  the  entertainments  the  same,  and  the  inferior 
officers  and  interpreters  who  were  present  always  remained  upon  their  knees,  as  on  that  occasion. 
During  all  the  time  of  our  stay,  except  when  conferences  were  held  on  shore,  I  was  visited  daily 
by  the  lieutenant  governor  or  some  officer  of  high  rank.  An  anxious  wish  was  expressed  by 
these  people  that  trading  vessels  from  America  would  soon  begin  to  visit  them,  and  the  governor 
of  Simoda  intimated  to  me  that  it  would  be  very  agreeable  to  him  personally  if  a  consul  from 
the  United  States  should  be  appointed  to  reside  at  Simoda.  They  were  eager  to  obtain  books 
on  medical  or  scientific  subjects,  and  many  valuable  works  were  presented  to  them  by  Dr. 
Maxwell  and  others.  Indeed,  they  were  glad  to  receive  books  on  any  subject  except  religion. 
They  told  me  they  had  learned  how  to  manage  the  locomotive  engine  sent  to  the  Emperor  by 
the  United  States  government,  but  the  magnetic  telegraph  was  too  hard  for  them. 

The  Russian  Admiral  Pontiatin  concluded  a  treaty  with  them  while  I  was  there.  He 
informed  me  that  the  terms  of  it  were  precisely  the  same  as  of  that  made  with  the  IJnited 
States,  except  that  the  Russians  get  the  port  of  Nangasaki  instead  of  Napa-Keang. 

During  our  stay  at  Simoda  a  French  ship  arrived  and  anchored  in  the  outer  harbor,  having 
on  board  two  Japanese  seamen,  who  had  been  taken  off  the  wreck  of  a  junk  about  three  years 
previously  by  an  American  whale  ship.  The  Japanese  authorities  ordered  the  vessel  off,  would 
permit  none  of  their  people  to  go  on  board  of  her,  and  positively  refused  to  receive  the  ship- 
wrecked men.  They  had,  they  said,  no  treaty  with  France,  and  French  vessels  had  no  right 
to  come  there  under  any  pretext.  At  the  intercession,  however,  of  Captain  McCluney  and 
myself,  they  agreed  they  would  receive  these  men  from  the  Powhatan,  if  Captain  McCluney 
would  first  take  them  on  board  the  ship,  and  then  deliver  them  as  coming  from  an  American 
man-of-war.  This  was  done.  They  were  kept  all  night  on  board  the  Powhatan,  and  landed  at 
Simoda  next  morning.  They  were  immediately  compelled  to  shave  their  heads  and  resume 
27.5 


210  K  X  P  K  1)  1  T  ION    TO    JAPAN. 

their  national  costume,  iind  were  placed  under  strict  surveillance,  where  they  remained  when 
we  came  away. 

I  could  learn  no  more  of  the  political  condition  of  Japan  ^an  what  is  contained  in  the  positive 
assertions  of  the  commissioners  respecting  the  power  of  the  supreme  council. 

The  earthquake  which  I  have  referred  to  in  the  previous  pages  occurred  on  the  23d  of  Decem- 
ber, 1854.  Its  effects  were  most  calamitous.  Every  house  and  building  on  the  low  grounds 
was  destroyed ;  a  few  temples  and  edifices  standing  on  elevations  alone  escaped.  The  destruction 
was  not  caused  by  the  agitation  of  the  earth,  but  by  the  overflowing  of  the  sea  which  followed 
the  shocks.  Tlie  Japanese  say  the  water  in  the  bay  and  near  the  shore  was  first  observed 
to  be  violently  agitated.  It  soon  began  retreating  fast,  leaving  the  bottom  of  the  harbor  nearly 
bare,  where  there  was  usually  five  or  six  fathoms  of  water.  After  this  it  returned  in  a  high 
wave,  overflowing  the  beach  and  town  up  to  the  tops  of  the  houses,  the  inhabitants  flying  to 
the  hills  for  safety.  Numbers  were  overtaken  by  the  wave  and  drowned,  the  accounts  varying 
from  100  to  400.  The  water  receded  and  returned  in  this  way  five  times,  tearing  down  houses 
and  temples,  and  covering  the  adjacent  shores  with  the  wreck  of  buildings  and  vessels  torn  from 
their  anchors.  The  Kussian  frigate  Diana,  carrying  the  flag  of  Admiral  Pontiatin,  was  lying 
in  Simoda  at  the  time.  The  enclosed  translation  of  Mr.  Lobscheid  from  her  log-book  gives  the 
full  particulars  of  her  loss.  She  foundered  near  the  port  of  Hido,  or  Heado,  about  sixty  miles 
from  Simoda.  Before  leaving  Simoda  all  her  guns  were  landed,  and  other  precautions  taken  to 
insure  her  safety.  The  officers  and  crew  were  all  in  Japan  still  when  I  came  away,  with  no 
prospect  of  leaving  it  soon. 

The  outlines  of  Simoda  harbor  are  not  altered  by  the  earthquake,  but  the  holding-ground 
seems  to  have  been  entirely  washed  away,  leaving  no  bottom  but  naked  rocks.  The  Russian 
officers  say  the  mud  boiled  up  when  the  water  fell  in  a  thousand  springs. 

The  inhabitants  of  Simoda  appeared  to  be  very  little  dispirited  by  their  great  misfortune ; 
they  were  busily  engaged  in  clearing  away  and  rebuilding.  Stone,  timber,  thatch,  tiles,  lime, 
&c.,  were  coming  in  from  various  quarters,  and  before  I  came  away  there  were  about  200  houses 
nearly  or  entirely  completed. 

It  was  the  22d  of  February  when  the  Powhatan  left  the  harbor.  After  a  boisterous  passage, 
we  arrived  at  the  mouth  of  the  Yang-tze-kang  on  the  3d  of  March,  but  were  prevented  by  the 
thick  fogs  from  getting  up  to  Shanghae  until  the  8th.  I  left  Shanghai  in  the  Yandalia,  Com- 
mander Pope,  on  the  14th  of  March,  and  arrived  at  Hong  Kong  on  the  21st.  Here  I  was 
detained,  waiting  for  the  regular  mail  day,  until  the  15tb  of  April,  when  I  left  Hong  Kong  by 
the  English  overland  route,  and  arrived  in  Washington  on  the  25th  of  June,  where  I  delivered 
the  Japanese  ratification  to  the  honorable  Secretary  of  State. 
I  am,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

H.  A.  ADAMS,  Unit^  States  Navy. 

Commodore  M.  C.  Perky,  United  States  Navy. 


PAPERS 


NATURAL  HISTORY. 


,6.JAFAH  EXPEDITION 


HTST.PLATF  I 


.--PAN  EXPEDITIOl-T 


INTRODUCTORY    NOTE 


PAPERS  ON   NATURAL  HISTORY 


With  reference  to  the  following  papers  upon  the  respective  branches  of  Natural  History  of 
which  they  particularly  treat,  it  should  be  borne  in  mind  that,  in  the  equipment  of  the  Japan 
Expedition,  scientific  researches  were  to  be  considered  of  secondary  importance,  and  consequently 
no  special  appropriations  were  made  or  any  steps  taken  at  the  outset  to  employ  civilians,  as  in 
other  expeditions,  for  purposes  purely  scientific. 

I  fully  believed,  and  so  expressed  myself  to  the  government,  that  the  officers  of  the  several 
vessels  of  the  squadron  would  be  sufficiently  competent,  if  their  acquirements  were  properly 
developed,  to  accomplish  all  in  the  way  of  science  that  could  reasonably  be  expected  of  an 
expedition  intended  exclusively  for  naval  and  diplomatic  service ;  and  though  but  few  of  those 
officers  took  an  active  part  in  pursuits  not  immediately  pertaining  to  their  legitimate  routine  of 
duties,  there  were  some  who  rendered  important  assistance  in  obtaining  the  collections  now 
described. 

Mr.  William  Heine  contributed  chiefly  to  the  procurement  of  the  birds.  The  collections  of 
fishes  and  shells  were  made  under  my  own  supervision,  and  the  botanical  specimens  were 
gathered  and  preserved  by  the  chief  interpreter,  Mr.  S.  Wells  Williams,  and  by  Doctois  Green, 
Fahs,  and  Morrow. 

But  it  is  a  source  of  extreme  legret  to  me  that  these  plants,  which  possess  considerable  interest 
as  coming  mostly  from  Japan  and  Lew  Chew,  have  not  been  described  and  published  in  this 
report,  as  I  had  intended  they  should  have  been.  By  some  mistake  they  fell  into  the  hands  of 
a  distinguished  botanist  of  this  country,  who,  for  reasons  never  satisfactorily  explained  to  me, 
failed  to  describe  them,  as  he  had  promised  to  do,  and  by  the  consequent  delay  prevented  my 
seeking  other  means  of  having  the  desired  description  and  drawings  prepared  for  the  press. 

The  acts  of  Congress  calling  for  my  report  in  detail  make  no  provision  for  the  indispensable 
cost  of  preparing  for  publication  the  original  manuscript  of  so  voluminous  a  work,  and  hence  I 
have  labored  under  many  disadvantages  in  the  procurement  of  suitable  aid  in  the  preparation 
and  arrangement  of  the  papers  on  Natural  History. 

The  birds  have  been  described  by  that  well  known  naturalist,  Mr.  John  Cassin,  of  Philadelphia ; 
and  for  the  classification  and  description  of  the  fishes  and  shells,  I  am  entirely  indebted  to  the 
gratuitous  servics  of  my  personal  friends,  Messrs  J.  Carson  Brevoort  and  J.  C.  Jay,  of  New 
York,  each  distinguished  for  their  attainments  in  the  departments  of  science  in  which  they 
have  respectively  labored  in  friendly  regard  to  me. 

In  order  to  avoid  unnecessary  expense  to  the  government,  none  of  the  varieties  of  birds,  fishes, 
or  shells,  in  the  collections  of  the  expedition,  have  been  engraved  for  publication  that  have  ever, 
so  far  as  we  know,  been  heretofore  accurately  figured  and  described  in  preceding  works. 

M.  C.  PERRY. 


BIEDS . 


BY    JOHN    CASSIN, 

MEMBER   OF   TIIK    ACADEMY    OF   NATURAL   SCIENCES,    PHILADELPHIA,    OF   THE    AMERICAN    PHlLOSOPtllCAL   gOCIETT, 
OF   THE   NEW    YORK    LYCEDM    OF   NATURAL    HISTORY,    iC. ,    *C. 


NOTE. 

The  Zoological  collections  of  the  United  States  Expedition  to  Japan  possess  the  high  interest 
of  heing  the  first  ever  made  in  Niphon  and  Jesso,  the  two  principal  islands  of  the  Japanese 
Empire.  Other  collections  from  this  exclusive  and  mysterious  country  have  occasionally  reached 
Europe,  hut  they  were  made  almost  entirely  in  Kiusiu,  one  of  the  most  southern  islands  of  the 
Empire,  in  which  is  the  city  of  Nangasaki,  the  only  port  open  to  the  very  limited  foreign  trade 
allowed  hy  the  government  previous  to  the  treaty  negotiated  hy  the  present  Expedition.  This 
is  especially  applicable  to  the  collections  which  served  as  the  basis  of  Messrs.  Temminck  and 
Schlegel's  very  handsome  and  valuable  work,  the  "Fauna  Japonica,"  the  most  reliable  authority 
extant  on  Japanese  Zoology. 

The  present  collections  were  made  principally  at  Hakodadi,  one  of  the  seaports  of  Jesso,  the 
most  northern  of  the  three  larger  islands  of  the  Empire,  and  distant  from  Nangasaki  about  ten 
degrees  of  latitude  and  nearly  the  same  of  longitude.  It  might,  therefore,  be  expected  that 
some  variations  in  the  fauna  should  have  been  noticed,  from  the  difference  of  locality.  So  far 
as  relates  to  the  collection  of  birds,  we  are  prepared  to  say  that  such  is  the  case,  several  species 
having  been  ascertained  to  inhabit  Jesso,  not  previously  known  as  belonging  to  the  ornithology 
of  Japan. 

Notwithstanding  that  the  collections  in  natural  history  are  of  so  high  interest  and  so  credi- 
table in  extent,  it  is  to  be  remembered  that  the  Expedition  to  Japan  was  not  projected  nor 
organized  for  exploring  or  scientific  purposes,  but  for  the  performance  only  of  a  special  duty. 
Hence  arrangements  for  zoological  investigation  were  not  made  by  the  government,  which  proved 
to  be  a  circumstance  much  to  be  regretted,  as  the  protracted  character  of  the  negotiations  afforded 
ample  time  for  research  in  this  branch  of  knowledge.  Had  there  been  provision  of  the  descrip- 
tion alluded  to,  the  results  under  the  enlightened  and  judicious  direction  of  Commodore  Perry, 
would  undoubtedly  have  been  in  the  highest  degree  important  to  zoological  science. 

Fortunately,  several  members  of  the  Expedition,  as  well  as  their  distinguished  Commander, 
fully  appreciated  the  value  of  an  opportunity  so  rarely  presented,  and  exerted  themselves  most 
honorably  and  successfully.  We  may  allude  especially  to  Mr.  William  Heine,  artist  to  tlie 
Expedition,  by  whom  the  zoological  collections  were  made  almost  exclusively.  Availing  him- 
self of  the  protection  and  encouragement  of  Commodore  Perry,  no  opportunity  was  lost  by  Mr. 
Heine  ;  and  his  collections  made  at  various  points  in  the  course  of  the  Expedition  attest  his 
indefatigable  perseverance  and  most  laudable  desire  to  add  to  the  stock  of  zoological  knowledge, 
and  thus  contribute,  by  no  means  inconsiderably,  not  only  to  the  honor  of  the  Expedition  but  of 
his  country.  His  notes  inserted  in  the  present  article  on  the  birds  of  the  collection^  and  espe- 
cially those  relating  to  the  two  species  of  Japanese  Pheasants,  are  highly  valuable.  The  latter 
contain  the  only  information  hitherto  published  relating  to  the  two  most  beautiful  known  birds 
of  their  family,  and  the  pride  of  Japanese  ornithology. 

Mr.  Heine  expresses  himself  as  indebted  for  assistance  in  the  zoological  collections  to  numerous 
gentlemen  attached  to  the  Expedition,  and  especially  to  the  Rev.  George  Jones,  chaplain,  Lieu- 
tenant S.  Nicholson,  Midshipman  Boardman,  Messrs.  W.  T.  Peters  and  Hamilton  Patterson, 
assistant  draughtsmen,  Mr.  Forth,  engineer,  Mr.  Smith,  marine,  and  Mr.  Hampton,  purser's 
steward ;  also,  to  Dr.  Varhavc,  of  Benicia,  California. 
28  s 


A.-BIRDS  COLLECTED  IN  JAPAN. 


1.  ORDEK  RAPTOEES.— Rapacious  Birds. 

MILVrrS  MELANOTIS,  Temminck. 

MiLVUS  MELANOTIS,  Temm.  &  Schleg.  Fauna.  Japonica,  Aves,  p.  14,  (l-SSO-.) 

Falco  chkela,  Latham  Ind.  Orn.,  1  p.  14,  (1790)? 

MiLVUs  GOViNDA,  Sjkes  Proc.  Zool.  Soc,  London,  1832,  p.  81  ? 

The  Japanese  Kite. 

Temm.  and  Schleg.  Faun.  Jap.  Birds,  pi.  5. 

Hardw.  and  Gray,  111.  Indian  Zoology,  pi.  18  ? 

Gould,  Birds  of  Asia,  part  4,  pi.  1  ? 

A  single  specimen  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition  is  from  Hakodadi,  and  is  in  young 
plumage. 

This  species  is  nearly  related  to  the  kite  of  India  and  other  countries  of  Asia,  usually  known 
as  Milvus  govinda,  Sykes,  and  which  is  probably  the  same  as  Falco  cbeela,  Latham.  The  com- 
parison that  it  has  been  in  our  power  to  make  with  the  specimen  now  before  us,  and  with  others 
from  India  in  the  collection  of  the  Academy  of  Natural  Sciences,  of  Philadelphia,  has  not  con- 
vinced us  of  the  absolute  identity  of  the  species,  and  for  the  present,  therefore,  we  regard  them 
as  distinct. 

Mr.  Heine's  note  on  this  bird  is  as  follows : 

"Shot  at  Hakodadi  during  a  fishing  excursion,  towards  the  upper  end  of  the  bay,  where  he 
was  hovering  for  some  time  around  the  party,  and  flew  in  long,  easy  stretches,  with  fery  grace- 
ful motion.  He  came,  repeatedly,  very  near  the  men  who  were  hauling  the  seine.  The  stomach 
oontained  the  remains  of  what  appeared  to  have  been  a  frog." 

ACCIPITER  GULAEI8,  (Temminck.) 

AsTUR  GULARis,  Temm.  &  Schleg.  Faun.  Jap.  Aves,  p.  5,  (1850.) 

Temm.  &  Schleg.  Faun.  Japon.  Aves,  pi.  2. 

Specimens  from  Hakodadi.  This  species  appears  to  be  peculiar  to  the  Japanese  islands,  and 
is,  so  far  as  we  can  see,  quite  distinct  from  the  Indian  species,  Accipiter  virgatus,  Temm.,  with 
which  it  has  been  considered  identical. 

The  young  bird  is  darker  above  than  represented  in  the  figure  of  the  adult  male  in  the  plate 
in  Fauna  Japonica,  above  cited,  and  has  the  transverse  bars  on  the  under  parts  much  less 
regular  and  lighter  colored  than  in  the  figure  of  the  female  in  the  game  plate. 

We  have  no  information  relating  to  this  species. 


220  EXPEDITION     TO     JAPAN. 

2.  OKDER  INSESSORES.— The  Perchixg  Bikds. 

HETEEORNIS  PTRRHOGEKrs,  Temminck. 

Lampbotornts  ptkrhoqents,  Temm.  et  Schleg.  Faun.  Jap,,  p.  86,  (1850.) 

Temm.  and  Schleg.  Faun.  Jap.  Aves,  pi.  46. 

Xumerous  specimens  are  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition,  this  species  having  been  found  in 
abundance  in  the  neighborhood  of  Hakodadi,  in  the  month  of  Mav,  (1854.) 

It  would  be  almost  impossible  to  describe  all  the  varieties  in  the  distribution  of  the  colors  of 
this  handsome  bird  in  the  specimens  before  us,  though  evidently  indicating  difference  of  age 
and  sex,  and  always  presenting  sufficient  similarity  to  be  recognized  without  difficulty  as  the 
same  species.  The  adult  males  are  very  nearly  as  given  in  the  plate  in  Fauna  Japonic^,  above 
cited.  Head  above  white,  back  and  shoulder  fine  metallic  violet,  wings  and  tail  dark  metallic 
green,  ears  and  sides  of  the  neck  bright  chestnut,  breast  and  sides  cinereous,  abdomen  white; 
throat,  rump,  and  under  tail  coverts  dull  ferrugineous.  In  all  the  more  adult  specimens,  the 
throat  is  very  nearly  the  same  color  as  the  rump,  and  more  tinged  with  ferrugineous  than  in 
Temminck  and  Schlegel's  plate.  This  ferrugineous  is  rather  a  remarkable  color  in  this  bird, 
and  has  an  appearance  almost  like  a  white  linen  or  muslin  tinged  with  an  oxide  of  iron,  or  iron 
moulded. 

In  younger  males,  all  the  above  colors  are  much  less  distinct,  and  the  bright  chestnut  of  the 
cheeks  scarcely  perceptible.  In  females,  this  character  is  entirely  wanting,  and  the  entire  upper 
plumage  is  dull  brownish  cinereous.     "Eye  light  yellow." 

"We  find  the  following  note  on  this  bird,  by  Mr.  Heine,  in  his  manuscript  now  before  ua : 

"These  beautiful  and  interesting  birds  abound  near  Hakodadi.  In  the  gardens  and  woods 
surroimding  the  dwellings  of  farmers  and  fishermen,  they  are  as  abundant  as  sparrows  in  this 
country.  They  fly  sometimes  in  pairs,  but  generally  in  larger  numbers,  with  a  short,  jerking 
motion.  When  alighted,  they  appear  to  be  always  on  the  move,  hopping  and  flying  about  from 
one  place  to  another,  and  sometimes  in  a  very  eccentric  and  harlequin-like  manner,  which, 
indeed,  is  the  character  of  their  manners  generally.  Any  uncommon  noise  attracts  their  atten- 
tion very  quickly,  and  when  I  killed  one  of  them,  the  report  of  the  gun  brought  many  others  to 
the  spot. 

"The  beautiful  variegated  plumage  of  these  birds,  which,  in  a  bright  sunshine,  showed  to 

great  advantage,  and  their  many  and  curious  attitudes,  made  them  a  most  pleasing  sight,  and  I 

have  frequently,  when  sitting  under  the  shade  of  a  tree,  watched  them  with  the  greatest  interest 

and  pleasure." 

Sl'LKXUS  CDvERACETjS,  Temminck. 

STxrRxrs  cdteracets,  Temm.  pi.  col.  11,  liv.  94. 

Temm.  and  Schleg.  Taun.  Jap.  Aves,  pi.  45;  Temm.  pi.  col.  556. 

A  single  specimen  from  Hakodadi,  where  it  was  obtained  in  May,  1854.  Though  an  easily 
recof^nized  species,  and  in  the  present  specimen  presenting  all  the  characters  well  marked,  the 
colors  are  lighter  than  as  represented  in  the  plate  of  Fauna  Japonica,  above  cited,  and  very 
much  like  that  in  Planches  Color iees.     "Eyes  light  yeUow." 

EMBERIZA  CIOPSIS,  Bonaparte. 

Emberiza  aopsis,  Bonap.  Consp.  Av.,  p.  466,  (1850.) 

Emberiz.\  cioiDES,  Temm.  and  Schleg.,  Faun.  Jap.,  p.  98,  (1850,  not  of  Brandt.) 


BIRDS     COLLECTED     IN     JAPAN.  221 

Temm.  and  Schleg.,  Faun.  Jap.,  pi.  59. 

This  species,  remarkable  for  its  close  resemblance  to  the  European  Emberiza  da,  or  meadow 
bunting,  was  observed  in  abundance  at  Simoda. 

EMBEHIZA  PERSONATA,  Temminck. 

Emberiza  PERSONATA,  Temm.,  pi.  col.  Ill,  livraison  98. 
Temm.  pi.  col.  580.     Temm.  and  Schleg.,  Faun.  Japan,  pi.  59  B. 

Like  the  preceding,  observed  in  abundance  at  Simoda.  This  species  is  similar  in  some  respects 
to  Emberiza  citrinella,  or  the  yellow  hammer,  of  Europe,  but  is  smaller  and  quite  distinct. 

MOTACILLA  BOAEULA.  Llnna;u8. 
MoTACiLLA  BOARTJLA,  LiuufBUS,  Mant.,  Vj^l,  p.  527. 

MOTACILLA  MELANOPE,  PallaS. 

The  Gray  Wagtail. 

Gould  B.  of  Eur.  II,  pi.  147. 

Not  distinguishable  from  the  bird  of  Europe.  Specimens  are  from  Hakodadi,  and  are  in  spring 
plumage. 

Mr.  Heine  mentions  this  bird  as  follows  : 

"  Of  this  bird  I  saw  two  specimens  only  in  the  neighborhood  of  Hakodadi,  which  seemed  to 
be  male  and  female.  They  would  not  allow  me  to  approach  them  closely,  but  I  succeeded  in 
procuring  one^  when  the  other  escaped.  They  were  on  the  ground  near  a  small  stream  of  water." 

MOTACILLA  LUGENS,  Temminck  and  Schlegel. 

MoTACiLLA  LUGENS,  Temm.  and  Schleg.,  Faun.  Japan  Aves,  p.  60,  (1850.) 

Temm.  and  Schleg.,  Faun.  Japan  Aves,  pi.  25. 

From  Hakodadi ;  a  species  very  like  M,  alba  of  Europe. 

OALAMOHEKPE  ORIENTALIS,  (Temminck  and  Schlegel.) 

Salicaria  turdina  ORIENTALIS,  Temm.  and  Schleg.,  Faun.  Jap.  Aves,  p.  50,  (1850.) 

Temm.  and  Schleg.,  Faun.  Jap.  Aves,  pi.  21  B. 

Scarcely  different  specifically  from  the  European  Calamoherpe  turdoides.  The  Japanese  bird 
is,  however,  slightly  smaller.  A  single  specimen  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition  is  from 
Hakodadi. 

ZOSTEEOPS  JAPONICA,  Temminck  and  Schlegel. 

ZosTEROPS  jAPONicus,  Temm.  and  Schleg.,  Faun.  Jap.  Aves,  p.  57,  (1850.) 

Temm.  and  Schleg.,  Faun.  Jap.  Aves,  pi.  22. 

One  of  the  handsomest  little  birds  of  the  difficult  genus  Zosterops,  and  rather  strongly  char- 
acterized. The  throat  and  inferior  coverts  of  the  tail  are  bright  yellow,  and  the  sides  are  very 
nearly  the  same  light  fawn  color  which  is  to  be  seen  in  the  Australian  species.  The  white  ring 
around  the  eye  is  quite  conspicuous.     Specimens  in  the  collection  were  obtained  at  Hakodadi. 

Mr.  Heine's  note  on  this  bird  is  as  follows  : 

"The  only  specimen  of  this  bird  I  shot  in  a  garden  at  a  small  village  on  the  western 
extremity  of  the  bay  of  Hakodadi." 


222  EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN. 

CUCULD8  CANOKUS,  LinnEBUs. 

CucuLUS  CANORUS,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  168,  (1766.) 
CccuLUS  BOREALis,  Pallas. 

The  EUEOPEAN  CUCKOO. 

Buff.  PI.  Enl.  811,  Gould  B.  of  Eur.  Ill,  pi.  240. 

From  Hakodadi ;  differing  in  no  respect  from  the  cuckoo  of  Europe. 

PICUS  MAJOR,  LinnEEUS. 

Picus  MAJOR,  Linn.  Syst,  Nat.  I  p.  176,  (1766.) 

Gould,  Birds  of  Europe  III,  pi.  229. 

We  find  in  the  collection  a  specimen  of  a  female  of  this  species,  in  good  plumage  and  preser- 
vation. On  minute  examination  and  comparison  with  European  specimens,  we  can  find  no 
material  difference  ;  in  fact,  they  are  absolutely  identical,  except  the  slightly  smaller  extent  of 
the  white  spaces  on  the  forehead  and  cheeks  in  that  from  Japan  now  before  us.  It  is  possible 
that  these  characters  may  be  constant,  thus  presenting  another  instance  of  slight  variations 
from  European  and  Asiatic  forms,  not  unfrequently  to  be  noticed  in  Japanese  birds.  At 
present,  however,  we  regard  the  species  as  identical  with  that  of  Europe. 

This  species  is  not  given  as  a  bird  of  Japan  in  the  Fauna  Japonica  of  Temminck  and 
Schlegel,  nor,  so  far  as  we  are  aware,  by  any  other  author,  and  must  be  regarded  as  an  addi- 
tion to  Japanese  ornithology.     The  specimen  was  obtained  at  Hakodadi  in  May,  1854. 

Mr.  Heine  mentions  this  bird  as  follows  : 

"This  specimen  is  the  only  woodpecker  that  I  ever  saw  in  Japan,  nor  did  I  ever  hear  their 
notes  nor  their  hammering  on  trees  in  the  woods,  which  can  readily  be  done  in  countries  whero 
they  are  frequently  met  with.  The  present  specimen  was  shot  near  a  village  at  the  mouth  of 
Kamida  creek,  near  Hakodadi." 

3.  OEDER  EASOEES.— The  Gallinaceous  Birds. 

TURTUR  MEENA,  (Sykes  ) 

CoLUMBA  MEENA,  Sykes  Proc.  Zool.  Soc.  London  1831,  p.  149. 

CoLUMBA  GELASTis,  Temm.  PI.  Col.  IV,  liv.  24. 

Temm.  PI.  Col.  550.     Temm.  and  Schleg.  Faun.  Jap.  Aves  pi.  60,  B. 

Specimens  in  excellent  plumage  are  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition,  and  were  obtained  at 
Hakodadi  in  May,  1854.  They  are  apparently  of  more  adult  age  than  is  represented  in  the 
plate  of  Temminck  and  Schlegel's  Fauna  Japonica,  to  which  we  refer  above.  In  fact,  had  we 
not  access  in  the  collection  of  the  Philadelphia  Academy  to  authentic  specimens  from  the  Leyden 
museum,  labelled  under  the  direction  of  the  distinguished  naturalist  whom  we  have  just  named, 
we  should  scarcely  consider  our  present  bird  as  the  same  species.  The  front  and  throat  are 
light-ashy,  almost  white  ;  the  back  ashy-brown,  with  a  few  feathers  only,  narrowly  edged  with 
dull  rufous  ;  rump  dark-bluish-ashy  ;  entire  under  parts  light-vinaceous,  darker  or  browner  on 
the  breast.  The  mark  on  the  side  of  the  neck  presents  five  diagonal  stripes  of  black  and  very 
pale-ashy — the  feathers  of  the  former  color  tipped  and  edged  with  the  latter,  and  not  arranged 
as  in  the  figure  in  Fanna  Japonica.  We  have,  however,  no  doubt  whatever  of  the  identity  of 
the  present  specimens  with  the  species  represented. 


BIRDS     COLLECTED     IN     JAPAN.  223 

On  careful  comparison  with  specimens  of  Turtur  meena  from  India,  we  find  no  material  dif- 
ference. It  is  possible  that  the  Japanese  bird  may  be  slightly  larger ;  and  in  the  si^ecimens  now 
before  us  the  black  space  on  the  sides  of  the  neck  is  more  extended',  and  the  feathers  more 
widely  edged  with  ashy  than  in  those  from  India  ;  "^'eye  orange." 

Mr.  Heine  mentions  this  bird  as  follows  : 

"  The  cooing  of  this  dove  could  be  heard  everywhere  in  the  woods  around  Hakodadi.  They 
were,  however,  difficult  to  approach,  and  would  take  alarm  very  easily.  They  were  generally 
in  pairSj  and  kept  always  in  the  tops  of  the  highest  trees." 

PHASIANU3  VEBSICOLOB,  VieUlot. 

Phasianus  versicolor,  Vieill.  Gal.  dea  Ois.  II,  p.  23,  (1825.) 
Phasianus  DiARDn,  Temm.  pi.  col.  V,  liv.  82. 

Plate  1. — Male  and  Female. 

The  pheasants  appear  to  have  been  originally  birds  of  Asia  exclusively,  though  one  species 
the  common  pheasant,  and  perhaps  another,  the  ring-necked  pheasant,  have  been  naturalized 
in  Europe  for  many  centuries.  The  introduction  of  the  common  pheasant  of  Europe  {Phasianus 
colchicus,  Linnffius)  is  ascribed  by  history,  or  rather  by  legend,  to  Jason,  and  is  supposed  to  have 
taken  place  about  1250  years  before  the  Christian  era.  It  is  said  to  have  been  brought  from  the 
banks  of  the  river  Phasis,  in  Colchis,  a  country  in  Asia  Minor,  and  hence  acq[uired  its  Latin 
name  Phasiantis,  from  which  all  others  by  which  it  is  known  in  Europe  are  derived. 

This  bird  is  now  completely  naturalized  throughout  nearly  the  whole  of  Europe,  and  is  a  very 
remarkable  instance,  if  its  introduction  is  truly  stated,  of  transplanting  or  naturalizing  a  species. 
Though  frequently  attempted,  success  is  attained  exceedingly  rarely,  and  the  probability  is  that 
zoological  provinces  now  remain  very  nearly  as  at  the  era  of  the  earliest  reliable  history.  Were 
it  not  for  such  instances  as  that  of  the  European  pheasant,  though  they  are  rare,  and  instances 
also  of  the  complete  naturalization  of  plants,  as  the  Leontodon  and  Capsella  in  North  America, 
the  successful  transplanting  of  any  natural  production  from  its  native  region  to  another  might 
be  safely  doubted.  Instances  in  the  animal  wcwld  are,  however,  of  seldom  occurrence,  and  the 
bearing  of  this  description  of  information  on  the  great  questions  of  migration  and  colonization 
in  the  human  family  is  important  in  the  highest  degree. 

Several  different  groups  or  genera  of  birds  have  been  called  pheasants,  of  wkich  we  can 
enumerate  perhaps  ten  known  species,  including  the  Argus  pheasant,  {Argus  giganteus,)  a  large 
and  magnificent  species  of  northern  Asia,  inferior  in  size  and  color  only  to  the  peacock,  and  the 
golden  pheasants  {Thaumalea)  of  China.  They  appear  to  be  very  similar  to  each  other  in  their 
habits,  habitually  living  in  thick  and  tangled  woods,  and  resorting  only  for  food  to  unsheltered 
localities. 

All  the  known  species,  including  the  two  that  we  have  mentioned,  are  Asiatic,  and  the 
localities  in  that  continent  of  all  are  now  well  known.  Of  these  we  have  the  gratification  of 
presenting  to  the  reader  figures  of  the  two  species  yet  known  to  inhabit  the  Japanese  emjiire, 
and  to  lay  before  him  the  first  information  ever  obtained  in  relation  to  these  beautiful  and 
interesting  birds. 

The  bird  now  before  us  has  been  known  to  naturalists  since  the  time  of  Vieillot,  as  above  cited, 
who  described  it  from  specimens  brought  to  France  by  M.  Diard,  a  celebrated  collector.  It  is 
erroneously  stated  by  Vieillot  to  be  from  the  island  of  Java.     It  has,  however,  always  been 


224  EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN 

regarded  as  a  valuable  and  rare  addition  to  zoological  collections,  and  the  members  of  the 
American  Expedition  to  Japan  are  the  first  of  any  cultivated  nation  who  have  seen  this  bird  in 
its  native  haunts.  Knowing  the  high  interest  of  all  the  information  possible  to  be  given  in 
relation  to  this  bird,  Mr.  Heine  has  had  the  kindness  to  furnish  for  our  present  article  the  fol- 
lowing highly  valuable  and  beautiful  sketch  : 

"  After  the  treaty  of  Yokuhama  had  been  concluded,  the  United  States  squadron  proceeded  to 
Simoda.  A  friendly  intercourse  with  the  natives  was  established,  and  I  constantly  availed 
myself  of  Commodore  Perry's  kind  permission  to  make  additions  to  our  collections  in  natural 
history. 

"  One  morning,  at  dawn  of  day,  I  shouldered  my  gun  and  landed  in  search  of  specimens  of 
birds,  and  that  day  had  the  good  fortune  to  see,  for  the  first  time,  the  pheasant  now  before  us. 

"The  province  Idza,  at  the  southern  extremity  of  which  the  port  of  Simoda  is  situated,  forms 
a  long  neck  of  land  extending  from  the  island  of  Niphon  in  a  southerly  direction,  and  is 
throughout  mountainous,  some  of  the  mountains  being  from  4,000  to  5,000  feet  high.  The 
valleys  are  highly  cultivated,  presenting  in  the  spring  a  most  luxurious  landscape.  The  tops 
of  the  mountains  and  hills  are  in  some  places  composed  of  barren  rocks,  and  in  others  covered 
with  grass  and  shrubs,  producing  an  abundance  of  small  berries.  Between  those  higher  regions 
and  the  fields  below  the  slopes  are  covered  with  woods,  having  for  the  greater  part  such  thick 
undergrowth  that  it  is  scarcely  possible  to  penetrate  them. 

"  Following  the  beautiful  valley,  at  the  outlet  of  which  the  town  of  Simoda  stands,  for  about 
four  miles,  I  came  to  a  place  where  the  Simoda  creek  divides  into  two  branches.  Selecting  the 
eastern  branch,  I  soon  left  fields  and  houses  behind  me,  and  ascending  through  a  little  guUey, 
I  emerged  from  the  woods  into  the  barren  region.  It  was  yet  early  in  the  morning  ;  clouds 
enveloped  the  peaks  and  tops  of  the  hills  ;  the  fields  and  woods  were  silent,  and  the  distant 
sound  of  the  surf  from  the  seashore  far  below  rather  increased  than  lessened  the  impression  of 
deep  solitude  made  upon  me  by  the  strange  scenery  around. 

"  The  walk  and  ascent  had  fatigued  me  somewhat ;  I  had  laid  down  my  gun  and  game-bag, 
and  was  just  stooping  to  drink  from  a  little  spring  that  trickled  from  a  rock,  when,  not  ten 
yards  from  me,  a  large  pheasant  arose,  with  loud  rustling  noise,  and  before  I  had  recovered  my 
gun,  he  had  disappeared  over  the  brow  of  a  hill.  I  felt  somewhat  ashamed  for  allowing  myself 
thus  to  be  taken  so  completely  aback  ;  but  noticing  the  direction  in  which  he  had  gone,  I  pro- 
ceeded more  carefully  in  pursuit.  A  small  stretch  of  table-land,  which  I  soon  reached,  was 
covered  with  short  grass  and  some  little  clusters  of  shrubs,  with  scattered  fragments  of  rocks  ; 
and  as  I  heard  a  note  which  I  took  to  be  the  crowing  of  a  cock  pheasant,  at  a  short  distance,  I 
availed  myself  of  the  excellent  cover,  and  crawling  cautiously  on  my  hands  and  knees,  I  suo- 
ceeded  in  approaching  him  within  about  fifteen  yards.  Having  the  advantage  of  the  wind  and 
a  foggy  atmosphere,  and  being  moreover  concealed  by  the  rocks  and  some  shrubs,  I  could 
indulge  in  quietly  observing  him  and  his  family.  On  a  small  sandy  patch  was  an  adult  cock 
and  three  hens  busily  engaged  in  taking  their  breakfast,  which  consisted  of  the  berries  already 
mentioned  growing  hereabouts  in  abundance.  From  time  to  time  the  lord  of  this  little  family 
stopped  in  his  repast  and  crowed  his  shrill  war-cry,  which  was  answered  by  a  rival  on  another 
hill  at  some  distance.  At  other  moments  again,  when  the  sun  broke  forth  for  a  short  time,  all 
stretched  themselves  in  the  golden  rays,  and  rolling  in  the  sand  shook  the  morning  dew  from 
their  fine  plumage.  It  was  a  beautiful  sight,  and  I  looked  upon  it  with  exceeding  pleasure ;  so 
much,  indeed,  that  I  could  not  find  the  heart  to  destroy  this  little  scene  of  domestic  happiness 


BIRDS     COLLECTED     IN     JAPAN.  225 

by  a  leaden  shower  from  my  fowling  piece.  Suddenly  the  birds  showed  signs  of  uneasiness,  and 
I  soon  discovered  the  cause  in  a  Japanese  root-digger  coming  from  the  opposite  direction.  I 
therefore  took  up  my  gun,  and  standing  on  my  feet,  raised  the  birds  also,  and  as  they  flew 
towards  the  next  hill,  I  had  the  good  fortune  to  bring  down  the  cock  with  one  barrel  of  my  gun, 
and  one  of  the  hens  with  the  other. 

"  The  Japanese,  who  came  up  after  I  had  loaded  my  gun  and  secured  my  game,  looked  with 
some  astonishment  at  the  stranger,  for  I  was  certainly  the  first  foreigner  who  had  been  in 
pursuit  of  game  on  the  hunting  grounds  of  Niphon.  He  evidently  asked  me  several  questions, 
which  I  was  not,  of  course,  able  to  understand,  but  from  his  signs,  and  the  frequent  repetition 
of  the  word  statzoo,  (two,)  I  inferred  that  he  inquired  whether  I  had  fired  twice  in  such  quick 
succession  with  one  gun.  I  nodded  and  explained  to  him  as  well  as  I  could  the  nature  of  my 
double-barrelled  gun,  and  the  use  of  percussion  caps,  which  seemed  to  astonish  and  delight  him 
very  much.  A  pipe  of  tobacco  which  I  offered  was  gladly  accepted  ;  and  in  answer  to  a  ques- 
tion that  he  appeared  to  understand,  he  gave  me  the  name  of  the  pheasant  as  Ki-zhi. 

"  Later  in  the  day  more  people  came  to  the  hills,  some  for  the  purpose  of  digging  roots, 
others  to  look  after  their  cattle,  which  appeared  to  be  turned  out  to  graze  on  the  hills.  The 
birds  had  taken  to  the  bushes,  where  I  could  not  follow  them,  and  so  obtained  no  more  specimens 
on  that  occasion. 

''A  few  days  after,  Lieutenants  Bent  and  Nicholson  and  myself  made  another  shooting 
excursion  to  the  hills,  but  although  we  saw  many  pheasants  but  a  single  specimen  was  shot, 
and  the  birds  appeared  to  be  very  shy.  We  observed  several  Japanese  with  matchlocks  about 
the  hills,  firing  away  at  a  great  rate.  As  we  did  not  see  either  of  them  with  game,  and  as  the 
game  laws  of  Japan  are  very  severe,  so  much  so,  indeed,  that  their  observance  has  been  made  a 
special  article  of  the  treaty  with  the  United  States,  I  concluded  that  the  firing  was  only  for  the 
purpose  of  driving  away  the  pheasants  to  places  where  they  would  be  more  secure  from  the 
strangers." 

PHASIANUS  SOEMMERING  II,  Tcmminck. 

Phasianus  Soemmeringii,  Temm.  pi.  col.  V,  liv.  82,  (about  1828.) 

Plate  2. — Male  and  Female. 

This  is  undoubtedly  the  most  beautiful  of  all  the  true  pheasants,  and  will  compare  in  richness 
and  brilliancy  of  color  with  almost  any  other  species  of  bird.  In  the  adult  male,  the  neck  and 
back  are  of  a  deep  golden-red,  with  a  metallic  lustre  of  great  beauty ;  but,  as  will  appear  from 
our  plate,  the  female  is  exceedingly  plain  and  unpretending. 

Like  the  preceding,  the  pi'esent  is  only  known  as  a  bird  of  Japan,  and  but  few  years  have 
elapsed  since  it  was  first  introduced  to  the  attention  of  naturalists  by  the  celebrated  Professor 
Temminck,  well  known  as  the  most  distinguished  of  European  ornithologists.  It  appears  to 
inhabit  the  same  districts  of  country  as  the  preceding  species,  and  to  subsist  on  much  the  same 
description  of  food  ;  but  we  regret  to  say  that  the  gentlemen  of  the  expedition  had  no  oppor- 
tunity for  observing  this  species  to  such  extent  as  to  enable, us  to  make  any  important  contribu- 
tion to  its  history. 

Nothing  having  previously  been  published  in  relation  to  this  beautiful  pheasant,  we  have 
exerted   ourselves   to   obtain   all   available   information,    and    have   great   pleasure   in   again 
acknowledging  our  obligations  to  Mr.  Heine,  the  accomplished  artist  of  the  expedition,  for 
.  the  following  note : 

29  « 


226  EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN. 

*■'  On  one  of  my  excursions,  alluded  to  in  the  preceding  notes,  I  came  very  suddenly  upon 
another  species  of  pheasant,  of  very  beautiful  colors  and  with  a  very  long  tail.  Being  in  the 
midst  of  briars  and  in  an  inconvenient  position,  I  missed  him,  or,  at  least,  did  not  injure  him 
further  than  to  shoot  off  his  two  long  tail-feathers. 

"Returning  on  board  in  the  evening,  I  found  that  our  kind  and  revered  chaplain,  the  Rev. 
George  Jones,  had  purchased  a  pheasant  of  the  same  kind  from  a  Japanese  root-digger  in  the 
hills.  It  was  not  wounded  or  otherwise  injured,  and  seemed  to  have  been  either  caught  in  a 
trap  or  found  dead.  To  my  inquiries  of  the  Japanese  Dutch  interpreter  whether  those  birds 
were  ever  hunted,  I  could  obtain  but  evasive  answers  ;  but  if,  however,  such  is  the  case,  the 
right  is  undoubtedly  reserved  to  the  princes  and  nobility. 

"It  appears  that  both  these  kinds  of  pheasants  inhabit  similar  localities,  and  are  abundant 
over  the  southern  and  the  middle  parts  of  the  island  of  Niphon,  for  even  during  my  rambles  in 
the  vicinity  of  Tokuhama,  in  the  bay  of  Teddo,  I  could  hear  their  calls  in  the  little  thickets 
and  woods  scattered  over  the  country." 

For  the  following  note  on  the  bird  now  before  us  and  the  preceding  species,  we  are  indebted 
to  the  kindness  of  Joseph  Wilson,  jr.,  M.  D.,  of  the  United  States  Navy,  who  was  attached  as 
surgeon  to  the  squadron  of  the  expedition  : 

"  Our  acquaintance  with  the  pheasants  of  Japan  began  soon  after  our  arrival  at  Simoda,  or 
about  the  middle  of  April,  1854.  A  Japanese  brought  to  the  landing-place  a  young  bird, 
which,  with  the  dark  tips  on  his  downy  covering  and  his  frequently  repeated  ^ee<-^ee<,  might 
have  been  mistaken  for  a  young  turkey,  but  for  his  diminutive  size.  This  interesting  little 
fellow  had  been  obtained  by  hatching  an  egg  of  a  wild  pheasant,  obtained  in  the  hills,  under  a 
domestic  fowl. 

"  A  few  days  after  this,  a  male  pheasant  in  full  plumage  was  brought  to  the  same  place, 
dead  but  uninjured,  and  evidently  but  very  recently  killed.  The  golden  brilliancy  of  this  bird's 
plumage  is  probably  not  exceeded  by  any  object  in  nature,  and  is  quite  equal  in  lustre  to  the 
most  brilliant  markings  of  the  humming  birds  or  the  most  highly  burnished  metal.  This 
splendid  coloring  covers  the  whole  body  of  the  bird,  merely  shaded  with  a  little  copper-red 
about  the  tips  and  margins  of  the  feathers,  so  as  to  show  the  lance  head  form  of  the  feathers. 
This  specimen  was  taken  on  board  the  flag-ship  Independence  and  preserved. 

"  The  specimen  of  the  other  species  that  I  saw  was  shot  by  Mr.  Heine,  who  made  a  very  beau- 
tiful painting  of  it.  The  two  birds  are  found  in  the  same  localities  and  seem  to  be  similar  in 
habits. 

"  The  Japanese  system  of  agriculture,  although  very  minute  and  appropriating  all  available 
land  to  some  useful  purpose,  yet  affords  abundant  shelter  for  the  native  fauna.  Scarcely  any 
land  is  tilled,  except  such  as  can  be  watered,  so  that  the  tops  of  hills  and  large  portions  of 
mountainous  and  precipitous  places  are  appropriated  to  the  growth  of  timber,  or  left  covered 
with  the  primitive  forest.  These  wooded  districts  afford  shelter  for  wild  hogs,  foxes  and  rac- 
coons, (the  skins  of  which  were  seen,)  as  well  as  for  the  pheasants,  and  they  all  descend  in  turn 
to  plunder  the  crops  or  steal  the  chickens  in  the  valleys.  During  the  first  part  of  our  stay  at 
Simoda,  the  cultivated  fields  afforded  no  food  for  the  pheasants.  The  natives  told  us  they  were 
plenty  in  the  hills,  but  no  one  was  willing  to  undertake  to  show  them,  and  several  rambles 
through  the  bushes,  where  these  birds  were  supposed  to  feed,  ended  in  disappointment.  Once 
only,  I  had  a  glimpse  of  a  brood  of  young  ones,  near  a  hut  in  the  mountains,  but  they  imme- 
diately disappeared  by  running  very  rapidly.     Perhaps  one  reason  of  our  want  of  success  is  to  be 


BIRDS     COLLECTED     INJAPAN.  2i7 

found  in  the  fact  that  the  wheat  was  ripe  and  partially  harvested  before  we  left,  (June  24th,)  so 
that,  during  the  time  of  our  efforts,  they  were  enabled  to  fill  their  crops  occasionally  from  the 
wheat-fields  and  lie  very  close  in  the  hills  during  tlie  day,  without  being  under  the  necessity  of 
wandering  in  search  of  food. 

"  The  note  of  one  or  the  other  of  these  species  of  pheasants  was  heard  frequently.  On  the 
top  of  a  precipitous  hill,  about  a  mile  south  of  Simoda,  covered  by  small  pines  and  a  very  thick 
growth  of  shrubbery,  a  pheasant  (so  we  were  assured  by  the  Japanese)  passed  the  weary  hours 
while  his  mate  was  on  her  nest,  and  very  sensibly  solaced  himself  and  her  with  such  music  as 
he  was  capable  of  making.  Tt  was,  however,  anything  but  melodious,  and  may  be  represented 
as  a  sort  of  compound  of  the  filing  of  a  saw  and  the  screech  of  a  peacock.  There  are  two  notes 
only,  uttered  in  quick  succession,  and  represented  by  the  Japanese  name  of  the  bird — Ki-ji ;  but 
the  second  note  is  much  longer,  louder,  and  more  discordant,  in  fact  has  more  of  the  saw-filing 
character — Kee-jaeae.  These  two  notes  are  uttered,  and  if  the  bird  is  not  disturbed  they  are 
repeated  in  about  five  minutes.  A  good  many  attempts,  perhaps  twenty,  to  become  better 
acquainted  with  this  individual,  all  failed.  It  seemed  impossible  to  make  him  fly,  though  his 
covert  was  by  no  means  extensive. 

"  This  is  about  all  I  saw  or  heard  of  these  birds  during  a  stay  of  more  than  two  months  at 
Simoda,  (from  April  17th  to  June  24,  1854,)  and  I  much  regret  that  it  is  not  in  my  power  to 
give  a  more  satisfactory  account  of  them." 

COTUENIX  JAPONICA,  Temm.  et  Schlegel. 

CoTURNix  VULGARIS  JAPONICA,  Temm.  et  Schleg.  Faun.  Jap.  Aves,  p.  103,  (1850.) 

The  Japanese  Quail. 

Temm.  and  Schleg.  Faun.  Jap.  Aves,  pi.  61. 

Our  specimens  show  the  characters  quite  distinctly  which  are  pointed  out  by  the  learned 
authors  of  Fauna  Japonica  as  distinguishing  the  Japanese  bird  from  the  common  quail  of  cen- 
tral and  southern  Europe.  These  characters  are,  however,  rather  slight,  though  apparently 
constant.     Collected  at  Hakodadi,  May,  1854.     "  Eye  orange." 

4.  ORDEK  GRALLATORES.— The  Wading  Birds. 

GALLINAGO  SOLITARIA,  (Hodgson.) 

ScoLOPAX  SOLITARIA,  Hodgson  Proc.  Zool.  Soc,  London,  1836,  p.  8. 

Temm.  and  Schleg.  Faun.  Jap.  Aves,  pi.  68. 

A  large  species,  inhabiting  Japan  and  northern  India.  Our  specimens  are  of  both  sexes, 
very  nearly  resembling  each  other,  the  female  being  rather  paler  in  the  dark  tints  of  the 
plumage.     The  male  is  represented  in  the  plate  cited  above.     "Hakodadi,  May,  1854." 

Mr.  Heine  says:  "This  snipe  was  not  uncommon  in  the  vicinity  of  Hakodadi,  where  it  kept 
in  the  meadows  and  marshy  woods." 

GALLINAGO  STENURA,  (Temminck.) 

ScoLOPAS  STENURA,  Temminck. 

ScoLOPAx  HoRsriELDn,  Gray  111.  Ind.  Zool.  II,  (name  on  plate.  1834.) 
ScoLOPAX  BiCLAVATA,  Hodgson  Proc.  Zool.  Soc,  London,  1837,  p.  491. 
"ScoLOPAX  GALLINAGO,  Linn.,"  Temm.  and  Schleg.  Faun.  Jap.,  p.  112. 
Gray  and  Hardw.  111.  Ind.  Zool.,  II,  pi.  54. 


228  EXPEDITION     TO     JAPAN. 

Japanese  specimens  cannot  be  distinguished  from  others  from  India  now  before  us,  and  art 
undoubtedly  the  species  above  named.  This  bird  is  smaller  than  Scolopax  galUnago  of  Europe, 
and  has  the  bill  shorter,  a  character  very  readily  perceived  on  comparison,  and  so  strong  as 
alone  sufficient  to  establish  a  specific  distinction. 

Both  sexes  are  in  the  collection  of  the  expedition,  and  are  from  Hakodadi. 

Mr.  Heine  observes:  "These  specimens  were  obtained  by  Lieut.  Nicholson  while  engaged  in 
surveying.  He  found  this  snipe  very  numerous  near  the  rocky  shores  northwest  of  the  entrance 
to  the  bay  of  Hakodadi.     I  had  no  opportunity  of  observing  this  species." 

NUMENIUS  TAHITIENSIS,  (Graelin.) 

Scolopax  tahitiensis,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  656,  (1788.) 
"Scolopax  ph^opus,  Linn,  an?"  Forster  Desc.  An.,  p.  242. 

The  TAHITIAN  CURLEW. 

Plate  3. — Adult  male. 

Two  specimens  of  this  curlew  are  perhaps  the  most  interesting  birds  in  the  present  collection. 
Both  are  labelled  as  having  been  obtained  at  Hakodadi  in  May,  1854^  and  are  in  good  preser- 
vation. 

On  the  faith  of  a  description  by  Latham,  in  his  "  General  Synopsis  of  Birds"  III,  p.  122, 
under  the  head  of  "The  Otaheite  Curlew,"  Gmelin  gives  the  above  name.  Latham  described 
from  specimens  in  the  collection  of  Sir  Joseph  Banks,  and  undoubtedly  from  Otaheite.  This 
species,  however,  appears  to  have  been  lost  sight  of,  though  holding  a  nominal  place  in  the 
books,  and  doubtfully  cited. 

The  present  specimens  agree  so  nearly  with  all  the  descriptions,  and  especially  with  that  of 
Forster,  as  above  cited,  that  we  have  no  hesitation  in  applying  to  it  this  specific  designation. 
It  is  no  more  remarkable  that  this  species  should  be  found  in  the  Japanese  islands  than  the 
well  known  extensive  ranges  of  locality  inhabited  by  other  of  the  smaller  species  of  this  genus. 
Numenius  hudsonicus,  for  instance,  very  probably  inhabits  the  entire  seacoasts  of  both  sides  of 
North  and  South  America. 

This  bird  much  resembles  Numenius  phceopus  of  the  old  world,  as  intimated  by  Forster.  Both 
specimens  in  the  present  collection  are,  however,  smaller  than  any  specimen  of  N.  phceopus  in 
the  museum  of  the  Philadelphia  Academy.  The  bill  is  about  half  an  inch  shorter,  and  not  so 
strong,  and  the  wing  is  an  inch  shorter ;  the  tarsi,  also,  are  shorter. 

The  colors  of  the  plumage  are  very  similar  in  both  species.  In  the  specimens  now  before  us, 
the  back  and  the  exposed  ends  of  the  tertiaries  are  clearer  brownish  black  than  in  N.  phceopus, 
and  much  less  edged  with  cinereous.  The  shafts  of  the  primaries  are  strong  and  flattened,  and 
clear  white,  very  conspicuous  on  the  outer  surface  of  the  first  four,  more  so  than  in  N.  phceopus. 

Mr.  Heine's  note  relating  to  this  species  is  as  follows  : 

"Abounds  in  the  vicinity  of  Hakodadi.  Large  numbers  may  be  seen  either  on  the  beach  or 
around  the  little  ponds  in  the  flats  immediately  adjoining  the  bay.  They  were  usually  searching 
for  food,  and  having  made  a  successful  dash  at  a  small  marine  animal,  announce  that  feat  by  a 
long  drawn  plaintive  cry.  The  flesh  of  this  bird  was  very  tender,  and  afforded  an  agreeable 
addition  to  our  mess  stores." 

"  Several  specimens  of  this  bird  were  obtained  by  Mr.  Smith,  private  of  the  marine  corps, 
and  myself." 


BIRDS  COLLECTED  IN  JAPAN.  229 

Our  figure  is  much  reduced,  but  the  outline  of  the  head  and  bill  is  of  the  size  of  life. 
For  an  instance  of  the  extensive  migration  of  the  wading  birds,  the  reader  is  referred  to  the 
species  immediately  following,  (Totanus  hrevipes.) 

TOTANUS  BREVIPES,  Vieillot. 

Totanus  brevipes,  Vieill.  Nouv.  Diet.  6,  p.  419,  (1816.) 

Totanus  fuliginosus,  Gould  Voy.  Beagle,  Birds,  p.  130,  (1841.) 

ScoLOPAx  UNDULATA,  Foster  Desc.  An.,  p.  173,  (1844.) 

Totanus  pulverulentus,  Miiller  Verb.,  p.  153,  (1844.) 

Totanus  oceanicus.  Lesson  Comp.  Buff.,  p.  244,  (1847.) 

Totanus  poLYNESiiE,  Peale  Voy.  Vincennes  and  Peacock,  Birds,  p.  237,  (1848.) 

Tringa  glareola,  Pallas  Zoog.  Ross.  As.  2,  p.  194,  (1831.) 

Temm.  and  Schleg.  Fann.  Jap.  Aves,  pi.  G.5. 

This  appears  to  be  a  very  extensively  diffused  species,  extending  its  range  over  almost  the 
entire  temperate  and  tropical  regions  of  the  Pacific  ocean.  We  find  no  distinction  between 
specimens  in  the  present  collection  from  Japan  and  others  from  the  Sandwich  islands  and 
Australia.  The  latter  are  in  the  museum  of  the  Philadelphia  academy,  and  are  from  the  fine 
Australian  collection  of  Mr.  Gould,  now  belonging  to  the  institution  just  mentioned.  Those 
are  the  types  of  Totanus  yriseopygius,  as  cited  above,  and  figured  by  that  distinguished  author 
in  his  Birds  of  Australia,  which,  for  all  that  we  can  see,  are  specifically  identical  with  other 
specimens  now  before  us  from  the  Feejee  islands,  the  Sandwich  islands,  and  other  localities,  and 
also  the  present  from  Japan.  The  Australian  bird  may  be  slightly  smaller  than  those  from 
more  northern  localities,  a  character  not  entirely  to  be  relied  on,  as  shown  in  prepared  specimens. 

This  bird  is  found  also  in  the  northwestern,  and  perhaps  the  western,  countries  of  North 
America.  Specimens  were  sent  from  Washington  Territory  by  Dr.  J.  G.  Cooper,  while 
attached  to  a  party  surveying  a  route  for  a  railroad  to  the  Pacific  ocean,  under  command  of  the 
Hon.  I.  I.  Stevens. 

Specimens  in  the  collection  of  the  expedition  are  labelled  "  Hakodadi,  May,  1854,"  and 
"  At  sea,  between  Simoda  and  the  Sandwich  islands." 

We  find  the  following  relating  to  this  species  in  his  manuscript  notes,  kindly  placed  at  our 
disposal  by  Mr.  Heine  : 

''This  bird  was  frequently  seen  on  the  sandy  beach  of  the  bay  of  Hakodadi.  One  specimen 
(marked  No.  6)  was  caught  at  sea,  when  the  nearest  land  was  1,500  miles  distant.  It  was  very 
much  exhausted,  and  was  knocked  down  by  Lieutenant  Nicholson  with  a  speaking-trumpet." 

CORETHRURA  ERYTHROTHORAX,  Temminck  et  Schlegel. 

Gallinula  ERYTHROTHORAX,  Temm.  et  Schleg.  Faun.  Jap.  Aves,  p.  121,  (1850.) 

The  Japanese  Rail. 

Temm.  and  Schleg.  Faun.  Jap.  Aves,  pi.  78. 

This  species  is  very  similar  to,  if  not  identical  with,  C.  rubiginosa,  Temm.  pi.  col.  357, 
which  is  the  same  as  C.  ru/cscens,  Vieill.  Nouv.  Diet.  18,  p.  656.  It  resembles  it  so  very  nearly, 
that  all  the  specimens  in  the  fine  collection  of  the  Duke  of  Rlvoli,  now  in  the  museum  of  the 
Philadelphia  Academy,  bear  the  latter  designation.  The  only  apparent  difference  is  the  slightly 
larger  size  of  the  Japanese  bird,  a  character  which  appears  to  be  constant,  and  is  carefully 
pointed  out  in  Fauna  Japonica. 

The  present  bird  belongs  to  the  genus  CoretJirura,  of  Reichenbach,  a  singularly  natural  and 


230  EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN. 

homogeneous  group,  characterized  hy  the  bright  rufous  color  of  the  head,  and  of  the  greater 
part  of  the  inferior  surface  of  the  body.  It  is  scarcely  distinguishable,  except  by  size,  from  C. 
cayennensis,  (PI.  Enl.  368,)  a  South  American  bird.  C.fasciata,  Raffles,  which  is  C.  euryzona, 
Temminck,  is  another  similar  and  strictly  congeneric  species. 

Specimens  in  the  collection  are  from  Hakodadi.  The  most  adult  are  exactly  as  represented  in 
the  plate  in  Fauna  Japonica,  cited  above.  Another  specimen,  probably  a  female,  has  scarcely 
a  trace  of  the  handsome  rufous-lilac  of  the  breast  and  head,  those  parts  being  of  the  same  olive- 
brown  of  the  upper  parts. 

"Eyes  deep  orange. — Hakodadi,  May,  1854." 

Mr.  Heine  observes : 

"  Two  specimens  only  of  this  bird  were  obtained,  in  a  marshy  place  on  the  northwestern  part 
of  the  bay  of  Hakodadi,  and  were  the  only  ones  of  the  kind  seen.  They  hide  themselves  in  the 
close  cover  of  the  reeds,  from  which,  in  this  instance,  they  were  raised  by  some  dogs  belonging 
to  a  Japanese  soldier.  On  account  of  their  short  wings,  they  flew  slowly  and  but  for  a  short 
distance." 

HIATICtJLA,  ? 

A  small  species  not  given  by  Messrs.  Temminck  and  Schlegel  in  Fauna  Japonica.  One  spe- 
cimen only  is  in  the  collection,  which  is  in  young  plumage,  and  quite  impossible  to  determine. 
It  is  about  the  size  of  H.  cantiana,  and  much  resembles  it,  but  has  the  bill  rather  longer. 

"Hakodadi,  May,  1854  ;  eye  black." 

PHALAEOPUS  HTPERBORErS,  Linnajus. 

Tringa  HTPERBORErs,  Liuu.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  249,  (1766.) 
Phalaropcs  ruficollis,  Pallas  Zoog.  Eosso-Asia.  II,  p.  203,  (1811.) 
Phalaropus  cinerascens,  Pallas. 
Tringa  FtJscA,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  II,  p.  675,  (1788.) 

The  NORTHERX  PHALAROPE. 

Audubon  B.  of  Am.,  pi.  254;  Oct.  ed.  V,  pi.  340.    Gould  B.  of  Eur.  IV,  pi.  336. 

This  handsome  and  interesting  little  bird  is  apparently  a  wanderer  over  the  temperate  regions 
of  the  entire  northern  hemisphere,  frequenting  usually  the  shores  of  the  ocean,  but  sometimes 
ascending  rivers  and  other  streams  of  fresh  water.  Having  the  general  appearance  and 
many  of  the  habits  of  the  sandpipers,  {Tringcz,)  it  differs  from  them  in  fearlessly  alighting 
in  the  water  and  swimming  with  much  ease  and  swiftness,  thus  showing  an  affinity  to  the 
swimming  birds,  indicated  antecedently  by  its  lobed  feet.  This  is  the  case  also  with  other  of  its 
congeners,  though  to  our  eye  the  present  bird  is  the  most  graceful  swimmer,  and  in  the  water 
is  quite  at  home. 

Specimens  in  the  collection  of  the  expedition  obtained  at  Hakodadi  are  strictly  identical  with 
others  now  before  us  from  the  Atlantic  coast  of  the  United  States  and  Greenland. 

This  bird  is  not  given  in  Fauna  Japonica  by  Messrs.  Temminck  and  Schlegel,  and  is  another 
addition  to  the  ornithology  of  Japan  made  by  the  present  expedition. 

The  following  note  by  Mr.  Heine  relates  to  this  species  : 

"  The  first  specimen  of  this  graceful  bird  was  obtained  by  Lieutenant  Nicholson  during  the 
survey  of  the  bay  of  Hakodadi.  Afterwards  I  met  with  several  of  them  in  the  marshy  plains 
that  surround  the  bay  northward  and  westward.     Tripping  over  the  leaves  of  aquatic  plants,  or 


BIRDS  COLLECTED  IN  JAPAN.  231 

swimming  in  the  little  pools  of  water,  they  appeared  most  graceful  little  creatures  ;  and  the 
different  attitudes  they  took  in  bending  to  the  right  or  to  the  left  to  pick  up  insects,  or  to  look 
whether  danger  approached,  were  perfectly  charming. 

"  This  bird  did  not  appear,  however,  to  be  very  numerous  in  Japan,  not  more  than  three  or 
four  specimens  having  been  obtained." 

V.  ORDER  NATATORES.— The  Swimming  Birds. 

DAFILA  ACUTA,  Linnasus. 

Anas  acuta,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  202,  (1766.) 

The  PINT  ailed  duck. 

Wilson  Am.  Orn.  VIII,  pi.  68,  fig.  3.     Gould  B.  of  Eur.  V,  pi.  365. 

A  species  inhabiting  the  temperate  regions  of  all  the  countries  of  the  northern  hemisphere. 
Specimens  in  the  present  collection  are  from  Hakodadi,  and  are  identical  with  the  common 
American  and  European  bird. 

MARECA  FALCATA,  Palliis. 

Anas  falcata,  Pallas'  Travels  IV,  p.  223,  (French  edition,  1793.) 

Anas  falcaria,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  521,  (1788.) 

The  falcated  duck. 

Pennant  Arctic  Zool.  II,  pi.  23.     Pallas  Zoog.  Rosso- Asiat.,  pi.  70. 

This  beautiful  duck  appears  to  be  one  of  the  most  abundant  of  the  water  birds  of  Japan,  and 
was  noticed  at  various  points  during  the  voyage  of  the  expedition.  It  is  remarkable  for  having 
a  singular  prolongation  of  the  tertial  q^uills,  which  curve  outwardly  and  present  a  very  graceful 
and  almost  peculiar  character. 

Although  arranged  in  various  genera  by  late  ornithologists,  there  is  no  one  of  them  with 
whom  we  can  coincide,  and  have,  after  careful  examination,  assigned  this  bird  to  the  genus 
Mareca,  or  Widgeons.  To  this  genus  it  appears  to  belong,  at  least,  more  properly  than  to  any 
other  with  which  we  are  acquainted,  though  it  is  possibly  the  type  of  a  distinct  group  com- 
bining somewhat  the  characters  of  Mareca  and  Aix,  or  of  Querquedula.  It  is,  however,  too 
large  for  the  last  group,  in  which  smallness  of  size  appears  to  be  a  generic  character. 

Specimens  are  from  Hakodadi. 

MARECA  PENELOPE,  Linnajus.  ' 

Anas  PENELOPE,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.,  I,  p.  202,  (1766.) 
The  European  Widgeon. 
Gould  B.  of  Eur.  V,  pi.  359. 

The  widgeon  of  Europe  is  apparently  disseminated  throughout  the  Old  World  from  the 
Atlantic  to  the  Pacific.  A  single  specimen  is  in  the  collection  of  the  expedition^  and  is  labeled 
as  having  been  obtained  at  Hakodadi  in  May,  1854.     It  is  a  male,  in  spring  plumage. 

Relating  to  this  and  the  preceding  species  of  ducks,  we  find  the  following  in  Mr.  Heine's 
notes : 

"  The  ducks  in  the  collection  appear  to  have  been  stragglers  from  the  large  flocks  that  abound 
in  the  fall  and  winter  in  the  vicinity  of  Hakodadi,  remaining  in  the  bay  as  late  as  the  month  of 
May.  All  that  I  saw  were  exceedingly  shy,  and  the  present  specimens  were  obtained  only  by 
surprising  them  during  foggy  mornings,  when  feeding  amongst  the  reeds." 


232  EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN. 


LAEUS  ICHTHYAETUS,  Pallas. 


Larus  ICHTHTAETUS,  Pallas,  Travels,  II,  p.  533,  (Frencli  ed.,  Paris,  1789.) 

The  GREAT  BLACK-HEADED  GULL. 

Pallas  Zoog.  Rosso- Asiat.,  pi.  77:  Riippel  Atlas,  pi.  17. 

Two  specimens  in  the  collection  of  the  expedition  are  from  the  Bay  of  Yedo.  Both  are  young 
birds,  but  agree  precisely  with  specimens,  bearing  the  name  above  given,  in  the  collection  of  the 
Philadelphia  Academy,  and  of  the  correctness  of  which  we  have  no  doubt.  The  descriptions 
and  figures  above  cited  apply,  however,  to  this  species  in  adult  plumage. 

This  bird  presents  a  remarkable  anomaly  in  the  color  of  its  head,  belonging,  as  it  does,  to 
the  same  group  of  large  gulls  as  Larus  fuscus,  but  having  the  entire  head  black,  as  in  the  genus 
Xema.  In  the  young  birds  now  before  us,  the  head  is  white,  with  nearly  every  feather  striped 
longitudinally  with  light  brown.  The  middle  feathers  of  the  tail  are  brown,  mottled  with 
white  at  their  bases,  and  the  outer  feathers  mottled  in  the  same  manner  throughout  their  length  ; 
bill  large,  rather  wide  (or  high)  towards  its  top,  with  a  conspicuous  transverse  bar  of  black. 

This  specimen  is  not  given  in  Fauna  Japonica,  and  is  another  contribution  of  the  present 
expedition  to  our  knowledge  of  the  ornithology  of  Japan. 

"Bay  of  Yedo,  March,  1854;  eyes  gray." 

Mr.  Heine  remarks  of  this  species  : 

"This  bird  was  abundant  in  Yedo  bay,  where  large  numbers  were  constantly  flying  around, 
with  other  species,  and  busily  engaged  in  picking  up  food  from  the  refuse  thrown  overboard 
from  the  ships  of  the  squadron,  especially  after  meal-times." 

LARUS  MELANUEUS,  Temminck. 

Larus  melanurus,  Temm.  pi.  col.  V,  liv,  77,  (about  1827.) 

Larus  crassirostris,  Vieill.  Nouv.  Diet.,  XXI,  p.  508  ? 

Temm.  pi.  col.,  459  ;  Temm.  and  Schleg.  Faun.  Japon.  Aves,  pi.  88. 

A  specimen  in  adult  plumage,  from  Hakodadi.  It  is  precisely  as  represented  in  the  excellent 
plate  of  Fauna  Japonica,  to  which  we  refer  above. 

This  handsome  bird  is  strongly  characterized  by  the  color  of  its  tail,  which  is  white  at  its 
base  and  tip,  with  the  intermediate  space  black,  presenting,  when  folded,  the  appearance  of 
being  entirely  of  the  latter  color,  topped  with  white.  Its  head  and  neck  are  of  a  remarkably 
pure  snowy  white,  back  and  wing  coverts  dark  cinerious.  It  may  be  the  same  as  Larus  crassi- 
rostris, Vicillot,  but  the  description  cited  above  is  rather  short  to  be  satisfactory  or  conclusive  in 
this  difficult  group. 

"Hakodadi,  May,  1854;  eye  black." 

Mr.  Heine  observes:  "This  gull  abounded  in  the  Bay  of  Hakodadi,  and  was  frequently  killed 
by  our  men  when  on  fishing  excursions.  As  fresh  provisions  were  scarce  articles,  it  proved  to 
be  an  acceptable  addition  to  their  messes,  and  was  pronounced  quite  palatable." 

LAUUS  BEUNNEICEPHAXUS  ? 

Larus  brunneicephalus,  Jerdon,  Madras  Jour.,  1840,  p.  225? 
Larus  leucopthalmus,  Temm.  pi.  col.  V,  liv.  65? 
Temm.  pi.  col.  366? 

We  find  a  single  specimen  in  the  collection  of  the  expedition,  which  is  evidently  that  of  an 
immature  bird,  having  the  bead  nearly  white.    It  is,  however,. a  species  of  the  sub-genus  Xema, 


BIRDS  COLLECTED  IN  JAPAN.  233 

and  undoubtedly  in  adult  plumage  would  have  the  head  dark  colored.     The  specimen  is  not  in 
good  condition. 

This  bird  is  much  like  the  European  Larus  ridihundus  in  the  general  colors  of  its  plumao'e 
and  has  very  nearly  the  same  distribution  of  white  and  black  on  the  primaries.  We  allude,  of 
course,  to  that  species  when  immature,  or  with  the  head  white.  It  is,  however,  very  consider- 
ably larger,  in  which  character  it  appears  to  approach  both  the  species  named  at  the  head  of  this 
article.  The  bill  in  the  present  specimen  is  injured,  but  appears  to  have  been  more  slender 
than  in  L.  ridihundus. 

Head,  tail,  and  entire  under  parts  of  the  body  white,  mantle  light  ashy,  first  primary  white, 
with  its  outer  edge  black  and  tipped  with  black,  and  its  inner  edge  ashy  black ;  second  and 
third  primaries  white,  tipped  with  black,  and  with  their  inner  edges  (only)  black;  fourth  pri- 
mary tipped  with  black,  and  its  outer  web  white  and  its  inner  web  dark  cinereous;  all  the  other 
primaries  dark  cinereous,  tipped  with  black;  bill  and  feet  red.  Total  length  (of  skin)  about  18 
inches;  wing  13,  tail  5^  inches. 

After  careful  examination,  we  have  concluded  that  this  bird  is  probably  the  young  oi  Larus 
hrunneiceplialiis ,  of  which  we  have  mature  specimens  now  before  us  from  the  collection  of  the 
Philadelphia  Academy.  It  is  not  given  in  Fauna  Japonica  nor  elsewhere,  to  our  knowledge, 
as  a  bird  of  Japan ;  and  we  much  regret  that  the  loss  of  a  portion  of  the  upper  mandible  has 
prevented  our  presenting  a  figure  of  it  to  the  reader. 

"Bay  of  Yedo,  April,  1854;  eye  yellow." 

Mr.  Heine  mentions  this  species  as  having  been  abundant  in  the  Bay  of  Yedo. 

CERATORHYNCHA  MONOCERATA,  (Pallas.) 

Alga  monocerata,  Pallas  Zoog.  Boss.  Asiat.  11,  p.  362,  (1811.) 

Phaleris  cerorhyncha,  Bonaparte  Zool.  Journ.  Ill,  p.  53,  (1827.) 

Cerorhyncua  occidentalis,  Bonap.  Ann.  New  York  Lyceum  II,  p.  428,  (1827.) 

Ceratorhyncha  occidentalis,  Bonap.  Comp.  List  p.  66. 

CuiMERiNA  cornuta,  Eschsc.  Zool.  Atlas  part  3,  p.  2,  (1829.) 

The  Horn-billed  Guillemot. 

Eschscholtz  Zool.  Atlas  pi.  12  ;  Aud.  B.  of  Am.  pi.  402,  fig.  5,  Oct.  ed.  VII,  pi.  471. 

Specimens  of  both  sexes  of  this  curious  bird  are  in  the  jiresent  collection.  The  female  is 
entirely  without  the  elevated  horn-like  appendage  at  the  base  of  tlie  upper  mandiBle  which  so 
strongly  characterizes  the  species,  and  from  which  it  derives  its  name.  The  male  and  female 
are,  however,  very  similar  in  color  and  all  other  characters,  the  white  stripes  from  the  corner  of 
the  mouth  and  behind  the  eye  being  rather  less  conspicuous  in  the  female,  and  the  color  of  the 
upper  parts  not  so  dark  as  in  the  male. 

The  description  by  Pallas,  cited  above,  evidently  applies  to  this  bird,  and  that  distinguished 
Russian  zoologist  appears  to  have  been  the  first  to  introduce  it  to  the  notice  of  naturalists.  It 
inhabits  the  northern  shores  of  Asia  and  America. 

"  Hakodadi,  May,  1854.     Eye  pale-yellow,  iris  black,  very  small." 

BRACHYRHAMPHUS  TEMMINCKII,  Biauclt. 

Brachyrhamphus  Temminckii,  Brandt.  Bulletin  Acad.  St.  Petersb.,  (1837.) 
Ukia  wumizusdme,  Temm.  pi.  col.  5,  liv.  98,  (about  1828.) 
Temm.  pi.  col.  576  ;  Temm.  and  Schleg.  Faun.  Jap.  Aves  pi.  79. 

Specimens  in  the  collection  are  from  Simoda,  and  are  labelled  as  representing  both  sexes. 
30  s 


234  EXPEDITION    TO   JAPAN. 

The  female  is  very  nearly  the  same  ia  all  respects  as  the  figure  of  the  young  bird  given  in 
Fauna  Japonica,  as  above  cited,  and  is  without  the  crest  and  white  space  on  the  head,  which 
characterize  the  male  bird. 

Though  the  name  applied  by  Temminck  to  this  bird  has  priority,  it  is  so  singularly  barbarous 
and  difficult  to  pronounce,  that  we  have  adopted  that  of  Prof.  Brandt.  It  is  very  correctly  and 
handsomely  represented  in  both  the  plates  referred  to  above. 

Relating  to  this  interesting  species  we  find  the  following  in  Mr.  Heine's  notes,*now  before  us: 
'■  The  officers  engaged  in  the  survey  of  the  harbor  of  Simoda  had  frequently  observed  numbers 
of  small  birds  swimming  at  some  distance  from  the  shore,  but  at  the  approach  of  the  boats  the 
birds  invariably  dived  and  disappeared.  On  one  occasion,  when  returning  from  Rock  island, 
the  boat  in  which  I  was  came  suddenly  upon  a  number  of  those  little  fellows,  swimming  and 
braving  a  rough  sea  in  fine  style,  calling  all  the  time  with  a  chirruping  voice.  Two  specimens 
were  secured,  when  all  the  others  quickly  disappeared.  This  bird  is  common  in  the  harbor 
of  Simoda." 

PHALEIUS  MYSTACEA,  (Pallas.) 

Uria  MYSTACEA,  Pallas  Zoog.  Rosso  Asiatica  II,  p.  372,  (1811.) 

"  Alca  camtschatica,  Nov.  Act.  Petrop.  XII,  tab.  8."  Pallas  as  above. 

Mormon  superciliosum,  Licht.  Verz.  p.  89  ? 

Phaleris  cristatella/'  Temm.  pi.  col.  Y  ;  Audubon  Orn.  Biog.  V,  p.  102. 

Temm.  pi.  col.  200  ;  Aud.  B.  of  Am.  pi.  402.  Oct.  Ed.  VII,  pi.  467. 

Specimens  of  this  curious  little  bird  are  in  the  collection  of  the  expedition,  from  the  bay  of 
Tedo  and  from  Simoda.  They  present,  however,  no  characters  other  than  as  represented  in  the 
plates  of  Temminck  and  Audubon  above  cited. 

The  bird  appears  to  inhabit  the  northern  coasts  of  both  continents  and  their  islands  ;  the 
specimens  figured  by  Mr.  Audubon  were,  however,  of  uncertain  origin.  It  has  not  previously 
been  known  as  a  bird  of  Japan,  and  perhaps  only  inhabits  the  northern  islands  of  that  empire. 

The  name  cristatella,  though  occasionally  applied  to  this  species,  is  properly  the  designation 
of  a  larger  bird,  not  yet  ascertained  to  be  entitled  to  a  place  in  the  Fauna  of  the  United  States. 
It  is  probable  that  the  name  for  the  present  bird,  having  priority  of  all  others,  is  camtschatica, 
as  above  cited,  a  point  which  at  present  we  are  unable  to  determine,  not  having  access  to  the 
early  volumes  of  the  Transactions  of  the  Academy  of  St.  Petersburg. 

"Bay  of  Yedo,  April,  1854,"  and  "Simoda,  April,  1854  ;  eye  grey." 

GRACULUS  CARBO,  (linnjens.) 

Pelecanus  CARBO,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  216,  (1766.) 

Carbo  cormoranus,  Meyer. 

The  cormorant. 

Gould  B.  of  Eur.  V,  pi.  407.     Aud.  B.  of  Am.,  pi.  266  ;  Oct.  ed.  VI,  pi.  415. 

The  common  cormorant  of  Europe  appears  to  be  another  of  the  birds  of  the  old  world  which 
are  disseminated  throughout  that  division  of  the  globe.  Specimens  in  the  present  collection 
appear  to  be  precisely  identical  with  others  now  before  us  from  central  and  western  Europe. 

Obtained  at  the  Bay  of  Yedo,  April,  1854.     "  Eye  bright  green." 

Mr.  Heine  mentions  this  bird  as  follows  : 

"Very  large  numbers  of  these  birds  were  observed  in  the  Bay  of  Yedo  and  its  vicinity,  either 


BIRDS     COLLECTED     IN    JAPAN.  235 

swimming  in  large  flocks  or  flying  one  behind  another  in  long  lines.  Whilst  in  the  water  they 
could  be  approached  but  with  the  greatest  difficulty.  Later,  during  the  survey  of  Simoda 
harbor,  our  boats  visited  a  small  group  of  rocks  about  six  miles  from  the  shore,  and  designated 
on  the  charts  as  Rock  island.  This  served  as  a  roosting  place  for  these  birds,  as  well  as  for 
numerous  gulls.  I  was  not,  however,  so  fortunate  as  to  find  the  nests  of  the  cormorants,  as 
only  a  small  part  of  the  rocks  were  accessible,  and  they  had  selected  as  their  resort  the  inacces- 
sible blufis  towards  the  seaside." 


236  EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN, 


B.-BIRDS  COLLECTED    IN   CHINA,   THE    LOO  CHOO   ISLANDS,   THE 

ISLANDS  OF  SINGAPORE  AND  CEYLON,  AND  ON 

THE  COAST  OF  CALIFOENL\. 


The  coUectipn  from  the  localities  above  mentioned,  like  that  referred  to  in  the  preceding 
pages,  was  made  almost  exclusively  by  Mr.  Heine,  whose  notes,  which  will  be  found  inserted, 
add  much  of  interest  and  information.  It  is  also  a  feature  by  no  means  unimportant  in  refer- 
ence to  the  present  collection,  that  the  species  were  actually  collected  at  the  localities  designated, 
and  not  purchased  nor  obtained  merely  in  trade  collections,  as  is  usual  where  bird  skins  are 
regularly  oifered  for  sale  by  dealers.  This  fact  gives  a  degree  of  value  and  consideration  tc 
specimens  of  some  well  known  species  in  the  present  collection. 

I.  ORDER  RAPTORES.— The  Rapacious  Birds. 

FALCO   SPARVERIUS,   (Linnieus.) 

Ealco  SPARVERius,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  128,  (1766.) 

Falco  dominicensis,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  285,  (1788.) 

The  sparrow  hawk. 

Wilson  Am.  Orn.  II,  pi.  16,  tig.  1.     And.  B.  of  Am.,  pi.  42  ;  Oct.  ed.  I,  pi.  22. 

"  Benicia,  California,  December,  1854."' 

HALI.ETUS  LEUCOCEPHALUS,   (LinniEus.) 

Falco  lEUcocEPHALrs,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  124,  (1766.) 
Falco  ossiTRAcrs,  Wilson  Am.  Orn.  YII,  p.  16,  (1813.) 

The  BALD  EAGLE  ;    tlie  WHITE  HEADED  EAGLE. 

Wilson  Am.  Orn.  lY,  pi.  36  ;  VII,  pi.  55.    Aud.  B  of  Am.,  pi.  31,  126  ;  Oct.  ed.  I,  pi   14. 
From  Nappa  valley,  California. 

ELANUS  LEUCURUS,  (VieiUot.) 

MiLviTS  LEUCURUS,  ViciU.  Nouv.  Diet.  XX,  p.  563,  (1818.) 

Falco  dispar,  Temm.  PI.  Col.  I,  liv.  54,  (about  1824.) 

The  WHITE  tailed  hawk  ;  the  bl.\ck  shouldered  hawk. 

Bonap.  Am.  Orn.  II,  pi.  11,  fig.  1.     Aud.  B.  of  Am.,  pi.  352  ;  Oct.  ed.  I,  pi.  16. 

"Benicia,  California,  December,  1854."  Very  handsome  and  mature  specimens  are  in 
the  collection  of  the  expedition  ;  and  considering  the  fact  that  on  the  Atlantic  seaboard  this 
species  is  restricted  to  the  southern  States,  its  occurrence  so  far  north  as  Benicia,  in  December, 
is  quite  remarkable.  Several  birds  have,  however,  this  same  range,  being  found  much  further 
porth  on  the  Pacific  than  on  the  Atlantic  coast  of  the  United  States. 


# 


BIRDS     COLLECTED     IN    CHINA,     ETC.  237 

CIRCUS  HUDSONIUS,  (LinniBus.) 

Falco  HUDSONIUS,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  128,  (1766.) 

Falco  uliginosus,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  ij.  278,  (1788.) 

The  marsh  hawk  ;  the  harrier. 

Wilson  Am.  Orn.  VI,  pi.  51,  fig.  2.     And.  B.  of  Am.,  pi.  356  ;  Oct.  ed.  I,  pi.  26. 

From  Benicia,  California. 

2.    ORDER  INSESSORES.— The  Perching  Birds. 

GAERULAX   PEKSPICILLATUS,    (Gmelin.) 

TuRDUs  perspicillatus,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  II,  p.  830,  (1788.) 

Plate  4. — Adult  Male. 

Several  specimens  of  this  bird  are  in  the  collection  of  the  expedition,  and  seem  to  fairly 
represent  the  species  in  mature  plumage.  All  have  the  abdomen  and  under -tail  coverts  rufous, 
which  is  a  character  mainly  to  be  relied  on  in  distinguishing  this  species  from  others  nearly 
allied.  Like  many  other  birds  of  China,  the  present  being  but  indifferently  known,  we  have 
availed  ourselves  of  the  opportunity  of  having  one  of  the  finest  male  specimens  figured  in  the 
plate  accompanying. 

The  genus  Garrulax  is  not  to  be  assigned  to  a  systematic  position  without  difficulty.  It  has 
to  us  the  appearance  of  a  Garruline  or  Corvine  group,  and  at  present  we  so  regard  it,  but  it  may 
belong  more  properly  among  the  aberrant  thrushes.  The  student  will,  however,  find  some 
diversity  of  opinion  relative  to  the  arrangement  of  this  singular  group  of  birds,  presenting  at 
least  the  advantage  of  a  selection  being  made  according  to  his  judgment  or  fancy. 

From  Macao,  China. 

Our  figure  is  about  two-thirds  of  the  size  of  life.     Sexes  very  nearly  alike. 

MELOPHUS  MELANICTEEUS,  (Gmelia.) 

Fringilla  melanictera,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  II,  p.  910,  (1788.) 

Emberiza  erythroptera,  Jard.  and  Sel.  111.  Orn.  Ill,  (no  page  nor  date.)  * 

Jardine  and  Selby  111.  Orn.  Ill,  pi.  132. 
From  China. 

Late  ornithologists  have  greatly  erred  in  regarding  as  one  all  the  species  of  the  genus 
Melophus.     There  are  several  well  defined  and  distinct,  though  allied,  species. 

CHLOROSPIZA  SINICA,   (Linn.'eus.) 

Fringilla  sinica,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  321,  (1766.) 

Buff.  PI.  Enl.  157,  fig.  3,  Temm.  and  Schleg.  Faun.  Jap.  Aves,  pi.  49. 

Specimens  of  this  handsome  little  finch  are  from  Macao.  Mr.  Heine  states  that  it  is  frequently 
to  be  seen  in  the  gardens  and  shrubbery  in  the  suburbs,  and  is  quite  familiar  in  its  habits. 

This  bird  is  known  also  as  a  Japanese  species,  but  no  specimens  are  in  the  present  collection 
from  that  country. 


238  EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN. 

HETEROKNIS  SERICEA,   (Gmelin.) 

Sturnus  sericeus,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  II,  p.  805,  (1788.) 

Plate  5. — Adult  Male. 

This  handsome  grakle  is  a  species  almost  lost  sight  of  by  modern  ornithologists,  though 
known  to  the  naturalists  of  a  century  since,  and  always  holding  its  place  in  the  hooks.  We 
have  figured  an  adult  male  selected  from  several  fine  specimens  in  the  collection  of  the  expedi- 
tion, all  of  which  are  from  the  vicinity  of  Macao. 

The  figure  in  our  plate  is  of  the  size  of  life,  and  represents  the  adult  male.  The  female 
difi'ers  from  the  male  in  having  the  head  much  more  tinged  with  cinereous,  and  the  hack  tinged 
with  brown. 

Mr.  Heine  observes  with  reference  to  this  species  : 

"  These  specimens  come  from  the  vicinity  of  Macao.  Owing  to  the  eagerness  with  which  the 
Chinese  kill  everything  that  they  can  lay  hold  of,  birds  are  scarce,  and  appear  to  have  become 
very  shy.  This  bird  I  obtained  in  the  hills  of  Padre  island,  where  it  was  flying  about  the 
rocks,  apparently  in  search  of  insects.  I  could  not  discover  a  nest  of  this  species,  but  when 
alarmed  it  took  refuge  amongst  the  cliffs  of  the  rocks.  If  it  had  not  been  for  its  great  timidity, 
it  would  probably  have  shown  more  of  the  manners  of  the  similar  kind  of  birds  which  I  found 
in  large  numbers  at  Hakodadi  {H.  pyiThogenys)." 

LANIUS  SCHACH,  Linnteus. 

Lanius  SCHACH,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  136,  (1766.) 

Laotus  pyrrhonotus,  Yieill.  Gal.  des  Ois.  I,  p.  219,  (1825.) 

Lanius  chinensis.  Gray  Zool.  Mis.,  p.  1,  (1841.) 

Lanits  BENTBT,  Horsfield  Trans.  Linn.  Soc,  London,  XIII,  p.  144,  (1822)? 

Vicill.  Gal.  des  Ois.  I,  pi.  135;  Lesson  Cent.  Zool.,  pi.  72? 

The  present  specimens  from  China,  and  others  now  before  us  from  that  country,  are  rather 
larger  than  specimens  from  the  Malay  Archipelago.  In  other  respects  they  are  exceedingly 
similar.     Specimens  are  from  the  vicinity  of  Macao. 

This  species  is  mentioned  by  Mr.  Heine  as  follows  : 

"Seen  frequently  on  the  hills  of  the  islands  around  Macao  and  Hong  Kong.  I  seldom  met 
with  them  in  the  middle  of  the  day,  but  generally  at  twilight  they  were  busily  engaged 
capturing  insects.     Large  moths  and  other  nocturnal  insects  seemed  to  be  their  favorite  prey." 

ARTAMUS  FUSCUS.  Vieillot. 

Artamus  FUSCUS,  Vieill.  Nouv.  Diet.  XIII,  p.  297,  (1817.) 
OcTPTERUs  RUFiVENTER,  Valeucieunes,  Mem.  du  Mus.,  Paris,  VI,  p.  27,  (1820.) 
Mem.  du  Mus.,  D'Hist.  Nat.,  Paris,  VI,  pi.  6,  fig.  1. 
Specimens  from  Macao. 
Mr.  Heine  observes : 

"A  bird  of  very  solitary  habits,  occasionally  met  with  about  the  little-visited  rocky  declivities 
in  the  vicinity  of  Macao." 


BIRDS     COLLECTED     IN    CHINA,      ETC. 

DICRURUS  COERULESCENS,  (Linnseus.) 

Lanius  COERULESCENS,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  134,  (1766.) 
Edwards  Birds,  2,  pi.  56. 
From  Pointe  de  Galle,  Ceylon. 

TEPHRODORNIS  PONDICERIANA,  (Gmelin.) 

MusciCAPA  PONDICERIANA,  Gron.  Syst.  Nat.  II,  p.  939,  (1788.) 

Keroula  indica,  Hardw.  and  Gray,  111.  Ind.  Zool.,  (name  on  plate. 

Lamius  muscicapoides,  Franklin  Proc.  Zool.  Soc,  London,  1831,  p.  117. 

Keroula  shrike,  Latham. 

Hardw.  and  Gray,  111.  Ind.  Zool.,  pi.  33,  figs.  1-2. 

From  Singapore. 

ERYTHROSTERNA  RUBECULA,  (Swainson.) 

MusciCAPA  RUBECULA,  Swains.  Nat.  Lib.  Orn.  X,  p.  221,  (1838.) 

Nat.  Lib.  Orn.  X,  pi.  27. 

A  single  specimen,  apparently  a  female,  from  Ceylon. 

This  species  is  not  given  by  Mr.  Layard  in  his  valuable  "Notes  on  the  Ornithology  of 
Ceylon,"  in  the  Annals  and  Magazine  of  Natural  History,  (vols.  13,  14.)  He  does  give,  how- 
ever, Cyornis  rubeculoides,  and  possibly  alludes  to  the  present  bird. 

The  present  specimen  is  strictly  identical  with  others  in  the  museum  of  the  Philadelphia 
Academy,  labeled  as  from  the  island  of  Java.  Mr.  Swainson  very  probably  describes  and 
figures  the  female  only.  The  male  in  the  museum  just  mentioned  is  quite  different  in  the 
color  of  the  upper  parts — head,  back,  and  rump  ashy  black,  (or  slate  color ;)  line  over  and 
behind  the  eye,  white ;  tips  of  the  greater  wing  coverts  white,  forming  a  wide  oblique  stripe 
across  the  wing.  Quills  and  tail  brownish  black,  the  latter,  with  the  external  webs  of  the  outer 
feathers  white  at  the  base  of  the  tail.  Under  parts  fine  reddish  fulvous,  as  in  the  female ; 
ventral  region  and  under  tail  coverts,  white.  Total  length  about  5  inches,  wing  3,  tail  2^ 
inches. 

The  male,  above  described,  we  do  not  at  present  remember  to  have  ever  seen  described ;  but 
it  is  not  improbable  that  it  may  have  received  a  distinct  specific  designation.  This  bird  is 
generically,  or  at  least  sub-generically,  distinct  from  Cyornis.  • 

Mr.  Heine's  note  on  this  species  is  : 

"Inhabits  trees  around  houses  at  Pointe  de  Galle,  Ceylon." 

HYPOTHYMIS  CYANOMELANA,  (Temminck.) 

MusciCAPA  CYANOMELANA,  Temm.  pi.  col.  3,  (liv.  70.) 
Temm.  and  Schleg.  Faun.  Jap.  Aves,  pi.  17,  D ;  Temm.  pi.  col.  470. 

From  the  vicinity  of  Macao ;  where,  according  to  Mr.  Heine,  it  is  abundant,  inhabiting  the 
bushes  in  the  outskirts  of  the  town,  and  occasionally  gardens. 

LUSCIOLA  CYANURA,  Temm.  and  Schleg. 

LusciOLA  CYANURA,  Temm.  and  Schleg.  Faun.  Jap.,  p.  54,  (1850.) 

Temm.  and  Schleg.  Faun.  Jap.  Aves,  pi.  21. 

From  Macao;  and,  according  to  Mr.  Heine,  found  in  similar  localities  as  the  preceding. 


240  EXPEDITIO>    TO    JAPAN. 

CALAMOHERPE  CAXTANS,  (Tern  .:.  and  Schleg.) 

Salicaria  caxtaxs,  Temm.  and  Schleg.  Faun.  Jap.  Aves,  p.  51,  (1850.) 
Temm.  and  Schleg.  Faun.  Jap.  Ares,  pi.  19. 
A  single  specimen,  from  the  Ticinity  of  Macao. 

MALACOCIRCUS  GRISEUS,  (GmeUn.) 

TruDUS  GRisEUS,  Gm.  Syst.  Xat.  I,  p.  824,  (1788.) 

Malacocekcts  striatts,  Swainson  Zool.  111.  Ill,  p.  127,  (1833.) 

Swains.  Zool.  111.  (2d  series)  III,  pi.  127. 

Appears  to  be  a  common  bird  of  Ceylon.  Specimens  in  the  collection  of  the  expedition  present 
no  characters  other  than  are  usual  in  this  species. 

We  findj  in  Mr.  Heine's  manuscript  notes,  the  following  relating  to  this  bird  : 

"The  name  of  this  bird  was  given  to  me  at  Pointe  de  Galle,  Ceylon^  as  "the  Cinnamon 
bird;"  but  why  it  has  obtained  such  a  designation  I  cannot  determine.  It  seemed  to  prefer 
the  dense  woods^  always  sitting  in  the  darkest  and  densest  foliage.  Its  flight  is  very  swift  and 
noiseless ;  indeed,  it  glides  through  the  air  like  the  ghost  of  a  birdj  scarcely  stirring  the  air. 
Its  weight  is  very  small  compared  with  its  apparent  bulk,  so  that  it  seemed  as  if  I  held  in  my 
hand  only  a  bunch  of  feathers.  Sometimes  it  allowed  me  to  approach  quite  near,  but  keeping, 
nevertheless,  its  light-colored,  curious-looking  eye  fixed  on  me  with  anxious  attention." 

The  habits  of  this  bird  here  given  by  Mr.  Heine  seem  to  be  different  in  some  respects  from 
Mr.  Layard's  account  of  this  species  in  "Notes  on  the  Ornithology  of  Ceylon,"  in  Annals  and 
Mag.  Nat.  Hist.  XII^  p.  271,  but  we  have  no  doubt  as  to  the  identity  of  the  species. 

COPSYCHUS  SATJLARIS,  (Linn.) 

Graccla  saularis,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  165,  (1766.) 

Grtlliyora  intermedia.  Swains. 

Edwards'  Birds  IV,  pi.  181. 

From  Pointe  de  Galle,  Ceylon.  The  specimens  in  the  present  collection  are  rather  large  for 
this  species,  and  seem  to  approach  C.  mindanensis .  The  relations  of  the  species  of  this  genus  to 
each  other  are,  however,  rather  complex,  and  not  easily  determined. 

•  PETROCINCLA  .MANILLENSIS,  (Gmelin.) 

TuRDTJS  MASTLLENSis,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  833,  (1788.) 

Buff.  PI.  Enl.  636,  564. 

Several  specimens  from  Macao;  where,  according  to  Mr.  Heine,  it  is  of  frequent  occurrence. 
He  observes  :  "This  bird  inhabits  rocky  hills  and  declivities  in  the  neighborhood  of  Macao.  I 
do  not  remember  having  seen  two  of  this  species  togethef  in  one  place,  but  always  alone,  perched 
on  the  top  of  a  rock  or  stone,  and  very  shy.  When  alarmed,  it  immediately  disappears  into  its 
hiding-place  in  the  fissures  of  the  rocks,  or  other  places  affording  concealment." 

FETROCINXLA  PAXDOO,  Sykes. 

Petrocincla  pandoo,  Sykes  Proc.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  1831,  p.  87. 

Adult  and  young  birds  in  the  present  collection  appear  to  be  the  species  established  by  Col. 
Sykes,  as  above,  and  are  easily  distinguished  from  the  preceding  by  their  uniform  slate-blue 
plumage,  without  the  chestnut  abdomen  of  P.  mantUensis.     But  from  P.  cyanea,  we  can  find 


BIRDS      COLLECTED      (NCHINA,      ETC.  24 1 

no  difference,  except  the  ehorter  bill  of  the  present  bird — a  rather  slight  character  whereon  to 
found  a  specific  distinction. 
From  Singapore. 

IXOS  SINENSIS,  (Gmelin.) 

MusciCAPA  SINENSIS,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  942,  (1788.) 
"TuRDUS  OCCIPITALIS,  Temm."     Eyd.  et  Gerv.  Mag.  Zool.,  1836,  p.  10. 
Eyd.  et  Gerv.  Voy.  Favorite,  Ois.,  pi.  14;  Guerin.  Mag.  Zool.,  1836,  pi.  66. 
Very  fine  specimens  from  Macao, 

IXOS  H^MORRHOA,  (Gmelin.) 

Mtjscicapa  h^morrhousa,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  941,  (1788.) 
H.aiMATORNis  CHRYSORROiDES,  Lafres. 

Plate  6. — Adult  male. 

From  Macao.  This  appears  to  be  the  species  really  entitled  to  the  name  above  given,  and 
never  having  been  accurately  figured,  we  have  availed  ourselves  of  the  fine  specimens  in  the 
present  collection  for  that  purpose. 

In  Mr.  Heine's  notes  we  find  the  following  in  reference  to  this  bird: 

"I  found  this  species  in  various  places  around  Macao.  Like  nearly  all  the  other  birds,  it  had 
retired  to  the  rocky  hills,  where  it  hopped  gaily  from  bough  to  bough^  or  flitted  from  rock  to 
rock,  sometimes  solitary,  but  frequently  in  pairs.  Its  movements  were  short,  and  sometimes 
eccentric.  When  anyth.ng  unusual  attracted  its  attention,  it  raised  its  crest,  and  looked  at 
the  object  with  an  expression  of  intense  curiosity." 

The  figure  in  our  plate  is  of  the  size  of  life,  and  represents  the  adult  male. 

FARUS  CINEREUS,  Vieillot. 

Parus  CINEREUS,  Vicill.,  Nouv.  Diet.  XX,  p.  316,  (1818.) 
Parus  atriceps,  Horsf.,  Linn.  Trans.,  London,  XIII,  p.  160,  (1822.) 
Parus  nepalensis,  Hodgs. 
Temm.,  pi.  col.  287,  fig.  2. 

A  single  specimen  from  the  vicinity  of  Macao,  which,  for  all  that  we  can  see,  is  strictly  identical 
with  others  in  the  collection  of  the  Philadelphia  Academy  from  Java  and  other  localities. 

MOTACILLA  LUGENS,  Temminck  and  Schlegel.  ' 

MoTACiLLA  LUGENS,  Temm.  and  Schleg.,  Faun.  Jap.  p.  60,  (1850.) 

Motacilla  leucoptera,  Vigors. 

Temm.  and  Schleg.,  Faun.  Jap.  Aves.,  pi.  25. 

Several  specimens  from  Macao,  entirely  identical  with  those  from  Japan.  It  will,  however, 
require  nice  discrimination  to  recognize  the  characters  relied  on  by  the  projectors  of  species  in 
the  restricted  genus  Motacilla. 

LORIUS  DOMICELLA,  (Linnisus.) 

PsiTTACUS  DOMICELLA,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  145,  (1796.) 
Edwards'  Birds  IV,  pi.  171. 
From  Singapore. 

This  splendid  parrot  is  stated  by  Mr.  Heine  to  have  been  "  frequently  observed  in  the  woods 
of  the  island  of  Singapore."     Very  fine  specimens  are  in  the  collection  of  the  expedition. 
31  5 


•242  EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN. 

LORICTLrS  GALGULUS,  (Linnffius.) 

"  PsiTTAcrs  GAXGrxrs,  Linn.  Sjst.  Xat.  I,  p.  150,  (1766.) 
Edwards'  Birds  YI,  pi.  293,  fig.  2.     Bourj.  St.  Hilaire,  Perr.  pi.  88. 

A  sin<^le  specimen  in  very  fine  plumage,  labelled  as  baring  been  obtained  at  Points  de  Gralle, 
Ceylon. 

LORICDLUS  INUICUS,  (Gmelin.) 

PsTTiAcrs  DfDiccs,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  349,  (1788.) 
PsiTiAcrs  ASiATicus,  Lath.  Ind.  Orn.  I,  p.  130,  (1790.) 
PsrriAcrs  msoa,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  351,  (1788.)  ? 
Edwards'  Birds  I,  pi.  6. 
From  Point  de  Galle,  Ceylon. 

Yrxx  TORQCiLLA,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  172,  (1766.) 

Gould  B.  of  Eur.  Ill,  pi.  233. 

From  Macao,  and  quite  similar  to  specimens  from  Europe. 

MEGAIABIA  CAKICEPS,  (Fianklin.) 

Brcco  CA^^CEPS,  Frankl.  Proc.  Zool.  Soc,  London,  1831,  p.  121. 

Le  Taill.  Hist.  Nat.  Barbets,  pi.  38. 

Stated  by  Mr.  Heine  to  be  of  frequent  occurrence  at  Pointe  de  Galle,  Ceylon. 

ALCEDO  BEXGALEXSIS,  Gmelin. 

Alcedo  bexgalessis,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  450,  (1788.) 

Temm.  and  Schleg.,  Faun.  Jap.  Aves.,  pi.  38. 

In  all  respects  identical  with  specimens  before  us  from  localities  on  the  coast  of  the  continent 
of  Asia  and  its  islands,  much  south  of  Japan  and  the  Loo  Choo  islands. 

"Loo  Choo,  August,  1554." 

Mr.  Heine  obserres  of  this  bird  :  "  This  kingfisher  is  to  be  seen  very  frequently  in  the  island 
of  Loo  Choo.  It  frequents  the  little  channels  between  the  rice  fields,  or  may  be  seen  near  pools 
of  water,  where  it  sits  watching  for  its  prey,  and  dashes  rapidly  into  the  water,  returning  with 
a  chattering  note  or  two  to  another  convenient  point  of  observation. " 

Specimens  from  Macao  are  also  in  the  collection  of  the  expedition. 

HALCTON  PHEATA,  (Boddaert.) 

Alcedo  pileata,  Bodd.  Tab.  PI.  Enl.,  p.  41,  (1783. 

Alcedo  atricapilla,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  453,  (1788.) 

Buffon,  PI.  Enl.  673.     Lesson,  Cent.  ZooL  pL  8. 

A  very  mature  and  handsome  specimen  of  this  well  known  species  is  from  a  more  northern 
locality  than  ever  before  determined.  It  was  obtained  at  the  mouth  of  the  river  on  which  the 
city  of  Nankin  is  situated. 

Mr.  Heine  observes :  "  This  bird  was  caught  alive  on  board  the  United  States  steamship  Mis- 
sissippi when  at  anchor  in  the  mouth  of  the  Yang-tzi-kiang  river." 


BIRDS  COLLECTED  IN  CHINA,   ETC.  243 

,  HALCYON  C0R0SL4.NDA,   (Latham.) 

Alcedo  coromanda,  Lath.  Ind.  Oru.  I,  p.  252,  (1790.) 

Halcyon  lilacina,  Swains.  Cab.  Cy.  Birds  II,  p.  335,  (1837.) 

Temm.  &  Schleg.  Faun.  Jap.  Aves,  pi.  39. 

Another  beautify!  kingfisher,  a  fine  sjjecimen  of  which,  in  the  present  collection,  is  from 
Singapore. 

Mr.  Heine's  note  on  this  species  is  :  "  From  the  river  Padang,  in  the  island  of  Singapore.  I 
had  only  broken  his  wing,  and  had  to  chase  him  for  some  time.  When  I  finally  captured  him 
he  raised  a  fierce  cry,  and  defended  himself  quite  gallantly." 

MEH0P8  PHILIPPINUS,  Linnasua. 

Merops  phillipinus,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  183,  (1T66.) 

Merops  javanicus,  Horsfield,  Trans.  Linn.  Soc.  London  XIII,  p.  Ifl,  (1822.) 

Merops  Daudini,  Cuvier  Eeg.  An.  I,  p.  442^  (1829.) 

Le  Vaill.  Hist.  Nat.  Guepiers,  pi.  14. 

Specimens  from  Pointe  de  Galle,  Ceylon. 

Mr.  Heine's  note  is  as  follows :  "This  bird  abounds  in  wet  and  swampy  grounds  in  the 
vicinity  of  Pointe  de  Galle,  Ceylon.  Sometimes,  when  sitting  and  partially  concealed,  it  would 
not  start  until  very  nearly  approached.  It  flies  with  a  long,  swift  stretch  of  wing,  and  usually 
alights  again  at  a  short  distance.  It  is  easy  enough  to  shoot,  but  more  difiicult  to  get  after^ 
wards  without  a  dog,  as,  falling  in  the  long  grass  of  the  swamps,  it  is  easily  lost,  on  account  of 
its  green  color  ;  and  when  it  falls  in  a  rice  field  it  is  impossible  to  approach  without  sinking 
ankle  deep  in  the  mud.  Some  little  boys  who  followed  me  the  whole  day  jumped  eagerly  into 
the  mud  to  fetch  the  specimens  of  this  bird,  which  are  now  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition." 

CINNYRIS  ZEYLONICA,  (Linufeus.) 

Certhia  ZEYLONICA,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  188,  (1766.) 
Vieill.  Ois.  dor.  pi.  16,  17. 
From  Pointe  de  Galle,  Ceylon. 

3.  ORDER  RASORES.— The  Gallinaceous  Birds. 

TREKON  VERNANS,  (Linn.) 

CoLUMBA  VERNANS,  Linn.  Mantiss,  p.  525,  (1771.) 

CoLTJMBA  PURPUREA,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  II,  p.  784,  (1788.) 

CoLUMBA  viRiDis,  Scopoli  Flor.  et  Faun.  Insub.,  p.  94,  (1736.) 

Buff.  PI.  Enl.  138.     Temminck  and  Knip's  Pigeons,  pi.  10. 

Specimens  of  this  fine  bird  are  from  Singapore. 

In  Mr.  Heine's  notes  we  find  the  following  in  relation  to  the  present  species : 

"  This  beautiful  dove  was  to  be  found  in  considerable  numbers  in  the  island  of  Singapore  and 
the  surrounding  islands.  They  were  to  be  seen  usually  in  the  morning  and  evening  in  the 
upper  branches  of  trees  in  the  woods,  and  could  be  shot  quite  easily.  Their  skins  were  exceed- 
ingly tender  and  difficult  to  prepare." 


244  EXPEDITION    TO    J   1  PA  .>i  , 


TUKIUR  CHINENSIS,  (ScopoU.) 


CoLUMBA  CHiXENSis,  Scop.  FloF.  et  Faun.  Insub.,  p.  94,  (1786.) 

CoLUMBA  TiGRKA,  Temm.  Pig.  et  Gall.  I,  p.  481,  (1813.) 

Temm.  and  Knip's  Pigeons,  pi.  43. 

From  China.     Mr.  Heine  observes  : 

"  This  dove  passed  the  steamship  Mississippi  in  great  numbers  whilst  at  anchor  in  the  mouth 
of  the  Yang-tzi-kiang  river,  and  several  were  shot.  I  never  saw  this  species  at  any  point  at 
which  I  had  an  opportunity  of  collecting." 

COTDKSTX  COKOMANDELICA,  (Gmelin.) 

Tetrao  coromaxbeliccs,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  764,  (1788.) 
CoTURXix  TEXTiLis,  Temm.  Pig.  et  Gall.  III^  p.  742,  (1815.) 
Temm.  PI.  col.  35. 
From  China. 

FKAJfCOLINUS  PERLATUS,  (Gmelin.) 

Tetrao  perlatus,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  758,  (1788  ) 
Pebdes  maculata.  Gray,  Zool.  Misc.,  p.  2,  (1842.) 
Vieill.  Gal.  des  Ois.  11,  pi.  213. 
Very  fine  specimens  are  in  the  coUeetion  from  China. 

4.  ORDER  GRALLATORES.— The  Wadixg  Birds. 

GF.rS  CASADEXSIS,  (LinncTUs.) 

Ardea  ca>'adexsis,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  234,  (1766.) 
The  Sandhill  Craxe. 

Aud.  B.  of  Am.  pi.  261.     Oct.  ed.  V,  pi.  314. 
"Benicia,  California,  December,  1854." 

ARDEA  HERODIAS,  Liniueus. 

Ardea  Herodias,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  237,  (1766.) 

The  Great  Herox  ;  the  Blue  Craxe. 

Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  YII,  pi.  65,  fig.  5  ;  And.  B.  of  Am.,  pi.  211,  Oct.  ed.  YI,  pi.  369. 

"Benicia,  California,  December,  1854." 

ARDEA  EGEETTA,  Gmelin. 

Ardea  egretta,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  II,  p.  629,  (1788.) 

The  White  Craxe  ;  the  Great  Egret. 

Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  YII,  pi.  61,  fig.  4  ;  Aud.  B.  of  Am.,  pi.  386,  Oct.  ed.  YI,  pi.  370. 

From  Benicia,  California. 

ARDEA  CDTEREA,  Linnsus. 

Ardea  cix-erea,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  236^  (1766.) 
Ardea  major,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  627,  (1788.) 
BufF.  PI.  Enl.  755,  Gould  B.  of  Eur.  lY,  pi.  274. 


BIRDS    COLLECTED     IN     CHINA,      ETC.  245 

Precisely  similar  to  specimens  from  Europe. 

"  Loo  Choo,  February,  1854,  iris  bright  yellow." 

Mr.  Heine's  only  note  on  this  species  is  "  obtained  near  Too-may,  Loo  Choo,  in  rice  fields." 

AEDEA  LEUCOPTERA,  (Boddaert.) 

Cancroma  LEUCOPTERA,  Bodd.  Tab.  PI.  Enl.,  p.  54,  (1783.) 

Ardea  speciosa,  Horsf.  Zool.  Kes.  Java,  p.      (not  paged,  1824.) 

Hoosf.  Zool.  Res.,  pi.  30.     Hardw.  and  Gray,  111.  Ind.  Zool.,  pi.  48. 

From  Pointe  de  Galle,  Ceylon. 

"  Rice  fields  and  swamps,  iris  yellow." 

NTCTICORAX  GAEDENI,  (Gmelin.) 

Ardea  Gardeni,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat,  XI,  p.  645,  (1788.) 

Nycticorax  Amebicanus,  Bonap.  Comp.  List.,  p.  48,  (1838.) 

"Ardea  NTCTICORAX."     Wilson. 

The  Night  Heron. 

Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  VII,  pi.  61,  fig.  2.     Aud.  B.  of  Am.,  pi.  236,  oct.  ed.  VI,  pi.  363. 

From  Benicia,  California. 

BOTAUEUS  LENTIGINOSUS,  (Montague.) 

Ardea  lentisinosa,  Montague,  Otn.  Diet.  Supp.  (not  paged,  1813.) 

Ardea  minor,  Wilson  Am.  Orn.  VIII,  p.  35,  (1814.) 

The  American  Bittern. 

Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  VIII,  pi.  65.     Aud.  B.  of  Am.,  pi.  337,  oct.  ed.  VI,  pi.  365. 

From  Benicia,  California. 

GALUNULA  CHLOEOPDS,  (Linnseus.) 

FuLiCA  CHLOROPUS,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  258,  (1766.) 

Gallinula  pabvifrons,  Blyth. 

The  Gallinule. 

Gould,  B.  of  Europe,  V,  pi.  342. 

Specimens  not  distinguishable  from  the  common  European  Gallinule,  except  that  the  frontal 
plate  is  apparently  smaller  than  is  usually  seen.  It  is  probable,  however,  that  this  is  a  variable 
character,  and  not  to  be  relied  on  as  indicating  a  distinct  species. 

"  Loo  Choo,  August,  1854,  eye  yellow." 

We  find  in  Mr.  Heine's  notes  the  following  allusion  to  the  specimens  before  us : 

"  A  number  of  living  birds  were  presented  to  Commodore  Perry  by  the  regent  of  the  Loo 
Choo  islands,  amongst  which  were  the  present  specimens.  They  were  very  wild,  and  fluttered 
constantly,  attempting  to  escape,  and  died  in  the  course  of  a  few  days.  I  did  not  see  this  bird 
in  its  native  haunts." 

GALLINAGO  STENUEA,  (Temminck.) 

Scolopax  stenura,  Temm. 

The  Indian  Snipe. 

This  appears  to  be  an  extensively  difi'used  species.  In  addition  to  those  from  Japan,  there 
are,  also,  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition,  specimens  from  China,  in  excellent  plumage  and 
condition. 


246  EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN. 

The  following  is  Mr.  Heine's  note  : 

"This  snipe  is  found  in  considerahle  numbers  in  the  rice  fields  around  Macao  and  Canton,  It 
is  caught  in  nets  by  the  Chinese,  and  brought  to  market  alive. 

CHARADEIUS  PLUVIALIS,  Liimscus. 

CHARADRros  PLUViALis,  Linn.  Sys.  Nat.  I,  p.  254,  (1766.) 
Charadrius  APRiCARirs,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  254,  (1766.) 
The  Golden  Plover. 
Gould,  B.  of  Europe  IV,  pi.  294. 

From  China.  According  to  Mr.  Heine  :  "  Like  the  preceding,  this  plover  is  frequently  to 
be  seen  in  the  neighborhood  of  Macao  and  Canton,  and  is  also  brought  to  market  alive." 

6QUATAK0LA  HELVETICA,  (linn.) 

Trtxga  helvetica,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  250,  (1766.) 

Trdtga  sqtjatarola,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat  I,  p.  682,  (1788.) 

Vanellus  jielanogaster,  Bechst. 

The  Black-bellied  Plover. 

Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  YI,  pi.  57,  fig.  4. 

Also  from  China,  and,  according  to  Mr.  Heine,  frequent  in  the  vicinity  of  Macao. 

HIATICIILA  ATRIFEONS,  (Wagler.) 

Ch.^radrits  atrefrons,  Wagl.  Isis,  1829,  p.  650. 

From  Singapore. 

"  Aloug  the  river  Padang,  Singapore^  iris  brown." 

TOTAXrS  glottis,  (Linnaeus.) 

ScoLOPAX  GLOTTIS,  Linn,  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  245,  (1766.) 

Gould,  B.  of  Eur.  pi,  312. 

Specimens  from  Macao,  China,  not  different,  so  far  as  we  can  discover,  from  the  European 
bird. 

Mr.  Heine  states:  "  This  bird  is  frequent  on  the  beach  in  the  vicinity  of  Macao.  It  is  mostly 
to  be  seen  solitary,  very  shy,  and  apparently  always  on  the  alert,  and  flying  very  swiftly." 

TRINGA  HYPOLEUCA,  Linnjcns. 

Trixga  htpoleucos,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  250,  (1766.) 
Gould,  B.  of  Europe,  pi.  318. 
From  Singapore. 

EHTNCH.EA  CHINENSIS,  (Boddaert.) 

ScoLOPAX  CHINENSIS,  Bodd.  Tab.  PI.  EnL,  p.  53,  (1783.) 
Ehtnch^a  variegata,  Vieill,  Gal.  des  Ois.  II,  p.  109,  (1825.) 
Vieill.  Gal.  II,  pi.  240,  Buff.  PI.  Enl.,  881. 
From  Macao,  China. 

EECURVIEOSTEA  OCCIDENTALIS,  Vigors. 

Recurvirostra  OCCIDENTALIS,  Vig.  Zool.  Jour.  IV,  p.  356,  (1829.) 

The  White  Avocet. 

Cassin,  B.  of  California  and  Texas  I,  pi.  40. 

From  Benicia,  California. 


BIRDS    COLLECTED    IN    CHINA,      ETC.  247 

5.  OKDER  NATATORES.— The  S\vimming  Birds. 

ANAS  BOSCHAS,  Linnaeus. 

Anas  boschas,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  205,  (1766.) 
The  Mallard. 

Wilson  Am.  Orn.  VIII,  pi.  70,  fig  7.     Aud.  B.  of  Am.,  pi.  221,  oct.  ed.  VI,  pi.  385. 
From  Benicia,  California.     Specimens  in  the  collection  present  no  points  of  difference  from 
the  bird  of  the  Atlantic  coast. 

MAEECA  AMERICANA,  (Gmelin.) 

Anas  Americana,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  526,  (1788.)  ^ 

The  American  Widgeon. 

Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  VIII,  pi.  69,  fig  4.     Aud.  B.  of  Am.,  pi.  345,  oct.  ed,  VI,  pi.  389. 
From  Benicia,  California. 

QUERQUEDULA  CAEOLINENSIS,  (Gmelin.) 

Anas  Carolinensis,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  533,  (1788.) 

"Anas  crecca,"  Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  VIII,  p.  101. 

The  Green  Winged  Teal. 

Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  VIII,  pi.  70,  fig  4.     Aud.  B.  of  Am.,  pi.  228,  oct.  ed.  VI,  pi.  392. 

From  Benicia,  California.    , 

FDLIGTILA  MAEILA,  (Linnreus.) 

Anas  marila,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  196,  (1766.) 

Anas  frenata,  Sparrmann  Mus.  Carls. 

The  Scaup  Dock,  the  Black  Headed  Duck. 

Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  VIII,  pi.  69,  fig  3.     Aud.  B.  of  Am.,  pi.  229,  oct.  ed.  VI,  pi.  397. 

From  Benicia,  California. 

Very  fine  specimens  of  the  four  ducks  preceding  have  aiforded  us  an  opportunity  for  careful 
comparison  with  specimens  from  the  Atlantic  coast.  They  appear  to  be  precisely  identical  in 
all  essential  characters. 

TADOENA  YULPANSEE,  Fleming. 

Tadorna  vulpanser,  Fleming,  Brit.  An.  I,  p.  122.  -^ 

Anas  tadorna,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  T,  p.  195,  (1766.) 
The  Sheldrake. 
Gould,  B.  of  Eur.,  pi.  357. 

From  Macao,  China.  The  specimen  now  before  us  has  the  pectoral  band  more  narrow  and 
the  bill  more  curved  upwards  than  in  European  specimens,  otherwise  quite  similar. 

LAETJS  FTJSCUS,  Llnnasus. 

Larus  fusous,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  225,  (1766.) 
Gould,  B.  of  Eur.  V,  pi.  431. 
From  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope. 

LAEUS  OCCIDENTALIS,  Audubon. 

Larus  occidentalis,  Aud.  Orn.  Biog.  V,  p.  320,  (1839.) 
Larus  niveus,  Pallas  Zoog.  Eosso  Asiat.  II,  p.  820,  (1811)  ? 
Pallas  Zoog.  Boss.  Asiat.  pi.  86? 


248  EXPEDITION    TO   JAPAN. 

From  Benicia,  California.  Specimens  of  this  handsome  species  ars  now  frequently  to  be  met 
with  in  collections  from  the  western  coast  of  North  America,  where  it  appears  to  be  a  common 
species.  This  bird  is  closely  allied  to  Larus  argentatus,  but  is  apparently  different  in  some 
minor  characters.  It  agrees  quite  well  with  all  the  characters  indicated  in  Pallas'  description 
above  cited,  except  in  the  colors  of  the  bill  and  feet,  which  are,  however,  evidently  liable  to 
vary,  and  to  be  very  unreliable  in  preserved  specimens. 

STERXAMIXCTA,  Lmnsus. 

Sterna  md^tta,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  228,  (1766.) 

Gould,  B.  of  Eur.  Y,  pi.  420,  Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  Vn,  pi.  60,  fig.  2. 

Sever*!  specimens  in  the  collection  of  the  expedition  are  apparently  identical  with  others  now 
before  us  from  the  coast  of  Europe.  The  bill  may  be  perhaps  rather  larger,  in  which  respect 
they  approximate  to  S.  nereis,  Gould,  a  bird  of  Australia  ;  but  the  black  line  from  the  nostril 
to  the  eye  is  well  defined,  and  in  all  other  characters  they  are  clearly  S.  niinuta, 

"Loo  Choo,  August,  1854,  eye  black." 

Mr.  Heine  observes : 

"Seen  very  frequently  about  the  coral  reefs,  surrounding  Napha  harbor.  Loo  Choo.  Its 
flight  is  very  swift,  and  sometimes  it  suddenly  stops,  flutters  for  a  moment  suspended  in  the 
air,  and  then  dashes  almost  perpendicularly  into  the  water.  In  this  manner  it  catches  fishes, 
which,  if  small,  are  devoured  immediately,  but,  if  larger,  it  flies  away  to  some  neighboring 
rock  and  eats  them  leisurely. 


LETTER  DESCRIBING  THE  MANNER 


HATCHING  DUCKS  IN  CHINA 


32  s 


LEITER  FKOM  DE.  JOS.  WILSON  TO  DR.  L.  J.  WILLIAMS,  U.  S.  N. 


DlSCBIBIlja 


THE  MANNER  OF  HATCHING  DUCKS  IN  CHINA 


United  States  Navy  Yard, 

Philadelphia,  February  23,  1856. 

Dear  Doctor:  I  have  received  your  paper  of  the  22d  instant,  and  as  I  suppose  I  may  serve 
your  purpose  better  by  going  a  little  into  detail,  I  will  do  so.  There  was  no  artificial  heat  in 
actual  use  while  I  was  there  ;  the  temperature  of  the  external  atmosphere  was  at  about  90° 
Fahrenheit ;  and  there  was  a  small  chamber  with  a  number  of  furnaces  and  charcoal  ready  to  be 
lighted  and  put  in  requisition  at  very  short  notice. 

The  whole  establishment  was  conducted  in  a  rough  building,  like  the  common  business  places 
of  the  Chinese — front  entirely  open,  partition  wall  to  separate  it  from  its  neighbors,  mud 
floor,  &c. 

The  front  room  had  large  shelves  on  the  two  sides,  about  four  feet  deep  from  the  wall, 
extending  the  whole  length,  the  lower  about  a  yard  from  the  ground,  and  two  others  about 
eighteen  inches  apart.  These  shelves  were  appropriated  to  eggs  which  were  within  two  or 
three  days  of  their  term  ;  the  shelves  were  first  covered  with  two  or  three  thicknesses  of  heavy 
spongy  paper,  almost  as  thick  as  blankets,  which  appeared  to  have  been  manufactured  for  the 
special  purpose,  in  sheets  four  or  five  feet  square.  Next  came  a  layer  of  eggs,  two  deep,  all 
over  the  shelves,  and  two  or  three  layers  of  the  blanket  jDaper  mentioned. '  Parts  of  these 
shelves  were  occupied  by  eggs  which  had  but  recently  been  placed  there  ;  they  felt  veiy  waini 
to  the  hand  ;  seemed  to  depend  exclusively  upon  their  own  warmth,  which  was  certainly  much 
above  that  of  the  atmosphere  ;  the  blanket  paper  protecting  them  from  its  chilling  influence, 
as  well  as  sudden  changes.  On  some  parts  of  the  shelves  the  eggs  were  hatching,  and  the 
men  were  engaged  where  they  were  nearly  all  hatched  in  separating  them  ;  they  tossed  the 
little  ones,  as  well  as  the  eggs  which  showed  signs  of  animation,  very  roughly  and  carelessly 
into  baskets  at  considerable  distance,  greatly  endangering  the  strangers'  lives  from  concussion, 
fracture  of  limbs,  &c.,  in  our  estimation  ;  but  in  John's  opinion  it  merely  broke  the  shells,  and 
thus  enabled  them  the  better  to  extricate  themselves.  The  ducklings,  after  remaining  a  few 
hours  to  dry  and  extricate  themselves  from  shells,  were  placed  on  the  floor  in  little  movable 
basket-work  enclosures  of  bamboo,  and  supplied  with  a  kind  of  grass,  chopped  up  for  food, 
which  they  ate  with  an  appetite  which  showed  that  they  fully  aiipreciated  it.     This  grass  was 


252  EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN. 

placed  in  little  baskets  with  broad  bottoms,  so  tbat  they  could  not  be  overset,  aud  the  vertical 
splints  continued  upward  and  were  tied  together  at  the  top,  so  as  to  afford  slats,  in  the  manner 
of  a  horse's  manger  ;  they  could  stick  in  their  heads,  in  the  scramble  for  their  first  breakfast, 
but  could  not  trample  the  food  under  their  feet.  I  presume  the  young  are  transferred  almost 
immediately  to  the  boats,  as  I  did  not  see  any  which  appeared  more  than  a  week  old. 

4\lL 


At  the  hack  part  of  their  room  is  a  mud  wall  partition,  with  a  door  in  the  centre,  and  two 
other  walls  running  back  at  right-angles  to  it,  dividing  the  back  end  of  the  building  into 
three  small  apartments  :  one  for  the  furnaces  of  charcoal,  &c.,  the  middle  one  serves  as  entrance, 
and  the  third  is  the  apartment  appropriated  to  the  most  delicate  part  of  the  process.  This  has 
a  board  floor,  raised  about  four  feet  from  the  ground,  beneath  which  are  placed  the  furnaces,  if 
necessary.  The  apartment  itself  was  yery  dark  and  smothering — not  much  gas  or  smoke,  but 
high  temperature.  This  apartment  contained  about  ten  barrels,  lined  with  the  flannel  paper, 
stratum  super  stratum,  about  three  or  four  inches  thick.  In  these  barrels  the  process  begins, 
and  continues  till  within  two  or  three  days  of  its  termination,  when  they  go  to  the  shelves  in 
the  front  room.  The  barrels  are  almost  filled  with  eggs,  a  sheet  of  paper  being  interposed 
between  each  layer  of  about  six  inches,  and  the  whole  covered  with  three  or  four  sheets  of  the 
flannel  paper,  and  a  thick  light  lid,  composed  in  part  of  the  same  material. 

The  whole  arrangement  seems  to  be  a  most  perfect  protection  from  sudden  changes  of  temper- 
ature, and  I  am  under  the  impression  that  the  eggs  are  handled  a  great  deal,  as  they  opened 
them  without  any  hesitation,  and  even  asked  us  if  we  would  not  like  to  invest  capital  in  the 
business,  for  which  they  offered  to  pay  two  per  cent,  a  month,  or  a  share  of  the  profits,  which 
were  certainly  to  be  equivalent. 

JOSEPH  WILSON. 


NOTES 


FIGURES  OF  JAPANESE  FISH 


TAKEN  FBOU  BECEKT  SFEOIMENS 


BY   THE   ARTISTS   OF   THE    U.    S.  JAPAN   EXPEDITION: 


BY  JAMES   CARSON  BREVOORT. 


NOTES 

ON 

SOME  FIGURES  OF  JAPANESE  FISH, 

BY  JAMES  CARSON  BREVOORT. 


The  Expedition,  owing  to  the  possible  diificulties  it  might  have  to  encounter,  was  not  accom- 
panied by  professed  naturalists,  which  circumstance  is  much  to  be  regretted.  The  Marine  Fauna 
of  the  Pacific,  which  is  in  many  respects  peculiar,  would  have  ofi'ered  a  wide  field  for  investiga- 
tion, and  much  valuable  information  might  have  been  collected.  The  geographical  distribution 
offish  in  that  ocean  has  not  yet  been  studied,  though  the  little  that  is  known  on  the  subject  is 
highly  interesting.  Many  abnormal  genera,  which  connect  widely  dissimilar  groups  of  other 
seas,  are  there  met  with,  while  some  families  there  receive  their  full  development. 

A  more  intimate  knowledge  of  the  currents  of  the  Pacific  and  Indian  oceans  will  be  necessary 
in  order  to  account  for  the  great  range  of  certain  fish.  The  Kuro-Siwo,  of  the  Western  Pacific, 
no  doul>t  produces  results  similar  to  those  observed  in  the  case  of  the  Gulf  Stream  in  the  Atlantic, 
by  extending  the  range  of  southern,  and  limiting  that  of  northern  marine  species.  Sir  John 
Richardson,  in  1845,  from  zoological  data  of  this  nature  only,*  indicated  the  probability  of  such 
a  current  being  found  to  exist,  and  his  surmises  have  been  fully  verified. 

The  materials  used  for  this  paper  consist  of  spirited  figures  of  sixty  kinds  of  fish,  principally 
valuable  from  their  having  been  taken  from  recently  procured  specimens.  They  were  executed 
mostly  by  Messrs.  Patterson  and  Peters,  a  few  being  the  work  of  Messrs.  Heine  and  Bayard 
Taylor,  and  are  more  or  less  correctly  drawn  ;  none  of  them,  however,  with  any  close  attention 
to  the  specific  characters. 

From  their  authority,  several  true  Salmonidas  have  been  added  to  the  Japanese  Fauna,  with 
a  few  new  species  of  other  families.  The  range  of  several,  described  in  the  Fauna  Japonica, 
has  been  extended,  and  some  additional  materials  for  the  history  of  others  has  been  gleaned 
from  them.  One  of  the  most  interesting  results  of  their  examination  is  the  proof  that  viviparous 
fish,  closely  allied  to  the  California  ones,  are  found  on  the  western  shores  of  the  Pacific.  Some 
names  of  fish,  and  notes  on  them,  were  derived  from  a  young  Japanese  who  returned  with  the 
Expedition.  He  had  been  engaged  in  the  coasting  trade  at  home,  and  was  familiar  with  most 
of  the  native  species.  The  natives  of  Japan,  generally,  are  large  consumers  of  fish,  and  are 
well  acquainted  with  all  the  productions  of  their  own  seas. 

It  will  hardly  be  considered  necessary,  in  this  short  paper,  to  give  a  list  of  works  consulted. 
Such  as  could  be  referred  to,  are  quoted  in  their  proper  place.     Pallas,  in  his  Zoographia  Rosso- 

<'   Sop  1ii«  report,  to  the  Rritiali  Assoriation.  :it  tlip  ir>th  mpcf.inB:,  pnfro  inO 


256  E  X  p  F.  n  I  T  1  (t  >"  TO  J  A  p  A  r . 

Asiatics,  describes  many  fish  from  the  North  Pacific,  some  of  which  occur  on  the  coast  of  Japan. 
The  loss  of  the  plates,  which  were  to  have  accompanied  his  work,  makes  it  sometimes  difficult  to 
identify  his  species.  The  only  special  work  on  the  suhject  is  the  Ichthyological  portion  of  the 
Fauna  Japonica.  This  of  itself  is  a  truly  magnificent  work,  and  but  few  countries  can  boast  of 
one  equally  valuable.  The  authors  of  this  portion  of  it— Messrs.  Temminck  and  Schlegel — 
worked  from  the  notes  and  collections  of  Mr.  Burger,  who  besides  preserved  specimens,  had 
collected  many  drawings  by  natives  of  recent  fish. 

This  work,  commenced  in  1842,  was  completed  in  1850,  and  contains  descriptions  of  358 
species,  of  which  294  are  figured  on  143  plates.  The  whole  is  in  large  folio.  Schlegel  seems 
to  have  been  the  chief  author  of  it.  Sir  John  Kichardson,  in  his  report  on  the  Ichthyology  of 
the  seas  of  China  and  Japan,  prepared  for  the  loth  meeting  of  the  British  Association,  in  1845, 
has  added  much  information  to  what  was  already  known.  The  "  Histoire  des  Poissons"  con- 
tains much  new  matter  on  the  same  subject ;  among  other  things,  Mr.  Valenciennes  having 
identified  most  of  the  Pallasian  species  of  salmon  found  on  the  eastern  shores  of  Siberia.  In  this 
great  work  will  be  found  all  possible  information  relating  to  authorities  on  Japanese  Ichthyology. 

Some  few  fish  found  in  the  seas  of  Japan  are  described  in  the  zoological  reports  of  recent 
English  expeditions,  as  those  of  the  Blossom  and  the  Samarang.  The  indefatigable  Bleecker, 
who  has  contributed  much  to  our  knowledge  of  the  Ichthyology  of  the  Polynesian  Islands,  has 
also  published  three  special  papers  on  the  subject  of  Japanese  fish,  and  has  reviewed  the  whole 
of  this  portion  of  the  Japanese  Fauna. 

Much,  however,  remains  to  be  done  before  the  actual  number  of  species  found  on  the  shores  of 
this  interesting  archipelago  can  be  determined  with  any  approach  to  accuracy.  From  the  skill 
of  its  inhabitants  in  the  capture  and  preparation  of  fish,  it  is  probable  that  the  fisheries  of  Japan 
will  yet  prove  to  be  of  the  greatest  value  to  the  commercial  world. 

Kotf. — A  small  collection  of  Japanese  fish  was  made  by  a  physician  who  accompanied  the  Expedition,  but  they  coidd  not 
be  procured  for  examination. 

The  surveying  expedition  to  the  North  Pacific  has  recently  brought  home  very  large  collections  in  zoology,  which  are 
noticed  in  a  recent  number  of  the  American  Journal  of  Science  and  Art.  Among  these  collections,  made  by  the  accom- 
plished zoologist  of  the  Expedition  Mr.  William  Stimpson,  there  are  500  species  of  fish  ;  of  which  many  are  from 
Japan  and  the  neighboring  waters. 


FISHES     COLLECTED     IN     JAPAN.  257 

1.  LABRAX  JAPONICUS,  Cuvier. 

Labrax  JAPONICUS,  Cuv.  and  Val.  II,  85. 

"  "'  Bleecker,  Nalezingen  &c. 

Peecalabrax  JAPONICUS,  Faun.  Jap,  Pisces.,  Temm.  &  Schlegel,  2.  pi.  2,  fig.  1. 

Notes  on  drawing. — From  Simoda.     20^  inches. 

More  elongated  than  in  the  above  quoted  figure  ;  the  caudal  more  deeply  forked.  The  colors 
paler,  lateral  line  dark.  First  dorsal  only  with  clouded  spots  ;  the  second  with  a  single  series 
of  longer  spots  between  the  rays. 

This  fish  is  much  sought  after  as  food  by  the  Japanese.  Langsdorfl'  and  Schlegel  give  its 
name  as  Suzuki,  but  Diengkitsch  writes  it  Suuzuki.  Dr.  Cantor,  in  the  Annals  and  Magazine 
of  Nat.  Hist.,  vol.  9,  p.  277,  notices  this  fish  as  found  at  Chusan  and  the  river  Peiho, 


2.  SEERANUS  TSIRIMENARA,  Schlegel. 

Serranus  TSIRIMENARA,  Faun.  Jap.  loc.  cit,  7.  pi.  4  a.  fig.  3. 


PLATE  ni,  flg.  1.     Life  size  ? 


Notes.— From  Port  Lloyd,  Bonin  islands.— 7i  inches  ;  D.  10  (?)  A.  (?)  8;  0.  15  ;  P.  15. 

The  colors  are  much  brighter  than  in  the  figure  of  the  Fauna  Japonica,  which  was  taken 
from  a  preserved  specimen.  The  whole  of  the  head  and  body  bright  orange  red,  becoming  more 
yellowish  below.  The  white  spots,  seven  in  number,  of  oblong  form,  four  above  and  three 
below  the  lateral  line,  the  six  anterior  ones  being  under  the  spinous  dorsal.  Head  more  dusky. 
A  stripe  of  vermilion  red  from  above  tip  of  maxillaries  to  near  the  base  of  pectorals,  shaded  off 
on  the  edges.  Under  jaw  edged  with  vermilion  red;  irides  orange  red.  Margin  of  orbits 
blue.  Spinous  dorsal  pale  red,  the  membrane  behind  the  points  of  the  spines  darker.  Dark 
spots  on  back  between  bases  of  spines.  Soft  dorsal  like  the  back,  yellowish  towards  margin. 
The  other  fins  bright  yellow,  ventrals  and  anals  tipped  with  red. 


3.  SERRANUS  AKAARA,  Schleg. 

Serranus  Akaara,  Faun,  Jap.  loc.  cit.  9,  pi.  3,  fig.  1. 

Notes. — Hong  Kong.     (7f  inches  ;  reduced?) 

The  colors  lighter  than  in  the  Faun.  Jap.,  and  nearly  white  below.     Spots  brownisn  yellow ; 
cheeks  pale  yellow  ;  dorsal  dull  yellow. 

Aka,  means  scarlet ;  ara,  a  rock  fish.     Diengkitsch  informs  me  that  at  Osaka  it  is  called 
Eso-owoo,  meaning  shore  fish  ;  probably  a  generic  name. 
33  s 


258  EXPEDITION    T  O   J  A  P  AN  . 

4.  SERRANUS  AWOARA,  Schleg. 

Serrancs  AWOARA,  FauD.  Jap.,  loc.  cit.  9,  pi.  3,  fig.  2. 

Notes. — From  Lew  Chew.     (Life  size^  13^  inches  ;  D.  11.  15.) 

Pale  dusky  purple,  darker  on  back,  head,  and  spinous  dorsal ;  soft  dorsals  paler  ;  caudal,  anal, 
and  pectorals  pale  yellowish  brown  ;  ventrals  bluish  ;  small  brownish  red  spots  (more  sparsely 
distributed  than  in  the  figure  quoted)  on  whole  of  head  and  body  ;  none  on  fins.  The  figure 
in  the  Faun.  Jap.  has  a  decided  purple  tinge  on  the  sides,  though  in  the  text  it  is  said  to  be 
yellowish  brown. 

Awo  means  purplish  blue  ;  ara,  a  rock  fish. 


5.  SERRANUS  URODELUS,  Forster. 

Serranus  URODELUS,  Cuv.  &  Val.  II.  306,  and  VI.  513. 


PLATE  VI,  fig.   1.     Reduced. 


Notes. — From  Lew  Chew. 

Brilliant  scarlet  lake,  or  bright  blood  red  over  whole  of  body  and  fins  ;  rather  lighter  on 
abdomen  and  cheeks.  Pectorals  tipped  with  orange  yellow.  Lateral  line  of  a  darker  red,  pro- 
longed forwards  and  rising  over  the  eye.  On  the  caudal  two  clear  white  bars,  converging  and 
narrowing  from  the  middle  of  the  outer  rays  towards  the  middle  of  the  posterior  margin,  with- 
out meeting.     Irides  paler  red. 

This  well  marked  species  was  first  noticed  by  J.  R.  Forster,  at  Otaheite.  He  named  it  Ferca 
xirodela,  and  his  figure  was  found  by  M.  Valenciennes  among  the  drawings  in  the  Banksian  col- 
lection, with  the  above  quoted  name.  In  Bloch  Schneider  it  is  placed  (page  333)  under 
Bodianus  miniatus,  (Perca  miniata  of  Forskiil,  p.  40,)  as  a  variety  of  that  fish,  which  is  a  Diacope, 
according  to  M.  Valenciennes,  and  is  from  the  Red  sea. 

But  one  specimen  was  observed  by  the  expedition. 


6.  SERRANUS  MARGINALIS,  Bloch. 

Epinephelus  MARGINALIS,  Bloch,  pi.  328,  1.    East  Indies. 
HoLocENTRUs  ROSMARus,  Laccp.  IV,  345,  pi.  7,  f.  2. 

HoLOCENTRUS   MARGINATU.-',  LaCCp.  IV,  342. 

Serranus  jurginalis,  Cuv.  &  Val.  II,  301. 


PLATE  III,  fig.  2.     Natural  size. 


Notes. — From  Simoda,  (8|  inches.) 

The  drawing  is  colored  bright  reddish  brown  over  the  whole  of  body  and  fins ;  darker  on 
back,  and  blackish  brown  on  back  of  head.     Spinous  dorsal,  with  the  membrane  adjoining  the 


FISHES  COLLECTED  IN  JAPAN.  259 

tips  of  the  spines,  dusky  brown.  All  the  fins  reddish  brown,  like  body  ;  pectoral,  ventrals,  and 
anals,  rather  dusky.     Breast  in  front  of  pectorals,  dusky  blue.     Irides,  yellow  and  red. 

Strong  canine  teeth  in  both  jaws  ;  head  large,  profile  arching  uniformly,  lower  jaw  longest. 
Body  highest  in  front  of  dorsal.  Spines  eleven  in  number,  first  shortest,  the  others  as  well 
as  soft  dorsal,  of  nearly  equal  height.     Caudal  rounded. 

In  the  Hist,  des  Poissons,  as  above  quoted,  M.  Valenciennes  says  :  "  Bloch  does  not  give  the 
habitat  of  this  fish,  and  gives  it  fancy  colors.  M.  Lacepedes'  Hoi.  rosmarus  was  founded  on  a 
drawing  by  Commerson,  made  at  the  Isle  de  France,  while  his  Hoi.  marginatus  is  from  Bloch's 
Ep.  Marginalis.  M.  Dussumier  procured  a  specimen  at  Ceylon,  and  found  it  also  at  the  Sey- 
chelles." 

If  the  fish  observed  by  these  naturalists  are  all  of  one  species,  it  has  a  wide  range. 


7.  THERAPON  OXYRHYNCHUS,  Schlegel,  loc.  cit.  16,  pi.  6,  f.  3. 

Notes. — From  Simoda.     D.  12.  10  ;   A.  11.  (9|  inches.) 

The  name  Isagi  is  added  to  the  drawing,  by  a  native  of  Simoda.     In  the  Faim.  Jap.  it  is 
called  Sima  isisaki. 


8.  HOLOCENTRTJM  SPINOSISSIMUM,  ScMegel,  loc.  cit.  22,  pi.  8,  A. 
Notes.— From  Lew  Chew.     D.  10,  14,  A.  12,  (7^  inches.) 


9.  URANOSCOPUS  ASPER,  Schlegel,  loc.  cit.  26,  pi.  9,  f.  1. 

Notes. — From  Simoda.     D.  4.  13  ;  A.  14.  (lOJ  inches.) 

The  formula  for  the  fin  rays  should  read  D.  5.  13,  &c.  The  name  given  to  it  in  the  Faun. 
Jap.  is  Ten-mon-dai-o-goze,  which,  it  is  interesting  to  remark,  has  the  same  signrfication  as  the 
scientific  European  name,  derived  no  doubt  from  the  fact  of  the  eyes  being  on  the  back  of  the 
head,  looking  directly  upwards.     Ten-mon-dai  means  an  astronomer,  goze,  resembling. 

The  name  given  to  it  by  Diengkitsch  is  Ilu-ihi-ma-okodi,  meaning  horns  behind  the  head. 


10.  FRIGLA  BtJRGERI,  Schlegel,  loc.  cit.  35,  pi.  14,  f.  1,  2. 


PLATE  V,  fig.  3.     5  size. 


Notes. — From  Simoda.     D.  8.  18  ;  A.  18,  &c.     (Life  size,  10  inches.) 

The  drawing  is  more  dusky  on  the  head  than  in  the  figure  of  the  Faun.  Jap.     Upper   parts 
of  spinous  dorsal  dark  ;  upper  parts  of  caudal  dark  dusky. 


260  EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN. 

11.  PLATYCEPHALUS  ISIDIATOR?    Bloch. 

Plat,  insidiator,  Cuv.  and  Val.  vol.  IV,  227,  cum  al.  cit. 
"  "  Faun.  Jap,  Pisces,  39,  pi.  15,  f.  1. 

Notes. — Tedo  Bay,  (7^  inches,)  with  a  Chinese  name  meaning  sandy  scale. 

It  seems  doubtful  whether  the  true  P.  insidiator  is  found  in  Japan.  The  eyes  of  the  figure 
before  us,  as  well  as  those  of  the  so-called  P.  insidiator  in  the  Faun.  Jap.,  are  much  smaller 
than  those  of  the  true  kiud,  besides  other  differences.  The  range,  from  the  Eed  sea  to  Japan, 
seems  too  great  for  such  a  delicate  fish.  It  will  probably  be  found  that  Schlegel's  species  is  a 
new  one. 


12  and  13.  SEBASTES  MAEMORATUS,  Cuv.  and  Val. 

S.  MARMORATUS,  Cuv.  and  Val.,  IV,  345. 

"  Schlegel,  Faun.  Jap.  46,  pi.  21,  fig.  1. 

"  "  Bleecker,  Nalezingen  &c. 


PLATE  IV,  figs.  1  and  2. 


Notes. — Figure  1.     From  Simoda.     Cosango,  (9  inches,)  reduced?     D.  14.  12,  A.  3.  9,  P. 
17.  (10  free,)  &c. 
Figure  2.    From  Simoda.   Kasagu,  (9  inches,)  reduced?    D.  12.  12,  A.  3.  5?  P.  16. 
(6  free.) 

The  characters  necessary  to  determine  the  position  of  these  two  Sebastes  are  not  sufficiently 
distinct  in  the  drawings,  which  are  no  doubt  quite  correct  as  to  color.  They  may  be  different 
sexes  of  S.  mai-moratus,  though  the  first  one,  in  its  number  of  fin  rays,  seems  to  agree  with 
the  S.  variabilis  of  Pallas,  which  however  has  no  spines  over  the  eyes.  The  second  one  seems 
to  correspond  in  its  number  of  fin  rays  and  colors  with  the  S.  alhofasciatiis  of  Lacepede,  Cuv. 
Val.  IV.  344,  which  is  supposed  by  Schlegel  to  be  only  a  variety  of  the  marmoratus. 

The  colors  of  figure  1  are  as  follows  :  Of  a  general  dull  carmine,  with  broad  cloud-like  spaces 
of  bluish  dusky,  and  blotches  of  dusky  brown  on  the  sides  and  abdomen.  Head  of  the  same 
ground  color,  with  smaller  blotches  of  dusky.  Lower  part  of  opercles  lighter,  with  dots  and 
bars  of  brown.  Irides  red  and  brown.  Dorsals  dull  brownish  carmine,  with  numerous  small 
spots  of  brown  on  the  spinous  portion  ;  the  spots  on  the  soft  portion  being  arranged  in  four  series 
parallel  to  the  back.  Caudal  brown  at  the  base,  ending  with  orange,  the  rays  annulated  with 
brown  in  four  concentric  series  like  spinous  dorsal  with  tinges  of  orange.  Pectorals  light.  Anal 
orange,  brown  at  base  ;  the  rays  annulated  in  three  series  with  brown.     Ventrals  dull  reddish. 

The  second  figure  diflers  considerably  from  the  first  in  color,  and  somewhat  in  its  form  and 
fin  rays,  enough  probably  to  constitute  a  different  species,  were  it  possible  to  compare  actual 
specimens.  The  drawings  no  doubt  represent  large  fish,  though  the  notes  do  not  give  the  size 
of  life. 

This  last  figure  shows  a  tish  of  a  general  vermilion  red  color,  blackish  along  the  back  of 
body  and  head.  The  head  with  irregular  bars  or  blotches  of  dark  dusky.  Irides,  red  and 
yellow.  Body  marbled  with  indistinct  blotches  of  dusky,  the  red  ground  color  being  varied  with 
tinges  of  yellow.     First  dorsal  blood   red  with   a  few  spots  of  du.sky  on   membrane.     Second 


FISHES      C  O  M,  F,  0  T  F.  D      I  N    J  A  P  A  N  .  26 1 

dorsal  and  anal  red,  margined  with  orange.  Caudal  red  at  base,  most  of  it  being  orange. 
Pectorals  orange  red,  darker  at  base,  most  of  the  upper  rays  annulated  with  three  series  of  brown 
spots.     Ventrals,  dull  orange. 

This  figure  resembles  the  one  of  the  marmoratus  given  by  Schlegel,  in  form. 

The  name  on  the  first  figure  Kasagu,  seems  to  signify  ulcerated  gills  ;  the  second  one, 
Cosango,  that  it  exceeds  red  coral,  (in  color.) 

In  the  Fauna  Japonica  it  is  called  ara-kabu ;  ara  meaning,  as  before  stated,  rock  fish. 

Cuvier,  who  found  a  good  figure  of  it  in  a  Japanese  work,  and  also  in  the  Japanese  Encyclo- 
pedia, says  that  M.  Abel  Remusat  translated  the  text  which  describes  it,  as  "  common,  reaching 
a  length  of  three  feet,  luhite  savory  flesh,  sought  for  in  the  ivinter  season  ;"  in  all  which  it  resem- 
bles other  species  of  Sebastes.  Its  name  in  this  Encyclopedia,  (see  Notices  et  Extraits  des 
Manuscrits,  &c.,  tom.  XI,  part  1,  page  215,)  as  given  by  Eemusat  is  alcan,  or  aho,  meaning 
red  fish. 


14.  SEBASTES  INEEMIS,  Cuv. 

Sebastes  inermis,  Cuv.  and  Val.  IV,  346. 

Faun.  Jap.  47,  pi.  21,  fig.  3,  4. 


PLATE  V,  fig.  2.     Life  size. 


Notes. — From  Hakodadi.     (5f  inches.) 

A  young  specimen,  not  so  dark  as  the  figure  in  the  Faun.  Jap.,  the  blotches  smaller  and 
more  distinct. 

A  figure  was  also  taken  of  a  specimen  9^  inches  long,  from  the  same  locality,  and  to  which 
the  same  remark  applies.  The  distinct  separation  of  the  two  dorsals  is  a  peculiar  character  of 
this  species,  though  exaggerated  in  the  figure,  whicli  also  erroneously  shows  four  spines  in  the 
anal. 


15.  PTEROIS  LUNULATA  Schlegel,  loc.  cit.  45,  pi.  19;  Bleecker  Bijdrage  &c.,  p.  3. 

Notes. — From  Simoda,  (4J  inches,)  Hawogoshi. 

Though  in  form  this  drawing  recalls  that  of  P.  lunulata,  the  colors  are  differen't.  The  body 
is  of  a  pale  brownish  blue  with  the  bars  etc.,  as  in  the  above  species,  but  more  distinctly 
defined.  The  two  appendages  over  the  eye  are  longer  and  equal  the  diameter  of  the  orbit.  It 
is,  perhaps,  only  a  young  specimen. 


16.  APISTUS  ALATUS,  Cuv. 

A.  ALATUS,  Cuv.  and  Val.  IV,  392. 
"         "      Faun.  Jap.  49,  pi.  22  a.  f.  2. 

Notes. — From  Simoda,  (5^  inches.) 

In  the  drawing  the  colors  are  dark  bluish  slate  on  back,  fading  to  dirty  yellow  on  the  sides. 
Markings  as  in  the  figure  of  the  Faun.  .Jap. 

This  specimen  seems  to  be  different  from  the  true  A.  alatus,  but  a  comparison  of  specimens 
can  alone  decide  the  question. 


*262  EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN. 

17.  APISTUS  RUBRIPINNIS,  Schlegel. 

A.  RUBRiPiNNis,  Faun.  Jap.  49,  pi.  22,  fig.  2. 


PLATE  VI,  fig.  5.     Life  size. 


Notes. — From  Simoda.     (2J  and  3^  inches.) 

Two  drawings  were  taken  of  this  species,  the  published  one  appearing  to  he  either  joung  or 
taken  at  the  breeding  season,  from  the  brilliancy  of  its  coloring.  The  markings  are  more  dis- 
tinct than  in  the  Faun.  Jap.,  and  the  abdomen  of  a  brick  red.  The  caudal  has  a  broad  band  of 
white  at  its  base  ;  rest  of  fin  red,  with  narrow  bars  of  dark  dusky.  The  eye  is  smaller  than  in 
Schlegel's  figure. 

The  fin  rays,  which  are  noted  on  the  figure,  are  D.  21,  A.  8,  P.  10,  Y.  5,  C.  11,  being  nearly 
correct. 

In  the  Faun.  Jap.  the  fin  rays  are  nearly  the  same,  but  require  to  be  read  A.  3.  4,  V.  1.  4. 

One  of  the  drawings  is  marked  Iso-owoo,  as  the  native  name.     This  means  simply  shore  fish. 

Diengkitsch  calls  it  Karakame.     Kara  is  Corea. 


18.  PELOR  JAPONICTJM.  Cuv. 

P.  JAPONicuM,  Cuv.  and  Val.  4,  437,  pi.  93. 
"  "  Faun.  Jap.  44,  pi.  18,  fig.  2. 


PLATE  V,  fig.   1.     Life  size. 


Notes.— From  Simoda.     (4|  inches,)  D.  18.  6,  A.  (2)  11,  P.  10.  2,  &c. 

This  is  no  doubt  a  young  specimen  of  this  fish.  It  is  of  a  uniform  dark  dusky  olive,  with 
minute  marblings  of  paler  olive  on  sides  and  bases  of  fins.  No  large  white  blotches  as  in  the 
figure  of  the  Faun.  Jap.    Fin  rays  with  two  more  spines  in  dorsal,  a  common  thing  in  young  fish. 

The  native  name  Onio-goze,  means  devil  like. 


19.  MONOCENTKES  JAPONICUS,  Houttuyn. 

Gasterosteus  JAPONICUS,  Houttuyn,  Mem.  Harlem.  XX,  pt.  2,  329. 
SciAENA  JAPONICA,  Thunbcrg,  Mem.  Ac.  Stockholm  XI,  102,  pi.  3. 

MONOCENTRIS  CARINATA  VEL  CATAPHRACTA,  Bl.  Schu,  100,  pi.   24. 

Lepisacanthus  JAPONICUS,  Lacep.  Ill,  321. 

MoNOCENTRis ,  Tilesius.  Mem.  Ac.  Munich  III.  71,  1811-12,  w.  fig. 

"  JAPONICUS,  Cuv.  and  Val.  4,  461,  pi.  97. 

"  "  Schlegel  Faun.  Jap.  Pisces,  50,  pi.  22,  f.  1. 

"  CATAPHRACTA,  Bleecker,  Bijdrage,  p.  5. 


PLATE  VI,  fig.  6.     Life  size. 


Notes. — From  Simoda.     (2^  inches.) 

Thunberg  first  brought  home  a  specimen  of  this  curious  fish,  whose  proper  place  in  the  systems 
has  not  yet  been  determined  by  the  scale  of  affinities.     His  specimen  served  for  his  own,  and  for 


FISHES     COLLECTED      IN     JAPAN.  263 

Houttuyn's  descriptions.  Schneider  and  Lacepede,  as  well  as  Gmelin,  copied  their  descriptions 
from  the  above  authors.  Tilesius,  who  accompanied  Krusenstern,  describes  it  himself  in  the 
Denkschiften  der  Miinchner  Acaif .  for  1811-12,  vol.  Ill,  p.  71,  in  a  memoir  entitled,  Abbildungen 
und  Beschreibungen  einiger  Fische  aus  Japan,  &c.;  and  Messrs.  Cuvier  and  Valenciennes  describe 
it  from  his  specimens  also,  without  giving  him  credit  for  the  above  account  of  it.  Tilesius  seems 
to  have  given  it  the  name  ot  Ericius,  according  to  a  curious  note  in  the  Mem.  de  la  See.  Imp. 
des  Nat.  de  Moscou  ;  Tom  XI,  p.  243,  where  he  criticises  Bloch's  description. 

The  figure  herewith  given  is  probably  that  of  a  young  specimen,  though  it  varies  in  the 
number  of  rows  of  scales,  great  height  of  body  and  colors,  from  the  species  as  hitherto  figured. 
Each  scale  on  its  centre  is  of  a  bright  vermilion,  and  the  fins  are  all  of  the  same  color.  The 
joints  of  the  scales  form  a  net  work  of  black  lines.  The  margin  of  the  mouth,  border  of  sub- 
orbital and  opercles  are  also  black.  The  caudal  forked,  as  in  the  Faun.  Jap.  In  the  Hist,  des 
Poissons,  it  is  said  to  be  rounded. 

llatskasa,  the  native  name,  means  a  pine  cone  or  pine  nut,  which  it  indeed  resembles  in  its 
external  covering. 


20.  DIAGRAMMA  CDTCTUM,  Schlegel 

D.  ciNCTUM,  Schleg.  Faun.  Jap.  61,  pi.  26.  fig.  1. 

Notes.— From  Simoda,  (8  inches.) 

From  the  imperfect  drawing  brought  home  by  the  Expedition,  the  following  description  has 
been  made.  Length,  8  inches.  Height  a  little  less  than  three  times  in  total  length.  Head 
four  times  in  the  length.  Eye  five  times  in  length  of  head.  Profile  sloping  from  the  occiput 
in  a  straight  line,  at  an  angle  of  45°.  Lips  very  fleshy.  First  dorsal,  with  12  spines,  third 
longest,  and  not  quite  half  the  height  of  body.     Caudal,  slightly  emarginate. 

General  color  of  body  and  fins  leaden  blue,  darker  on  back  of  head  and  body,  nearly  white 
beneath.  Stripes  as  in  figure  quoted.  Irides  silvery.  Back  sparsely  dotted  with  oval  spots 
of  darker  color,  a  few  only  below  the  lateral  line.  None  over  the  head  and  shoulders.  Dorsal 
and  caudal  spotted  in  same  manner. 


21.  AMPHIPRION  FRENATUS,  N.  S. 


PLATE  VI,  fig.  4.     Life  size. 


Notes.— From  Lew  Chew.     (4-i-  inches.)     D.  12,  (?)  A.  17,  &c. 

This  well  marked  species  seems  to  be  undescribed.  It  has  been  placed  under  the  genus  Am- 
phiprion,  though  from  the  twelve  dorsal  spines  noted  in  the  drawing,  and  the  smooth  opercle, 
it  may,  perhaps,  be  a  Pomacentrus. 

If  it  have  seventeen  anal  rays  as  noted,  probably  three  of  them  are  spinous,  which  would 
bring  it  nearer  to  Glyphisodon. 

Its  height  is  two  and  a  half  times  in  the  total  length,  outline  regularly  arched  above  and 
below,  spinous  dorsal  rising  slowly  to  the  soft  dorsal,  without  break  in  the  outline.  Anal  of 
subequal  height.     Caudal  with  rounded  lobes  and  slightly  emarginate.     Color  rich  dark  violet 


26 1  E  X  P  E  D  I  T  I  O  N    T  O    J  A  P  A  N . 

or  purple,  over  nead  and  back,  extending  low  down  on  the  sides,  and  as  far  as  end  of  soft 
dorsal.  Snout,  breast,  abdomen,  and  base  of  tail,  a  bright  orange  red,  rather  paler  on  the  fins. 
The  soft  dorsal  and  caudal  shading  off  into  yellow  on  the  margin.  A  distinct  bright  ultrama- 
rine blue  stripe  extends  from  the  base  of  the  first  dorsal  spine  obliquely  forwards  under  the  eye, 
and  over  the  preopercle,  narrowing  as  it  descends,  and  terminating  near  the  throat. 


22.  GLYPmSODON  VIOLACEUS,  N.  S. 

Notes. — From  Lew  Chew.     (4  inches.) 

This  seems  to  be  a  Ghjphisodon,  but  the  drawing  is  not  distinct  enough  to  determine  its  genus. 
Its  height  is  2^  times  in  the  length,  regularly  arched  above  and  below,  with  subequal  dorsal 
and  rather  deeply  forked  caudal.  Fins  and  scales  rather  large.  Eays  cannot  be  counted.  It 
is  of  a  uniform  dark  dusky  violet  over  the  whole  of  the  body  and  fins,  darkest  on  the  back ; 
but  without  any  bar  or  spot  besides.     Irides  silvery. 

The  G.  melas  of  Kuhl  and  Van  Hasselt,  (Cuv.  and  Val.  V,  472,)  comes  near  it  as  far  as  can  be 
determined  by  the  description.  Their  Pomacentrus  littoralis  seems  also  to  agree  with  it  in  color,  &c. 

Bleecker  has  described  many  new  species  of  Fomacentri,  and  other  allied  genera,  from  Su- 
matra, &c.,  but  none  of  these  appear  to  be  identical  with  this  species. 

Diengkitsch  calls  it  Ya-ha-gi. 


23.  GLYPHISODON  SMARAGDINUS,  N.  S. 


PLATE  YI,  fig.  3.     Life  size. 


Notes. — From  Lew  Chew,  (3^  inches.) 

This  species  resembles  the  G.  coelestmus  of  Solander,  (Cuv.  and  Val.  V,  464,  pi.  135,)  in 
shape,  and  were  it  not  for  its  decided  green  hue  I  should  not  hesitate  to  class  it  with  that 
species,  which  appears  to  be  common  in  those  seas. 

Its  height  is  only  twice  in  its  length  ;  the  dorsal  spines  appear  to  be  twelve  in  number,  and 
longer  than  in  G.  coelestinus,  which  has  thirteen.     The  other  fins  as  in  that  species. 

Color  of  a  general  verdigris  green,  paler  beneath,  and  very  dark  on  back  and  spinous  dorsal. 
Three  or  four  bars  of  dark  green  across  the  sides,  of  which  three  are  under  the  dorsal,  and  one 
on  the  tail.     Irides  green  also. 


24.  ETROPLUS  FUMOSUS,  N.  S. 


PLATE  VI,  fig.   1.     Life  size. 


Notes. — From  Lew  Chew.     (If  inches.) 

This  seems  to  be  an  Etroplus  from  its  general  form  and  great  number  of  anal  spines,  which 
were  not  counted.     Its  height  is  twice  in  its  length  ;  outlines  regularly  arched.     Dorsal  and 


FISHES      COLLECTED     IN     JAPAN.  265 

anal  with  even  outline  and  low.  Ventrals  pointed.  Caudal  slightly  forked  with  pointed 
lobes. 

Color  over  whole  of  body  and  fins,  except  the  caudal,  of  a  sooty  blackness  ;  a  broad  band  of 
dull  dusky  violet  under  the  breast,  extending  to  the  base  of  pectorals.  Caudal  pale  yellow. 
Irides  same  color. 

Diengkitsch  recognized  this  fish  and  called  it  Sumikalc-oiooo.  Sumi,  soot  or  charcoal ;  kakf, 
to  scrape  ;  oivoo,  as  before  mentioned,  means  fish.  Sumikak  is  the  smoke  black  scraped  from 
the  bottom  of  an  old  kettle. 


25.  LETHRINUS  MINIATUS,  Forster. 

Sparus  MINIATUS,  Bloch,  Schneid.  281,  (ex  fig.  J.  R.  Forster.) 
Lethrinus  MINIATUS,  Cuv.  and  Val.  VI,  315. 

"  H^MATOPTERUS,  Schleg.  Fauu.  Jap.  74,  pi.  38. 

"  "  ?  Richardson,  Zool.  Sulphur.  Icthyol.  p.  144,  pi.  LXIV. 

Notes. — From  Lew  Chew.     Size  much  reduced. 

There  seems  to  be  no  specific  difference  between  Forster's  fish,  which  is  fully  described  in 
Bloch's  Systema,  (Ed.  Schneider,)  and  the  hcBmatopterus  of  the  Fauna  Japonica.  The  drawing 
brought  home  by  the  United  States  Japan  Expedition  is  identical  with  the  one  given  by  Schlegel. 

The  native  name,  kutsi-hutai,viiea,ns  smooth  forehead. 


26.  DITREMA  TEMMINCKn,  Schlegel  &  Bleecker. 

DiTREMA ,  Schleg.  Faun.  Jap.  77,  pi.  40,  fig.  2. 

"         Temminckii,  Bleecker.  Nalez.  op.  de  Ichth.  van  Japan. 

Notes. — From  Hakodadi.     (9  inches.) 

Hakodadi  is  in  latitude  41°  49'  N.,  and  is  one  of  the  most  northerly  ports  of  Japan. 

The  genus  Ditrema  was  established  by  Schlegel  upon  the  examination  of  two  ^.tufi'ed  speci- 
mens and  a  native  figure  of  a  fish  which  offered  the  peculiarity  of  two  anal  orifices.  Schlegel 
suspected  that  the  second  orifice  was  connected  with  the  organs  of  generation.  His  description 
is  here  given  in  a  condensed  form.  He  gave  the  fish  no  specific  name.  After  stating  that  it 
appears  to  belong  to  the  Menidae,  and  comes  near  Caesio,  he  remarks  upon  the  curious  double 
anal  openings,  indicated  also  in  the  native  drawing. 

"  Height  two  and  a  half  times  in  the  length  ;  upper  and  lower  outline  arched,  the  upper  one 
slightly  inflected  at  the  anterior  insertion  of  the  dorsal.  Head  rather  small,  conical,  with 
slightly  concave  profile.  Eyes  of  medium  size,  and  vertical.  Nostrils  close  to  upper  part  of 
snout.  Mouth  small  and  narrow,  somewhat  protractile,  with  fleshy  lips.  A  single  row  of 
small  conical  teeth  in  both  jaws,  set  sparsely,  and  only  on  their  anterior  portion.  Angle 
of  the  vomer  projecting,  but  smooth,  and  like  the  palatines  toothless.  Angle  of  opercle 
obtuse,  and  like  the  pre-opercle  smooth  on  the  margin.  Lateral  line  parallel  to  the  back. 
Scales  deciduous,  smooth,  of  medium  size,  covering  the  opercles  and  forehead.  Dorsal  and 
anal  with  long  bases  and  the  soft  rays  numerous  and  closely  crowded.  Spinous  dorsal  much 
34  5 


266  EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN. 

lower  than  the  branched  portion,  and  increasing  gradually  in  height  from  the  first  spine,  which 
is  half  the  length  of  the  last.  Anal  fin  with  the  short  spines  increasing  in  length  from  the  first 
to  the  third,  the  soft  rays  longer  than  the  spines,  and  divided  into  two  portions,  the  first  shorter 
than  the  last.  Caudal  broad  at  the  base,  and  rather  deeply  emarginate.  Pectorals  and  ven- 
trals  of  medium  size,  and  with  no  particular  characters.  Anal  opening  halfway  from  first  anal 
spine  to  the  membrane  attaching  the  ventrals  to  the  body.  Behind  it  a  peculiar  orifice,  before 
mentioned.     B.  6?  D.  10,  22;  A.  3,  27  ;  P.  19  ;  V.  1,  5;  C.  19." 

"  When  fresh,  of  a  dirty  pale  bluish;  lighter  on  sides,  and  white  beneath.  Lips  pale  flesh 
color.  Pectoral  of  a  bright  light  brown  hue.  Spinous  dorsal  of  a  brownish  grey,  with  dirty 
yellow  along  the  base,  and  with  a  rather  broad  blackish  border.  Soft  dorsal  and  anal  fins  of  a 
dirty  greyish  brown.  Caudal  blackish,  Ventrals  blackish  green,  yellowish  at  base  of  soft  rays. 
Irides  silvery  white." 

"  This  species  does  not  exceed  eight  or  nine  inches  in  length.  The  Japanese  name  is  Tanago. 
Caught  in  the  spring  in  great  numbers  in  the  Bay  of  Nagasaki,  and  eaten  daily  at  that  time." 

The  figure  by  the  artists  of  the  United  States  Japan  Expedition  is  identical  with  the  one  in 
the  Fauna  Japonica,  though  rather  darker  in  coloring.  It  does  not  show  the  specific  characters 
distinctly. 

Bleecker,  in  a  paper  published  in  the  25th  part  of  the  Transactions  of  the  Batavian  Academy 
of  Arts  and  Sciences,  entitled  Nalezingen  op  de  Ichthyologie  van  Japan,  characterizes  the  genus 
Ditrema  as  follows  : 

"  Dentes  maxillis  minimi  pluriseriati  antice  tantum  aliquot  conici  majores;  dentes  vomerini 
vel  palatini  nulli  ;  rostrum  in  tubum  subhorizontalem  protractile  ;  ossa  opercularia  et  suborbi- 
talia  edentula  ;  pinna  dorsalis  unica  ;  aperturae  analis  et  genitalis  distantes  ;  pinna  analis 
spinis  3,  radiis  numerosis  subsimplicibus  ;  membrana  branchiostega  radiis  6."  He  gives  the 
species  the  name  Temminckii. 

He  examined  one  specimen  only,  and  places  it  between  Caesio  and  Gerres. 

Neither  Schlegel  nor  Bleecker  had  suspected  that  this  fish  belonged  to  the  interesting  family 
of  viviparous  fish  recently  discovered  on  the  opposite  shores  of  the  Pacific  in  California. 

Upon  showing  the  published  figure  of  the  Ditrema,  and  the  figure  of  it  by  the  American 
artist,  to  Diengkitsch,  he  immediately  described  its  viviparous  faculty,  and  added  that  it  has  a 
way  of  escaping  from  the  fishermen's  nets  by  keeping  close  to  the  sides  of  a  rock  or  bank.  He 
confirmed  the  name  Tanango  given  to  it  in  the  Fauna  Japonica,  which  is  the  name  of  a  peculiar 
net,  perhaps  used  for  catching  it.  In  the  Notices  et  Extraits  des  Manuscrits,  Tom.  XL, 
part  I.,  1827,  there  is  a  notice  of  Japanese  encyclopedias,  by  Mons.  Abel  Remusat,  a  highly 
interesting  paper,  in  which  a  Japanese  fount  of  letters  is  used  for  the  first  time.  In  the  list 
offish,  page  216,  No.  37,  is  one  called  in  Chinese  Ju  or  Lian,  in  Japanese  Tanako,  "  a  fish 
which  Hwims  in  pairs  ;"  and  in  a  foot-note  Mons.  A.  R.  says  :  "  It  is  asserted  that  this  fish  is 
viviparous,  and  the  same  in  the  case  with  the  species  coWqA  Anagaiwo,  Ei,  Same,  Heka  or  Fuha, 
and  Sakataiwo."  These  five  names  seem  to  designate  particular  species  of  eels  or  lampreys, 
plaice,  dog-fish,  (acanfhias  ?)  cat-fish,  (silurufi,)  and  for  the  last,  apparently,  a  bream,  or  per- 
hai)S  another  variety  of  Ditrema.  This  very  interesting  note,  the  authority  for  which  is  not 
given,  induced  me  to  compare  the  Ditrema  with  a  specimen  of  tlie  California  viviparous  fish 
procured  by  Dr.  John  L.  Leconte  in  that  country  in  1851,  and  with  the  descriptions  of  the 
Embiotocoidae  and  Holconoti,  by  Agassiz,  Gibbons  and  Girard,  in  the  Am.  Journal  of  Sc.  and 
Arts,  in  the  Proc.  of  the  Acad,  of  Nat.  6c.  of  Philadelphia  and  of  the  Boston  8oc.  pi  N?it.  Hist., 


FISHES     COLLECTED    IN    JAPAN.  267 

when  no  doubt  remained  on  my  mind  that  species  of  the  same  family  of  fish  were  thus  proved 
to  occur  on  the  Asiatic  coast  of  the  Pacific  also.  Without  an  examination  of  a  specimen  it 
would  be  difficult  to  place  the  Ditrema  in  the  above  families.  It  will  probably  be  found  to 
constitute  a  new  genus  under  one  of  them,  and  no  doubt  other  species  will  be  discovered. 


27.  HENIOCHUS  MACROLEPIDOTUS,  Cuv.  and  Val. 

Chaetodon  acuminatus,  Linn.  Mus.  Ad.  Fred.,  pi.  33,  fig.  3. 

"  MACROLEPIDOTUS,  Bloch.  pi.   200,  fig.  1. 

"  "  Seba.  Thesaurus.  Ill,  pi.  25,  fig.  8. 

Heniochus  "  Cuv.  and  Val.  VII.  p.  93  and  98. 

"  "  Faun.  Jap.  82,  pi.  44,  fig.  1. 

"  "  Bleecker.  Verb.  Bat.  gen.  Tom.  XXIII. 


PLATE  VI,  fig.  2.     Natural  size. 


Notes. — From  Lew  Chew. 

This  fish  has  been  figured  by  Vlaming,  Renard,  Ruysch,  Valentyn,  &c.  There  appear  to  be 
several  varieties  of  it,  which  may  prove  to  be  different  species  on  actual  comparison  of  speci- 
mens. The  figure  herewith  given  varies  from  the  one  in  the  Fauna  Japonica,  having  the  whole 
snout  black,  whicli  is  stated  in  the  Hist,  des  Poissons  to  be  sometimes  the  case,  Tlie  second 
black  band  does  not  touch  the  opercle,  and  the  third  unites  with  the  second  under  the  spinous 
dorsal.  According  to  the  figure,  the  dorsal  fin  has  10.24  rays.  The  fourth  and  fifth  dorsal 
spines  are  much  shorter  than  in  the  Faun.  Jap.  It  seems  to  belong  to  the  variety  called  acumi- 
natus, by  Linnaeus.  The  name  in  the  Faun.  Jap.  {Kohatatate)  signifies  small  flag  fish,  or  fish 
with  a  fin  like  a  mast,  that  can  be  raised  or  lowered. 


28.  HOPLEGNATHUS  FASCIATUS,  Richardson  and  Schlegel.  ' 

HoPLEGNATHUs  FASCIATUS,  Rich.  Report  fifteenth  meeting  Brit.  Assoc,  p.  247. 

"  ''  Bleecker  Bijdrage  &c.,  p.  6. 

PoissoN  PEBROQUET  NoiR,  Krusenstern  ;  Atlas.  52.2,  (fid.  Schleg.) 
ScARODON  FASCIATUS,  Schlegcl  Faun.  Jap.  p.  89,  pi.  46,  fig.  1  and  2. 

Notes. — From  Simoda.     (21  inches.)   Eendi  on  Kandai. 

The  drawing  is  so  nearly  like  the  figure  in  the  Fauna  Japonica  that  it  seemed  unnecessary  to 
reproduce  it. 

Richardson  founded  this  genus  on  a  fish  from  Van  Diemen's  Land,  and  describes  it  as 
Oplegnathus  Comvayi  in  the  Proceedings  of  the  Zool.  Soc,  1840,  p.  27,  and  in  full  detail  as  the 
Hoplegnathus  Conwayi  in  the  Transactions  of  the  same  society,  vol.  Ill,  p.  145,  pi.  7.  In  the 
Report  of  the  fifteenth  meeting  of  the  British  Association  at  Cambridge,  in  1845,  p.  247,  he 
enumerates  three  species  from  China  and  Jupan,  viz :  the  H.fasciatus  and  pvMctalus,  of  Schlegel, 


268  EXPEDITION    TO    J  A  PA  Jj  . 

and  H.  macidosus,  a  new  species  from  Canton,  on  the  authority  of  Keeve's  and  Hardwicke's 
drawings.  In  the  Fauna  Japonica  Schlegel  makes  a  new  genus  (Scarodon)  to  receive  the  two 
species  from  Japan,  and  gives  to  one  of  them  the  name  it  had  previously  received  from  Richard- 
son, without  being  aware  of  his  notices  of  it.     He  corrects  it  however  in  a  note  to  the  Index. 

The  exact  place  which  this  genus  will  occupy  has  not  been  determined  by  the  above  authors. 
Its  interior  anatomy,  teeth,  etc.,  will  have  to  be  consulted  for  that  purpose.  Bleecker,  as  above 
quoted,  had  two  specimens,  which  being  damaged,  could  not  be  examined  in  order  to  settle 
the  question.  He  thinks  this  genus  will  stand  at  the  head  of  a  new  family  allied  to  the  Sciae- 
naids,  Chaeiodontoids  and  Scaroids.  He  characterizes  the  iamily  Hoplegnathoidei  thus  :  "Denies 
maxillares  ut  in  scaris.  Ossa  phartjngealia  in/eriora  libera,  non  unita.  Pinnae  dorsaiis,  ventrales 
analisque  spinosae." 

Kandai  means  winter.     In  the  Faun.  Jap  it  is  called  Hiza. 


29.  ZEUS  JAPONICTJS,  Cuv.  and  Val 

Zeus  jAPCNicrs,  Cuv.  and  Yal.  10,  p.  24. 

"  "  Schlegel.,  Faun.  Jap.,  p.  123,  pi.  66  A. 

DoREE  ou  MTROiR  DU  Japon,  Tilesius,  Krusenst.  Atlas,  pi.  LXI,  fig.  1. 

Notes. — From  Simoda.     (22  inches.) 

The  Japanese  Zeus  appears  to  resemble  the  European  Zeus  faber  very  closely.  It  seems  to 
have  a  few  basal  spines  less  near  the  dorsal  and  anal  fins  than  the  faber.  The  drawing  shows 
only  six  spines  on  each  side  of  the  soft  dorsal,  and  six  near  the  soft  anal.  Schlegel  gives  about 
the  same  number.  Judging  from  the  figures,  it  would  seem  that  the  profile  from  the  dorsal 
to  the  snout  is  much  more  arched,  particularly  near  the  snout,  than  in  the  Z.  faber,  whose 
profile  is  nearly  straight.  The  figure  in  the  Faun.  Jap.  does  not  show  the  dorsals  suflSciently 
separated,  and  is  not  colored  from  life.  In  the  Hist,  des  Poissons  its  colors,  given  from  a 
Japanese  painting,  are  nearly  correct. 

The  present  drawing  shows  the  fish  of  a  pale  dusky  purple  over  the  head,  with  opercles 
rather  darker.  Back  and  part  of  sides  dark  dusky  purple,  with  three  or  four  darker  stripes, 
broken  in  one  or  two  places,  and  extending  from  the  shoulder  to  near  end  of  anal  fin.  Upper 
stripe  broad,  but  indistinct,  following  curve  of  back  ;  next  one  more  distinct,  narrow,  and  also 
parallel  to  back  ;  third  (a  fragment  only,)  under  anterior  portion  of  second  ;  the  last  extending 
around  upper  part  of  the  great  lateral  spot,  like  an  eyebrow,  and  with  a  little  extension  on  each 
end.  Spinous  dorsal  and  anal  also  dark,  the  first  with  a  broad  darker  band  across  the  rays, 
inclining  downwards.  Back  of  ventrals  and  margin  of  caudal  also  of  same  dark  color.  Sides 
below  the  spot  yellowish  ;  pectorals,  soft  dorsal,  and  anal,  with  base  of  caudal  same.  Irides  pale 
yellow.  The  large  lateral  spot  is  nearly  circular,  larger  than  the  eye,  of  a  dusky  blue,  with  a 
well-defined  dusky  ring  around  it  darker  than  the  four  stripes  above  it.  Schlegel  describes 
another  species,  the  nebulosus.  He  gives  no  native  name  for  either  of  them.  Diengkitsch  calls 
it  mati-owoo,  meaning  target  fish,  an  appropriate  name. 


FISHES     COLLECTED     IN     JAPAN.  269 


30.  CLINUS  POLYACTOCEPHALUS,  Pallas. 


Blennius  polyactocepualus,  Pallas,  Zoog.  Boss.  Asiat.  Ill,  119. 
GuNELLUs  "  C.  and  V.  11,  448. 


PLATE  VII,  fig.  4.     Reduced. 


Notes.— From  Hakodadi,  (12  inches,)  D.  61,  A.  46,  P.  13,  C.  13,  (Gashinagi.) 

From  the  drawing,  it  would  be  difficult  to  pronounce  this  positively  a  Gunellus  ;  but  Mons. 
Valenciennes,  in  the  Hist,  des  Poissons,  places  it  in  this  genus,  though  only  from  the  descrip- 
tion of  Pallas,  which  is  as  follows  : 

"  Species  anomala. — Blennius  polyactocephalcs. 

"  B.  peduncuUs  quatuor  supraciliaribus  uniramosis  majoribus,  verticis  octonis  simplicihus. 

"  Specimen  anomali  hujus  piscis,  inter  alia  curiosa  e  Camtschatca  iransmissum,  siccatum,  sine 
uUeriore  adnotatione  accepi,  et  sic  descripsi  : 

"  Descr.  Longitudo  pedalis,  forma  Bl.  vivipari  et  corpus  aeque  molle  ac  fluxum,  squamulis 
minulis,  moUibus  tectum.  Caput  retusum,  brevissimum,  subtetragono-convexum,  maxilla  inferiore 
hngiore,  utraque  plane  edentula.  Frons  inter  orbitas  approximatas,  majusculas,  depressa,  spinulis 
2.  cartilagineis,  minutis  in  medio,  una  pone  alteram ;  in  utroque  supercilio  pedunculi  duo  cartila- 
ginei,  cathetoplatei,  postico  margine  acutiores,  uniramosi,  quorum  posteriores  paulo  majores,  cras- 
sioresque.  Vertex  pone  orbitas  subexcavatus ,  quasi  muricatus  cirrhis  cartilagineis  erectis,  in 
duplici  serie  octonis,  quorum  poslici,  iidem  et  exterius  positi,  uniramosi.  Praeterea  apophyses 
aliquot  molles  per  operculorum  discum  sparsae :  Opercula  subtriangula,  postice  acuta ;  Jlabella 
radiis  sex  osseis,  tere.tibus,  arcuatis,  quorum  proximus  sub  operculo  adnatus.  Corpus  compressum. 
Pinna  dorsi  non  longe  a  nucha  incipiens,  fere  ad  caudam  continua,  radiorum  60.  P.  ani  bipolli- 
cari  fere  intervallo  ab  ano,  ad  ipsam  caudam  continuata,  postice  in  laciniam  productiuscida. 
Candae  pinna  subaequalis,  radiorum  13." 

The  drawing  seems  to  have  less  tentacles  on  the  head;  but  some  of  these  have,  no  doubt, 
been  overlooked  by  the  draughtsman.  In  its  size,  form,  and  number  of  rays,  it  corresponds 
exactly  with  the  species  noticed  by  Pallas.  The  fin  rays  seem  to  have  been  carefully  coimted, 
and  are  D.  60,  A.  46,  P.  13,  0.  13,  V.?  It  has  distinct  ventrals,  though  they  wer&not  noticed 
by  Pallas. 

The  ifflh  seems  high  for  a  Gunellus,  and  may,  perhaps,  belong  to  a  new  genus.  The  Bl. 
alectorolophus  of  Pallas  (p.  174)  is  either  a  young  of  this  species  or  one  belonging  to  the  same 
genus. 

Colors.  Head  and  body  olive  brown,  mottled  or  clouded  in  irregular  darker  bands  on  sides, 
with  three  still  darker  bands  across  middle  of  body,  over  anterior  part  of  anal,  reaching  from 
dorsal  to  anal.  Irides  pale  dull  yellow.  Back  dark,  abdomen  leaden  grey.  Body  along  base 
of  anal  mottled  for  half  its  length,  and  tinged  towards  tail  with  brick-red.  Head  brownish, 
tinged  with  red,  and  less  mottled  than  body.  Pectorals  dusky  blue,  tinged  with  brick-red 
around  margin.  Dorsal  very  dark  dusky  olive,  of  rather  uniform  tint.  Anal  dull  leaden  grey, 
paler  along  the  base.  Caudal  brick-red,  with  very  broad,  dark,  dusky,  irregular  bands  across 
the  middle,  and  margined  irregularly  with  same. 


270  EXPEDITION     TO     JAPAN. 


31.  GUNNELLUS  DOLICHOGASTER,  PaUas. 

Blen-xius  DOLICHOGASTER,  Pallas,  Zoog.  Eoss.  Asiat.  Ill,  175. 
GuxxELLUs        "  C.  (t  V.  11,  436. 


PLATE  VII,  fig.     .     BedHced. 


IfoTES.— From  Hakodadi,  (91-  inches,  D.  95,  A.  42,  P.  10,  C.  10. 

This  fish  is  described  as  follows  by  Pallas:  "  Blenxits  douchogaster.     Tab.  XLII.,  f.  2.* 

B.  ■pinna  ani  coi-pore  dimidio  breviore,  verrucis  assets  loco  ventrdlium,  cauda  pinnis  coadjunda. 

Circa  insulas  Americae  vicinas,  aeque  ac  circa  Cam!schatcam  observaiur,  interdum  et  in  lacubus 
maridmis.     D.  D.  ilERK. 

Decsr.  Fere  pedalis,  crassitie  digiti,  compressus.  Caput  oblongum,  compressum,  rosfro  retuso 
brevissimo.  Os  adscendens,  maxilla  in/eriore  longtore,  sursum  daudenda,  urtraque  denticulis  dis- 
tantihus,  obiusiusculis,  in  apice  maxillarum  paulo  majoribus  et  duplicato  ordine  positis.  Ocidi  ad 
verticem  laterales,  angusfo  spati  dirempti,  margini  oris  proximi,  iridibus  aureis.  Opercula  branch- 
iarum  oblonga,  Jaevia,  postice  subacuta ;  FlabeUa  branchiostega  quadriradiata,  subtits  cute  coad- 
unda.  Corpus  longissimnm,  compressum,  lubricum,  squamis  minimis,  moHibus,  sparsis  pundatum  ; 
lineae  laterales  obsoletissimae ;  anus  pone  dimidium  hngitudinis,  sed  abdomen  ovariis  plenum  pone 
anum  produdum,  longissimum  inter  congeneres  et  ventricosus.  Color  olivaceo  fuscus,  virescente 
Jiavoque  ncbulosus  supra  lineam  lateralem  viridi  maculafus,  in  ventre  longiiudinaliter  fulvus; 
pinnae  ani  d  caudae  fulvsecentes,  pedorales  flavescentes,  dorsalis  fusca  tranversis  fasciis  palles- 
centibus,  ad  dorsum  peipendicularibus,  distaniibus,  quotes  et  in  p.  ani.  P.  pedorales  minimae, 
ovatae  duodecimradiatae  loco  venti-alium  verrucae  osseae  e  cute  prominulae.  P.  dorsi  longissima, 
non  longe  a  nucha  incipiens,  radiis  rigidis,  intra  cutem  spinosis  93.  cauda  coadunda ;  p.  ani 
radiorum  52.  pariter  pinnae  caudae  coniinuafa;  radiis  2.  primis  aculeatis,  rdiquis  inermibus. 
Cauda  brevis,  rotundata,  20.  radiorum.  In  specimine:  longitudo  totof  11."  caudae  6.'"  capitis 
cum  operculis  1."  \."'  a  svmmo  rostro  ad  pin.  ani  5."  8.'"  altitudo  corporis  ad  nucham  9.'"  in  medio 
alvi  ultra  IpoU.  post  inilium pinnae  ani  10'"." 

Except  in  the  count  of  fin  rays  the  description  applies  very  accurately  to  the  drawing.  It, 
however,  has  not  the  greenish  spots  above  the  lateral  line  alluded  to  by  Pallas,  and  no  distinct 
bars  across  the  dorsal.  General  form  that  of  a  Gunellus,  but  high  for  its  length,  the  abdominal 
outline  sinuous.  Dorsal  very  low,  anal  twice  as  high  as  dorsal.  Both  these  fins  ^ined  to 
caudal,  which  is  rounded.     Yentrals  represented  by  a  recumbent  spine. 

The  colors  of  the  drawing  are  of  a  dull  olivaceous  green  over  head  and  body,  rather  lighter 
below  the  lateral  line  and  underside  of  head,  with  a  well  marked  stripe  of  burnt  sienna  along 
the  abdomen  from  the  head  to  anus.  Irides  yellow.  Dorsal  of  a  dusky  umber  brown,  lighter 
along  the  base.  Pectorals  bright  orange.  Caudal  dusky  orange.  Anal  bright  carmine  red, 
with  nine  white  bars  running  obliquely  across  it  aom  the  margin  towards  the  tail,  each  bar 
crossing  four  or  five  rays,  and  v  idening  as  they  approach  the  base  ;  the  last  bars  less  distinct. 

*  The  plates  accompanyiag  this  great  work  were  lost  by  the  fiulure  of  the  person  entrusted  with  their  engraving  in 
Leipzig  ;  six  plates  only,  representing  mammalia,  accompany  the  work,  which  was  printed  in  1811  and  published  in  1831. 
A  few  platts  have  since  been  added  to  the  illustrations. 

f  PaUas  elsewhere  states  that  he  uses  English  measures. 


FISHES    COLLECTED    IN    JAPAN.  2?l 

32.  CALUONYMUS  VALENCIENNEI,  Schlegel,  Faun.  Jap.,  &c.  153,  pi.  78,  f.  3. 

Notes. — Fdhi  Lew  Chew,  5J  inches,  No-migutsi. 

The  drawing  corresponds  exactly  to  the  description  of  the  ahove  species  by  Schlegel.  The 
name  given  to  it  at  Nagasaki,  Tengurikutsi,  seems  to  mean  that  it  has  a  mouth  like  the  net 
called  Tenguri. 

The  name  given  to  it  on  the  drawing,  Nomigutsi,  means  chisel  mouth. 


33.  JUIIS  POECILEPTERUS,  Schlegel,  Faun.  Jap.,  &c.,  169,  pi.  86.  bis.  fig.  1. 

JuLis  POECILEPTERUS,  Richardson,  15th  meeting  Brit.  Assoc,  1845,  p.  260. 

Notes. — From  Simoda,  9f  inches,  Bera. 

Besides  the  description  of  the  above  fish  in  the  Faun.  Jap  ,  Richardson  gives  another  one  in 
the  report  above  quoted.  Both  these  authors  give  the  colors,  which  are  much  variegated,  and 
appear  to  vary  in  difierent  specimens. 

The  Japanese  name  Kusahi,  or  Kfoosahi,  means  that  it  is  of  a  grass-green  color.  At  Simoda 
it  seems  to  be  called  Bera,  from  a  note  on  the  drawing. 


34.  JUIIS  LUTESCENS,  Solander. 

Labrus  LUTESCENS,  Sol.  mss. 

JuLis  "  E.  T.  Bennett,  Zool.  Beechey's  Voy.  Blossom,  Fishes,  p.  65. 

pi.  19,  f.  2. 


PLATE  VIII,  figs.  3  and  4. 


Notes. — From  Napha,  Lew  Chew,  (6f  inches,)  D.  T.  13,  A.  2.  7,  P.  14.  Operculum  smooth, 
teeth  interlacing,  long  retractile  mouth. 

Though  varying  in  some  respects  from  the  description  of  Solander,  this  is  certainly  the  same 
fish.  He  observed  it  also  at  Lew  Chew  and  Tahiti.  His  description  as  quoted  by  Bennett  is  as 
follows : 

"  Piscis  lutescens,  strigis  numerosis  rubicundis  iransversalibus.  Caput  viridi  lutescens,  areis 
pluribus  latis  rubicundis.  Abdomen  virescens,  vittis  duabus  luteis.  Pinna  dorsalis  e  viridi-lutes- 
cens,  vittd  paulo  infra  medium  croced,  limite  superiore  coeruleo.  Pinnae  pectorales  lutescenien, 
apicibus  nigris.  Pinnae  ventrales  lutescentes.  Pinna  ani  viridi-lutescens ,  basi  croced,  limite 
coeruleo.  Pinna  caudae  ejlavo  lutea,  vittis  marginalibus  croceis.  Iris  argenteo  virescens.  Pupil- 
la  nigra." 

The  figure  published  by  Bennett  is  taken  from  the  one  brought  home  by  Solander.  It  does 
not  agree  with  the  description,  particularly  in  wanting  the  numerous  cross  bands  of  red.  Mr. 
Bennett  adds,  that  the  Zoological  Society  has  received  specimens  from  the  Mauritius,  which  how- 
ever will  probably  prove  to  bethet/wKs  annulatus,  Val.,  vol.  13,  p.  501,  pi.  388,  from  that  Island. 
The  figure  brought  home  by  the  U.  S.  Expedition  is  not  a  very  good  one,  but  is  interesting 
as  having  been  taken  from  life. 


272  EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN. 

35.  JXJLIS  aUADRICOLOR,  Lesson. 

JuLis  QUADRICOLOR,  Lesson,  Voy.  Coquille,  Poissons,  pi.  35.    Tahiti. 

"  "  Hist,  des  Poiss.,  13,  p.  443. 

Labrus  ertthrogaster,  vel  formosus,  Sol.  Ms.  Tahiti. 
JuLis  "  Hist.  desPoiss.,  13,  447.    Ulea. 

Labrus  cyanogaster,  Sol.  Ms.    Tahiti. 
JuLis  "  Hist,  des  Poiss.,  13,  444. 

ScARXJS  QuiNQUEFiTTATUS?  E.  T.  Bennett,  Voy.  Blossom,  Fish.,  p.  66,  pi.  19,fig.  3, 

Lew  Chew. 


PLATE  VIII,  fig.  2. 


Notes. — From  Simoda,  (6  inches.) 

With  but  slight  variations  in  color  all  the  above  synonyms  seem  to  be  referable  to  one  species. 

The  colors  on  the  drawings  are  as  follows  :  Of  a  general  uniform  rich  indigo-blue,  with  strong 
tinge  of  green  on  sides  of  head,  back  above  lateral  line,  and  caudal.  A  stripe  of  carmine  runs 
from  the  snout  through  the  eye,  becoming  bifid  behind  it ;  the  upper  portion  short,  the  lower 
one  declining  and  reaching  to  below  the  tip  of  opercle.  A  short  stripe  runs  back  to  beneath  the 
eye  from  the  corner  of  mouth.  Two  spots  or  bars  above  the  eye,  and  a  bar  from  occiput  along 
upper  margin  of  opercle.  All  these  markings  are  carmine.  Three  parallel  series  of  scales  on 
upper  part  of  sides  are  spotted  with  red,  and  a  stripe  of  same  runs  from  the  axilla  of  the  pecto- 
rals back  to  above  base  of  anal.  Membrane  at  base  of  pectorals  and  caudal  red  also.  Balance 
of  caudal  rich  green.  Pectorals  violet-blue.  Dorsal  and  anal  of  same  violet-blue  with  a  stripe 
of  green,  and  a  narrow  edging  of  red.  There  is  no  yellow  on  the  figure,  though  the  green 
may,  in  some  specimens,  run  into  that  color. 

There  is  but  little  difference  in  form  between  most  of  the  Julidae,  and  the  species  are  distin- 
guished by  their  coloring  from  each  other ;  an  uncertain  character  and  one  leading  to  much 
confusion.  Some  particular  organ  might  be  selected  whose  minute  differences  would  serve  to 
fix  the  species. 

36.  GOMPHOSUS  FUSCUS,  Val.  Hist,  des  Poiss.,  14,  p.  25. 

Notes. — From  Lew  Chew,  (5^  inches.) 

The  figure  corresponds  in  form  and  coloring  with  the  first  description  given  in  the  Hist,  des 
Poiss.,  with  but  little  variation.  There  is  no  spot  on  the  anal,  and  the  black  stripe  through 
the  eye  does  not  reach  the  end  of  the  snout. 

M.  Valenciennes  describes  other  varieties  with  bright  colors.  He  gives  the  whole  Indian 
Ocean  and  Tahiti  as  its  habitat. 


37.  CHEILIO  HEMICHRYSOS,  Val.  ffist.  des  Poiss.,  13,  p.  351. 

Cheilio  auratus,  Quoy,  Voy.  Uranie,  274,  pi:  54,  fig.  2. 

Notes. — From  Lew  Chew,  life  size  9  inches. 

This  drawing  corresponds  to  the  description  above  quoted  ;  the  general  color  brown,  white 
under  head  and  breast,  light  brown  under  body,  with  series  of  distinctly  marked  black  dots  along 
the  lateral  line.     The  specimens  seen  by  M.  Valenciennes  were  from  Tahiti. 


FISHES  COLLECTED  IN  JAPAN.  273 

38.  HIPPOGLOSSUS  OLIVACEUS,  Schlegel,  Faun.  Jap.,  &c.,  184,  pi.  94. 

Notes. — From  Yedo  Bay,  life  size  8^  inches. 

The  Japanese  name  3Iakarei,  in  the  Faun.  Jap.,  by  which  it  is  known  at  Nagasaki,  is  also 
given  to  it  at  Osaka.     Karei  is  the  local  name  given  to  the  Platessoidae. 


39.  SYNAPTTJEA  OMMATURA,  Rich. 

SoLEA  OMMATURA,  Richardson,  Eep.  Brit.  Assoc,  1845,  j).  279. 
SoLEA  Zebrina,  T.  and  S.,  Faun.  Jap.  Pisces,  185,  pi.  95,  f.  1. 

Notes. — From  Simoda,  {i'\  inches  ;)  cow's  tongue — Simushinoshta. 

This  drawing  agrees  with  the  above  quoted  figure,  except  that  the  caudal  markings  are 
orange.  Richardson  is  no  doubt  right  in  supposing  this  species  to  be  distinct  from  the' >SoZea 
^eSrci  of  Bloch.  Bleecker  doubts  it,  and  classes  it  in  his  "  Nalezingen  op  de  Ichthylogie  van 
Japan,"  (1853,)  p.  19,  under  the  old  specific  name  but  in  his  genus  Synaptura.  In  his  paper 
on  Pleuronectidae,  (1852,)  p.  17,  he  observes  that  it  seems  only  to  be  a  local  variety  of  the 
Zebra.  As  he  however  had  not  seen  the  fish,  while  Richardson  had  compared  specimens  of 
those  allied  species,  it  seems  but  proper  to  adopt  the  specific  name  of  the  one  and  the  generic 
name  of  the  other  of  these  distinguished  Ichthyologists. 

It  bears  the  same  local  name  in  the  Faun.  Jap.  as  that  above  given.  Sim,  is  "to  dye;" 
usliinoshta,  a  "cow's  tongue." 


40.  PLAGUSIA  JAPONICA,  T  &  S.;  Faun.  Jap.,  Pisces,  187,  pi.  95,  f.  2 

Notes. — From  Simoda,  Ushinosta,  8^  inches. 

The  above  distinct  specific  name  is  given  to  it  in  the  Fauna  Japonica,  until  it  can  be  shown 
to  belong  to  one  of  the  described  species  of  Flagusia,  which  are  as  yet  not  well  characterized. 


41.  SALMO  PERRYI,  N.  S. 


PLATE  IX,  fig.   1.     Reduced. 


Notes.— From  Hakodadi,  May  and  June,  (33  inches,)  D.  11,  A.  11,  P.  15,  V.  8,  C.  25. 

After  a  careful  comparison  of  this  figure  with  all  the  species  of  salmon  from  the  Pacific  de- 
scribed by  Pallas  in  his  Zoographia,  or  by  Valenciennes  in  the  21st  volume  of  the  Histoire  des 
Poissons,  this  fish  would  seem  not  to  have  been  described  before.  It  resembles  the  8.  Furpu- 
ratus  of  Pallas  in  some  points,  and  may  be  an  adult  specimen  of  it ;  but  the  Pacific  salmon  are 
not  well  known,  and  no  one  species  has  been  placed  on  a  sure  basis.  Pallas,  Richardson  and 
Valenciennes  describe  some  twenty-five  distinct  species  from  the  Pacific,  wliich  number  will 
probably  be  reduced  considerably.  The  surveying  expedition  to  the  North  Pacific,  under  Com- 
mander John  Rodgere,  has  brought  home  550  species  of  fish,  among  which  many  Salmonidae 
35  s 


274 


EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN. 


must  occur  ;  and  these  collections  will  probably  assist  in  clearing  up  the  confusion  now  existing 

in  this  group. 

The  Salmo  herewith  figured  has  been  named  after  the  able  commander  of  the  United  States 
Japan  Expedition,  to  whose  eflbrts  alone  we  owe  the  scanty  yet  interesting  zoological  collections 
and  drawings,  made  under  disadvantageous  circumstances,  while  the  squadron  was  in  those 
distant  seas. 

In  its  o-eneral  form  and  coloring  it  resembles  the  Salmo  hamatus  of  Eurojie,  and  the  New 
Brunswick  salmon  of  North  America,'  and  no  doubt  is  the  representative  of  that  type  in  the 
Pacific,  the  figure  having  probably  been  taken  from  a  female. 

Head  large  and  thick,  four  and  a  half  times  in  total  length  of  fish.  Jaws  very  strong  and 
thick,  the  upper  one  rather  pointed,  with  stout  curved  maxillaries,  the  lower  one  longest  when 
depressed,  with  a  strong  curve  upwards.  Teeth  strong  and  recurved.  Profile  from  snout  to 
occiput  nearly  straight,  curving  thence  gently  into  the  dorsal  outline,  which  is  straight  also  to 
behind  first  dorsal.  Abdominal  outline  not  prominent,  but  gently  tapering  to  base  of  caudal. 
Height  of  body  in  front  of  dorsal  |  of  length  of  head  ;  at  base  of  caudal  \-  of  same.  Eyes  small, 
j-V  of  head.  Opercles  rounded,  branchial  rays  stout.  Scales  distinct  and  rather  large,  but  too 
distinctly  marked  in  the  engraved  figure.  Lateral  line  straight.  Fins  large,  with  pointed 
lobes.  Anterior  base  of  dorsal  slightly  nearer  to  snout  than  to  margin  of  caudal.  Second 
dorsal  large,  for  the  fish.  Pectorals  and  ventrals  long  and  pointed.  Anal  under  adipose 
dorsal.  (Both  these  fins  seem,  in  the  drawing,  to  be  too  near  to  the  base  of  the  caudal.)  Cau- 
dal with  broad  pointed  lobes,  posterior  margin  deeply  emarginated  and  indented  at  the  centre. 

Proportions,  from  the  original  drawing,  in  hundredths  of  total  length,  measuring  from  snout 


to  centre  of  margin  of  caudal : 

Height  of  body  at  pectorals IS.  00 

Height  in  front  of  dorsal 19.  00 

Height  at  base  of  caudal 7.  00 

Snout  to  margin  opercle 22.  50 

Snout  to  orbits 7  50 

Diameter  of  orbits - -     2.00 

Pectorals  long- 15.  00 

Snout  to  first  dors.il 46.00 

Anterior  rays  long 17.00 


Rise  1st  to  base  2d  dorsal 31.00? 

Second  dcrsal  long 5.  00 

Snout  to  base  ventrals 53.00 

Ventrals  long 16.00 

Base  ventrals  to  base  anal 25.  00? 

Anal  long •. 14.00 

Snout  to  end  scales  on  lat.  line 95.  00 

Lobes  of  caudal 16.00 

Emargination  of  open  caudal 6.  00 


Colors:  Dusky  along  the  back  of  head,  and  becoming  blue  on  the  opercles,  and  dirty  white 
beneath.  Margin  of  lower  jaw  bluish  dusky.  Back  of  head,  snout,  opercles  and  maxillaries, 
covered  with  round,  irregular  sized  blackish  spots,  rather  closely  set.  Eye  golden  yellow. 
Back  dusky,  soon  however  fading  into  dirty  purplish  red  on  the  sides,  which  on  the  under 
parts  fades  again  into  dirty  white.  The  dusky  back  and  colored  sides  are  covered  with  blackish 
spots  of  irregular  form,  smaller  than  those  of  the  head  and  rather  more  sparsely  distributed. 
Lower  part  of  dorsal  spotted  also.  This  and  all  the  other  fins  are  of  a  brownish  black  of  rather 
uniform  hue,  the  caudal  inclining  to  brown.  Ventrals  and  anal  of  a  lighter  shade,  with  their 
anterior  rays  lighter  still. 

1  This  salmon,  if  not  identical  with  the  S.  hamatus,  will  form  a  new  species.  It  has  not  been  described  or  noticed  by  any 
author  that  has  written  on  Americtin  Ichthyology.  In  October,  1S56.  large  numbers  of  them,  weighing  from  eight  to 
fifteen  pounds  each,  were  brought  to  the  New  York  market.  The  males  invariably  had  straight  and  pointed  upper,  and 
hooked  under  jaws ;  the  females,  which  were  full  of  roe,  had  the  jaws  like  the  figure  here  published.  It  could  not  be 
confounded  with  the  Salmo  Salur. 


FISHES     COLLECTED     IN     JAPAN.  •  275 


42.  SALMO  ORIENTALIS,  PaUas. 


Salmo  okientalis,  Pallas,  Zoog.  Ross.  Asiat.  III.,  367. 
"  "  C.  and  Val.  21,  356. 


PLATE  IX,  fig.   2.     Reduced.     (Named  Salmo  masou  on  the  plate.) 


Notes. — From  Hakodadi^  May  and  June,  (2H  inches,)  Masou. 

The  S.  orientalis  of  Pallas  is  a  fish  of  large  size,  reaching  to  60  pounds  in  weight,  ascending 
large  rivers  only,  in  the  months  of  April  May  and  June,  in  great  numbers.  In  Kamschatka 
it  is  considered  the  best  food  in  the  world,  and  it  is  a  common  saying  there,  "  that  he  who  has 
tasted  the  head  of  this  fish  will  never  wish  to  return  to  Russia." 

Pallas's  description,  in  brief,  is  as  follows  :  "  Resembling  the  Salmo  ndbilii  (S.  Salar.  L.)  in 
form,  but  broader.  Head  A\  times  in  total  length,  conical,  a  little  compres.sed.  Jaws  equal, 
and  pointed,  the  lower  one  slightly  recurved.  Lips  fleshy.  Anterior  lower  teeth  hooked. 
Triple  series  of  teeth  on  palate,*  a  double  row  on  tongue.  Opercles  large  and  rounded.  Eye 
of  medium  size.  Body  slightly  compressed,  dorsal  and  ventral  outline  convex.  Lateral  line 
straight,  rising  towards  the  oiJercles.  Scales  large.  Rays,  B.  17;  D.  12;  A.  15;  P.  16; 
V.  10.  Dorsal  with  single  rays  in  front.  Ventrals  with  a  thin  scale  at  their  base,  nearly  as 
long  as  the  fins,  carinate  and  bilamellate?  [carinata  bilamellata,)  differing  from  any  other  spe- 
cies. Caudal  large,  crescent-shaped  on  margin.  Colors  dusky  blue  or  black,  abdomen  white. 
Irides  silvery.  Head  jaws  and  tongue  dusky  leaden  blue.  Opercles  silvery  blue.  Dorsal  and 
caudal  spotted  ;  adijjose  dorsal  dusky.  Pectorals  dusky  inside,  bluish  white  outside.  Anal 
bluish.     Flesh,  when  fresh,  red,  often  fulvous,  becoming  paler  by  coction." 

Mons.  Valenciennes,  who  examined  dried  specimens  of  this  fish  in  Berlin,  describes  it  as  beiuf 
"  broader  and  thicker,  in  proportion  to  its  length,  (plus  large  et  plus  trapu,)  than  the  common 
salmon,  with  jaws  slightly  curved,  the  upper  one  a  little  the  longest.  Outline  of  back  and 
abdomen  rather  convex,  of  a  silvery  color,  dusky  blue  on  the  back,  and  white  beneath."  He 
says  of  a  drawing  made  in  Kamtschatka  by  Mortens,  from  a  female,  that  it  was  of  an  "ashy 
blue,  darker  on  the  back,  sides  and  abdomen  lighter,  with  a  rosy-red  tinge.  Numerous  crescent- 
shaped  spots  above  the  lateral  line.  Anterior  margin  of  pectorals,  ventrals,  and  {^nal  pink." 
Mr.  Mortens  observed  that  the  males  have  longer  opercles  than  the  females. 

The  drawing  by  the  American  draughtsman  represents  a  fish  formed  as  above  described,  with 
outline  of  back  and  head  regularly  arched.  Height  in  front  of  dorsal  nearly  equal  to  length 
of  head ;  at  base  of  tail  3^  times  in  height  of  body.  Head  four  and  a  quarter  times  in  total 
length.  (This  is  much  larger  than  in  the  common  salmon.)  Head  pointed,  conical ;  upper  jaw 
rather  the  longest_,  both  armed  with  strong  teeth.  All  the  fins  short  and  stout,  with  pointed 
tips  and  emarginated  borders.  Anal  very  small  for  the  fish.  Tail  with  pointed  lobes,  and 
regularly  lunate.  Dorsal  wholly  anterior  to  ventrals ;  anterior  base  of  last  ray  half  way  between 
snout  and  edge  of  caudal.  Adipose  dorsal  over  front  of  anal,  and  of  moderate  size.  Lateral 
line  rises  near  the  ojiercles.  Scales  rather  small,  but  rei^resented  too  large  in  the  figure.  Head 
dusky  above,  leaden  blue  on  sides,  with  a  few  dark  blotches  ;  white  beneath  ;  tongue  dusky. 
Irides  silvery  yellow.     Body  dark  dusky,  above  the  lateral  line  lighter,  and  tinged  with  purple 

«  The  text  of  Pallas  is,  "denies  inpaktto  tripUci  series,"  a  vague  expression,  which  seems  to  prove  that  he  was  counting  the 
teeth  ou  the  palatines  as  two  series,  leaving  one  for  the  vomer. 


276  EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN. 

on  sides,  and  shading  off  rather  abruptly  below  the  lateral  line  into  white,  with  tinege  of  red. 
Lateral  line  conspicuously  placed  on  a  narrow  pale  stripe  from  opercles  to  caudal.  Dorsal  and 
caudal  almost  black,  ventrals  and  pectorals  j)ale  dusky.     Anal  dusky  yellow. 

The  S.  Japonensis  of  Pallas,  (op.  cit.,  p.  382,)  from  the  Kurile  Islands,  of  which  he  had  two 
dried  specimens,  brought  home  by  Merk,  seems  to  resemble  the  orientalis,  judging  from  the 
vague  description  of  it  by  the  Russian  naturalist.  Valenciennes  (op.  cit.,  p.  363)  examined 
these  specimens.  One  of  them,  he  thinks,  answers  to  Pallas's  description,  but  still  remarks 
that  the  species  does  not  seem  to  be  well  founded.  Had  it  resembled  the  orientalis,  the  distin- 
guished French  naturalist  would  have  noted  such  a  fact. 

The  name  Masu,  or  Masou,  seems  to  be  a  designation  for  salmon  generally  in  Japan.  Med- 
hurst  gives  it  as  Mas.  Sake,  which  also  means  "  wine,"  is  another  name  for  it.  The  scientific 
names  attached  to  those  given  in  the  Japanese  encyclopedia  by  Mr.  Eemusat,  in  his  notice  of 
this  work,  are  not  always  correctly  applied,  as  the  rough  native  figures  seem  to  have  been  his 
only  guide.  The  name  of  number  21,  in  book  49,  page  8,  is  "  Kamasu,  in  Chinese  Sotseuiu, 
poisson  navette,)  esox  spliyraena,  murene."  No  doubt  a  salmon  was  represented  in  the  accom- 
panying figure.  Kamasu  seems  to  signify  a  "slender  salmon."  Kiimpfer  alludes  to  a  fish 
under  the  name  Kamas,  which  he  calls  a  pike. 


43.  SALMO  (FAEIO)  LEUCOMAENIS,  PaUas. 

Salmo  Leucomaenis,  Pallas,  Zoog.,  Ross.  Asiat.,  Ill,  356. 
"  "  Val.  Hist,  des  Poissons,  21,  243. 


PLATE  X,  fig.  3.     Natural  size. 


Notes. — From  Hakodadi  Bay,  (Lat.  41°  49',)  May  and  June.     8  inches. 

This  seems  to  agree  with  the  descriptions  above  quoted,  though  it  may  prove  to  be  a  new 
species.  The  figure  represents  a  fish  of  a  uniform  dusky  blue,  with  tinge  of  greenish  on  the 
back,  sides,  and  top  or  head,  becoming  silvery  white  on  the  lower  parts  of  head  and  body. 
Large  round  spots  of  rather  uniform  size,  and  distinctly  defined,  are  sparingly  scattered  over 
the  -whole  of  the  back  and  sides.  They  are  of  a  paler  blue  than  the  ground  color,  and  become 
white  below  the  lateral  line,  and  are  distributed  in  five  rows,  three  above  and  two  below  the 
lateral  line  in  irregular  quicunx  order.  The  largest  are  about  J  of  the  diameter  of  the  eye,  or 
eight  times  in  the  greatest  height  of  the  body.  The  upper  row  of  6  or  7  run  close  to  the  back, 
beginning  under  the  first  dorsal ;  the  second  commences  near  the  back  of  the  head,  and  count 
nine  to  half  way  between  the  dorsals,  where  it  unites  with  the  third  row.  This  numbers  eleven 
spots,  running  parallel  to  the  lateral  line,  with  some  confused  spots  on  the  base  of  caudal.  The 
fourth  row  follows  the  under  side  of  the  lateral  line  and  close  to  it,  with  about  eight  spots.  The 
fifth  is  short,  with  five  or  six  white  spots,  just  distinguishable  from  the  pale  blue  of  the  sides. 
Irides  pale  yellow,  and  tinges  of  same  on  opercles.  The  fins  are  all  colored  of  a  pale  umber 
brown,  the  first  dorsal  being  darkest.     Ventrals  quite  p.ale. 

In  form  it  resembles  a  brook  trout,  the  snout  being  rather  blunt.  The  expression  of  Pallas, 
in  describing  its  teeth,  "series  in pdlato parallela,"  may  perhaps  mean  that  it  has  a  double  row 
on  the  body  of  the  vomer,  in  which  case  it  would  belong  to  the  genus  Salar  as  defined  by 


FISHES     COLLECTED     IN    JAPAN.  2*77 

Yalenciennes,  (op.  cit.,  p.  163,)  who  however,  places  it  with  Salmo,  understanding  the  phrase 
of  Pallas  to  refer  to  the  teeth  of  the  palatines  only.  The  specimen  examined  at  Berlin  hy  M. 
Valenciennes  had  lost  its  tongue,  palatines,  and  vomer.  This  question  cannot,  therefore  he 
settled  from  present  data. 

Pallas  says  of  its  hahits,  that  "  it  is  found  in  the  Arctic  sea  as  well  as  in  the  eastern  ocean 
in  hays  and  estuaries,  in  great  ahundance,  particularly  in  the  spring,  not  ascending  the  streams 
a  great  distance.  In  the  most  northern  waters  it  appears  in  the  middle  of  June,  when  it  is 
caught  during  the  rest  of  the  month.  In  the  rivers  of  Kamtschatka,  where  it  runs  larger,  it 
appears  about  the  middle  of  April.  It  is  a  marine  shore  fish,  not  remaining  long  in  fresh  water, 
returning  about  the  middle  of  May  to  the  sea.  It  is  one  of  the  most  palatable  fish  of  its  kind, 
either  smoked  or  salted,  and  is  brought  under  the  name  of  Somgha  from  Archangel  to  St.  Pe- 
tersburgh  and  Moscow."  This  is  a  great  range  for  one  species  of  salmon.  Pallas  adds  that  it 
is  generally  a  foot  and  .a  half  in  length  ;  the  largest  of  the  eastern  seas  reaching  to  a  yard  and 
and  a  half.  His  specimen  was  almost  seventeen  inches  long.  In  describing  it,  the  principal 
characteristics  given  are  as  follows  :  "  Kesembling  the  common  salmon.  Snout  rather  obtuse. 
Lower  jaw  rather  the  shortest  when  mouth  is  closed^  often  hooked  at  the  apex  in  the  old 
Kamtschatka  specimens.  Large  hooked  teeth  in  the  jaws,  with  a  parallel  series  on  the  palate, 
and  on  the  tongue  a  double  row  of  large  claw-like  teeth,  composed  of  six  large  ones,  and  a  small 
one  at  the  apex.  Small  rounded  opercles.  Twelve  branchial  rays.  Body  full,  tapering,  com- 
pressed, and  with  small  scales.  Lateral  line  straight,  rising  towards  the  head.  Fins  fleshy. 
Adipose  dorsal  small,  narrow,  dilaled  at  the  end,  with  upper  margin  serrated,  and  placed 
behind  the  anal.  Tail  forked,  with  equal  lobes.  Fin  rays.  D,  1.  12,  (rarely  11  or  12)  ;  A, 
1.  10  or  11  ;  P,  14 ;  V,  9  ;  C,  19.  Color  silvery ;  above  and  for  a  little  distance  below  the 
lateral  line  bluish  ;  back  dusky,  abdomen  brilliant  white.  Orbicular  white  spots  scattered 
(over  body,)  becoming  greenish  towards  the  back.  The  pectorals,  ventrals,  and  anal,  white  ; 
dorsals  dusky.  These  colors  are  sometimes  darker  throughout.  The  flesh  of  the  northern  ones 
red  ;  of  the  eastern  ones  white." 

A  comparison  of  the  measurements  given  by  Pallas,  with  the  drawing,  corresponds  in  several 
important  parts  so  nearly  that  there  can  be  but  little  doubt  as  to  the  identity  of  his  Leucomacnis 
of  Kamtschatka  with  the  figure  of  the  fish  taken  at  Hakodadi. 


44.  SALMO .    Young? 


PLATE  X, 


Notes. — From  Hakodadi  Bay,  (6^  inches.) 

This  seems  to  be  a  young  salmon  of  uncertain  species.  It  cannot  be  a  brook  trout,  the  young 
of  which  are  barred  as  in  the  figure,  but  which  remain  in  fresh  water,  and  lose  these  distinctive 
markings  when  three  or  four  inches  long.  The  young  salmon  of  the  first  season,  known  as  the 
Parr  on  the  English  coast,  have  the  same  bands,  and  it  is  no  doubt  a  salmon  of  the  Northwest 
Pacific,  in  this  state,  which  was  figured  at  Hakodadi. 

The  figure  represents  a  gracefully  proportioned  fish  with  rather  pointed  jaws,  the  under  ones 
longest;  head  four  and  a  half  in  total  length.     Eyes  large.     Dorsal  rounded  in  outline,  with 


278  "  EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN. 

13  rays.     Caudal  with  pointed  lobes,  and  deeply  forked.     Anal  in  the  figure  seems  placed  too 
far  forward.     Lateral  line  straight.     Scales  rather  small  and  rounded. 

Colors.  Deep  indigo  blue  on  back  of  head  and  body,  shading  oif  on  under  side  to  white. 
Eight  strongly  marked  bars  of  same  color  as  the  back,  and  equally  spaced,  extending  vertically 
down  on  sides  ;  the  first  and  last  ones  not  reaching  the  lateral  line,  while  the  intermediate  ones 
just  pass  over  it.  A  large  blue  spot  on  the  lateral  line  just  behind  the  opercles.  Three  smaller 
spots  below  the  lateral  line  at  unequal  heights,  but  placed  vertically  under  the  spaces  between 
the  first  four  bars.  These  bars  and  spots  are  shaded  around  their  margins.  Dorsal  jiale  blue, 
with  membrane  between  tips  of  first  six  rays  darker.  Pectorals,  ventrals,  and  anal,  nearly 
colorless.     Caudal  pale  dusky,  with  dark-tipped  lobes.     Lateral  line  lighter  than  body. 


45.  OSMERUS  OLIDITS?    Pallas. 
Salmo,  (osJiERrs)  OLIDUS,  Pallas,  Zoog.  Koss.  Asiat.^  Vol.  Ill,  p.  391. 


PLATE  X,   fig.  2. 


NoTis. — From  Hakodadi,  (6^  inches.     Ugoi.) 

No  species  of  smelt  is  described  in  the  Fanna  Japonica,  and  as  the  fish  noticed  in  that  work 
seem  to  have  been  collected  around  the  southern  shores  of  Japan,  it  is  i)robable  that  it  is  not 
found  so  far  south. 

Diengkitsch  pronounced  Medhurst's  name  for  the  smelt,  Kisgo,  to  be  erroneous,  and  also  said 
that  Ugoi  was  not  its  true  name.  Ugoi,  or  Foogoi,  means  that  it  is  not  a  carp,  but  he  could 
not  remember  the  name  of  the  smelt. 

Many  Russian  travellers  have  noticed  smelt  in  the  Pacific,  and  describe  two  species  of  Osmerus 
and  one  of  Mallotus.  (Y\A..  Kracheninnikow,  Gmelin,  and  Pallas,  op.  cit.,  p.  386.)  Mr.  Collie 
appears  to  have  met  with  two  species  of  Osmerus  in  Awatscha  bay,  according  to  the  notes  on 
page  49  of  the  Zoology  of  Beechey's  Voyage  in  the  Blossom.  Pallas  seems  to  have  supposed 
that  the  Osmerus  Epedanus  and  Spirinclius  of  Europe  were  also  found  in  the  Pacific,  which  M. 
Valenciennes  (vol.  11,  pp.  378  and  388)  seems  to  admit,  though  the  species  can  hardly  have  so 
wide  a  range.  Pallas  (op.  cit.)  describes  an  Osmerus  olidus,  as  peculiar  to  the  Pacific,  which 
is  not  noticed  or  even  quoted  in  the  Hist,  des  Poissons.  In  the  absence  of  more  certain  data,  it 
it  is  assumed  to  be  the  fish  herewith  figured,  though  the  species  is  said  by  Pallas  rarely  to 
exceed  a  length  of  four  and  a  half  inches.  It  is  the  first  time  that  an  Osmerus  from  the  North 
Pacific  has  been  figured.  Specimens  of  this  and  of  other  species,  if  any  exist,  will  no  doubt  be 
found  among  the  collections  brought  home  by  the  North  Pacific  Surveying  Expedition. 


46.  CHATOESSUS  PUNCTATUS,  Temm.  and  Schleg. 
Chatoessus  pukctatus,  T.  and  S.,  Faun.  Jap.  Pisces.  240,  pi.  CIX.,  fig.  1. 

IfoxES. — Yedo  Bay,  April,  1854,  Konoshiro,  (8  inches.) 

The  drawing  corresponds  exactly  with  the  quoted  figure.  The  name  given  to  the  Herring 
in  Medhurst's  vocabulary  is  the  same  as  the  one  marked  by  a  Japanese  on  the  figure.  Siro  or 
Shiro  signifies  "white." 


FISHES     COLLECTED     IN     JAPAN.  279 


47.  CLUPEA  MELASTOMA,  Temm.  and  Schleg. 

Clupea  Melastoma?  Schneider^  (Bloch.,)  427. 

Clupea  Melastoma,  T.  and  S.,  Faiin.  Jap.  Pisces,  p.  237,  pi.  CVIII.,  fig.  1. 

Notes. — Yedo  Bay,  (8J  inches,)  Isagi.     The  drawing  indicates  the  dark  dots  on  the  lateral 
line  very  distinctly. 


Though  no  drawing  was  brought  home  of  the  fish  which  is  described  in  the  Fauna  Japonica 
(p.  236,  pi.  107,  fig.  2)  as  the  Clupea  Micropus,  it  may  not  be  considered  improper  to  put  on 
record  a  few  remarks  concerning  it,  which  may  prove  interesting  as  regards  the  geographical 
distribution  of  the  Clupeoidae. 

This  Clupeoid  has  a  smooth  cylindrical  abdomen  without  serratures,  and  evidently  does  not 
come  under  the  genus  Clupea  proper.  M.  Valenciennes,  in  a  supplement  to  the  20th  vol.  of 
the  Hist,  des  Poissons,  describes  a  fish  which  seems  to  have  given  him  some  trouble  to  place  in 
its  proper  position  in  the  family.  He  however  puts  it  between  Butyrinus  and  Elops,  and  names 
it  Dussumiera  acuta.  It  was  brought  from  the  coast  of  Malabar  and  Coromandel  by  Dussumier, 
but  had  been  observed  there  previously  by  Leschenault  and  Sonnerat.  M.  Valenciennes  adds 
that  the  Clupea  Micropus,  referred  to  above,  may  perhaps  be  of  the  same  species,  but  that  if 
distinct  it  would  be  a  second  species  of  his  new  genus. 

Bleecker,  in  his  "Nalezingen  op  de  Ichthyologie  van  Japan,"  page  48,  admits  the  close  con- 
nection of  the  Microp)US  with  Dussumiera,  but  separates  it  from  that  genus,  owing  to  his  having 
detected  teeth  on  the  vomer.  He  makes  a  genus  Etrumeus  to  receive  it,  its  Japanese  name 
being  Etrumeiwasi.  It  however  seems  to  belong  to  Valenciennes'  genus,  who  distinctly  de- 
scribes the  vomer  as  having  rudimentary  teeth  on  some  specimens.  Bleecker  describes,  also, 
two  new  species  of  Dussumiera  in  his  "  Bijdrage  tot  de  Kennis  der  Chirocentroidei,"  &c.,  page 
12,  from  the  Moluccas. 

The  most  curious  fact,  however,  in  the  geographical  distribution  of  this  new  genus  is,  that 
the  same,  or  a  closely  allied  one,  is  found  on  the  Atlantic  coast  of  the  United  States.  Dekay^ 
in  the  Natural  History  of  the  State  of  New  York,  (Fish,  p.  262,  pi.  40,  fig.  128,)  describes  a  fish 
as  the  Alosa  teres,  of  which  he  had  only  seen  one  specimen.  It  is,  however  not  rare  on  our 
shores,  where  it  is  found  in  the  lower  bay  or  on  the  coast  outside,  in  summer,  in  small  numbers, 
near  the  surf,  and  is  known  to  the  fishermen  as  the  round  herring  and  bass-bait.  Its  size  and 
form  enable  it  to  pass  through  the  nets.  This  fish  is  closely  allied  to  the  genus  Dussumiera,  if 
not  in  reality  belonging  to  it.  M.  Valenciennes,  in  the  Hist,  des  Poissons,  vol.  20.  page  423, 
describes  a  herring  found  by  Lesueur  near  Philadelphia  as  Dekay's  Alosa  teres.  It  is  certainly 
not  Dekay's  fish,  though  it  would  be  difiicult  to  say  where  it  ought  to  be  placed.  It  has,  besides 
other  difi'erences,  19  anal  rays,  while  the  teres  is  stated  by  Dekay  to  have  but  12.  In  most  of 
the  specimens  caught  here  but  10  were  counted,  rarely  more,  which  makes  it  correspond  to 
Schlegel's  Micropus,  which  had  but  8  anal  rays.  Its  formula  is  as  follows :  P.  15,  V.  8,  D. 
19,  A.  10,  C.  4,  19,  4.  It  requires  to  be  redescribed,  but  enough  is  known  of  it  to  place  it 
either  in  Dussumiera  or  very  near  it.  It  resembles  Schlegel's  Micropus  more  nearly  than  Va- 
lenciennes' Dussumiera,  judging  from  the  published  figures  of  them. 


280  EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN. 

48.  BELONE  GIGANTEA. 

Belone  gigantea,  T.  and  S.  Faun.  Jap.,  p.  245. 


PLATE  VII,   fig.  2.     Reduced. 


Notes. — From  Lew  Clieio.     Life  size,  46  inches. 

This  species  is  not  iigured  in  the  Fauna  Japonica,  so  that  the  rough  figure  herewith  puhlished 
may  prove  interesting.  Messrs.  Temminck  and  Schlegel  seem  to  feel  confident  that  it  is  distinct 
from  the  Indian  species.     It  is  said  to  attain  a  length  of  twelve  feet. 


49.  HEMIRAMPHUS  JAPONICUS.    N.  S. 

Notes. — From  Leio  Chew.     Total  length,  15  inches. 

This  very  large  Hemiramphus  is  not  included  in  the  Fauna  Japonica,  which  contains  but  one 
Japanese  species.  In  its  general  form  and  proportions  it  corresponds  very  nearly  to  the  H. 
Commersonii  of  the  Histoire  des  Poissons,  (vol.  19,  p.  28,)  but  has  not  its  four  large  lateral  spots, 
nor  is  it  of  a  greenish  gray  color.  It  differs  from  the  //.  Eusseli,  (p.  32,)  in  having  a  more 
forked  caudal,  higher  dorsal  and  anal,  and  in  not  having  a  red  beak.  Its  beak  is  longer  than 
that  of  the  S.  Quoyi,  (p.  35,)  but  it  resembles  that  species  in  having  a  deeply-forked  caudal, 
and  similar  coloring,  with  the  exception  of  the  red  beak.  Bleecker,  in  his  paper  entitled 
"  Bijdrage  tot  de  kenniss  der  Snoekachtige  Visschen,  &c.,"  does  not  describe  any  species 
coming  nearer  to  it  than  those  above  mentioned. 

Its  proportions,  as  taken  from  the  drawing,  are  as  follows :  Tip  of  lower  jaw  to  edge  of 
opercles  three  times  in  the  length  from  same  point  to  centre  of  margin  of  caudal.  Tip  of  upper 
jaw  to  edge  of  opercles  half  of  last,  or  six  times  in  total  length.  Height  of  head  or  body  nine 
times,  and  origin  of  dorsal  to  centre  of  caudal  a  little  less  than  one-fifth  of  same.  Origin  of 
anal  to  do.  one-seventh,  and  origin  ventrals  three  and  three-quarters  in  same.  Lower  lobe  of 
caudal  six  and  one-quarter  times  in  same  distance,  and  upper  lobe  nearly  one-third  shorter,  and 
much  narrower.  Eye  two  and  a  half  times  in  height  of  body.  Head  and  beak  strong  and 
stout.  Body  of  equal  height  as  far  as  ventrals.  Pectorals  pointed,  and  equal  to  height  of  body 
in  leno'th.  Ventrals  with  emarginate  border,  first  and  last  rays  of  equal  length.  Dorsal  with 
first  rays  nearly  as  long  as  height  of  body,  with  emarginate  border,  and  last  rays  quite  short. 
Anal  commencing  under  middle  of  dorsal,  and  resembling  it  in  form,  but  smaller.  Caudal  so 
deeply  forked  that  it  appears  separated  in  two  distinct  lobes.  Lower  lobe  longest  and  broadest, 
both  pointed.     The  scales  large,  and  appear  to  resemble  those  of  if.  Commersonii. 

Of  a  general  bluish  color,  darkest  on  the  back,  and  lighter  below.  A  tinge  of  green  on  sides 
and  upper  lobe  of  caudal.  A  narrow  stripe  of  green  on  middle  of  sides  reaching  from  pectoral 
to  caudal,  with  a  broader  stripe  of  pale  silvery  blue,  tinged  with  greenish,  bordering  it  on  each 
side.  Lower  jaw  dark  indigo  blue  towards  the  tip,  lighter  towards  the  head.  Fins  all  pale- 
bluish,  caudal  dark  dusky  blue.  The  scales  on  the  back  appear  to  have  been  darker  on  their 
margins. 

This  fish  may  be  found  to  come  under  one  of  the  species  already  known,  when  specimens  of 
it  can  be  examined,  but  it  appears  in  many  respects  to  be  a  distinct  species.  A  figure  of  it 
would  have  been  given  had  it  not  at  first  been  considered  as  the  well  known  H.  Commersonii. 


FISHES  COLLECTED  IN  JAPAN. 


;8i 


50.  SCOMBERESCOX  SAIRA,  N.  S. 


PLATE  Vir,  fig.   1.     Reduced. 


Notes. — From  Simoda.     \\\  inches,  Saira-owoo. 

This  curious  fish  is  evidently  a  Scomberesox,  but  in  some  points  so  different  from  the  known 
species  of  that  genus  that  it  will  perhaps  be  found  to  constitute  a  new  one  when  specimens  can 
be  examined.  No  Scomberesox  has  been  hitherto  described  as  from  Japan.  The  S.  Forsteri  of 
New  Zealand,  (Cuv.  and  Val.,  XVIII,  481,)  seems  to  come  nearest  to  it,  but  that  fish  lias  the 
usual  prolonged  mandibles  of  the  others. 

The  body  is  regularly  fusiform  in  profile,  and  probably  cultrate  in  section  ;  head  and  jaws 
tapering  to  a  point ;  these  last  acute,  of  even  length,  and  not  prolonged,  as  in  other  Scom- 
beresocidae ;  nostrils  large ;  eyes  large  and  round  ;  head  and  body  covered  with  rather  large 
scales.  Ventrals  not  indicated  in  the  figure.  Dorsal  with  nine  or  ten  rays,  a  little  in  advance 
of  the  anal,  both  low  and  of  subec^ual  height,  with  five  accessory  finlets  above,  and  four  below. 
Lateral  line  indistinct.     Caudal  small,  and  deeply  forked,  with  pointed  lobes. 

If  the  length  (ll^^  inches)  from  the  snout  to  centre  of  caudal  margin  be  divided  into  one  hun- 
dred parts,  the  following  proportions  are  found  : 


Jaws - 4.  50 

Snout  to  eyes 9.  00 

Diameter  of  eyes 3.00 

Suoiit  to  opercles 21.  00 

Greatest  height  of  body  (at  40.  00  from  snout) 11.  00 

Height  over  opercles .-  8.  00 

Heiglit  at  base  of  caudal 2.  00 

Snout  to  pectorals 22.  00 

Pectorals  long 7.  00 


Snout  to  ventrals 4S.  00? 

Snout  to  dorsal - 63.  00 

Base  of  dorsal,  long - 10.  00 

Anterior  rays  of  dorsal 5.  00 

Snout  to  anal - 64.00 

Base  of  anal,  long _ -- 11.00 

Anterior  rays,  do - 4.  00 

Outer  caudal  rays.. 13.00 


It  will  thus  be  seen  that  the  jaws  form  but  {-  of  the  length  of  the  head,  that  the  whole  head 
is  but  4f  times  in  the  total  length,  and  that  the  eyes  are  rather  nearer  to  the  snout  than  to  the 
opercles — in  all  which  it  varies  from  all  others  of  the  genus. 

Colors. — Back  of  head  and  body  dark  greenish  blue,  becoming  lighter  on  sides  of  head  and 
body  and  white  beneath,  as  far  as  the  anal.  Irides  pale  green.  Pectorals  dark  dusky  blue, 
dorsal  and  caudal  dull  green,  finlets  dusky  blue,  anal  pale  dusky. 

The  figure  seems  to  have  been  drawn  of  the  natural  size.  But  one  specimen  of  it  was 
observed. 

The  local  name  aScwVci-ozwo signifies  "spear  fish,"  which  has  been  adopted  as  its  specific  name. 
A  similar  name,  Saiwo,  occurs  in  the  Japanese  Encylopedia. — (See  Abel  Remusat.  Notices  et 
extraits  des  mamiscrits.  Vol.  XI,  p.  216,  No.  30.)  Judging  from  the  Japanese  figure  only, 
either  Cuvier  or  Remusat  has  added  to  the  local  name  "  sorte  de  fistulaire."  Owoo  and  Iwo 
both  signify  "fish,"  and  are  simply  dialectic  variations. 


36  s 


282  EXPEDITION     TO    JAPAN. 

51.  CONGER  HAMO,  T.  and  S. 

CoxGER  HAMO,  Temm.  and  Schleg.,  Fann.  Jap.  Pisces,  p.  262,  pi.  114,  f.  2. 

Notes. — From  Simonda,  (length  four  feet.) 

The  drawing  is  colored  over  the  back  of  head  and  body  of  a  rather  uniform  duskv  slate,  with 
tinges  of  olire,  lower  parts  nearly  white.  Irides  silvery.  Pectorals  like  back.  Dorsal  and 
anal  darker  along  the  margin. 

In  the  Fauna  Japonica  it  is  said  to  attain  a  length  of  ten  feet.  The  authors  had  received  it 
also  from  the  Straits  of  Sunda,  and  consider  it  different  from  the  C.  Tala-Bon  of  the  same 
locality.  Dr.  Kaup,  in  his  '-Uebersicht  der  Aale,'  in  the  Archiv  fiir  Xaturgeschichte,  1856, 
part  2,  p.  74,  places  the  Talahon  in  the  genus  iluraenesox  of  McClelland,  where  this  species 
also  belongs.  Bleecker,  in  his  Xalezingen  op  de  Ichthy  van  Japan,  p.  54,  seems  to  suppose  that 
the  Hamo  is  the  same  as  the  C.  bagio  of  McClelland.  Under  the  name  of  Fammo  this  fish  is 
probably  the  one  copied  in  Kaempfer,  plate  XII,  No.  4. 


52.  ANGUILLA  MYRIASTER,  N.  S. 


PLATE  XI,  fig.  2.     Reduced. 


Notes. — From  Hakodadi.  (Length  22  inches.) 

This  distinctly  marked  species  seems  to  be  entirely  new.  It  may  be  the  Congre  a  chapeht  of 
Cuvier,  so  named  from  a  figure  of  Krusenstern's  Atlas,  pi.  60,  fig.  7 — a  reference  which  could 
not  be  consulted. — (See  note  at  foot  of  page  262  in  the  Fauna  Japonica.) 

In  its  general  appearance  and  form  it  resembles  a  common  eel,  and  probably  belongs  to  the 
genus  Anguilla.  Snout  to  tip  of  caudal  22  inches.  Snout  to  eyes  f  inch.  Eyes  yV  inch.  Snout 
to  pectorals  3^-  inches.  Pectorals  1-|-  inch.  Snout  to  origin  dorsal  4-|-  inches.  Snout  to  origin 
anal  9i  inches?  Height  of  body  about  1^  inch.  Dorsal  rising  very  gradually,  and  highest 
near  the  caudal.     Anal  of  sub-equal  height. 

Colors. — Rich  wood-brown  over  the  back,  shading  ofl"  lighter,  but  in  blotches,  below  the 
lateral  line.  Snout  and  head  to  back  of  eyes,  and  all  the  lower  parts  of  the  head  and  body  of 
a  very  pale  slaty-blue  tinged  with  brown  towards  caudal.  Irides  silvery.  Dorsal  of  a  pale 
dusky  slate,  becoming  more  bluish  towards  caudal,  and  with  a  narrow  margin  of  dark  dusky 
along  its  whole  length.  Towards  the  caudal,  where  the  dorsal  is  higher,  this  margin  is  broader, 
and  shades  oif  less  abruptly.  Anal  of  same  color  as  the  lower  parts  of  the  body,  but  towards 
the  caudal  it  has  a  margin  like  the  dorsal.  The  most  distinctive  markings  of  this  eel,  however, 
consist  in  two  regular  series  of  snow  white  spots  or  dots  on  each  side  of  the  back,  commencing  a 
short  distance  back  of  the  eyes  and  running  nearly  to  the  caudal,  becoming  fainter  as  they 
approach  it.  The  uppermost  series  consists  of  very  small  dots  about  the  diameter  of  the  eyes 
apart  and  set  in  very  regular  order,  dropping  a  little,  however,  as  they  recede  from  the  head. 
The  second  series  is  composed  of  spots  of  twice  the  size  of  the  first,  much  more  closely  set,  and 
apparently  following  the  lateral  line.  Towards  the  caudal  they  seem  to  form  a  broken  white 
stripe  only.  The  engraving  represents  the  appearance  of  these  spots  very  accurately  as  they 
are  given  in  the  original  drawing. 


FISHES  COLLECTED  IN  JAPAN.  283 

53.  OPmSURUS  MACRORHYNCHOS.  Bleecker. 

Ophisurus  serpens,  T.  and  S.,  Faun.  Jap.,  264,  pi.  115,  fig.  1. 
"  "  Kaup.  Arcliiv.  Naturges,  1856,  2,  p.  44. 

"  MACRORUYNCHOS,  Bleecker.  Muraenoiden  &c.,  p.  28    (1852.) 

Notes. — From  Simoda,  2  figures,  one  4  feet  6  inches  long,  the  other  2  feet  2  inches.  The 
small  one  named  Unagi. 

Bleecker,  in  his  paper  on  tiie  Indian  Muraenoids,  in  the  25th  vol.  of  the  Transactions  of  the 
Batavian  Society,  separates  this  species  from  the  Serpens  of  the  Atlantic,  with  a  notice  of  their 
difference. 


54.  MURAENA  KIDAKO?    T.  and  S. 

MuRAENA  KIDAKO,  Temm.  and  Schleg.,  Faun.  Jap.,  Pisces,  266,  pi.  117. 


PLATE  XI,  fig.  1.     Natmal  size. 


Notes. — From  Simoda,  (17|  inches.) 

This  figure  varies  somewhat  from  the  one  given  in  the  Fauna  Japonica.  It  may  be  a  young 
specimen  of  that  species.  The  ground  color  of  the  whole  body  is  a  light  brown,  becoming 
pinkish  towards  the  tail.  The  whole  surface  is  dotted,  blotched,  and  striped  rather  irregularly 
with  darker  brown.  No  other  colors  on  the  drawing.  Irides  white.  Head  rising  to  back  of 
eyes  ;  lower  jaw  rather  the  shortest ;  the  gape  of  the  mouth  large,  reaching  back  to  twice  the 
distance  of  the  eyes  from  the  snout.  Height  of  body  back  of  the  head  J  inches.  Dr.  Kaup,  in 
the  before  quoted  paper  on  eel.s,  does  not  enumerate  this  species,  but  as  it  resembles  the  M.  31inor 
of  T.  and  S.,  which  he  places  in  his  new  genus  Poecilophis,  it  may  possibly  belong  to  it  also. 


55.  TETEAODON  BICOLOR,  N.  S. 

Notes. — From  Simoda,  (7^-  inches.) 

The  figure  is  colored  light  green  over  the  back  of  head  and  body,  the  lower  parts  being  pale 
blue.  Back  and  sides,  from  the  eyes  to  behind  the  dorsals,  with  about  forty  small  brown  spots 
on  each  side  of  the  body,  on  the  green  ground  color  ;  pretty  regularly  scattered.  Irides  bright 
yellow.     All  the  fins  pale  dusky  black. 

Form  increasing  rapidly  in  height  from  the  obtuse  snout  to  the  pectorals,  thence  tapering 
gradually  to  the  tail.  Eyes  large  and  oval,  1^  inches  from  snout,  and  \  inch  in  diameter. 
Pectorals  2\  inches  from  snout,  and  \\  long.  Dorsal  5  inches  from  snout,  J  high.  Anal  5^ 
inches  from  snout,  and  much  smaller  than  dorsal.  Caudal  deeply  lunate,  with  pointed  lobes, 
its  base  6f  inches  from  snout.     No  spines  pores  or  lines  are  indicated  in  the  drawing. 

In  its  proportions  it  comes  nearest  to  T.  Argenteus  of  T.  and  S.,  but  differs  from  all  the  species 
of  the  genus  in  color. 


28 1  E  X  P  E  D  I  T  I  0  N    T  O    J  A  P  A  N  . 

56.  TETRAODON  NIVEATUS,  N.  S. 

Notes. — From  Sinioda,  (4  inches,  Fooglioo.) 

In  form  like  the  last,  with  more  ohtuse  snout  and  rounded  fins  and  caudal.  Back  of  head 
and  body  dark  sap-green  to  a  line  passing  below  the  eyes,  and  above  the  pectorals,  with  many 
small  blotches  of  bluish  white.  Lower  parts  white.  A  large  dark  spot  behind  the  pectorals. 
Irides  purple.  Fins  pale  olive  brown.  Eyes  ^  inch  from  snout,  ^  in  diameter.  Pectorals  1 
inch,  dorsal  2J,  base  of  caudal  3f  inches  from  snout. 

The  local  name  signifies  "  big  belly,"  or  "  big  sack."  It  no  doubt  has  some  more  specific 
name  to  distinguish  it  from  others  of  the  genus. 


57.  TETRAODON  BRUNNEUS,  N.  S. 

Notes. — From  Simoda,  (4-|-  inches.) 

Forehead  excavated,  eyes  close  to  profile,  the  dorsal  outline  convex,  base  of  caudal  very  stout. 
Fins  and  caudal  rounded.  Snout  to  eyes  f  inch,  diameter  f .  Snout  to  pectorals  1-J-,  to  dorsal 
2^,  to  anal  2§,  and  to  base  of  caudal  3i  inches.     No  lateral  line  or  spines  on  the  drawing. 

Upper  parts  and  sides,  to  a  line  passing  below  the  pectorals,  of  a  rich  bistre  brown.  The 
back  very  dark.  Blotches  and  confluent  spots  of  darker  brown  in  two  or  three  series  from  eyes 
and  pectorals  to  tail,  besides  other  paler  spots  between  and  below  them,  and  on  the  sides  of  the 
head.  Throat  and  abdomen  white.  Irides  pale  slaty  blue.  Fins,  except  caudal,  of  a  pale 
brown.     Caudal  dark  brown,  with  the  membrane  between  the  rays  orange  brown. 


58.  DIODON  NOVEMMACULATUS,  T.  and  S. 

DiODON  NOVEMMACULATUS,  Temm.  and  Schleg.,  Faun.  Jap.  Pisces.  289,  pi.  128,  fig.  2. 
Notes. — From  Simoda,  (7i  inches.) 
Agrees  with  the  figure  above  quoted.     The  species  is  said  to  be  quite  rare  in  Japan. 


68.  MONACANTHUS  CIRRHITER,  T.  and  S. 

MoNACANTHUS  ciRRiiiFER,  Temm.  and  Schleg.,  Faun.  Jap.  Pisces.  290,  jd.  130,  fig.  1. 
Notes. — From  Simoda,  (8A  inches.) 

Corresponds  with  the  published    figure,  except  that  the  bluish  grey  color  is  deeper,  and 
the  oblong  spots  more  strongly  defined. 


60.  OSTRACION  IMMACTJLATUS,  T.  and  S. 

OsTRACiON  IMMACULATUS,  Tcmm.  and  Schleg.,  Faun.  Jap.,  Pisces.,  296. 

Notes. — From  Simoda,  (4^  inches,  Gihagi.) 

From  the  description  above  quoted,  there  can  be  little  doubt  that  the  figure  represents  the 
same  species.  Bleecker,  in  liis  "  Nalezingen,  &c.,  p.  55,"  considers  this  a  variety  of  the  0. 
Cubicm,  Bloch. 


FISHES    COLLECTED    IN    JAPAN.  285 

Diengkitsch  observed  that  at  Osaka  it  is  called  cog-owoo,  which  signifies  rowing  or  paddling 
fish.  Whoever  has  looked  at  a  live  hox-fish  in  water  would  agree  that  this  name  was  quite 
appropriate. 


61.  TRIAKIS  SCYLLTUM,  M.  and  H 

Tkiakis  .SCYLLTUM,  Miiller  and  Henle  ;  Beschreib.  der  Plagiostomen,  p.  63,  pi.  26. 
Watt's  shark,  Latham,  Phillips'  voy.  to  Botany  Bay,  1789,  p.  285,  and  plate. 


PLATE  SIX,  fig.   1.     Male  reduced. 


Notes. — From  Simoda,  (4  feet,  Sa-me.) 

Of  this  curious  fish  but  one  specimen  was  brought  home  by  Mr.  Burger,  which  is  now  in  the 
museum  at  Leyden,  and  on  it  Messrs.  Miiller  and  Henle  founded  a  new  sub-family,  genus  and 
species.  Mr.  Gerrard,  in  his  list  of  Chondropterygii  of  the  British  Museum,  1851,  p.  55, 
enumerates  this  and  another  species,  the  T.  Californica,  from  a  foetal  specimen  procured 
n  California,  but  without  adding  any  description.  A  dried  skin  of  the  T.  ScylUum  was  brought 
home  by  a  member  of  the  United  States  Expedition,  and  is  now  in  Philadelphia.  It  seems  to 
have  escaped  the  notice  of  the  above  naturalists,  who  quote  the  next  si^ecies  from  G-overnor 
Phillips'  voyage,  that  this  one  is  also  figured  there,  from  a  female,  and  described  as  Watt's 
shark  in  the  same  work.  The  figure  there  given  resembles  the  one  now  published  so  nearly  in 
form  that  there  can  be  no  doubt  of  their  identity,  though  Phillips'  seems  to  have  annular  spots, 
arranged  in  regular  series. 

The  colors  are,  brownish  slate  above,  and  rather  purplish  below,  blotched  and  clouded  with 
dark  brown  on  body  and  fins  in  an  irregular  manner.  Throat  and  abdomen  white.  Irides 
yellow.  The  two  appendages  on  the  anterior  part  of  the  snout  are  longer  than  the  others,  and 
have  a  short  branch  on  the  outside  of  their  base.  Behind  tliose,  on  each  side,  are  three  pair  of 
shorter  barbels.  Some  of  these  appear  in  another  sketch  to  have  short  branches  also.  Eyes 
oval.  Nostrils  not  indicated.  Large  spiracles  behind  and  below  the  eyes.  Branchial  openings 
large,  and  above  base  of  pectorals.  Pectorals  set  far  back,  broad  and  heavy.  Dcrsals  close 
together,  and  behind  the  ventrals,  which  last  are  large  and  broad.  Male  appendages  long. 
Anal  below  and  behind  the  second  dorsal.  Lobes  of  caudal  small,  with  deep  indentation  n^ar 
the  end  of  the  upper  one.     The  figure  in  the  voyage  de  la  Coquille  does  not  indicate  this  I'eature. 


62.  HETEEODONTUS  PHILLIPPI. 

Port  Jackson  shark,  Latham,  Phillip's  voyage,  ed.  4to.  283,  and  plate. 
Hetbrodontcs  PniLLiPPi,  BlainvlUe,  Bull.  Soc.  Phil.,  121,  (1816.) 

"  Phillippi,  Gerrard,  List  offish,  &c.,  pt   1,  p.  66. 

Cbsteacion  Phillippi,  Cuvier,  R.  A.,  3d  ed.,  II.,  3;)1,  (1829.) 

"  Phillippi,  Lesson,  (1830,)  Duperrey.  Voy.  II.,  pt.  1,  97  Poiss.,  pi.  2. 

"  Phillippi,  J.  E.  Gray,  Ann.  and  Mag.,  Nat.  Hist.,  \.,  (1838,)  p.  109. 


286  EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN, 


CESTRAaoN  Phillippi,  Temm.  and  Schleg.,  Faun.  Jap.,  Pisces,  304. 

"  "  Miiller  and  Henle,  Plagiost,  p.  76,  199,  and  plate, 

"  QuoYi,  De  Fremenville,  Mag.  de  ZooL,  (1840,)  and  plate. 

"  Zebra,  Graj',  Zool.  Misc.,  5. 

"  Zebra,  Richardson,  Report,  (1845,)  p.  195. 


PLATE  XII,  fig.  2.     Natural  size. 


Notes. — From  Simoda.     Life  size,  8J  inches. 

This  remarkable  form  among  the  Squalidce  seems  to  be  found  from  New  Holland  to  Japan, 
if  the  C.  Zebra  is  the  same  as  the  more  southern  species,  which  seems  probable.  Gray  (Annals 
of  Nat.  Hist.,  1,  109)  doubts  if  Messrs.  Miiller  and  Henle  had  ever  seen  a  specimen,  when  they 
expressly  state  that  they  had  found  nine  specimens  in  various  museums. 

The  figure  here  published  seems  correct  in  outline,  and  nothiag  can  be  added  as  to  its  pro- 
portions. 

Its  general  color  is  of  a  pale  sepia-like  brown,  darker  on  back  and  fins,  with  a  pinkish  tinge 
on  lower  parts  of  body.  Irregular  bands  and  large  blotches  of  several  shades  of  the  same  brown 
are  distributed  from  the  pectorals  to  caudal,  grouped  in  five  principal  bands,  with  smaller  ones 
near  the  back  between  the  first  three  large  ones.  The  first  of  these  last  is  just  back  of  pectorals, 
the  second  back  of  the  first  dorsal  and  in  front  of  ventrals,  spreading  laterally  near  the  abdomen. 
The  snout  and  cheeks  are  shaded  also  with  darker  brown  cloudings.  Small  pale  brown  dots 
besides  the  above  cover  the  back  of  the  head  and  body  and  about  one  half  of  the  pectorals,  dor- 
sals and  caudal.     Yentrals,  anal,  and  lower  lobe  of  dorsal  of  a  more  uniform  brown. 

Lacepede  calls  it  the  Squah  Philip,  and  in  Schneider's  Bloch  it  appears  as  the  Squalits 
Philippi.  It  is  figured  also  in  Gen.  Hardwicke"s  Illustrations,  pi.  5.  Mons.  Bourdet  de  la 
Nievre,  in  the  Annales  de  la  Soc.  Linn,  de  Paris,  Sep.,  1825,  p.  361,  alludes  to  the  discovery 
of  fossil  teeth  of  a  Cestracion.  Davila,  Agazziz,  and  Owen  have  also  described  the  teeth  of  this 
remarkable  genus.  Gerrard,  on  account  of  a  difference  in  the  markings,  seems  to  consider  the 
Zebra  as  distinct  from  the  Philippi ;  but  the  currents  of  the  southwestern  Pacific  will  account 
for  its  being  found  over  so  wide  a  district.  Among  the  Plagiostomes  the  colors  are  subject  to 
great  variations.  Latham's  figure  in  Phillipp's  voyage  is  very  correct,  while  the  one  by  Lesson 
is  defective,  the  caudal  being  figured  with  its  margin  unbroken. 

It  attains  a  larger  size  than  is  here  represented,  not  exceeding  however  three  feet,  according 
to  the  Fauna  Japonica,  where  it  is  stated  to  be  common  in  spring  and  autumn,  and  much  sought 
after  as  food  by  the  Japanese,  who  eat  it  raw  or  boiled.  The  local  name  given  to  it  in  the  same 
work  is  Sa-siivari,  derived,  no  doubt,  from  Sas-ir,  to  "stick  in,"  and  jvar,  "to  cleave,"  in 
allusion  to  the  spines  in  front  of  the  dorsals. 


INDEX  TO  THE  ICHTHYOLOGY. 


No. 


1 
2 
3 

4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
U 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 
21 
22 
23 
24 
25 
26 
27 
28 
29 
30 
31 
32 
33 
34 
35 
36 
37 
38 
39 
40 


Scientific  name. 


English  name. 


Labrax  Japonicus 

Serranus  tsirimenara. 

Serranns  aliaara 

Serranus  awoara 

Serranus  urodelus-  -- 


Locality. 


.  I  Japanese  basse Simoda 

.    Wliite  spotted  groper Bonin  islands  — 

-   Scarlet  groper HongKong 

.'  Purple  groper Lew  Chew 

.|  Foster's  groper Lew  Chew 


Serranus  marginalis Simoda  — 

Therapon  oxyrhynchus Simoda  — 

Holocentrum  spinosissimum , --    L/ew  Chew. 

Uranoscopus  asper Rough  star-gazer \  Simoda  — 

Trigla  Biirgeri Biirger's  gurnard .-    Simoda  — 

Platj-cephalus  insidiator  _ Yedo  Bay  . 

Sebastes  marmoratns. Marbled  se bastes !  Simoda  — 

Sebastes  marmoratus  ? Simoda  — 

Sebastes  inermis Unarmed  Sebastes UakocUuli  . 

Pterois  lunulata  ? - Simoda  — 

Apistus  alatus Simoda  — 

Apistus  rubripinnis - - Simoda  — 

Pelor  japonicum 1  Simoda  — 

Monocentris  japonicus- Pine  cone  fish i  Simoda  — 

Diagramma  punctatum Simoda  — 

Amphiprion  frenatus Simoda  — 

Glyphisodon  violaceus '  Lew  Chew. 


Glyphisodon  smaragdinus- 
Etroplus  nigerrimus 


Lew  Chew. 

Lew  Chew. 

Lethrinus  miniatus - !  Lew  Chew. 

Ditrema  Temminckii i  Temminck's  viviparous  fish !  Hakodadi  - 

Heniochiis  microlepidotus '  Lew  Chew. 

Hoplegnathus  fasciatus :  Simoda  — 

Zens  japonicus Japanese  dory Simoda  — 

Clinus  polyactoci^phalus i  Hakodadi  . 

Gunellus  dolichogaster \  Orange  bellied  butter  fish . 

Callionj-mus  Valenciennei 

Julis  poecilepterus Variegated  parrot  fish. 

Julis  lutescens  ... 

Julis  quadricolor 

Gomphosus  fuscus 

Cheilio  hemichrj-sos .!... . 

Hippoglossus  olivaceus Japanese  halibut  . 

Synaptura  ommatura . Pain  ted  sole 

Plagiisia  japonica 


Yellow  barred  parrot  fish . 
Four  colored  parrot  fish.. 


Hakodadi  . 
Lew  Chew. 

Simoda 

Lew  Chew  . 

Simoda 

Lew  Chew. 
Lew  Chew. 
Tcdo  Riy  . 

Simoda 

Simoda 


Plate. 


m.,  fig.  1. 


VIII.,  fig.  1 
IIL.fig.  2. 


Page. 


v.,  fig.  3. 


IV.,  fig.  l..| 
IV.,  fig.  2. J 
v.,  fig.  2...i 


VL,  fig.  5.. 
v.,  fig.  1... 
VL,  fig.   6.. 


VI.,  fig.   4. 


VI. ,  fig.  3.. 
VL,^g.   1.. 


VL.flg.  2. 


VII. 
VII 


fig.  4. 
tig.  3. 


VUL,fig.3,4 
Vin.,fig.  2 


257 
257 

257 
258 
258 
258 
259 
259 
259 
259 
260 
260 
260 
261 
261 
261 
262 
262 
262 
263 
263 
264 
264 
264 
265 
265 
267 
267 
268 
269 
270 
271 
271 
271 
272 
272 
272 
273 
273 
273 


288 


No. 

41 

42 
43 
44 
45 
46 
47 
48 
49 
50 
61 
52 
53 
54 
55 
56 
57 
58 
59 
60 
61 
62 


EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN. 
INDEX— Continued. 


Scientific  name. 


Salmo  FeiTV i 

Salmo  Orientalis 

Salmo  leuconiiienis 

Salmo ? - 

Osmeru-s  olidus 

ChatoesBUS  punctatus  — 

Clupea  melastoma 

Belone  gigantea 

Hemiramphus  japonicus  - 

Scomberesox  sairo 

Conger  hamo 

Anguilla  myriaster - 

Ophisurus  serpens 

Muraena  kidako 

Tetraodon  Licolor 

Tetraodon  niveatus 

Tetraodon  brunneus 

Diodon  novemmaculatus 

MonacanthiLs  cirrhifer 

Ustracion  immaculatus  .  - 

Triakis  scyUium 

Heterodontus  Philippi 


English  name. 


Locality. 


Plate.  Page. 


Hakodadi |  IX.  flg,.  1.. 

Hakodadi '  IX.,  fig.  2.. 

X.,  fig.  3... 

X.,  fig.  1— 


vn.,  fig.  2. 


vn.,  fig.  1. 


Perry's  salmon 

Pacific  salmon  (ifasou.) 

Hakodadi 

Toung  salmon Hakodadi 

Pacific  smelt Hakodadi '  X.,  fig.  2. 

Spotted  herring --    Yedo  Kay 

Black  mouthed  herring.  - Yedo  Bay 

Giant  bill  pike -- Lew  Chew 

Japanese  half  bill Lew  Chew 

Slender  mackerel  pike '  Simoda  .. 

Japanese  conger  eel Simoda  - . 

Starred  eel ..'  Simoda  .. 

Pacific  snake  eel.  _. ;  Simoda  . . 

Japanese  muraena Simoda  - . 

Parti-colored  swell  fish Simoda  .. 

Hoary  swell  fish Simoda  .  . 

Brown  swell  fish Simoda  .. 

9  Spotted  pincushion  fish Simoda  .. 

'  Simoda  .  . 

Plain  box  fish Simoda  ._ 

Port  Jackson  shark Simoda  .  . 

Watt's  shark .-    Simoda  .. 


I 


XI.,  fig.  2. 


.  XI.,  fig.  1-. 


xn.,  fig.  1. 
xn.,  fig.  2. 


273 
275 
276 
277 
278 
278 
279 
280 
280 
281 
282 
282 
283 
283 
283 
284 
284 
284 
284 
284 
285 
285 


REPORT 


SHELLS  COLLECTED  BY  THE  JAPAN  EXPEDITION, 


UNDER  THE  COMMAND  OF 


COMMODORE  M.  C.  PERRY,  U.  S.  N., 


TOGETHER   WITH 


A  LIST  OF  JAPAN  SHELLS: 


JOHN  C.  JAY,  OF  NEW  YORK. 


3V  s 


KEPORT 


SHELLS  COLLECTED  BY  THE  U.  S.  NAVAL  EXPEDITION  TO  JAPAN. 


In  making  a  report  of  the  shells  brought  home  by  the  Japan  Expedition,  we  are  entirely 
indebted  to  the  officers  who  collected  them,  and  who  could  afford  but  little  time  from  their 
official  duties  to  give  to  scientific  purposes,  for  whatever  information  we  have  of  their  localities, 
&c. 

iShells  were  collected  at  the  following  places  : 

At  Port  Louis,  in  the  island  of  Mauritius,  a  fine  suite  of  shells  were  received  from  Mons. 
Robillard. 

At  Ceylon,  a  great  number  of  the  Helix  hfemastoma. 

At  Singapore,  a  few  more  were  added  from  the  coast  of  Mallacca,  Sumatra,  and  the  adjacent 
islands. 

Canton  river  was  dredged,  and  numerous  varieties  of  Cytherea  meretrix,  Cytherea  petechialis, 
Cytherea  morphina,  Cytherea  formosa,  also  Paludina  ampullacea,  Charp.,  and  Paludina  lecey- 
thoida,  Bens.,  were  found. 

At  Lew  Chew,  other  varieties  of  the  Cythereas  above  mentioned  abounded. 

At  the  Bonin  Islands,  a  single  specimen  of  the  Helix  horiomphola,  Pfi".,  was  picked  up. 

The  Bay  of  Yedo  was  dredged,  but  little  of  interest  found  except  the  Bullia  Perryi.  If  this 
should  prove  not  to  belong  to  the  genus  Bullia,  it  ought  to  constitute  a  new  genus. ' 

A  few  land  shells  were  collected  in  the  vicinity  of  Yedo,  resembling  very  closely  some  of  our 
American  Helices,  especially  Helix  Simodae,  which  in  shape  and  color  is  allied  tQ  Helix  pro- 
funda. Say,  but  has  not  the  tooth  of  the  latter.     A  new  Lymnea  was  also  found  near  Simoda. 

At  Volcano  Bay  the  Mya  Japonica  was  gathered  in  great  abundance,  and  found  to  be  very 
good  eating  ;  this  shell  bears  a  close  resemblance  to  the  Mya  arenaria  of  New  York,  it  being 
nearly  in  the  same  latitude.  Here  also  a  number  of  very  large  specimens  of  the  Mytilus  ungu- 
latus.  Lam.,  were  taken,  which  likewise  proved  delicious  to  the  palate. 

At  Hakodadi  the  large  Pecten  Yesoensis  was  found  in  great  abundance  ;  also  the  Ostrea,  which 
is  very  similar,  if  not  identical,  with  ours. 

The  Fusus  fornicatus,  Gmel.,  and  Purpura  septentrionalis,  Reeve,  were  among  the  collection, 
but  whether  they  were  found  in  Japan  is  uncertain. 

A  fine  box  of  shells  was  also  received  from  Manilla,  containing  a  large  number  of  land  shells 
from  the  Philippine  Islands,  which,  however,  were  all  found  to  have  been  previously  described. 


292  EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN. 

At  the  suggestion  of  Commodore  Perrv  I  have  prepared  with  great  care  a  list  of  all  the  shells 
which  have  been  described  as  being  found  at  Japan  and  the  adjacent  islands.  It  is  arranged 
according  to  the  system  of  Lamarck,  and,  as  a  reference,  will  be  valuable  to  conchologists. 

The  collection  brought  home  was  large  and  numerous,  but,  among  them  all,  the  following 
only  may  be  described  as  new. 

MTA  JAPONICA. 

Plate  1,  figs.  1  and  10. 

Testa  ovata,  convexa,  incrassata,  postering  rotundata — impressionibus  muscularibus  duabus, 
lateralibus,  distantibus,  antica  ovata,  postica,  quadrangularis,  impressiones  muscularis  pallii 
sinu  magno. 

Shell  ovate,  convex,  very  thick,  transversely  wrinkled,  rounded  at  both  extremities,  but 
slightly  attenuated  at  the  posterior  end,  color  dingy  white  and  chalky,  tooth  robust,  its  inner 
face  smooth  and  rounded,  its  outer  face  divided  near  the  posterior  side  by  a  deep  furrow,  and 
the  anterior  edge  turned  up  in  shape  like  a  tooth,  anterior  muscular  impression  oval,  posterior 
quadrangular  ;  the  pallial  impression  very  profound. 

Habitat,  Volcano  Bay,  Island  of  Yedo. 

This  shell  is  very  similar  to  the  Mya  arenaria,  bnt  differs  in  the  pallial  impressions,  which 
are  much  more  profound,  the  tooth  more  thickened,  a  deep  notch  on  its  posterior,  and  an 
elevation  on  the  anterior  side,  and  the  whole  shell  much  more  ponderous  and  incrassated. 

PSAMMOBIA  OLIVACEA. 

Plate  1,  figs.  8,  9. 

Testa  ovata,  tenui,  violacea  olivaceo-brunnea,  striis  concentricis,  valva  dextra  planiuscala, 
sinistra  subventricosa,  intus  violacea. 

Shell  ovate,  thin,  purple,  covered  with  a  shining  olive  epidermis,  concentric  strife  ;  right 
valve  nearly  plane,  but  the  other  is  somewhat  ventricose,  radiated  with  two  white  rays  ;  within 
violet. 

Habitat,  Bay  of  Yedo. 

The  two  rays  are  on  the  posterior  slope ;  the  shell  is  about  one  inch  long. 

CTTHEEEA  MEBETRIX. 

Plate  2,  figs.  1,  2. 

Cytherea  testa ponderosa,ovalisubtrigona,  Itevi  alba  postice  ca?rulea,  prope  umbones  velomnino 
angulatim  ftisco-maculata  ;  margine  ventrali  subinflato  ;  latere  postico  vix  angulato,  subelon- 
gato,  ad  terminum  subacuto  ;  lunula  magna  indistincta  ;  ligamento  magno. 

Habitat,  Canton  river,  China. 

Cttherea  meretrix,  (Linn.) 

Mr.  Sowefby,  in  his  monograph  of  the  genus  Cytherea,  remarks  that  Lamarck  has  made  nine 
species  of  this  shell  and  its  varieties  on  the  mere  ground  of  variations  in  color. 

1  found  upwards  of  five  hundred  of  these  shells  in  the  collection  of  all  colors  and  siees,  and 
yet  they  run  so  one  into  the  other  that  it  is  not  easy  to  say  where  one  species  stops  and  another 
commences. 

I  have  only  been  able  to  identify  the  four  species  that  have  been  figured,  and  which  I  trust 
will  tend  to  elucidate  this  group  of  shells  more  fully. 


SHELLS    COLLECTED     IN    JAPAN.  293 


CYTHEREA  FORMOSA. 

Plate  1,  figs.  1,  2,  3,  4.     Var.  figs.  5,  6. 
Cytherea  testa  C.  meretrici  simili,  sed  magis  obliqua  et  elongata  ;  latere  postico  elongatiusculo  ; 
colore  pallido,  fasciis  griseis  suifuso,  prope  umbones  castaneo  biradiato. 
Habitat,  Lew  Chew. 
Cytherea  Formosa,  (Sowb.,  jr.) 

This  shell  is  more  oblique  and  more  elongated  than  C.  meretrix,  which  it  otherwise  greatly 
resembles.  The  hinder  part  is  colored  with  grey,  and  there  are  also  two  broad  chestnut-colored 
rays,  commencing  at  the  umbones,  and  interrupted  near  the  centre. 

CYTHEREA  MORPHINA. 

Plate  2,  figs.  3,  4,  5  ;  fig.  10,  var. 

Cytherea  testa,  C.  meretrici  simili,  sed  lateribus  suffusis,  lunula  magis  inflata,  marginibus 
crassioribus  ;  colore  pallide  fulvo,  griseo  radiatim  fasciato. 

Shell  thicker,  more  spreading  at  the  sides,  with  a  rather  straighter  and  thicker  margin  and 
more  turned  lunule  than  Cytherea  meretrix  ;  no  posterior  purple  band  ;  the  color  pale  reddish 
brown,  with  greyish  rays. 

Habitat,  Canton  river,  China,  var.  Lew  Chew. 

Cytherea  morphina,  (Lam.) 

cytherea  petechialis. 
Plate  2,  figs.  6,  1,  8,  9. 

Cytherea  testa  C.  meretrix  simillima,  sed  multum  altiore  ;  margine  rotundissimo  ;  latere 
postico  rotundatim  angulato  ;  colore  subgriseo  fusco-rufescente  angulatim  lineato. 

Shell  rounder  and  higher  than  C.  meretrix,  the  ventral  margin  very  much  rounded  ;  the 
lateral  angle  rather  more  distinct  ;  colored  in  much  the  same  way  as  Cytherea  meretrix,  but 
without  the  purple  posterior  area. 

Habitat,  Canton  river,  China,  and  also  at  Lew  Chew. 

Cytherea  petechialis,  (Lam.) 

Found  in  great  abundance  and  of  very  large  size.  ' 

■    DIPSAS  PLICATUS. 
Plate  3,  fig.  1,  2. 

I  have  figured  this  shell  on  account  of  its  size,  and  also  to  show  the  way  in  which  these  shells 
are  ornamented  by  the  natives. 

A  piece  of  lead  of  any  fanciful  shape  is  inserted  under  the  rnantel  of  the  animal  while  yet 
alive,  after  which  the  shell  is  returned  to  the  water  ;  in  a  short  time  the  leaden  ornaments  are 
found  covered  with  pearly  matter  as  seen  in  the  figure. 

The  specimen  in  my  own  collection  is  marked  as  coming  from  Shanghai. 

PECTEN  YESSOENSIS. 

Plate  4,  figs.  1,  2. 
Plate  3,  figs.  3,  4. 

Testa  orbiculari,  injequivalvi,  valva  sinistra'plano  convexa,  sequilaterali,  costis  triginta  convexo 
planis,  sublente  tenuissime  et  criberrime  concentrica  striata,  valva  dextra  convexiore  costis 


294  EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN. 

duabus  et  viginti  rotundatis,  elevatiusculis,  interstitiis  latiusculis,  auriculis  valva?,  sinistraa 
aeqnalibus,  dextra  infequalibus,  antica  subtus  emarginata. 

Shell  orbicular,  inequivalve,  left  valve  flatly  convex,  equilateral,  with  thirty  convexly  flat- 
tened ribs,  very  broadly  and  closely  concentrically  striated,  right  valve  more  convex,  with 
twenty-two  ribs,  rounded,  rather  raised,  interstices  rather  broad,  ears  of  the  left  valve  equal, 
of  the  right  unequal,  the  front  one  being  emarginated  below. 

Habitat,  Hakodadi. 

This  shell  grows  to  a  very  large  size.     One  in  the  collection  measures  seven  by  eight  inches. 

The  right  valve  is  used  by  the  natives  as  a  scoop. 

Since  the  above  was  written  the  author  has  visited  the  collections  of  the  British  Museum  and 
of  Mr.  H.  Cuming,  and  also  those  in  the  museum  at  Leyden,  which  were  brought  from  Japan 
by  Mr.  Sieboldt,  and  did  not  see  this  shell. 

HELIX  SBIOD^. 

Plate  5,  figs.  1,  2,  3. 

Yar.  figs.  4,  5,  6. 

Testa  umbilicata  depresso-orbiculari,  pallide  straminea,  striis  radiantibus  crebris,  sculpta  spira 
obtusa,  anfractibus  quinque,  depresso  convexciusculis  supreme  infimo  medio  fascia  castanea 
ornata,  umbilico  subperspectivo  apertura  semi-ovata. 

Shell  umbilicated,  deprcssly  orbicular,  pale  straw-color,  sculptured  with  close  set  radiating 
striaj,  spire  obtuse,  whorls  five,  depressly  convex,  the  lowest  encircled  round  the  middle  with  a 
chestnut  band,  iimbilicus  subperspective,  aperture  semi-ovate. 

Habitat,  Simoda,  Japan. 

Allied  to  Helix  profunda.  Say,  but  wanting  the  tooth.  It  is  very  variable.  In  some  speci- 
mens the  peripheric  band  is  not  seen,  in  others  it  is  plainly  visible,  and  in  others  again  the  last 
whorl  has  another  band  on  its  lower  surface,  with  the  umbilicus  colored  dark  brown. 

HELIX  PERKYI. 

Plate  0,  figs.  7,  8,  9. 

Testa  proftinde  umbilicata,  sinistrali  depresso — globulosa,  intense  virente  olivacea,  anfrac- 
tibus septem,  arcuatim  tenui-striata,  ad  peripheriam  pallide  fusco-fasciata,  umbilico  perspective, 
intus  fusco-lutescente. 

Shell  sinistral,  umbilicated,  depressly  globose,  tawny  epidermis,  whorls  seven,  regularly 
striated,  with  a  dark  band  around  the  last  whorl,  the  interior  of  the  umbilicus  dark  brown. 

Habitat,  Yedo. 

This  fine  shell  is  somewhat  similar  to  the  Helix  cicatricosa  Miiller,  but  difl'ers  in  the  striie 
being  regular,  and  the  color  of  the  umbilicus. 

LTMNEA  JAPOXICA. 

Plate  5,  figs.  10,  11,  12. 

Testa  ventricosa,  ovata,  umbilicata  sutura  impressa  et  conspicua,  anfractibus  quatuor,  spira 
anguste,  acuta,  breve,  apertura  inflata. 

Shell  ventricose,  ovate,  suture  impressed  and  conspicuous,  wnorls  four,  spire  narrow,  acute, 
and  much  shorter  than  the  apertuie,  aperture  very  large,  more  or  less  expanded,  umbilicus  not 
covered. 

Habitat,  Simoda. 


SHELLS    (.    O  I,  L  E  C  T  K  t)     \y    JAPAN.  295 

This  Lymnea  approaches  Lymnea  ovata,  but  has  a  shorter  spire,  which  is  less  exserted,  less 
acute,  the  whorls  more  rounded,  and  differs  in  color.  Tlie  columella  lip  is  reflected  on  the  body 
whorl. 

PURPUKA  SEPTENTEIONALIS. 

Plate  5,  figs.  16,  17. 

Purpura,  testa^  subfusiformi,  ovata,  crassa,  ponderosa  ;  basi  subcanaliculata  et  recurva  ; 
anfractibus  lajvibus,  transversim  obsolete  liratis  ;  apertura  parva,  labro  intus  obscure  denticu- 
late ;  castaneo-fusca,  intus  alba. 

Shell  somewhat  fusiformly  ovate,  thick,  ponderous,  slightly  channelled  and  recurved  at  the 
base  ;  whorls  smooth,  transversely  obsoletely  ridged  ;  aperture  small,  lip  obscurely  denticulated 
within  ;  chestnut  brown,  interior  white. 

Habitat,  Sitka,  on  authority  of  Reeve. 

Reeve  Conch.  Iconica,  pi.  10,  fig.  50. 

There  were  several  specimens  of  this  interesting  shell  brought  home,  but  without  any  habitat 
being  attached.     Whether  it  was  found  in  the  Japanese  waters,  therefore,  is  uncertain. 

BULLTA  PEERYI. 

Plate  5,  figs.  13,  14,  15. 

Testa,  ovato  globulosa,  tenuicula,  basim  versus  inflata,  spira  breve,  acuta,  suturis  impressis, 
anfractibus  lasvigatis,  flavido,  cinerea,  apertura?  fauce  rubiginosa. 

Shell  ovately  globulose,  rather  thin,  inflated  towards  the  base,  spire  short,  acute,  sutures 
impressed,  whorls  smooth,  color  yellowish  ash,  interior  of  aperture  rusty  brown. 

Habitat,  Bay  of  Yedo. 

It  is  extremely  difficult  to  place  this  shell.  It  does  not  agree  in  many  of  the  characteristics 
of  the  genus  Bullia,  but  comes  closer  to  it  than  to  any  other.  It  looks  like  a  Cymba  on  the  first 
glance,  but  has  no  plaits  on  the  columella.  There  was  only  one  found,  and  that  was  taken  by 
the  dredge. 


LIST  OF  JAPAN  SHELLS. 


Solen  conslrictus,  Lam. 
Panopaea  Japonica,  A,  Adams. 
Mya  Japonica,  Jay. 
Corbula  erythrodon,  Lam. 
Lutraria  Sieboldii,  Desh. 
Lutraria  Chemnitzii,  Ph. 
Mactra  veneriformis,  Desh. 
Mactra  rostralis,  Desh. 
Mactra  corbicula,  Ph. 
Mactra  pellicula,  Desh. 
Mactra  eburnea,  Ph. 
Venerupis  Nuttallii,  Con- 
Psammobia  olivacea,  Jay. 
Tellina  secta,  Conrad. 
Astarte  Japonica,  Jay. 
Cytherea  morphina.  Lam. 
Cytherea  petechialis,  Lam. 
Cytherea  meretrix,  Lin. 
Cytherea  lusoria,  Lam. 
Artemis  Japonica,  Reeve. 
Artemis  scabra,  Phil. 
Artemis  bilunata.  Gray. 
Artemis  Sieboldii,  Reeve. 
Artemis  sericea.  Reeve. 
Artemis  biscocta.  Reeve. 
Artemis  orientalis,  Sowb. 
Venus  striata,  Chemn. 

Venus  donacina,  Chemn. 
Venus  Japonica,  Gmel. 
Venus  sequilatera,  Sowb. 
Tapes  decussata,  Lin. 
Tapes  Japonica,  Desh. 

Meroe  excavata,  Hanley. 

Isocardia  tetragona,  A.  Adams. 

Area  Japonica,  Reeve 

Area  obtusa,  Reeve. 

Nucula  Japonica,  A.  Adams. 

Nucula  mirabilis,  A.  Adams. 

Modiola  siliqua.  Ph. 

Mytilus  ungulatus.  Lam. 

Lithophagus  caperatus.  Ph. 

Avicula  Japonica,  Dunker. 

Chama  Japonica,  Lam. 

Pecten  Yessoenis,  Jay. 

Pecten  nobilis.  Reeve. 

Pecten  Japonicus,  Gmel. 

Pecten  molitus,  Reeve. 

Pecten  pleuronectes,  Lin. 

Ostrea  borealis,  Lin, 

Terebratula  Japonica,  A.  Adams. 

Terebratula  angusia,  A.  Adam« 


Terebratula  rubella,  Sowb. 
Dentalium  octogonum,  Desh. 
Patella  lan.x.  Reeve. 
Patella  saccharina,  Lin. 
Parmophorus  emarginatus,  Ph. 
Fissurella  Sieboldii,  Reeve. 
Fissurella  Tongana,  Quoy. 
Stomatella  Japonica,  A.  Adams. 
Sigaretus  papillus,  Recluz. 
Haliotis  gigantea,  Chemn. 
Haliotis  Japonica,  Reeve. 
Haliotis  Discus,  Reeve. 
Haliotis  Sieboldii,  Reeve. 
Bulla  viridis,  Reevo. 
Bulla  ampulla,  Lin. 
Helix  Perryi,  Jay. 
Helix  Simodae,  Jay. 
Helix  L.r^illierti,  Phil. 
Helix  Sieboldiana,  Ph. 
Helix  elegantissima,  Pfr. 
Helix  Japonica,  Pf. 
Helix  lioriomphala,  Pf. 

Helix  conospira,  Pfr. 

Bulimus  rimatus,  Pfr. 

Clausilia  Buschii,  Kust. 

Clausilia  valida,  Pfr. 

Clausilia  Sieboldii,  Pfr. 

Auricula  hepatica.  Ph. 

Lymnca  Japonica,  Jay. 

Lymnea  flava,  Ph. 

Melania  Bensoni,  Ph. 

Natica  Antoni,  Ph. 

Natica  duplicata.  Say. 

Natica  mamilla,  Lam. 

Natica  oUa,  Desh. 

Actaeon  Dianae,  A.  Adams. 

lanthina  communis.  Lam. 

lanthina  prolongata,  Bl. 

Obelisnus  pulchellua,  A.  Adams. 

Obeliscus  briinneus,  A.  Adams. 

GrlobuUis  giganteiis.  Less. 

Xenophora  pallidulus.   Reeve. 

Monodonta  catenulata. 

Monoilonta  exigua,  A.  Adams 

Trochus  Japonicus,  Dunker. 

Trochus  triumphans,  Phil. 

ClanculuB  Smithii,  Wood. 

Turbo  .Japonicus,  Reeve. 

Littnrina  Sieboldiiirf'liil. 

I.ittorina  Cecillii,  Ph. 

Turrilellii  nqnila.  Rfeve. 


U.S.JAPAN  EXPEDITION. 


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U.S.  JAPAN  EXPEDITIOtJ 


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SHELLS    COLLECTED    IN    JAPAN. 


297 


Eglisia  Cumingii,  A.  Adams. 

Ceritliiiim  Cocillii,  Ph. 
Ccrithigm  ncbulosuin,  Pli. 
Fusus  forriicatus,  Gmol. 
Pyrula  ficoiiles,  Lam. 
Cancellaria  nodulifera,  Stiwb. 
Pleiirotoma  Havidiila,  Lam. 
Murex  falcatu.s,  Sowb 
Murex  inermis,  Sowb. 
Murex  Eurypteroii,  Reeve. 
Strombus  Japonicus,  Reeve. 
Cassis  saburon,  Lam. 
Cassis  Japonica,  Reeve. 
Columbella  versicolor,  Sowb. 
Purpura  seplentrionalis,  Reeve. 
Dolium  variegatum,  Lam. 
Buccinum  Cliinensc,  Ph. 
Buccinum  achatinum,  Lam. 
Naesa  Japonica,  A.  Adams. 


Nassa  ponderosa,  A.  Adams. 

Desmoulca  rr.assa,  A.  Adams. 

Dosmoulea  Japonica,  A.  Adams. 

BuUia  Perryi,  Jay. 

Eburua  Japonica,  Reeve. 
Tercbra  serotina,  A.  Adams. 
Mitra  impressa,  Anton. 
Mitra  incisa,  A.  Adams. 
Voluta  Megaspira,  Sowb. 
Voluta  Cassidula,  Reeve. 
Cypraea  caput-serpentis,  Linn. 
Cypraea  miliaris,  Gniel. 
Cypraea  fimbriata,  Gmel. 
Cypraea  pallida,  Gray. 
Ovulum  concinnum,  Sowb. 
Ovulum  birostre,  Lam. 
Ovulum  striatulum,  Sowb. 
Ovulum  volva,  Linn. 
ConusSieboldii,  Reeve. 


EXPLANATION  OF  THE  PLATES. 


Plate  one. 
Cytherea  formosa,  fig.  1,  2,  3,  4. 
Cytherea  formosa,  var.  fig.  5,  6. 
Psammobia  olivacea,  fig.  8,  9. 
Mya  Japonica,  fig.  7  and  10. 

Plate  two. 
Cytherea  merelrix,  fig.  1,  2. 
Cytherea  morpliina,  fig.  3,  4,  5,  and  10. 
Cytherea  petechialis,  fig.  6,  7,  8,  9. 

Plate  three. 
Dipsas  plicatns,  fig.  1,  2. 
Pecten  YessoensLs,  fig   3,  4. 


Plate  four. 
Pecten  Yessoensis,  fig.  1,  2. 

Plate  five. 
Helix  Simodae,  fig.  1,  2,  3. 
Helix  Simodae,  var.  fig.  4,  5,  6. 
Helix  Perryi,  fig.  7,  8,  9. 
Lymnica  Japonica,  fig.  10, 11,  12. 
Bulha  Perryi,  fig.  13,  14,  15. 
Purpura  septentrionalis,  fig.  16,  17. 


38  s 


CORRESPONDENCE 


Referring  to  the  introductory  note  at  the  commencement  of  the  papers  on  Natural  History, 
it  may  be  proper  to  explain  how  it  is  that  the  following  descriptions  of  plants  should  now 
appear  in  this  volume,  and  I  can  offer  no  better  explanation  than  will  be  found  in  the  letters 
herewith  presented. 

My  best  thanks  are  due  to  the  distinguished  naturalists  who  have  thus  contributed  so  largely 
to  the  interest  of  this  report,  and  I  trust  that  their  valuable  services  will  be  duly  appreciated 
by  the  powers  under  whose  authority  it  has  been  prepared. 

M.  C.  P. 


Department  of  State,  Washington,  April  14,  1857. 
Sir:  I  transmit  herewith  a  copy  of  a  letter,  dated  the  8th  instant,  from  Dr.  James  Morrow, 
agriculturalist  to  the  late  Expedition,  under  your  command,  to  Japan.  The  papers  received 
with  it,  as  well  as  his  report,  No.  2,  referred  to  by  him,  will  be  held  at  your  disposal  if  you 
wish  to  avail  yourself  of  them  for  publication  in  your  account  of  the  Expedition  ;  otherwise  they 
will,  as  requested,  be  transmitted  to  Professor  A.  Gray,  of  Cambridge,  for  the  pupose  indicated 
by  Dr.  Morrow. 

I  am,  sir,  your  obedient  servant, 

L^WIS  CASS. 
Commodore  M.  C.  Perry,  U.  8.  N. 


Charleston,  South  Carouna,  April  8,  1857. 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  enclose  two  papers :  one  page,  the  determination  of  the  mosses 
which  I  collected  in  Japan,  made  by  Mr.  S.  Sallivant,  and  four  pages,  in  two  slieets, 
the  description  of  the  algaj,  by  Professor  Wm.  H.  Harvey,  of  Dublin  University,  Ireland. 
These  are  important  additions  to  the  manuscript  report.  No.  2,  on  the  botany  of  Japan,  which 
I  had  the  honor  to  make  to  the  Department  of  State,  in  February  last.  They  have  just  been 
finished  by  the  naturalists. 

I  enclose,  also,  two  sheets  of  notes  from  Professor  Asa  Gray,  of  Cambridge,  Massachusetts,  (wlio 
has  had  charge  of  getting  the  very  best  description  of  these  plants  that  could  be  procured  in  the 
scientific  world,)  in  reference  to  the  publication  of  tlie  papers. 

Professor  Gray  can  procure  the  publication  of  this  addition  to  science,  of  one  hundred  pages, 
describing  forty-one  new  species  of  plants,  and  one  new  genus  of  plants,  with  no  expense  to  the 
government,  by  the  American  Academy  of  Sciences,  by  whom  the  circulation,  among  scientific 
men,  is  made  most  extensive.     While,  if  Commodore  Perry  does  not  desire  it  for  his  second 


300  CORRESPONDENCE. 

volume,  now  being  published,  it  cannot  be  published  until  some  time  during  next  Congress,  if 
at  all ;  before  which  time  the  French  and  English,  who  have  each  been  over  the  same  ground 
since  we  explored  it,  may  publish  and  take  all  the  credit  and  priority  from  our  government,  to 
which  we  are  entitled,  having  been  the  earliest  visitors. 

I  would,  for  these  reasons,  beg  you  to  send  the  manuscript  to  Professor  Asa  Gray,  Cambridge, 
Massachusetts,  who  will  attend  to  the  publication,  if  you  should  deem  such  a  course  proper. 

I  have  the  honor  to  subscribe  myself,  your  obedient  servant, 

JAS.  MOEROW, 
AgricuUuralist  to  the  Jajxui  Expedition. 

Hon.  Lewis  C.iss,  Secretary  of  State,  Washington. 


Cambridge,  April  16,  1857. 
Dear  Sir  :  For  a  month  or  more  the  Secretary  of  State  has  been  in  possession  of  a  report 
made  by  me  upon  the  botanical  collection  made  in  Japan  by  Drs.  S.Wells,  Williams,  and  Morrow. 
Should  you  wish  to  print  it  in  your  work,  I  am  disposed  to  think  that  it  would  be  at  your 
service.  If  not  so  used  it  will  probably  be  published  elsewhere.  In  any  case  it  w^ould  be  needful 
ttiat  I  shi)uld  read  the  proof. 

Very  respectfully,  yours, 

ASA  GRAY. 
Commodore  Pekry,  U.  S.  X. 


New  York,  April  23,  1857. 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  a  communication  from  the  Department 
of  State,  bearing  date  the  21st  instant,  together  with  a  packet  containing  descriptions  of  certain 
botanical  specimens,  collected  by  Dr.  Jas.  Morrow  and  other  persons  attached  to  the  late 
Expedition  to  Japan. 

Although  the  materials  for  ray  report  had  been,  as  I  had  supposed,  entirely  completed  and 
prepared  for  the  press,  and  the  greater  ])art  actually  printed,  I  have  thought  it  advisable  to  urge 
upon  the  Superintendent  of  Public  Printing  the  propriety  of  inserting  the  valuable  papers  of 
Professors  Gray,  Sullivant,  and  Harvey,  as  well  out  of  respect  to  these  scientific  gentlemen  as 
because  of  the  very  great  interest  which  is  attached  to  the  natural  productions  of  a  country 
hitherto  so  little  known;  fortunately  this  can  be  done  without  inconvenience,  as  the  printers 
are  now  engaged  upon  the  department  of  Natural  History. 

1  cannot  refrain,  liowever,  from  repeating  the  expression  of  my  regret  that  these  descriptions 
of  tlie  plants  had  not  come  into  my  possession  at  an  earlier  period,  as  in  such  case  I  could  have 
published,  in  connexion  with  the  letter-press,  the  beautiful  botanical  drawings  which  I  had 
caused  to  be  made  from  nature,  and  wliich  have  now  become  useless. 

It  would  have  given  me  much  pleasure  to  have  introduced  into  my  report  the  whole  or  at 
least  a  part  of  papers  No.  2,  or  the  diary  of  Dr.  Morrow,  had  it  been  received  in  time  to  be 
printed  with  other  matter  upon  the  subject  of  agriculture,  already  in  print.  It  only  reached  me 
yesterday,  and  of  course  too  late  for  insertion  in  its  proper  place. 

The  general  orders  promulgated  in  the  squadron,  by  authority  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy, 
required  that  all  uotes,  journals,  and  collections  in  every  branch  of  science  should  be  consideied 


COttRESPONUENCE.  3()1 

US  public  property,  and  sent  to  the  commander  of  the  Expedition,  to  form  the  materials  of  a 
report  to  be  made  at  the  termination  of  the  cruise.    By  some  cause,  of  which  I  am  still  io-norant 
the  reports  and  collections  in  relation  to  botany  have  been  diverted  from  the  prescribed  channel 
and  hence  the  delay  which  has  prevented  as  full  and  complete  a  publication  in  this  department 
as  I  had  contemplated. 

With  great  respect,  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  your  obedient  serv.int, 

M.  C.  TERRY. 
Hon.  Lewis  Cass,  Secretary  of  State,  Washington,  D.  C. 

Note. — See  General  Order  in  Appendi.x. 


ACCOUNT 


BOTANICAL   SPECIMENS. 


PBEPAEED    nv 


PROFESSOR    A.    GRAY 


AaSLSTED    BY 


MR.  SULLIVANT,  DR.  HARVEY,  ETC. 


LIST 

OF 

DRIED  PLANTS  COLLECTED  IN  JAPAN, 

BY  S.  WELLS  WILUAMS,  ESQ.,  AND  DR.  JAMES  MORKOW. 


This  collection,  hastily  made  as  their  small  opportunities  permitted,  by  Dr.  Morrow  and  my 
early  friend,  Mr.  Williams,  of  the  American  Mission  at  Macao,  has  proved  a  very  interesting 
one,  as  might  have  been  expected.  No  part  of  the  world  beyond  his  own  country  offers,  as  to 
its  vjgetation,  a  greater  interest  to  the  botanist  of  the  United  States  than  Japan.  This  is  not 
the  place  to  dwell  upon  the  very  remarkable  relations  which  subsist  between  the  Flora  of  Japan 
and  that  of  the  United  States,  which  have  been  more  or  less  noticed  ever  since  Thunberg's  Flora 
Japonicawaa  published.  As  the  present  collection  was  principally  made  in  the  northern  part  of 
Japan,  it  was  naturally  anticipated  that  it  would  add  to  the  Japanese  Flora  a  considerable  num- 
ber of  species  identical  with,  or  closely  allied  to,  those  already  known  to  inhabit  Kamtschatka 
and  Northwest  America.  This  proves  to  be  the  case  ;  and  at  the  same  time  it  has  brought  to 
view  an  ec[ual  number  of  Eastern  United  States  forms,  no  insignificant  portion  of  which  are 
specifically  identical.  These  interesting  facts  will  arrest  the  botanist's  attention  as  he  turns 
over  these  pages.  I  refrain  from  commenting  upon  these  relations  until  another  and  perhaps  a 
larger  collection  of  Japanese  plants  shall  be  made  known,  namely,  that  made  by  that  excellent 
and  most  assiduous  collector,  Mr.  Charles  Wright,  in  the  North  Pacific  Exploring  Expedition, 
under  Commodore  Rodgers. 

The  present  collection  makes  known  nearly  forty  new  species  and  one  new  genus  ;  a  very 

considerable  number  under  the  circumstances  of  the  case.     Thirteen  of  these  are  Carices  ;  but 

as  most  of  these  were  gathered  too  early  in  the  season,  it  is  probable  that  the  number  will  be 

somewhat  reduced  when  they  are  better  known.     I  have  to  thank  my  excellent  friend,  Dr. 

Boott,  of  London,  the  most  learned  Caricologist  of  the  age,  for  having  studied  the  specimens  of 

this  genus,  and  furnished  the  descriptions  for  this  report.     I  have  also  to  thank  ray  promising 

young  friend,  Mr.  Daniel  C.  Eaton,  for  having  studied  the  Ferns  of  the  collection,  a  department 

of  botany  to  which  he  devotes  special  attention.     Mr.  Sullivant  has  obligingly  determined  tlie 

Mosses,  and  Prof.  Harvey,  of  Dublin,  the  Alsx  of  the  collection. 

ASA  GRAY. 


Clematis  Florida,  Thunb.  Fl.  Jap.,  p.  240;  8ieb.  &  Zucc,  Fam.  Nat.  Fl.  Jap.,  {in  Ad. 
Acad.  Monac.)  p.  68.  Simoda.  This  is  the  very  showy,  large-flowered  species,  now  well  known 
in  cultivation  under  the  name  of  G.  Sieboldii.  The  plant  from  which  the  specimens  were  taken 
was  cultivated  at  Simoda. 

Clematis  Japonica,  Thunb.  I.  c.  ?  Simoda.  The  specimens  are  insufficient  for  positive  deter- 
39  8 


306  E  XPF.  DITIONTO     JAPAN. 

mination,  but  they  nearly  accord  with  Thunherg's  and  Zuccarini's  descriptions.  The  flowers 
resemble  those  of  C.  Viorna  in  size  and  shape,  but  the  sepals  are  not  so  thick  and  leathery  ;  and 
the  peduncles  are  I'ully  as  long  as  the  petioles. 

Clematis  WiLLfAMSir  (n.  sp.)  :  sericeo-pilosa  ;  foliis  ternatisectis  ;  foliolis  supra  laxe  glabratis 
oblongis  vel  cuneato-ovatis  inciso-trilobatis,  lobo  interraedio  acuminato,  lateralibus  nunc  inciso- 
dentatis ;  pedunculis  solitariis  folio  brevioribus  basira  versus  bibracteatis  ;  staminibus  sepalis 
orbiculatis  pauUo  brevioribus,  filamentis  ligulatis  glabris  ;  ovariis  stylisque  villosissimis. 
(Simoda,  April  20  ;  in  flower.  "  A  vine  on  the  ground.") — This  belongs  to  De  CandoUe's 
section  Cheiropsis,  and  ranks  with  C.  Nipalensis  and  C.  montana,  of  the  Himalayas,  but  is 
clearly  different  from  both.  The  blossom  is  about  an  inch  and  a  half  in  diameter  when  the 
(apparently  purplish  or  bluish)  sepals  are  fully  expanded.  The  filaments  are  linear-ligulate 
and  much  broader  than  those  of  C.  montana,  and  the  anthers  shorter.  The  bracts  are  small 
(barely  2  lines  long)  and  distinct.  The  leaflets  are  not  serrate,  but  mostly  incisely  three-lobed 
above  the  middle,  and  often  the  lobes  of  the  lateral  ones  again  sparingly  incised  or  2-3-toothed. 
All  the  leaflets  are  short-petiolulate,  and  are  rounded  or  roundish  at  the  base.  The  species  is 
named  for  one  of  the  collectors,  S.  Wells  Williams,  Esq.,  of  Canton,  a  cherished  friend  and 
correspondent,  author  of  one  of  the  best  works  that  have  appeared  upon  the  Chinese  empire,  and 
a  good  naturalist,  as  well  as  a  learned  oriental  scholar. 

Anemone  Baikalensis,  Turcz.  Cat.  Baikal;  Ledeb.  Fl.  Ross.  1,  p.  17;  Sieh.  &  Zucc.  I.  c.  : 
var.  ?  L.i;viGATA.  Hakodadi.  The  base  of  the  stem  and  the  radical  leaves  were  not  gathered. 
It  is  doubtless  the  plant  referred  by  Zuccarini  to  A.  Baikalensis,  and  accords  with  his  notes  ; 
but  the  foliage  is  nearly  or  quite  glabrous.  Its  relationship  to  A.  narcissiflora  is  evident,  not- 
withstanding the  elongated  and  few  pedicels,  and  the  pubescent  achenia. 

Ranunculus  seleratus,  Linn.  Simoda  ;  in  rice  fields.  Zuccarini  notes  that  his  Japanese 
specimens  exhibited  globular  heads  of  carpels  ;  in  these  the  heads  are  elongated  in  the  usual 
manner  of  the  species. 

Ranunculus  ternatus,  Thunh.  Fl.  Jap.  p.  241 ;  Sieh.  (&  Zucc.  I.  c.  p.  71. 

Ranunculus  Japonicus,  Ihunh.  ?  Not  the  plant  so  named  by  Zuccarini.  The  specimen  is 
incomplete,  but  it  very  nearly  accords  with  an  Oregon  plant,  gathered  by  Mr.  Spalding  and  by 
Geyer  (No.  380,)  which  Sir  Wm.  Hooker  makes  a  variety  of  R.  Pennsylvanicus,  with  more 
slender  and  diffuse  stems,  and,  I  may  add,  with  more  beaked  cari^els  collected  in  a  broader  and 
shorter  head.  From  R.  Chinensis  it  is  distinguished  by  the  fiat  and  margined  achenia,  not  tri- 
costate  on  the  back. 

Ranunculus  repens,  Linn.  ?  Hakodadi  ;  May.  The  specimen  (in  fiower  only)  appears  to  be 
the  same  as  what  in  North  America  is  called  a  large  form  of  R.  repens. 

Caltha  palustris,  Linn.  Hakodadi.  Both  the  small-fiowered  form,  mentioned  by  Zuccarini, 
and  also  with  large  blossoms. 

IsoPYRUM  Japonicum,  Sieh.  &  Zucc.  I.  c.  p.  73.  Yokohama,  and  also  Simoda  ;  on  stone  walls. 
The  four  (or  occasionally  three)  carpels,  when  ripe,  are  not  "  erect-connivent,"  but  widely 
divergent.     The  root  resembles  a  small  tuber. 

Aquilegia  flabellata,  Sieh.  d;  Zucc.  I.  c.  Hakodadi.  Remarkable  for  the  great  size  of  the 
sepals,  and  for  the  short,  circinate,  included  spurs  of  the  petals. 

Glaucidium  palmatum,  Sieh.  &  Zucc,  I.  c,  p.  76,  t.  \,B.  Hakodadi.  The  scanty  specimens 
are  only  in  blossom,  like  those  of  Siebold,  and  throw  no  additional  light  upon  this  singular 
genus.     I  nhould  take  the  perianth  to  be  simple,  and  of  the  nature  of  calyx. 


PLANTS    COLLECTED    IN    JAPAN.  307 

P^ONIA  OFFICINALIS,  Linn.    (P.  albiflora,  Pall.  Fl.  Ross.  t.  84 ;  but  the  petals  are  red  or  purple.) 

Illiciom  RELiaiosuM,  Sieb  &  Zucc.  Fl.  Jap.  1,  p.  5,  i.  1.  This  is  the  false  Star-Auise,  with 
fruit  nearly  destitute  of  anisate  aroma,  and  which  was  distinguished  specifically  by  Siebold  and 
Zuccariui. 

BoRGERiA  OBOVATA,  Sieb.  (&  Zucc.  Fam.  Nat.  Fl.  Jap.,  I.  c,  p.  79.  Hakodadi.  In  blossom 
only,  so  that  the  generic  characters  are  not  determinable.  The  twigs  of  the  specimens^  when 
split,  exhale  the  odor  of  camphor-wood. 

Akebia  QUINATA,  Becaisne,  Mem.  Lardiz.  ;  Sieb.  &  Zucc.  Fl.  Jap.  I,  p.  143,  t.  77.  A  frag- 
ment only,  in  flower,  was  gathered  at  Simoda,  and  another  on  Webster  Island,  in  April. 

Akebia  lobata,  Decaisne,  I.  c;  Sieb.  &  Zucc,  I.  c,  t.  78.  From  the  variation  observable  in 
the  leaflets,  I  should  not  hesitate  to  unite  A.  quercifolia  with  A.  lobata,  and  probably  A.  cle- 
matifolia  is  not  distinct  irom  it. 

Stauntonia  hexaphylla,  Decaisne,  I.  c. ;  Sieb.  &  Zucc,  I.  c,  t.  76.  A  few  flowering  speci- 
mens in  the  collections. 

Nandina  domestica,  Thunb.  Fl.  Jap.,  p.  9  d  149.     In  hedges  and  in  wild  places. 

Berberis  VULGARIS,  Linn.  ;  Thunb.  Fl.  Jap.,  p.  146.  B.  Sinensis,  Besf.  ?  ex  Sieb.  (&  Zucc, 
I.e.  Hakodadi.  "A  large  bush  in  a  hedge  ;  May  31."  This  seems  to  be  exactly  the  com- 
mon Barberry  as  introduced  into  the  United  States. 

Berberis  Thunbergii,  DC.  Prodr.  1,  p.  106.  Hill-sides,  Simoda  ;  April  20.  This  certainly 
looks  like  B.  Cretica,  to  which  Thunberg  referred  it,  and  which  Drs.  Hooker  and  Thomson 
regard  as  an  extreme  form  of  B.  vulgaris. 

Papaver  somniferum,  Linn.     Probably  an  introduced  plant. 

Chelidonium  majus,  Linn.     Hakodadi. 

DiCENTRA  spectabilis,  DC.  Syst.  2,  p.  110.  Eucapnos  spectabilis,  Sieb.  &  Zucc  I.  c.  Hako- 
dadi ;  in  gardens.  The  handsome  species  now  common  in  cultivation  ;  one  of  the  finest  of  our 
many  valuable  acquisitions  from  Japan. 

CoRTDALis  INCISA,  Pers.  Ench.  2,  p.  269.    Fumaria  incisa,  Thunb.    Hakodadi  and  Yokohama. 

Corydalis  heterocarpa,  Sieb.  d  Zucc,  I.  c,  p.  65.     Simoda. 

CoRYDALis  PALLIDA,  Pers.,  Z.  c.     Fumaria  pallida,  T/^tt/iZ;.    Simoda;  on  old  garden  walls,  &c. 

Nasturtium  palustre,  DC.     Simoda. 

Nasturtium  officinale,  R.Br.  Hakodadi  and  Yokohama.  "Sides  of  fields  near  the 
shore."  This  wide-spread  sijccies,  the  common  Water-Cress,  is  enumerated  by  Thunberg  in 
his  Japanese  Flora.  In  place  of  the  former  species,  Thunberg  and  Siebold  mention  N.  am- 
phibium,  but  our  specimens  clearly  belong  to  N.  Palustre. 

TuRRiTis  GLABRA,  Linn.     Simoda.     (Not  in  Siebold  and  Zuccarini's  enumeration.) 

Arabis  hirsuta,  Scop.  Turritis  hirsuta,  Linn.  ;  Thunb.  Fl.  Jap.  p.  260.  Simoda.  As  far 
as  can  be  judged  from  the  single  and  incomplete  specimen,  this  appears  to  be  a  form  of  A.  hir- 
suta, and  it  is  doubtless  Thunberg's  plant.     Siebold  and  Zuccarini  do  not  mention  it. 

Arabis  ALPiN A,  Liim.,  var.  ?  Japonica  :  caule  validiore  (spithamaso  ad  subpedalem)  plurifo- 
liato  ;  racemo  densifloro  ;  siliquis  plurimis  etiam  confertis. — Barren  sandy  beach,  also  on  rich 
hills,  Simoda ;  and  dry  sand  of  the  seashore,  Shirahanna,  near  Simoda ;  April  19-20  ;  also 
Hakodadi.  The  fruit  is  only  half  grown,  and  the  seeds  not  formed.  The  ripe  siliques  will  be 
likely  to  furnish  characters  which  (along  with  the  generally  stouter  and  more  leafy  stems,  and 
the  much  more  numerous  flowers,)  will  distinguish  this  plant  specifically  from  A.  alpma.  It 
is  probably  abundant,  as  numerous  specimens  were  collected  at  several  stations. 

Arabis  ltrata,  Linn.  ?     Hakodadi.     The  pods  are  immature,  but  if  the  specimens  had  been 


308  EXPEDITION    TOJAPAN. 

gathered  in  the  United  States  they  would  doubtless  be  referred  to  A.  lyrata  ;  if  in  Europe,  to 
A.  arenosa. 

Matthiola  anxca,  Sivcet.     Simoda.     Cultivated. 

Cakdamijje  impatiens,  Lirm.  Simoda.  A  brandling,  pubescent  form.  Not  mentioned  by 
Siebold  and  Zuccarini. 

Cardamine  macrophylia,  Willd.;  DC;  Ledeh.  Fl.  Boss.,  l,p.  128.  Simoda  and  Hakodadi. 
The  specimens  are  all  corymbose  at  the  summit,  bearing  from  three  to  five  racemes  ;  the  flowers 
apparently  white,  and  the  leaves  are  rather  more  downy  beneath  ;  otherwise  the  plant  exactly 
accords  with  large-leaved  forms  of  this  striking  species  from  Altai.  The  fruit  not  seen.  This 
also  was  unknown  to  Thunberg  and  to  Siebold. 

Draba  nemorosa,  Linn.  D.  nemoralis,  Ehrh.;  DC;  Sieb.  &  Zucc.  I.  c.  Hakodadi  and  Yoko- 
hama.    Pretty  large  forms,  but  clearly  the  European  plant. 

Capsella  Buusa-pastokis,  Mcench.     With  the  preceding. 

Brassica  Chinensis,  Linn.     B.  orientalis,  Thunh.     Low  pine  forests,  Yokohama. 

Raphanus  sativds,  Linn.  Simoda.  Mentioned  by  Thunberg  as  one  of  the  commonest  esculent 
herbs  of  Japan. 

Polygala  Japonica,  Eoutt. ;  DC  Prodr.  1,  p.  324.  P.  vulgaris,  r/mriJ.  Yokohama  and 
Simoda.  A  well-marked  species,  agreeing  with  the  character  given  by  DeCandolle,  except  that 
the  stems  are  assurgent.  ^ 

Viola  palostris,  Linn.  ?  A  single  specimen  from  Simoda  appears  to  belong  to  this  species 
(mentioned  by  Thunberg)  ;  but  the  leaves  are  cordate-ovate  rather  than  reniform. 

Viola  Japonioa,  Langsd.  ex  DC  Prodr.  1,  p.  295,  not  of  L\^orthals,  in  Walp.  Ann.  2,  p.  661^ 
V.  obovata,  Thunh. '?     Yokohama.     Specimen  too  incomplete  to  judge  of. 

Viola  Gmeliniana,  R.  &  S.;  var.  glabra,  Ledeh.  Cat.  Dorp.,  d- Fl.  Boss.  1, p.  246?  Simoda; 
a  single  and  insufficient  specimen. 

Viola  (Jrypoceras  (n.  sp.) :  acaulescens,  glabra  ;  foliis  reniformibus  et  ovato-oordatis  ;  stipulis 
liueari-subulatis  longe  setoso-pectinatis ;  flore  pallide  cjeruleo ;  calcare  adunco  cylindrico 
obtusissimo  petalis  omnibus  imberbibus  fere  requilongo  ;  stigmate  nudo  inappendiculato,  rostro 
brevi  porrecto. — Yokohama,  on  wooded  hill-sides  ;  March.  Probably  stoloniferous,  but  this  is 
uncertain.  Leases  from  half  an  inch  to  an  inch  in  diameter,  crenulate- toothed,  thickly  punctate 
with  brown  dots,  as  in  numerous  species.  Scapes  filiform.  Sepals  acutish.  Spur  when  fully 
developed  almost  half  an  inch  long,  narrow,  with  a  thicker  and  very  obtuse  curved  extremity. 
Anther-spurs  very  long,  ligulate.  This  surely  cannot  be  the  V.  Japonica  of  Langsdorff,  nor, 
with  its  long  spurs,  could  Thunberg  have  mistaken  it  for  V.  odorata.  The  stipules  resemble 
those  of  V.  adunca,  Smith,  (V.  longipes,  Nutt.)  of  Northwest  America,  although  more  densely 
and  strongly  fringed  ;  but  the  plant  is  stemless,  and  the  flowers,  stigma,  &c.,  very  different. 

Viola  canina,  var.  ?  Japonica,  DO,  Prodr.  I,  p.  298  ;  Sieb.  &  Zucc.  I.  c.  Yokohama.  Were 
tlie  specimens  (having  only  a  single  blossom)  sufficiently  complete  for  determination,  this  would 
doubtless  be  shown  to  be  wholly  distinct  from  Viola  canina.  The  foliage  is  similar  to  that  of 
V.  canina,  but  the  stipules  are  much  larger  and  strikingly  fimbriate,  in  the  manner  of  the  pre- 
ceding species,  only  more  conspicuous.     It  is  possibly  a  caulescent  state  of  the  last. 

Viola  lacinio.sa,  (n.  sp.) :  subpubescens  ;  caule  valido  folioso  ;  foliis  ovato-cordatis  obtuse  acu- 
minalis ;  stipulis  ibliaceis  magnis  oblongis  eximie  pinnatifido-lacin  tis  siimmisve  lanceolatis 
superne  integriusculis,  laciniis  lineari-lanceolatis  ;  ijedunculis  iblium  subsuperantibus  ;  petalis 
c-eruleis,  lateralibus  hinc  leviter  barbatis,  calcare  brevissimo  crasso  scrotiformi ;  stigmate  dorso 


PLANTS    COLLECTED    IN    JAPAN.  309 

convexo  subpapilloso  rostro  parvo  declinato,  ore  apicali  minuto. — Hakodadi,  along  the  edge  of 
woods.  A  caulescent  species,  with  a  remarkabty  stout  stem,  a  foot  or  less  in  height,  leaves  as 
large  as  those  of  V.  pubescens,  and  very  conspicuous  stipules  of  an  inch  or  an  inch  and  a  half  in 
length,  (the  upper  ones  as  long  as  the  petiole,)  and  strikingly  laciniate-pinnatifid,  something 
as  in  V.  striata,  but  several  times  larger.  The  latter  character  suggests  the  specific  name. 
Flowers  as  large  as  those  of  V.  Canadensis,  and  with  an  equally  short  and  thick  spur. 

DiANTHUS  CuiNENSis,  Liwi.  Simoda,  in  rocky  places  on  the  sea-shore  ;  May.  There  are 
portions  of  two  other  species  in  the  collection  ;  one  of  them  probably  cultivated. 

HoNCKENTA  PEPLOIDES,  Ehrli.;  Torr.  &  Gray,  Fl.  1,^).  176.  Hakodadi.  Not  before  recorded 
from  Japan.  The  specimens  are  nearly  the  var.  oblongifolia,  (H.  oblongifolia,  Torr.  &  Gray,  I.  c.) 

MosHRiNOiA  LATERIFLORA,  i^en^Z.  Arenaria  lateriflora,  iiKW.  Hakodadi.  New  to  the  Japanese 
Flora,  but  known  in  the  Kurile  Islands,  and  encircling  the  Northern  hemisphere. 

McEHRiNGiA  sen  Arenaria,  n.  sp. :  foliis  linearibus  rigidiusculis  ;  floribus  terminalibus  longe 
pedunculatis  tetrameris  ;  sepalis  petalisque  orbiculatis  ;  stylis  4. — Hakodadi.  Too  uncertain  as 
to  the  genus  to  be  named. 

Arenaria  sepyllifolia,  Linn.;  Tliunh.  Fl.  Jap.,  p.  186.     Simoda. 

Stellaria  media,  Linn.     Simoda,  Yokohama,  and  Hakodadi. 

Stellaria  uliginosa,  Murray.  S.  undulata,  Thunb.  I.  c.  Same  as  the  European  and  North 
American  plant. 

Malachium  aquaticum.  Fries.    Cerastium  aquaticum,  DC.     Simoda. 

Cerastium  vicosum,  Linn.;  Thunb.  I.  c.     Simoda. 

Cerastium  FiscHERiANUM,  Seringe  in  DC.  Prodr.  1,  p.  119.    Hakodadi.    Petals  large. 

Malva  Mauritiana,  Linn.;  Thunb.  Fl.  Jap.,  p.  271. 

EuRYA  Japonica,  Thunb.  Fl.  Jap.  p.  191.     Hakodadi,  Yokohama,  &c. 

Camellia  Japonica,  Linn.,  flore  semipleno.     Yokohama. 

OxALis  coRNicuLATA,  Linn.    Simoda  and  Yokohama. 

Zanthoxylum  planispinum,  Sieb.  &  Zucc.  Fam.  Nat.  Fl.  Jap.  I.  c.  p.  30  ;  var.  foliolis  latiori- 
bus  interdum  7. — Simoda.  The  female  plant,  in  blossom.  The  leaflets  are  mostly  oblong  or 
ovate-oblong,  little  narrowed  at  the  base,  and  exhibit  a  few  pellucid  glands  on  the  lamina,  as 
well  as  those  at  the  (rather  conspicuous)  crenatures.  The  flowers  are  chiefly  digynous,  as  they 
likewise  are  in  a  specimen  (from  Burger's  collection  ?)  communicated  to  me  from  the  Leydeu 
herbarium.     The  spines  are  often  very  broad  and  stout. 

Zanthoxylum  piperitum,  DC;  Sieb.  d-  Zucc.  I.  c.  p.  30.  Fagara  piperita,  Linn.;  Thunb.  Fl. 
Jap.,  -p.  64.     Simoda.    With  male  flowers. 

Stachyurus  precox,  Sieb.  &  Zucc.  Fl.  Jap.,  p.  43,  t.  18.  Yokohama;  on  steep  hill-sides. 
Flowering  shoots  (March)  ;  the  leaves  not  yet  appearing. 

Hypericum  Chinense,  Linn.  ?    Simoda.     A  fragment  only 

ViTis  vinifera,  Linn.  Hills,  Simoda.  Probably  cultivated.  The  Vine  was  long  ago 
introduced  into  Japan. 

Celastrus  articulatus,  Thunb.  Fl.  Jap.  p.  97;  Sieb.  &  Zucc.  I.  c.  Simoda.  "A  green 
flowered,  vine-like  bush."     No  reason  appears  for  the  specific  name. 

Ilex  crenata,  Thunb.  Fl.  Jap.,  p.  78  ;  Sieb.  &  Zucc.  I.  c.     Simoda. 

EuscAPHis  staphyleoides,  Sieb.  &  Zucc.  Fl.  Jap.,  p.  124  t.  67.     Simoda.     In  blossom. 

Staphylea  Bumalda,  Sieb.  &  Zucc.  I.  c,  p.  180,  t.  95.  Hakodadi.  In  blossom,  the  plant  ex- 
ceedingly resembles  our  S.  trifolia. 

Acer  Japoncum,  lliicnb.  Fl.  Jap.,  p.  162  ;  Sieb.  d:  Zucc.  Fam.  Nat.  Fl.  Jap.,  p.  48.     Hako- 


310  EXPEDITIONTOJAPAN. 

dadi.  The  alliance  of  this  fine  species  is  with  A.  circinatum,  Pursh,  of  OregoQ.  Like  that 
species,  it  is  a  shrub.     It  is  said  to  grow  on  hill-sides,  in  drj'  and  sandy  soil. 

Acer  polymorphum,  Sieb.  it  Zucc.  I.  c.  A.  septemlobum,  palmatum,  and  dissectum,  Thunb. 
Siinoda.     Two  or  three  forms.     A  low  bush,  on  steep  banks  ;  both  in  dry  and  damp  woods. 

Acer  pictum,  Thunb.  1.  c. ;  Sieb.  &  Zucc.  1.  c.  Hakodadi.  In  blossom.  A  tree  30  to  50  feet 
high.     Allied  to  A.  platanoides. 

YiciA  Faba,  Linn.     Yokohama.     Cultivated. 

YiciA  SATivA,  Linn.     Simoda  and  Yokohama.     On  hills  and  in  ditches. 

ViciA  TETRASPERMA,  Liuu.  Ervum  tetraspermum,  Linn.;  Thunh.  Fl.  Jap.,  p.  284.  Simoda 
and  Yokohama. 

YiciA  Orobus,  DC.  ?    Dry  hills,  Simoda. 

Lathyrcs  maritimus,  Bigelow,  Pisum  maritimum,  Linn.;  Thunb.  I.  c.  Simoda  and  Hako- 
dadi.    On  the  beach,  in  sand. 

PiSTJM  SATIVUM,  Linn. ;  Thunb.  I.  c.     Yokohama.     Cultivated. 

Wistaria  SrxEXSis,  Sieb.  d-  Zucc.  Fl.  Jap.  1,  p.  90,  t.  44.     Simoda  ;  May.     Flowers  purplish. 

Indigofera  decora,  Lindl.  Bot.  Reg.  1846,  t.  22.     Simoda.     Probably  native. 

Hedysarum  coronarium,  Linn.     Simoda.     It  is  not  stated  whether  this  is  cultivated. 

Lotus  coRNiccLATUs,  iww.  .^     Simoda.     Introduced. 

Medicaqo  lupulixa,  Linn.     Simoda.     In  the  sand  of  the  sea  shore. 

Thermopris  FAB ACEA,  iJC;  Proclr.  2,p).  99.  Hakodadi.  Young  foliage,  &c.,  silky-pubescent 
underneath,  much  as  in  some  Californian  and  Oregon  specimens,  with  which  the  range  of  this 
species  is  geographically  connected  by  means  of  the  Kurile  Islands  and  Kamtschatka. 

C-fiSALPixiA  SEPIARIA,  Roxb.  Fl.  Ind.  C.  Japonica,  Sieb.  &  Zucc.  Fam.  Nat.  Fl.  Jap.  I.  c, 
p.  9.     Simoda.     On  dry  hill-sides.     "A  tree,  30  feet  high." 

Prunus  (Amygdalus)  Persica.     Hakodadi. 

Prxisus  Pseudo-cerasus,  Lindl.;  floribus  normalibus  et  pleuis.     Cultivated  everywhere. 

PRinnjs  Japonica,  Thunb.:  Sieb.  &  Zucc.  Fl.  Jap.,  p.  172,  t.  90. 

Spiraa  callosa,  Thunb.  Fl.  Jap.,  p.  209  ;  Sieb.  dt  Zucc.  Fam.  Nat.  Fl.  Jap.,  p.  16.    Simoda. 

SPIR.EA  JAPOXICA,  (Sitft.  &  Bhnne,  Bijdr.,  p.  1114.     Simoda.     Cultivated. 

Spiilea  thcxbergh,  Sitb.  &  Zucc   Fl.  Jap.  1,  _p.  -130,  t.  69.     Simoda  and  Hakodadi. 

Kerria  JAPONICA,  DC;  Sieb.  (k  Zucc.  I.  c.  t.  68.  Simoda  and  Hakodadi.  Both  the  wild, 
with  single  flowers,  and  the  double-flowered  state,  so  common  in  our  gardens,  under  the  old 
name  of  Corchorus  Japonicus. 

PoTENTiLLA  FRAGARioiDES,  Linn.;  LchiH.  Pot.,  p.  50,  t.  4.  Hakodadi,  Webster  Island,  and 
Yokohama.  Both  small  and  difl'use  forms,  with  copious  silky  villosity  ;  just  the  Kamtschatka 
plant  of  Lehmann,  only  they  show  no  true  runners.  Also  much  less  hairy  forms  ;  much  larger 
throughout,  a  foot  high. 

PoTENTiLLA  GELIDA,  C.  A.  Meyer ;  Ledeb.  Fl.  Ross,  2,  p.  59?  Simoda.  A  glabrate  form, 
with  dentate,  but  not  incised  leaves. 

Fragaria  (Duchesnea)  Indica,  Linn.     Simoda. 

KuBUS  PARvrroLiES,  Sieb.  &  Zucc.  I.  c,  p  18.     Simoda,  &c. 

EiBUS  iNCisrs,  Thunb.  Fl.  Jap.,  p.  217,  ex  char.  Simoda.  The  smaller  leaves  of  our  speci- 
mens accord  with  Thunberg's  description  in  size  and  shape,  although  they  generally  have 
shorter  petioles.  The  larger  ones  are  about  two  inches  in  length  and  breadth,  and  are  either 
moderately  or  deeply  three-lobed,  the  lobes  ovate  and  obtuse,  the  petioles  12  to  18  lines  long  ; 


PLAiVTSCOM,  ECTEDINJ^PAN.  311 

peduncles  an  inch  long.  Corolla,  white,  an  inch  and  a  quarter  in  diameter  ;  petals  rounded. 
R.  ribifolius,  Sieh.  d:  Zucc,  (judging  from  a  specimen  supplied  by  the  Leyden  herbarium,)  is  a 
pubescent  state  of  the  same  species,  with  shorter  peduncles,  acute  lobes  to  the  leaves,  &c. 

RuBUS  HYDRASTiFOLius  (n.  sp.) :  caulibus  scu  ramis  inermibus  cum  pctioHs  teuuiter  glauduloso- 
pubescentibus  ;  foliis  glabris  e  basi  truncata  vel  subcordata  subrotundis  quinquefidis  summisve 
cuneato-rotundis  trifidis,  sinubus  augustis,  lobis  fere  requilongis  ovato-oblongis  acutis  nervoso- 
venosis  crebre  duplicato-serratis  nunc  subincisis  ;  stipulis  oblongo  vel  ovato-lanceolatis  ;  pedun- 
culis  axillaribus  3-5-floris  (raro  unifloris)  petiolum  superantibus  ;  calycis  tomentulosi  segmentis 
triangulari-acuminatis  petala  rotundata  alba  baud  iBquantibus. — Simoda.  A  well-marked,  large- 
leaved  and  large-flowered  species.  The  specimens  are  probably  short  flowering  branches  from 
a  woody  stem,  no  part  of  which  was  gathered,  but  the  plant  may  be  wholly  herbaceous.  Stipules 
half  an  inch  long,  entire.  Leaves  from  2^  to  5  inches  in  diameter,  resembling  those  of  a  Grape, 
but  with  the  deep  sinuses  very  narrow,  and  the  lobes  equal,  glabrous,  except  a  little  pubescence 
on  the  veins  beneath,  very  sharply  and  somewhat  incisely  doubly  serrate.  Petioles  9  to  18  lines 
long,  stout.  Flowers  an  inch  and  a  half  in  diameter  when  fully  expanded.  Fruit  unknown. 
This  is  surely  distinct  from  the  last,  and  apparently  from  any  described  species. 

EuBUS  COPTOPHYLLUS  (n.  sp.):  frutescens,  mox  glaber ;  ramis  gracilibus  aculeis'sparsis  rectis 
armatis ;  foliis  subcordatis  profunde  3-5-fidis  tenuibus,  lobis  ovato-lanceolatis  sensim  acuminatis 
incisis  crebre  argute  serratis,  terminali  productiore  nunc  trifido,  lateralibus  parvis,  costis  pilosulis ; 
petiolis  gracillimis  leviter  aculeolatis ;  stipulis  perulatis  deciduis  ;  pedunculis  solitariis  unifloris 
calycis  glabriusculi  segmenta  lanceolata  acuminata  subfequantibus  ;  petalis  albis  ovalibus  calyce 
longioribus. — Yokohama,  on  hill-sides.  Branches  slender.  Petioles  about  an  inch,  and  the 
leaves  mostly  an  inch  and  a  half  long.  The  latter  are  very  smooth  and  glabrous  except  the 
veins,  which,  when  young,  are  beset  with  slender  fine  hairs,  as  are  the  petioles  ;  the  lobes  are 
slender,  very  sharp-pointed,  and  very  strongly  and  sharply  toothed  and  incised.  Petals  about 
half  an  inch  long,  at  first  obovate,  at  length  oblong.  The  flowers  are  solitary  from  lateral  buds, 
accompanied  by  two  or  three  leaves.  This  elegant  species  should  be  compared  with  Blume's 
R.  pubinervis,  which  is  very  incompletely  described. 

Rosa  multiflora,  Thunb.;  and  fragments  of  one  or  two  other  species. 

Rhaphiolepis  Japonica,  Sieb.  &  Zucc.  Fl.  Jap.  1,  p.  162,  t.  85.  Simoda.  Flowering  speci- 
mens only. 

Cydonia  Japonica,  Pers.  Pyrus  Japonica,  Thunb.  In  hedges  and  along  roadsides,  Yokohama 
and  Hakodadi.  One  of  the  numerous  ornamental  shrubs  in  cultivation  for  which  we  are  indebted 
to  Japan. 

Pyrus  Malus,  Linn.     Hakodadi.     Doubtless  cultivated  for  its  fruit. 

Pyrus  spectabilis,  Ait.     P.  baccata,  Thunb.  Fl.  Jap.  p.  207.     Hakodadi  and  Simoda. 

Stransvaisia  digyna,  Sieb  &  Zucc.  Fam.  Nat.  Fl.  Jap.  p.  21.  Crata3gus  villosa,  Thunb. 
Simoda.  Smoother  and  smaller-leaved  specimens  than  usual,  but  plainly  Thumberg's  plant. 
There  are  sometimes  three  styles.  In  the  young  fruit  the  pericarp  appears  to  become  adherent 
to  the  fleshy  calyx-tube.  Perhaps  it  is  as  near  Photinia  (to  which  DebandoUe  referred  it)  as  to 
Stransvaisia. 

Saxifraga  sarmentosa,  Linn.     Simoda.     Long  a  well-known  plant  in  cultivation. 

Chrysosplenium  oppositifolium,  Linn.  Hakodadi.  Thunberg  gives  C.  alternifolium  as  a 
Japanese  plant,  but  the  present  species  has  not  before  been  mentioned. 


312  EXPEDIT10>T0JAPA>. 

Stephanaxdra  FLExroSA,  Sieb.  d-  Zucc.  {in  Acad.  Monac.  3,  p.  70,  t.  4.)  Spiraea  incisa,  Thttnb. 
Simoda.     A  remarkable  plant,  which  Thunberg  very  naturally  referred  to  Spira?a. 

Htdraxgea  virens,  Sieb.  &  Zucc.  Fl.  Jaj>.  I,  }}■  114,  t.  60.  A  striking  and  neat  species,  with 
verv  small  and  narrow  leaves,  and  small  cymes  bearing  few  radiate  blossoms,  or  sometimes  none 
stall.     "A  low  bush;    sterile  flowers  greenish-white." 

Htdraxgea  Hortexsia,  DC,  var.  Azisai,  &  var.  Otaksa.  H.  Azisai,  &■  H.  Otaksa,  Sieb.  d 
Zucc.  I.  c.  t.  61  tt-  52.  The  specimens  plainly  show  that  Siebold's  two  species  are  only  one, 
and  there  is  no  doubt  of  their  being  mere  forms  of  the  well-known  H.  Hortensia.  The  speci- 
mens were  taken  from  wild  plants  growing  near  Simoda. 

Htdraxgea  hirta,  Sieb.  d-  Zucc.  Fl.  I.  c.  p.  117,  t.  62.  Yiburnum  hirtum,  Thunb.  Al- 
though not  showy,  this  is  indeed  a  curious  species,  from  its  small  and  rayless  cymes,  and  its 
thin  strongly-toothed  leaves,  which  have  been  well  compared  with  those  of  Urtica  urens.  The 
specific  name  is  far  from  appropriate,  although  the  young  shoots  are  strigosely  hairy.  None  of 
the  other  Hydrangeaceous  genera,  viz :  Cardiandra,  Platycrater  and  Schizophragma  were  col- 
lected. 

Deutzia  scabra,  Thunb.  Fl.  Jap.  1,  p.  185,  t.  24;  Sieb.  d  Zucc.  Fl.  Jap.  1,  p.  20,  t.  7. 

Simoda,  &c.  • 

Deutzia  crenata,  Sieb.  &  Zucc.  I.  c.  p.  19,  t.  6.  Simoda.  The  specimens  of  these  two  species 
show  the  distinctions  indicated  by  Zuccarini,  though  the  name  of  crenata,  is  not  appropriate. 
The  flowers  of  the  present  species  are  larger  than  those  of  the  last,  and  the  filaments  mostly 
abruptly  dilated  or  lobed  on  each  side  below  the  summit.  But  the  plant  we  have  in  cultivation 
in  the  United  States  under  the  name  of  D.  scabra  is  D.  crenata.  The  two  appear  to  be  confounded 
in  Japan  ;  and  will  probably  prove  to  be  only  forms  of  one  species. 

Sedoi  les-eake,  Thunb.  Fl.  Jap.  p.  187.  Simoda.  A  single^  imperfect  specimen,  of  which 
nothing  can  be  made. 

Heracleuem  LANATCM,  Miclix.  Fl.  1,  p.  166.  In  bloom.  Apparently  the  same  as  the  more 
hairy  form  of  the  species  in  Oregon,  »tc. 

Archasgeuca  offictn'alis,  Hqffm.?  Simoda,  in  the  sand  of  the  sea-shore.  "Eaten  by  the 
Japanese."     Too  young  and  undeveloped  to  determine. 

C(elopleurt:ji  Gmelexi,  Ledeb.  Fl.  Boss.  2,  p.  361.  (Archangelica  Gmeleni,  DC.  exd.  syn. 
Apium  ternat.)  Simoda.  In  blossom.  I  have  neither  specimens  nor  a  full  description  for  com- 
parison ;  but  I  suspect  this  plant  is  rightly  referred.  It  has  the  habit  of  an  Archangelica,  and 
produces  inflated  upper  sheaths,  bearing  a  short,  petioled-trifoliolate,  or  three-lobed  leaf,  the 
leaflets  or  seo^ments  ovate,  acute  or  acuminate,  and  sharply  serrate ;  and  the  narrowly  linear 
leaflets  of  theinvolcel  are  remarkably  prolonged,  exceeding  the  rays,  or  sometimes  three  or  four 
times  as  long. 

Tortus  Japosica,  DC.  Prodr.  4,  p.  219?     Simoda. 

OsMORHiZA  LOXGISTYUS,  DC.  Prodr.  4,  p.  432.  0.  Japonica,  Sieb.  &  Zucc.  Fam.  Xat.  Fl. 
Jap.  p.  95.  Simoda.  Exactly  the  plant  of  the  United  States,  except  that  the  styles  are  rather 
shorter  than  usual.  Zuccarini  distinguishes  his  0.  Japonica  by  the  obtuse  lobes  of  the  leaves, 
and  the  pedicels  exceeding  the  length  of  the  fruit.  But  our  present  specimens  have  the  lobes 
equally  acute,  and  the  pedicels  not  longer  than  the  fruit,  while  they  decidedly  are  so  in  some 
New  England  and  other  North  American  specimens. 

AtJCUBA  Japonica,  Thunb.  Fl.  Jap.  p.  64.     Simoda. 


PLANTS    CCLLECTKU    IN    JAPAN.  313 

Abelia  8ERRATA,  Sieb.  (&  Zucc.  Fl.  Jap.  1,  p.  76,  t.  34.  Simoda.  A  small  shrub,  in  dry 
woods. 

Weiqela  Japonica,  Tlmnh.  Fl.  Jap.,  p.  90,  t.  16.  Diervilla  versicolor  and  D.  grandi- 
flora,  Sieb.  d  Zucc.  Fl.  Jap.,  p.  71,  74,  t.  31,  33.  Simoda,  in  woods.  "A  low  bush,"  and  (a 
smaller-leaved  form)  "  a  bushy  tree."  "  Flowers  white,  then  reddish,  very  ornamental."  Sie- 
bold  and  Zuccarini  have  evidently  admitted  too  many  species  ;  indeed,  the  two  of  Thunberg  seem 
to  be  essentially  the  same.  The  present  collection  exhibits  a  variety  of  forms,  (all  with  the  foli- 
age glabrous,  or  nearly  so),  but  evidently  all  belong  to  one  species.  The  genus  Weigela  appears 
to  be  very  well  distinguished  from  Diervilla. 

LoNiCERA  Japonica,  Tlmnb.  Fl.  Jap.,  p).  89.  L.  Chinensis,  Wats.;  DC.  Prodr.,  p.  333. 
Simoda.     A  species  long  well-known  in  cultivation. 

LoNiCERA  (Xylosteum)  Morrowi  (n.  sp.) ;  erecta,  moUiter  tomentosa;  foliis  oblongis  basi  rotun- 
data  vel  subcordata  supra  pubescentibus  subtus  canescenti-tomentosis  ;  pedunculis  folio  dimidio 
brevioribus  flores  longitudine  ajquantibus  ;  bracteis  lanceolatis  vel  spathulatis  ovariis  plerumque 
discretis  duplo  quadruplove  longioribus;  corolla  ultra  medium  fissa  basi  hinc  gibbosa;  filamentis 
basi  styloque  hirsutis. — Hakodadi,  on  hill-sides.  Whole  plant  soft-downy,  except  the  upper 
surface  of  the  leaves.  These  are  about  an  inch  and  a  half  long,  by  three-fourths  of  an  inch  in 
width,  and  on  petioles  a  line  and  a  half  long.  Corolla  whitish?  somewhat  pubescent;  the 
lobes  narrowly  oblong.  Bracts  variable  in  size,  sometimes  five  lines  long,  foliaceous.  The 
pubescence,  and  especially  the  long  peduncles,  must  distinguish  this  from  L.  brachypoda,  DC. 
The  specific  name  is  a  deserved  compliment  to  one  of  the  collectors. 

Sambdcus  pubens,  Michx.  Fl.  1,  p.  181.  Hakodadi.  To  all  appearance  the  same  as  the  North 
American  species,  which  extends  from  New  England  to  the  Eussian  islands  on  the  northwest 
coast.  There  is  also  an  imperfect  narrow-leaved  specimen,  which  is  perhaps  referable  to  S. 
racemosa. 

Viburnum  erosum,  Tlmnh.  Fl.  Jap>.,  p.  124?  Simoda.  A  species  allied  to  the  pubescent 
forms  of  our  V.  dentatum  and  V.  pubescens.  Leaves  varying  from  oblong  to  obovate  and 
orbicular. 

Viburnum  plicatum,  Thunb.  in  Linn.  Trans.  V.  dentatum  and  V.  tomentosum,  Thunb.  Fl. 
Jap., p.  123.  V.  plicatum  (floribus  omnibus  sterilibus  difibrmibus)  and  V.  tomentosum,  Sieb. 
&  Zucc.  Fl.  Jap.,  81,  t.  37,  38.  V.  lantanoides,  3IicJix.  Hakodadi.  "A  bush  fifteen  feet 
high."  The  specimens  accord  perfectly  with  the  V.  lantanoides  (but  which  is  seldom  so  tall)  of 
our  own  cooler  woods,  a  species  which  does  not  extend  westward  beyond  tlie  Alleghany  Moun- 
tains and  Canada.  V.  plicatum,  Thunb.  (excl.  syn.  Kcempf.)  is  plainly  merely  the  Guelder- 
Rose  state  of  V.  tomentosum.  But  the  name  is  preferable,  since  tlie  plant  is  not  at  all  tomen- 
tose,  excepting  a  caducous  stellular  tomentum  on  very  young  parts  ;  indeed  Michaux's  name  is 
much  the  best  one,  but  is  the  latest.  This  adds  another  to  the  interesting  list  of  species  pecu- 
liar to  Eastern  North  America  and  to  the  Chino-Japanese  region. 

Asperula  odorata,  Linn.  Hakodadi.  Not  before  enumerated  as  a  Japanese  plant.  Probably 
introduced  ? 

Galium  Aparine,  Linn.  Simoda,  on  walls.  A  very  wide-spread  species,  not  before  recorded 
from  Japan. 

Galium  trachyspermum  :  caule  debili  lasvissimo  ;  foliis  quaternis  ovalibus  seu  oblongis  sub- 
acutis  uninerviis  (basi  tantum  trinerviis)  glabriusculis  marginibus  costaque  longiuscule  ciliatis ; 
40  s 


3J4  EXPEDITIONTOJAPAN. 

cymis  parvis  lateralibus  breviter  pedunculatis  paucifloris  ;  pedicellis  fructu  muricato-scabro  vix 
longioribus.    G.  Totiindnm  {TotimdlfoVmm),  Thunb.  Fl.  Jaji.,  jy.  o9.    Hakodadi.    In  fruit  only. 

Serissa  F(ETIDA,  Comm.;  DC.  Prodr.  4,^5.  575.  Lyciiim  Japonicum,  Thunh.  Fl.  Jap., p.  93, 
t.Vl.     Simoda.     "Cultivated." 

Damnacanthcs  Indicus,  Gcertn.  Carp.  3,  p.  18,  t.  182.  Carissa  spinarum,  Thurib.;  DC. 
Prodr.  4,  p.  473.  Simoda.  In  the  size  of  the  leaves  and  flowers,  and  the  shape  of  the  teeth  of 
the  calyx,  approaching  D.  major,  Sieb.  &  Zucc. 

Valeriana  Tripteris,  Lhm. :  DC.  Prodr.  4,  ^j.  636.  Simoda.  This  appears  to  be  just  the 
European  species  ;  which  is  the  more  remarkable  as  it  is  not  recorded  from  any  part  of  Northern 
Asia,  nor  of  Western  America.  Some  of  the  upper  cauline  leaves  bear  five  leaflets,  the  lower 
pair  very  small. 

Petasites  ALBrs,  Gcertn.;  DC.  Prodr.  5,  p.  207.    Tussilago  Petasites,  Thunh.  Fl.  Jap.  p.  314 
Nardosmia  Japonica,  Sieh.  &  Zucc.  ?   Low  woodlands,  Yokohama,  March.    Leaves  not  gathered  ; 
but  the  broad  bracts,  &:c.,  are  those  of  P.  albus. 

Aster  Japoxicds,  Less.;  Nees.  Asf.  p.  34.  Inula  dubia,  Thunh.  Simoda  ;  on  mountain  tops, 
April.  Low  sjiecimens,  only  a  span  high,  but  agreeing  well  with  Thunberg's  and  Lcssing's 
description,  except  that  the  upper  part  of  the  stem  is  not  leafless  for  any  great  length.  The 
species  is  nearly  allied  to  A.  Unalaschensis,  perhaps  only  a  form  of  it.  The  rays  are  large,  and 
were  evidently  blue  or  purple. 

Erigerox  pulchellus,  DC.  Prodr.  5,  ]}.  257?     Yokohama. 

AsTEROMCEA  IxDiCA,  Blumc.     Aster  Indicus,  Thunh.  Fl.  Jap.  p.  316.     Yokohama. 

DoLLiNGERiA  scABRA,  Necs.  Ast.  p.  183  ?     Yokohama  and  Simoda. 

Tagetes  PATuiA,  Linn.;  Thunh.  Fl.  Jap.  p.  320.     Simoda.     Cultivated. 

Pyreturum  Sinense,  Sahine  ;  DC.     Cultivated  forms. 

GxAPHAUUJi  coNFUsuji,  DC.  Prodr.  6,  j}  222.     Simoda. 

Calendula  officinalis,  Linn.;  Thunh.     Yokohama  ;  on  hill-sides. 

Aplotaxis  mutlicaulis,  DC.  in  Deless.  Ic.  4,  t.  68,  &  Prodr.  6,2).  540?  Simoda;  common 
everywhere.  I  have  no  Nepaul  specimens  for  comparison ;  but,  judging  from  the  figure  and 
description,  this  is  likely  to  be  De  Candolle's  plant. 

Lappa  major,  Gcertn.;  DC.     Simoda. 

CiRsiCM  Japonicum,  DC.  Prodr.  6,  p.  640.     Simoda. 

Anandria  Bellidiastrum,  DC.  Prodr.  7,  p.  40.     Hakodadi.     Dwarf  forms. 

PiCRis  hieracioides,  Linn.;  DC.  Prodr.  *l,p.  128.  Picris  Japonica,  Thunb.;  Sieh.  ct  Zucc.  I.  c; 
Ledeh.  Fl.  Poss.  2,  p.  800.  P.  Davurica,  Fisch.  ct  Hornem.;  DC.  I.  c.  P.  Kamtschatica, 
Ledeb.  Fl.  Alt.  <tc.  Simoda  and  Hakodadi.  Zuccarini  had  already  joined  the  North  Asiatic 
plant  to  the  Japanese,  but  they  all  may  be  safely  referred,  along  with  the  New  Zealand  and 
Australian  forms,  to  the  European  P.  hieracioides. 

Youngia  Thunbergiaxa,  DC.  Prodr.  1,p.  192.     Prenanthes  lyrata,  Thunh.     Simoda. 

YouNGiA  DEBiLis,  DC.  I.  c.  p.  194.  Prenanthes  debilis,  Thunh.  This  is  referred  by  Zuccarini 
to  Y.  pygmrea,  Ledeh.,  a  polymorphous  species  which  includes  Barkhausia  and  Crepis  nana  ;  but 
the  leaves  and  heads  are  so  much  larger  in  our  specimens  than  in  the  last  named  plant,  and  the 
habit  so  difierent,  that  I  hesitate  to  refer  Thunberg's  Prenanthes  debilis  (which  ours  seems  to 
be)  to  that  species.     The  specimens  were  gathered  at  Simoda  and  Yokohama. 

YouNGU  Japonica,  DC.  I.  c.,j).  194?     Simoda.     A  single  specimen  gathered,  with  capitula 


PLANTS    COLLECT^ED    IN    JAPAN.  315 

no  larger  than  those  of  Y.  Thunhergiana  (of  which  perhaps  it  is  only  a  small  state  with  a 
naked  scape)  may  he  provisionally  referred  to  this  species. 

Taraxacum  Dens-Leonis,  Besf.     Simoda  and  Yokohama.     A  nearly  cosmopolite  plant. 

Chorisis  repens,  BC.  Prodr.  7,  p.  178.  Chorisma  repens,  Don,  in  Edlnh.  Phil.  Jour,  Pre- 
nanthes  repens,  Linn.  Amcen.  Acad.  2,  ])•  360,  t.  4.  Simoda ;  creeping  in  deep  sand  on  the 
heach;  April.  This  very  rare  plant  was,  till  now,  known  only  from  Kamtschatl^a  and  the 
Kurile  Islands,  and  has  not  heen  gathered,  I  helieve,  since  the  time  of  Linnfeus.  In  my  opinion 
Don  has  rightly  estahlished  a  genus  upon  it,  and  Ledebour,  who  had  seen  the  plant,  was  wrong 
in  referring  it  to  Nahalus,  to  which,  however,  it  is  manifestly  allied.  The  mature  fruit  is 
unknown  ;  but  the  immature  achenia  are  flat,  ribbed  with  ten  narrow  and  salient  nerves,  and 
contracted  at  the  apex  into  a  distinct  but  short  beak.  The  character  of  the  foliage  is  that  of 
Nabalus. 

There  is  also  in  the  collection,  from  Simoda,  a  Cichoraceous  plant,  which  I  am  unable  to 
determine  from  the  present  materials.  It  seems  to  be  allied  to  Barkhausia,  the  immature 
achenia  being  slender-beaked,  but  they  are  apparently  compressed  ;  the  pappus  is,  perhaps, 
rather  sordid  and  fragile,  and  the  cylindrical  small  heads  are  only  five-flowered.  It  is  to  he 
hoped  that  Mr.  Wright,  in  the  North  Pacific  Surveying  Expedition,  has  obtained  further 
materials. 

SoNCHUS  ASPER,  Vill.  S.  oleraceus,  Thunb.  Simoda  and  Hakodadi.  Probably  the  true  S. 
oleraceus  also  occurs  in  Japan,  as  it  does  in  every  other  part  of  the  world. 

IsoLOBUS  RADICANS,  A.  DC.  Prodr.  *l,p.  353.     Lobelia  radicans,  Thunb.     Simoda. 

Wahlenbergia  marginata,  a.  DC.  Prodr.  7,  p.  433.  Campanula  marginata,  Thunb.  Dry 
river-banks.     Simoda. 

Campanula  Trachelium,  Linn.;  Thunb.  Fl.  Jap.  88.     Simoda. 

Andromeda  (Pieris)  elliptica,  8ieb.  &  Zucc.  Fam.  Nat.  Fl.  Jap.  pars  2,  p.  2.  Simoda. 
Probably  specifically  distinguishable  from  A.  ovalifolia  of  the  Himalayas,  but  not  by  all  the 
characters  assigned.  The  style  is  not  more  exserted  in  the  Himalayan  than  in  the  Japanese 
plant,  and  the  leaves  of  the  former  are  by  no  means  always  cordate,  but  sometimes  even  acute 
at  the  base.     Those  of  the  present  species  are  sparsely  and  minutely  hairy  underneath. 

Rhododendron  Indicum,  Siveet ;  DC.  Prodr.  7,  p.  726. — Simoda  and  Hakodadi.  Several 
varieties,  growing  wild. 

Rhododendron  Metternichi,  Sieb.  &  Zucc.,Fl.  Jap.,  1  p.  23,  t.  9  ?  sed  stamina  20  ! — Simoda. 
Cultivated. 

Azalea?  serpyllifolia  (n.  sp.):  humile  ;  ramulis  strigosis  ;  foliis  oblongo-spathulatis  mu- 
cronatis  parce  setoso-hispidis  mox  glabris  impunctatis  ;  floribus  e  gemmis  plerumque  solitariis 
subsessilibus  ;  calyce  brevissimo  ;  corolla  regulari,  lobis  amplis  tubo  infundibuliformi  brevi  lon- 
gioribus  ;  staminibus  5  exsertis  declinatis  ;  antheris  basi  mucronatis. — Simoda.  "  Cultivated  ; 
not  common ;  called  by  a  Japanese  name  meaning  Rice  Azalea,  on  account  of  its  small  leaves 
and  flowers."  I  find  nothing  like  this  species  described  under  either  Azalea  or  Rhododendron. 
The  leaves  are  barely  from  a  quarter  to  a  third  of  an  inch  in  length,  and  appear  to  be  deciduous  ; 
and  the  corolla  is  only  one-third  of  an  inch  in  length  and  breadth  ;  the  color  not  recorded,  but 
probably  pink  or  white. 

Pyrola  rotundifolia,  Linn.  Simoda.  Not  before  recorded  from  Japan.  But  Zuccarini 
enumerates  P.  media.     Our  single  specimen  belongs  to  a  small-leaved  form  of  P.  rotundifolia. 


316  EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN. 

Sttrax  3 APomcvii,  Sieb.  dc  Zucc.  Fl.  Jap.  I,  p.  53,  t.  23;  Simoda.— Leaves  and  blossoms 
larger  than  in  Siebold's  specimens. 

DiosPTROs'  Kaki,  Linn.f.  Suppl.,  p.  439;  Thunh.  Fl.  Jap.,  p.  158.     Simoda. 

Plantago  media,  Linn.  Hakodadi.  Not  before  enumerated  from  Japan.  But  Thunberghas 
recorded  P.  major. 

Primula  coRTUSorDES,  Linn.;  Thunb.  Fl.  Jap.,  p.  82.     Simoda. 

Ltsimachia  clethroides,  Duby  in  DC.  Prodr.  S,  p.  61.     L.  Ephemerum,  Thunb.     Simoda. 

Ltsim.\chia  lubes'ioides,  Sieb.  d-  Zucc,  I.  c.  p.  16.     Simoda. 

Paullowxia  imperialis,  Sieb.  d:  Zucc.  Fl.  Jap.  1,  p.  25.  t.  10.  Simoda. — A  fine  ornamented 
tree,  now  becoming  common  in  cultivation  in  the  United  States.  Unfortunately  the  large  blos- 
soms precede  the  leaves. 

Mazus  rugosus,  Lour.;  Benih.  in  DC.  Prodr.  10,  p.  375.  Lindernia  Japonica,  Thunb.  Si- 
moda and  Yokohama. 

Veronica  Anagaixis,  Linn.;  Thunb.  Fl.  Jap.,  p.  20.     Simoda. 

Verbena  officinalis,  Linn.     Simoda. 

Callicarpa  mollis,  Sieb.  &  Zucc.  I.  c.  p.  31.     Simoda. 

Perilla  arguta,  Benth.  in  DC.  Prodr.  12,  p.  164.     Ocymum  crispum,  Thunb.     Simoda. 

Brunella  ytlgaris,  Linn.     Simoda. 

Scutellaria  hederacea,  Kunth.  Ind.  Sem.  Hort.  Berol.  1845,  ex  Benth.  I.  c.  p.  426?  Simoda. 
Leaves  resembling  those  of  Veronica  hederaefolia,  but  on  very  short  petioles,  the  lower,  how- 
ever, not  gathered. 

Scutellaria  Indica,  Linn.;  Benth.  I.  c.     Simoda. 

Lamium  amplexicaule,  Linn.     Yokohama. 

Lamium  PETiOLiTUM,  Royale,  ex  Benth.  in  Hooh.  Bof.  Misc.  op.  381,  d-  Prodr.  12, p.  509.  L. 
barbatum,  Sieb.  d  Zucc.  I.  c.     L.  Garganicum,  Thunb.     Hakodadi. 

Xepeta  Glechoma,  Benth.  var.  hirsuta.  Glechoma  hirsuta,  Wcddst.  &  Kit.  Simoda  and 
Hakodadi. 

Ajuga  remota,  Benth.  in  Wall.  PI.  Asiat.  Bar.  &  DC.  Prodr.  I.  c.  p.  597.  Simoda. — The 
specimens  show  indications  of  stolons. 

LiiHOSPERMUXN?  Japonicum  (n.  sp.):  humile,  perenne,  strigoso-hirsutum  ;  caulibus  floridis 
e  candicibus  filiformibus  aut  stolonibus  adsurgentibusfoliosis  (3-5-pollicaribus);  foliis  oblongo- 
spathulatis  obtusis  uninerviis,  imis  rosulatis  majoribus  utrinque  hispidis,  summis  oblongis 
sessilibus  ;  corollre  cteruleaj  infundibuliformis  tubo  laciniis  calycis  linearibus  duplo  longioribus, 
fauce  eximie  plicata,  plicis  longitudinalibus  cristjeformibus  antice  glanduloso-puberulis  (fructu 
ignoto.) — Simoda,  along  brooks.  Lower  or  rosulate  leaves,  which  have  lasted  over  the  winter, 
1^  to  2\  inches  long,  tapering  gradually  to  the  base,  nearly  sessile,  papillose-hispid  on  the 
upper  surface ;  those  of  the  flowering  stems  an  inch  or  half  an  inch  long,  hispid  with  rather 
soft  appressed  hairs,  cinereous.  Calyx  deeply  5-parted.  Corolla  half  an  inch  long,  the  rounded 
spreading  lobes  3  lines  long  ;  the  strong  salient  plicte  underneath  them  2  lines  long  ;  no  fornices 
present.  Stamens  below  the  plicre :  filaments  inserted  below  the  middle  of  the  tube,  rather 
shorter  than  the  oblong  anthers.     The  fruit  is  needed  rightly  to  determine  the  genus. 

]\Iyosotis  arvensis,  Linn.     M.  intermedia^  Link,  DC,  etc.     Hakodadi. 

Mysotis  Chinensis,  DC.  Prodr.  10,  p.  106.  M.  pedunculare,  Bunge!  Enum.  PL  Chin.,  non 
Trev.  Yokohama.  The  specimens,  although  some  of  them  larger,  agree  with  original  ones  of 
Bunge's  collection.     In  them,  contrary  to  De  Candolle's  character,  the  apex  of  the  pedicel  after 


PLANTS    COLLCETED    IN    JAPAN.  317 

flowering  becomes  thickened  and  obconical  under  the  calyx  ;  and  the  pedicel  becomes  patent,  or 
sometimes  even  recurved.  I  have  not  the  fruit  of  this  form,  nor  of  Bunge's  Chinese  plant. 
But  I  have  little  doubt  of  its  being  specifically  the  same  as  the  next,  viz  ; 

Erichitum  pedunculare,  do.  I.  c.  p.  128.  Mysotis  pedunculare,  Trev.  M.  clavata,  Blume, 
ex  Turcz.  Simoda.  Accords  well  with  the  plant  from  Astrachan.  Achenia  minutely  punc- 
tate under  a  strong  lens,  minutely  pilose-puberulent,  or  soon  entirely  glabrous,  at  least  on  the 
outer  face  ;  insertion  lateral,  at  or  near  the  base,  by  means  of  a  very  small  stipe. 

Omphalodes? Apparently  undescribed,  and  not  to  be  properly  characterized  in  the 

absence  of  the  fruit.  It  does  not  accord  with  the  description  of  Cynoglossum  Japonicum,  Thunb. 
Hakodadi. 

Calystegia  Soldanella,  B.  Br.;  Chois.  in  DC,  Prodr.  9,  p.  433.     Simoda  ;  on  the  sea-beach. 
SoLANUM  NIGRUM,  Linn.     Simoda  ;  and  in  almost  every  part  of  the  world. 
Physalis  Alkekingi,  Linn.     Simoda. 

Gentiana  TnuNBERGii,   Griseb.  in  DC.  Prodr.  9,  p.  108;  Sieb.  &  Zucc,  Fam.  Nat.  Fl.  Jap. 
p  c.  p.  34.     G.  aquatica,  Thunb.     Natsima  or  Webster's  island  ;    April,  on  hill-sides.     Tlie 
smallest  plants  are  only  an  inch  or  two  in  height,  and  one-flowered  ;  the  larger  are  fastigiately 
5-9-flowered.     The  leaves  are  all  orbicular  or  round-ovate,  and  abruptly  cuspidate.     Corolla  an 
inch  long. 
Gentiana  squarrosa,  Ledeb.  Ic.  PI.  Alt.  t.  14,  &  Fl.  Boss.  3^  p.  63  ?     Yokohama. 
Menyanthis  trifoliata,  Linn.     Hakodadi.     Not  before  recorded  from  Japan. 
Malouetia  Asiatica,  Sieb.  &  Zucc,  I.  c.  p.  39.     Nerium  divaricatum,  Thunb.     Simoda.     In 
flower. 

ViNCEToxicuM  Japonicum,  Morr.  &  Decaisne;  DC.  Prodr.  8,  p.  524.     Simoda. 
Ligustrum  Japonicum,  Thunb.  Fl.  Jap.  2^-  17;  Sieb.  &  Zucc,  I.  c.     Simoda. 
LiGUSTRUM  Ibota,  Sieb.;  Sieb.  &  Zucc.  I.  c.     Simoda. 

Fraximus  Sieboldtiana,  Blume,  Mus.  Bat.  Lugd.  \,p.  311.  Simoda,  on  dry  mountains  ;  also 
cultivated. 

Polygonum  aviculare,  Linn.     The  var.  erectum,  or  nearly.     Simoda  ;  in  rice  fields. 

Polygonum  Japonicum,  3Icisn.  in  DC.  Prodr.  14,^.  112.     Simoda.     Depauperate  specimens. 

Polygonum  Chinense,  Linn.  var.  Thunbergianum,  3Ieisn.  in  DC.  Prodr.  I.  e.  p.  130.    Simoda. 

Polygonum  Thunbergii,   Sieb.  &  Zucc.  I.  c.  (sine  descr.);  Meisn.  I.  c.  p.  132.     P.  arifolium, 

Thunb.     Simoda.     This  is  indeed  closely  allied  to  our  P.  arifolium,  nor  is  there  any  cfifierence 

in  the  hairiness  of  the  leaves  and  the  shortness  of  the  petioles  (which  in  these  specimens  are  quite 

as  long  as  in  the  American  plant,)  and  perhaps  not  much  in  the  shape  of  the  achenium,  but 

I  have  not  seen  ripe  fruit.     The  style,  however,  is  three-cleft,  and  the  stamens  7  or  8!     The 

posterior  lobes,  as  far  as  the  specimens  go,  are  shorter  and  less  acute  than  in  P.  arifolium,  and 

(which  most  inclines  me  to  view  the  Japanese  plant  as  specifically  distinct)  the  very  short 

ochrefB  bear  a  pretty  large  and  foliaceous,  reniform,  or  2-cleft,  spreading  limb,  much  larger 

than  the  sheathing  portion,  while  there  is  nothing  like  this  in  the  American  plant. 

Polygonum  Sieboldii,  Meisn.  I.  c.  p.  133.  P.  sagittatum,  Thunb.  Simoda.  The  specimens 
are  too  young  and  depauperate  for  full  comparison  with  Meisner's  characters,  and  for  demon- 
strating its  distinctness  from  P.  sagittatum,  at  least  from  the  Siberian  form  of  that  species. 

Polygonum  Convolvulus,  Lmre. ;  Thunb.  Fl.  Jap.  p.  IGd.  Simoda.  As  far  can  be  determined 
the  same  as  the  European  and  American  plant. 


318  EXPEDITION    TO   JAPAN. 

Fagopteum  emarginatum,  Meisn.  I.  c.  p.  143  ?  Simoda,  &c.  The  specimens  too  young  for 
proper  specific  determination. 

RuMES  CRispus,  Linn.,  var.  nitdinalvis,  Meisn.  I.  c.  p.  45?  Simoda.  There  are  portions 
of  two  other  Rumices,  too  imperfect  to  be  determined. 

Benzoin  sericeum,  Sieh.  &  Zucc.  Fam.  Nat.  Fl.  Jap.  2,  p.  80.  Hakodadi.  I  should  have 
taken  this  for  a  species  of  Sassafras. 

Machilus  Thunbergh,  Sieh.  &  Zucc.  I.  c.  ?  Laurus  Indica,  Thunb.  Fl.  Jap.  p.  173.  Simoda. 
A  tree  with  a  spreading  top,  sixty  feet  high. 

CiNNAMOMtrji  PEDUNCULATUJi,  Nees,  Laur.  p.  62.     Simoda. 

Elsagnds  macrophylla,  Thunh.  Fl.  Jap.  p.  67.     Hill-sides,  Simoda. 

ELiEAGNUS  UMBELLATA,  Tliunh.  Fl.  Jap.  p.  66,  t.  14.     With  the  preceding. 

Eljeagnus  pungens,  Thunb.l.  c.  p.  68.?  High  hills,  Simoda.  A  tiee  twenty  feet  high. 
The  branches  are  not  spinescent  in  the  specimens,  and  the  pedicels  (of  pistillate  flowers)  either 
solitary,  in  pairs,  or  in  fascicles. 

THEsroM  ALPiNUM,  Linn.  ?    Simoda  and  Yokohama. 

Euphorbia  Helioscopia,  Linn.  Yokohama.  Also  another  species  too  imperfect  for  determi- 
nation. 

HoTTUTNiA  CORDATA,  Thunb.  Fl.  Jap.  p.  144,  t.  26.     Simoda. 

Saururus  Loureiri,  Decaisne  in  Ann.  Sci.  Nat.  ser.  3,  3,  p.  102;  Sieb.  d:  Zucc.  I.  c.  S. 
cernuus,  TJmnh.  Fl.  Jap.  p.  154.  Distinguished  from  our  S.  cernuus  by  the  short  filaments, 
as  indicated  by  Decaisne ;  also  by  the  distinct  pedicels,  which  are  spreading  or  reflexed  after 
flowering,  and  by  the  larger  and  rounded  bractlet  they  bear  at  their  summit. 

Piper  futukadsura,  Sieh.  in  Fam.  Nat.  Fl.  Jap.  I.  c.  p.  10*7.     Simoda. 

TRICERCANDRA,  Nov.  Gen.  Chloranthacearum. 

Flores  hermaphroditi,  achlamydei,  spicati,  singuli  intra  bracteam  navicularem  sessiles. 
Stamina  3,  basi  leviter  coadunati  ovario  supra  basim  antice  inserta,  fequalia,  loriformia,  inter- 
medium anantherum,  lateralia  basi  extus  antheram  unilocularem  adnatam  oblongam  longitu- 
dinalitcr  dehiscentem  gerentia.  Ovarium  ovatum,  intus  gibbum,  uniloculare  :  stylus  brevis  : 
stigma  magnum,  capitato-depressum,  vix  emarginatum.  Ovulumorthotropum,  sub  apice  cavi- 
tatis  appensum.  Fructus  baud  visus. — Herba  Japonica,  ut  videtur  perennis,  spithama?a,  caule 
simplicissimo  inferne  aphyllo  ad  nodos  bisquamato,  apice  quadrifoliato  atque  spicam  oblongam 
pedunculatam  simplicissimam  gerente,  stipulis  interpetiolaribus  parvis. 

Tricercandra  QUADRifOLiA. — Hakodadi  and  Yokohama ;  on  steep  and  shaded  hill-sides ;  March 
20.  Stem  erect,  rather  stout,  four  to  six  inches  high,  the  naked  part  having  one  or  two  nodes, 
each  bearing  a  pair  of  small  and  bract-like  scales  in  place  of  leaves  ;  at  the  summit  bearing 
four  leaves  in  an  apparent  whorl,  but  they  evidently  consist  of  two  approximate  pairs. 
Leaves  oval,  short-petioled,  membranaceous,  about  two  inches  long,  veiny,  tipped  with  a  nar- 
row acuminate  point,  strongly  serrate  with  sharp-jjointed  teeth.  Peduncle  terminal,  about  an 
inch  long.  Spike  half  an  inch  or  more  in  length,  dense,  squarrose  with  the  long  and  spread- 
ing tail-like  stamens.  Bracts  navicular,  triangular,  shorter  than  the  ovary.  Rhachis  more  or 
less  excavated  above  each  bract.  Stamens  inserted  on  the  back  of  the  ovary,  opposite  the  sum- 
mit of  the  short  bract ;  similar,  except  the  middle  one  is  wholly  sterile,  porrect,  or  soon  some- 
what decurved,  becoming  three  lines  long,  apparently  greenish,  rather  fleshy,  narrowly  ligulate, 
obtuse,  the  edges  apparently  vertical ;  the  two  lateral  bearing  a  linear-oblong,  adnate,  one-celled 


PLaNTSCOLLECTEDINJAPAN.  319 

antter  next  the  base  on  the  lower  or  outer  edge,  which  opens  longitudinally  for  its  whole 
length.  Ovary  strongly  gibbous  on  the  side  towards  the  axis,  tipped  with  a  short  but  distinct 
style,  which  bears  a  large  and  terminal  stigma.  Ovule  globular,  affixed  to  the  inner  suture 
near  its  summit,  pendulous.  A  well-marked  new  genus,  evidently  allied  to  Chloranthus,  from 
which  it  is  distinguished  by  the  style,  and  especially  by  the  stamens.  The  latter  organs 
naturally  suggest  the  name,  each  flower  bearing  as  it  were  three  outstretched  tails. 

Celtis  Willdenoviana,  Bcem.  &  Schult.     C.  orientalis,  Tliunh  Fl.  Jap.,  p.  114.     Simoda. 

Broussonetia  papykifera.  Vent.  Morus  papyrifera,  Thunh.  Simoda.  The  Paper  Mulberry; 
both  with  entire  and  with  lobed  leaves. 

FictJS  ERECTA,  Thunh  ;  Sieh.  tfe  Zucc.  I.  e.  f     Simoda. 

B(EHMERiA  NiVEA,  Wedddl  1    Utica  nivea,  Linn.  ?    Simoda. 

Castanea  Japonica,  Blume,  Mus.  Bot.  Lugd.  1,  p.  284.     Simoda. 

Qtjercus  glandulifera,  Blume,  I.  c.  p.  295.     Simoda. 

QuERCUS  SERRATA,  Thunh.  Fl.  Jap.  p.  176.     Simoda.     In  blossom. 

Quercus  dentata,  Thunh.  I.  c. ;  Blume,  I.  c.     Simoda.     In  blossom. 

Betula  carpinifolia,  Sieh.  &  Zucc.  ?     Aments  only.     Yokohama. 

Salix  Sieboldtiana,  Blume,  Bijdr.  N.  p.  517.     Hill-sides,  Simoda  and  Yokohama. 

Saux  Japonica,  Thunh.  Fl.  Jap.  p.  24?     Hakodadi.     Mere  fragments. 

Salix  Integra,  Tliunh.  I.  c.  ?  Hakodadi.  There  are  incomplete  specimens  of  another  species 
in  the  collection. 

Abies  polita,  Sieh.  &  Zucc.  Fl.  Jap.  2,  p.  20,  t.  111.     Hakodadi. 

Crtptomeria  Japonica,  Don. ;  Sieh.  &  Zucc.  Fl.  Jap.  2,  p.  43,  t.  24.  Simoda.  Now  intro- 
duced into  cultivation  in  the  middle  States. 

Thujopsis  dolabrata,  Sieh.  &  Zucc.  I.  c.  t.  119.  Thuja  dolabrata,  Thunh.  Simoda.  Culti- 
vated. 

Salisbubja  adiantifolia,  Smith;  Sieh.  &  Zucc.  I.  c.  A  single  leaf  of  the  well  known  Ginlrjo 
was  in  the  collection. 

Aris^ma  Thdnbergii,  Blume,  Rumphia,  1,  p.  105.  Arum  Dracontium,  Thunh.  Fl.  Jap.,  non 
Linn.  Simoda,  and  on  Natsu-Sima  or  Webster  Island  ;  April.  Well  described  by  Blume  in 
the  work  above  cited.     The  tail  to  the  spadix  is  exceedingly  prolonged  and  tendril-like. 

Aris^ma  Japonicum,  Blume,  I.  c,  p.  106.     Simoda. 

AcoRUS  gramineus,  Ait.;  Kunth,  Enum,  3,^.  87.     Simoda.     In  springy  ground. 

Dendrobium  catenatum,  Lindl.  Gen.  &  Sp.  Orchid.  Epidendrum  monile,  Tliunh.  Locality 
not  recorded. 

Epipactis  Thunbergii  (sp.  nov.) ;  glabra  ;  foliis  ovato-lanceolatis  conformibus  ;  labelli  hypo- 
chilio  fere  E.  palustris,  epichilio  dum  explanato  panduriformi  baud  undulato  a  basi  ultra  medium 
usque  juxta  margines  bilamellato,  (lamellis  prominulis  superne  unidentatis,)  apice  elamellato 
rotundato  obtusissimo  cucullato  parte  lamellifero  minore. — Serapias  longifblia,  Thunh.  Fl.  Jap. 
p.  28,  non  Linn.  Simoda.  Smooth  throughout,  more  leafy  to  the  top,  (with  bracts  conformed 
to  the  leaves,  but  smaller,)  and  fewer-flowered  than  E.  palustris,  for  which  Thunberg  seems  to 
have  taken  it ;  the  purple  flowers  about  the  same  size,  and  the  labellum  (as  characterized  above) 
decidedly  difl'erent  as  to  the  anterior  jiart. 

Cephalanthera  Japonica  (n.  sp.):  foliis  inferioribus  oblongis,  cteteris  oblongo-lanceolatis 
acutis  ;  bracteis  minimis  ;  floribus  2-4  luteis  ;  sepalis  petalisque  obtusis  ;  labelli  hypochilio  basi 
profunde   saccato    (fere   calcarato,)  epichilio    latissimo   subcordato-rhomboideo  apice   subacute 


320  EXPEDITION    TO   JAPAM. 

glabro  intus  lamellis  5-7  acutissimis  (3  centralibus  majoribus)  eximie  percurso. — Serapias 
falcata,  Thunb.  Fl.  Jap., p.  28?  Dry  woods,  Simoda.  Plant  about  a  foot  higb,  witb  nearly 
the  foliage  of  C.  rubra ;  the  flowers  smaller  than  those  of  C.  pallens  ;  well  distinguished  from 
all  the  described  species  by  the  deep  and  spur-like  sac  at  the  base  of  the  labellum,  and  the  remark- 
ably salient  lamelL-e  of  the  broadly  dilated  epicbilium.  It  appears  to  be  most  allied  to  C.  acumi- 
nata, Lindl.,  (which  I  have  not  seen,)  but  the  leaves  are  hardly  acuminate;  the  epicbilium  not 
bearded  in  any  part,  much  broader  than  long,  and  its  lamellaj  very  conspicuous.  It  is  likely 
enough  to  be  Thunberg's  Serapias  falcata,  the  upper  leaves  being  commonly  conduplicate  in  the 
dried  specimens,  and  then  somewhat  falcate ;  but  there  is  not  sufficient  evidence  of  it  to  warrant 
the  adoption  of  that  specific  name.  I  have  not  been  able  to  consult  the  figure  in  Thunberg's 
Icones  Fl.  Jap. 

SriRANTHES  ACSTR.iLiSj  Lindl.  Gen.  <&  Sp.  Orchid.,  p.  463?  Dry  woods,  Simoda;  June. 
The  labellum  is  glabrous. 

Orchis  aristata,  Fisclier;  Lindl.  I.  c. ,  p.  262.  0.  latifolia,  var  Beeringiana,  Cham.  &  Schlecht. 
Hakodadi.  The  same  as  the  plant  of  Kamtschatka  and  the  Aleutian  Islands.  Ledebour, 
following  Chamisso  and  Schlechtendal,  receives  it  as  a  variety  of  0.  latifolia;  but  it  appears 
distinct  from  the  European  plant. 

CTMBiDroM:  too  poor  to  determine;  apparently  not  0.  ensifolium.     Simoda.     Without  foliage. 

Calanthe  discolor,  Lindl.  Bot.  Reg.  1840,  t.  55.  Scapo  puberulo  foliis  oblongis  concoloribus 
lougiore  ;  racemo  laxo  multifloro  ;  se^^alis  petalisque  (fusco-purpureis)  mucronatis ;  labello 
(albo  vel  roseo)  columnar  omuino  accrete  profuude  trilobo  ima  basi  breviter  barbato  et  tricristato, 
lobis  cuneiformibus,  intermedio  minore  basi  longius  attenuata  tricostata,  disco  lamellis  3  (rarius 
1-2  obsoletis)  petaloideis  conspicuis  instructo;  calcare  tenui  incurvo,  apice  nunc  subulato  vel 
acutato  ovarium  excedente. — Simoda.  This  handsome  species  is  evidently  the  one  figured  by 
Lindley,  above  cited,  of  the  habitat  of  which  he  was  uncertain.  But  the  lamellre  of  the  lip  in 
our  specimen  are  larger,  sometimes  half  as  large  as  the  lobe  that  bears  them,  and  extended 
higher  up  on  its  disk.  They  vary  in  size,  however,  and  the  lateral  ones  are  occasionally  smaller, 
or  one  of  them  obsolete. 

Ctpripedium  Japonicum,  Thunh.  Fl.  Jap.,  p.  30.  Hill-sides,  Simoda.  A  most  striking  spe- 
cies, on  account  of  its  single  pair  of  large,  fan-shaped  leaves. 

Iris  Japonica,  Thunh.     I.  squalens,  Thunh.  Fl.  Jap., p.  33.     Simoda;  along  water-courses. 

Iris  VERSICOLOR,  Thunh  Fl.  Jap.,  p.  34.  Simoda.  Too  poor  for  proper  determination ;  but 
not  the  North  American  species. 

Aletkis  Japonica,  Lamb.,  non  Thunh.  Hypoxis  spicata,  Thunb.  Fl.  Jap., p.  136.  Simoda. 
Distinguished  from  the  American  species  by  the  linear  and  grass-like  leaves,  the  glandular 
pubescence  of  the  scape  and  flowers,  and  the  shorter  perianth. 

Smilax  Japonica.  S.  China,  Thunh.  Fl.  Jap.,  p.  152.  Coprosmanthus  Japonicus,  ^wn^A, 
Enuiii.  5,  p.  268,  licet  loculi  uniovulati!  Simoda  and  Hakodadi ;  also  Webster  Island,  on  dry 
hill-sides.  This  accords  so  well  with  the  description  by  Kunth,  that  for  the  jjresent  I  am  forced 
to  think  it  the  same  species,  although  I  find  the  ovules  solitary  in  each  cell.  Even  if  the  ovules 
were  in  pairs,  I  should  none  the  less  refer  this  ligneous  and  prickly  species  to  Smilax,  and  con- 
sider that  it  demanded  the  reduction  of  Coprosmanthus  to  a  subgenus,  for  which  Dr.  Torrey 
originally  proposed  it. 

Trillium  erectum,  Linn.  var.  album,  Pursh.  Hakodadi ;  in  pine  woods.  I  see  no  diflerence 
between  this  and  the  plant  of  the  Northern  United  States,  (which  we  still,  with  some  misgiving, 


PLANTS    C  O  I,  I.  EC  T  F,  D    I  N    .1  A  PAN,  32 1 

regard  as  a  variety  of  the  purple  species,)  except  that  the  leaves  are  remarkably  large  and 
broad,  the  largest  being  5  inches  wide  and  4  long.  That  the  genus,  although  not  before  re- 
corded, should  be  represented  in  Japan,  is  what  we  were  prepared  to  expect,  but  the  recurrence 
in  that  country  of  one  of  our  own  species,  and  in  its  rarer  form,  is  remarkable. 

Smilacina  (Maianthemum)  bifolia,  Desf.  in  Ann.  Mus.  Par.  9,  p.  54.  Convallaria  bifolia, 
Linn.  Hakodadi.  This  was  to  be  expected,  although  not  before  recorded,  from  Japan.  It  is 
the  same  form  as  the  specimens  from  Kamtschatka  and  our  northeast  coast,  having  larger  and 
rounder  leaves  than  is  common  in  Europe,  and  longer  petioles  than  are  usually  seen  in  the 
plants  of  Eastern  North  America.     The  leaves  are  more  frequently  three  than  two. 

Sjulacina  Japonica  (n.  sp.) :  caule  hirto  alterne  folioso;  foliis  ovatis  oblongisve  cum  acumine 
brevi  obtuso  basi  rotundatis  subpetloiatis  margine  nervisque  subtus  pilosulo-ciliatis ;  panicula 
parva  pluriflora  ;  perianthii  phyllis  lineari-ellipticis  obtusissimis  filamenta  lineari-subulata  sub- 
superantibus. — Hakodadi.  Near  S.  racemosa,  which  ranges  across  the  North  American  conti- 
nent ;  but  distinguished  by  the  broader  and  less  pointed  leaves,  the  pubescence,  the  smaller 
panicle,  the  larger  perianth,  and  comparatively  shorter  stamens.  From  the  habitat,  &c.,  we 
may  suppose  this  to  be  Thunberg's  Uvularia  hirta,  (of  which  the  flowers  were  not  seen)  ;  but 
the  leaves  are  3  or  4  inches  long,  not  cordate,  although  sometimes  almost  so,  nor  clasping,  ex- 
cept by  the  short  and  broad  concave  petiole  or  narrowed  base. 

Convallaria  majalis,  Linu.  Hakodadi.  The  Lily  of  the  Valley  ranges  from  Western  Europe 
to  the  province  of  Dahuria,  Siberia,  and  probably  through  China.  We  now  have  it  from  Ja- 
pan. It  occurs  in  North  America,  likewise,  but  is  here  extremely  local,  being  found  only  in 
the  Alleghany  Mountains  south  of  lat.  39°. 

PoLYGONATUM  Japonicum,  3Iorr.  &  Decaisne,  in  Ann.  Sci.  Nat.  18;U  ;  Kunth,  Enum.  5,  p.  133. 
Simoda.  Too  imperfect  for  proper  determination  ;  but  apparently  very  near  P.  vulgare.  The 
flowers  have  fallen. 

DrspoRUM  SESSILE,  Don.  Fl.  Nepal,  p.  50;  Kunth.  Enum.  A,  p.  208.  Uvalaria  sessilis,  Thunh. 
Fl.  Jap.  p.  135.  Simoda.  Clearly  a  congener  of  the  three  species  figured  by  Dr.  Wight ; 
but  in  an  ovary  examined,  I  find  three  coUateriil  ovules  in  each  cell,  ascending  from  near  the 
base.  The  leaves  vary  from  elongated-ovate  to  lanceolate,  and  the  flowers  are  often  in  pairs, 
rarely  even  in  threes.  They  are  bell-shaped,  almost  an  inch  long.  The  sepals  and  petals  all 
saccate  at  the  base,  dilated-spatulate  iu  form,  and  rounded  or  retuse  at  the  summit.  I  susjiect 
the  fruit  is  capsular  and  not  unlike  that  of  Uvalaria  sessilifolia  in  shape.  The  stamens  are 
those  of  Disporum,  a  genus  which  will  probably  be  retained,  but  with  some  variation  in  the  char- 
acter ;  for  while  this  species  has  more  than  two  ovules  in  each  cell,  the  following  has  only  one. 

Disporum  smilacinum  (n.  sp.);  caule  gracili  (6-9-pollicari)  simplici ;  foliis  ovatis  oblongisve, 
superioribus  sensim  acuminatis  ;  flore  plerumque  solitario  ;  perianthii  (albi)  phyllis  ovato-Ian- 
ceolatis  patentibus;  ovarii  loculis  uniovulatis. — Simoda  and  Hakodadi;  on  hills,  in  Pine  woods. 
Glabrous.  Leaves  1|  to  2  inches  long,  slightly  petioled.  Flowers  single,  rarely  a  pair,  short 
peduncled.  Sepals  and  petals  spreading  in  anthesis,  consimilar,  slightly  gibbous  at  the  base  ; 
half  an  inch  or  less  in  length,  acutish  or  obtusely  acuminate.  Filaments  dilated-subulate,  half 
the  length  of  the  perianth  ;  twice  or  thrice  the  length  of  the  oblong  exTror.se  anther.  Style  and 
stigma  as  in  the  genus.  Ovules  in  the  ovary  examined  only  one  in  each  cell,  ascending  from 
near  its  base. 

LiLiUM  Japonicuji,  Thunh.  Fl.  Jap.  p.  133.  Simoda.  A  handsome  species,  now  well  known 
in  cultivation. 

41s 


322  EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN. 

Orithya  OXYPETALA,  Kuiith.  Enwri.  4,  p.  227;  Ledeb.  Fl.  Ross.  p.  4,  p.  137.  Open,  pine 
woods  ;   Yokohama. 

Allium  Thunbergii,  Don.  ;  Kunth  I.  c.p.  454.     Simoda. 

Flvggea  J  Avomc  A,  BicJiard;  Kunth,  I.e.  5,  p.  302.  Convallaria  Japonica,  imn.  ;  Thunh. 
Yokohama,  on  the  high  land  ;  March.     In  fruit. 

LuzuLA  CAMPESTRis,  DC.  Yokohama  and  Hakodadi.  A  dwarf  and  condensed  form  of  this 
wide-spread  species. 

JuNcrs  xiPiiioiDES,  E.  Meyer  in  Presl,  liel.  Eanh.  2,  p.  143,  cC-  June.  p.  50.  Simoda. 
Smaller  than  the  California  plant  usually  occurs,  hut  otherwise  the  same.  Stem  ancipital. 
Seeds  ohlong-oval,  with  a  conformed  testa,  apiculate  at  each  end. 

CoMMELYNA  POLYGAMA,  FiOtli,  ex  Kuntli.  Enum.  4.  p.  37.  Simoda ;  common.  Probably  only 
C.  communis,  for  which  Thunberg  took  it. 

Mariscus  dmbellatus,  VaJd.  Enum.  2,  p.  376.     Simoda. 

CAPtEX  :  By  Dr.  Boott,  of  London. 

Carex  pdmila  {Thunh.  Fl.  Jap.  pi.  39)  :  spicisS,  masculis  2,  terminali  cylindrica  pedunculata, 
altera  breviori  sessili  contigua,  foemineis  3  oblongis  crassis,  inferioribus  exserte'  pedunculatis 
longiuscule  bracteatis;    stigmatibus  3  longis  ;    perigyniis  ovatis   rostratis   bifurcatis   nervatis 
glabris  (vel  rostro  interdum  apice  serrato)  lutescentibus,  squama  lanceolata  vel  ovata  acuminata 
cuspidata  purpurea  vel. pallida  margine  hyalina  medio  serrata  brevioribus  etlongioribus. — Simo- 
da, in  the  sands  of  the  sea-shore.     Culm  about  5  inches  high,  stout,  the  base  sheathed  with 
purplish  rudiments  of  leaves  ;  the  spike-bearing  portion  about  4  inches  long.     Leaves  firm, 
longer  than  the  culm,  carinate,  the  margin  very  scabrous.     Bracts  all,   except  sometimes   the 
uppermost,  exceeding  the  culm  ;  the  sheaths  of  the  upper  5  lines  long.     Sterile  spikes  remote 
from  the  fertile_,  purple,  the  terminal  one  an  inch  long.     Fertile  spikes  9  or  10  lines  long,  3  or 
4  lines  wide  ;  the  uppermost  not  sheathed.     Peduncles  ochreate  at  the  base.     Scales  of  the  sterile 
spikes  purple,  with  a  white  hyaline  margin,  the  lower  obtusish,  with  the  pale  midrib  a  little 
exserted.     Scales  of  the  fertile  spikes  purple,  or  in  one  form  pale,  cuspidate,  with  hyaline  mar- 
gins ;  the  lower  ones  narrower  and  longer,   lanceolate ;  the  upper  broader,  ovate-acuminate, 
shorter  than  the  perigynium.      Perigynium  3    lines  long,  nerved,   yellowish,   ovate,   with  a 
broadish  and  bifurcate  beak;  its  teeth  obtuse,  glabrous,  or  the  beak  sparingly  serrate  above.     A 
variety  occurs  with  seven  spikes,  which  are  paler,  four  of  them  sterile,  the  lower  scales  of  the  fertile 
spikes  long-acuminate.     I  have  no  hesitation  in  referring  the  specimens  here  described  to  Carex 
pumila  of  Tunberg,  although  Schkuhr's  figure  (Y  Y)  shows  the  scales  shorter  than  in  Dr.  Mor- 
row's specimens.     These  are  not  fully  mature,  and  therefore  not  in  all  respects  to  be  compared 
satisfactorily  with  my  specimens  of  C.  littorea,  Lahdl.  ;  but  I  have  little  doubt  of  the  identity 
of  the  Japanese  plant  with  that  of  New  Holland,  Van  Diemen's  Land,  and  New  Zealand. 
The  age  would   determine  the  subcoriaceous  character  of  the  female  scales,   the  thick  and 
spongy  consistence  of  the  perigynium,  and  the  more  or  less  obliteration  of  its  nerves  in  the 
Japanese  plant.    In  size,  form,  habit,  leaves,  and  place  of  growth,  the  two  plants  agree  ;  but  in 
that  of  Japan,  the  female  scales  are  longer,  the  nerves  in  some  peryginia  extend  to  the  base  of 
the  beak,  and  the  leaves  are  shorter.     In  C.  littorea  the  nerves  are  occasionally  prominent,  but 
become  apparently  obliterated  upwards  as  the  perigynium  swells,  and  in  some  cases  they  disap- 
pear, except  at  the  base,  leaving  a  slight  groove  in  their  place.     I  have  seen  no  specimens  of  C. 
littorea  like  the  variety  of  C.  pumila,  noticed  above,  though  in  some  the  lower  scales  are  elongated. 


PLANTS    COLLECTED    IN    JAPAN.  323 

C.  littorea  varies  considerably  in  the  number  of  its  spikes  ;  and  occasionally  one  or  more  of  the 
fertile  ones  are  masculine  or  sterile  at  the  summit.  A  New  Zealand  specimen,  with  two  cnlms 
from  the  same  root,  has  on  one  of  them  the  terminal  spike  fertile  at  the  base  and  two  fertile 
spikes,  while  the  other  has  two  male  and  two  female  spikes.  A  New  Holland  specimen,  from 
the  herbarium  of  Mr.  Brown,  has  four  spikes,  all  masculine  at  the  summit,  while  another  has 
six  spikes,  three  of  them  male  and  three  female.  In  both  0.  pumila  and  C.  littorea,  I  observe 
the  ochrea  at  the  base  of  the  ijeduncle  of  the  female  sj^ikes ;  and  in  both  plants  I  see  occasionally 
the  lower  male  spikes  to  issue  from  a  modified  perigynium,  which  is  open  and  expanded  at  the 
orifice,  having  the  tumid  base  of  the  normal  organ,  and  at  times  showing  stigmas.  This 
explains  the  nature  of  the  ochrea,  and  of  the  saccate  scale  at  the  base  of  the  spicule  in  the 
panicled  group  of  Carex,  which  I  described  in  C.  Hartwegii,  and  which  is  common  in  the  Indian 
species  of  this  group. 

Carex  monadelpha,  Boott,  (n.  sp.) :  spicis  4  pallidis  gracilibus  cylindricis  stricto  erectis,  ter- 
minali  mascula  sessili  (filamentis  basi  monadelphis!),  reliquis  fcemineis,  superioribus  mascuhe 
arete  contiguis,  inferioribus  vaginalis  bracteatis,  infima  remota  longe  exserte  pedunculata ; 
stigmatibus  3  brevibus  ;  perigyniis  oblongo-ellipticis  stipitatis  erostratis  (ore  emarginato) 
costato-nervosis  puberulis  pallide  viridibus  oblique  divergentibus  squama  oblonga  obtusissiraa 
truncata  vel  abrupte  apiculata  albo-lutescente  apice  ciliolata  (nervo  vividi)  longioribus. — Simoda? 
Culm  a  foot  high,  slender,  triquetrous,  erect,  smooth,  or  slightly  scabrous  between  the  spikes, 
leafy  at  the  base,  the  spike-bearing  portion  3^  inches  long.  Cauline  leaves  aline  broad,  shorter 
than  the  culm  ;  the  radical  ones  2  lines  wide,  flat,  grassy,  equalling  or  perhaps  surpassing  the 
culm.  Lowest  bract  two-thirds  of  a  line  wide,  equalling  its  spike;  the  others  narrower,  and 
somewhat  exceeding  the  culm.  Lowest  sheath  half  an  inch  long.  Lowest  peduncle  2J  inches 
long.  Male  spike  10  lines  long,  half  a  line  wide.  Filaments  short,  whitish,  borne  on  a  flat 
body  3-cleft  at  the  apex,  and  as  long  as  the  scale.  Anthers  short,  yellow.  Female  spikes  10 
lines  long,  a  line  broad,  the  two  superior  ones  close  to  the  male  spike,  and  almost  equalling  it  in 
length,  the  lowest  3  inches  distant.  Scales  of  the  male  spike  very  obtuse  ;  the  lower  ones  of 
the  female  spikes  truncate,  with  the  green  midrib  evanescent  below  the  ciliolate  ajjex,  or  in  the 
upper  scales  reaching  the  abrupt  apex.  Perigynium  1^^  lines  long,  -^^  of  a  line  wide.  Achenium 
oblong-triquetrous,  produced  at  the  base,  pale,  obtuse  at  the  apex,  annulate  ;  the  annulus  sur- 
rounding the  thickened  base  of  the  style,  deciduous. 

Carex  leucochlora,  Bunge:  sjiicis  3-5  albo-viridibus  oblongis  breve  pedunculatis,ternunali 
mascula,  fcemineis  2-4  laxifloris  masculaj  arete  contiguis  vel  inferioribus  subremotis  exserte 
pedunculatis  bracteatis;  stigmatibus  3;  j)erigyniis  ellipticis  obtuse  triquetris  stipitatis  erostratis 
(ore  emarginato)  nervosis  puberulis  pallide  viridibus  squama  lanceolata  obtusa  vel  acuminata 
albo-hyalina,  nervo  viridi  longe  excurrente  serrato,  s.-upe  duplo  triplove  brevioribus.  ("  C. 
spica  mascula  terminali  solitaria,  fcemineis  binis,  inferiore  sulpedunculata,  superiore  sessili, 
oblongis  approximatis  multifloris  erectis;  stigmatibus  3;  squamis  oblongis  acuminatis,  acumine 
aculeolato,  glabris  fructum  oblongum  utrinque  attenuatum  pubescentem  superantibus ;  culmo 
basi  foliato.  Nangasaki  Japonia,  Langsdorff.  Bunge  in  Mem.  Acad.  St.  Pet.  2,  j)-  132,  1835.) 
C.  Langsdorfi'ii,  Boott.  in  Linn.  Trans.  20,  jj.  144.  Culm  5-10  inches  long,  weak,  acutely  tri- 
quetrous, scabrous,  leafy  at  the  base,  the  spike-bearing  part  from  1  to  2\  inches  long.  Culm- 
leaves  1-1^  lines  wide,  shorter  than  the  culm.  Bracts  either  setaceous  and  a  little  exceeding 
the  spikes,  or  foliaceous  and  surpassing  the  culm,  the  lowest  a  line  wide.  Lowest  sheath  1-4 
lines  long.     Lowest  peduncle  3-5  lines  long.     Male  spike  4-7  lines  long,   1-1^  lines  wide. 


324  EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN. 

Female  spikes  5-7  lines  long,  2  lines  wide.  Scales  nearly  all  long-cuspidate,  sometimes  those 
of  the  male  flowers  obtuse  or  merely  apiculate ;  the  lower  female  ones  often  obtuse,  and  the 
upper  acute  or  acuminate,  but  in  all  with  the  green  midrib  long-excurrent.  Perigynium  with 
its  stipe  (at  first  winged  and  -jV  of  a  line  long)  IJ  lines  long,  half  a  line  wide,  towards  the  apex 
transversely  constricted,  the  membranaceous  orifice  slightly  emarginate.  Achenium  -j\  of  a 
line  long,  f^  of  a  line  wide,  oblong-triquetrous,  produced  at  the  base,  obtuse,  annulate,  the 
annulus  surrounding  the  thickened  base  of  the  style.  Anthers  3,  fastigiate  and  sessile  on  the 
apex  of  a  common  normal  filament.  There  is  a  variety  in  the  collection  with  only  2  or  3  spikes, 
the  male  scales  obtuse  and  muticous,  the  female  scales  obtuse,  short-cuspidate,  and  somewhat 
ferruo^ineous.  In  the  20th  volume  of  the  Linnjean  Transactions  I  described,  under  the  name  of 
C.  Langsdorff'ii,  a  plant  sent  to  me  by  the  late  Dr.  Fischer,  of  St.  Petersburg,  as  C.  Japonica ; 
and  this  I  identify  in  the  present  collection.  Having  since  had  the  opportunity  of  examining, 
in  the  Hookerian  herbarium,  an  authentic  specimen  of  Carex  leucochlora  of  Bunge,  from  China, 
I  am  disposed  to  refer  the  Japanese  specimens  to  that  species.  The  Chinese  plant,  however, 
has  only  three  contiguous  spikes,  short  setaceous  bracts,  and  abbreviated  culmeal  leaves  ; 
a  difference  probably  depending  on  locality,  as  Bunge  found  his  plant  "  in  montosis."  The 
variety  above  mentioned  more  nearly  approaches  Bunge's  plant,  but  differs  in  having  occasion- 
ally only  2  or  3  spikes,  very  blunt  and  muticous  male  scales,  and  the  lower  female  ones  shorter 
cuspidate  ;  the  culmeal  leaves,  also,  are  longer  and  broader  than  in  Bunge's  specimen.  But  I 
observe  variations  which  lead  me  to  consider  it  a  variety  only.  The  three  anthers  sessile  on  the 
summit  of  a  common  filament,  as  observed  in  some  specimens,  exhibit  a  remarkable  peculiarity. 
Why  Bunge  should  speak  of  his  plant  as  allied  to  the  C.  distans  I  cannot  make  out. 

Carex  puberula,  Boott,  (n.  sp.):  spicis  4  brevibus  congestis  sessilibus  albido-lutescentibus,  ter- 
minali  mascula,  foemineis  3,  inlerioribus  longe  bracteatis  evaginatis  ;  stigmatibus  3;  perigyniis 
globosis  basi  productis  conico-rostratis  (ore  subintegro)  puberulis  pallide  lutescentibus  leriter 
nervatis  squama  albo-hyaliua  ovata  acuta  nervo  viridi  hispido  cuspidata  brevioribus. — Simoda. 
Nearly  allied  to  C.  pilulifera,  L. ;  but  differs  in  its  nerved  and  much  less  puberulent  perigynia, 
its  white  hyaline  and  cuspidate  scales,  longer  upper  bracts,  flaccid  leaves,  and  weaker  culms. 

Carex  pisiformis,  Boott,  (n.  sp.):  spicis  3-4  remotis  erectis  stramineis,  terminali  mascula  cylin- 
drica,  fteraineis  2-3  oblongo-cylindraceis  laxifloris  inserte  pedunculatis,  infima  brevi-bracteata ; 
stigmatibus  2-3;  perigyniis  oblongo-ovalibus  obtuse  triquetris  basi  productis  pubescentibus 
valde  nervatis  pallide  viridibus  rostratis  (rostro  basi  demum  tumido,  ore  hyalino  emarginato) 
squama  lanceolata  obtusiuscula  vel  acuta  nervo  concolori  sfepe  ultra  apicem  excurrente  strami- 
nea  longioribus  vel  sub;«quilongis. — Simoda.  Culm  nearly  8  inches  high,  weak  and  slender, 
striate,  scabrous.  Leaves  flat,  grassy,  longer  than  the  culm.  Lowest  bract  surpassing  its  spike; 
the  others  shorter  than  the  spikes,  setaceous.  Sheaths  4-7  lines  long.  Male  spike  10  lines 
long,  a  line  wide,  peduncled,  straw-colored.  Female  spikes  4-8  lines  long,  2  lines  wide,  1  to  2 
inches  distant  from  each  other.  Scales  of  the  i'emale  spikes  straw-colored,  and  with  paler  or 
hyaline  margins  ;  the  lower  ones  obtuse  or  truncate,  and  shorter  than  the  perigynium  ;  the 
upper  ones  acute,  about  the  length  of  the  perigynium,  or  a  little  exceeding  it.  Perigynium  1^ 
lines  long,  half  a  line  wide.  Achenium  /„  of  a  line  long,  and  of  half  that  width,  oval,  trique- 
trous, stipitate,  pale,  punctulate ;  the  base  of  the  style  remarkably  bulbous  and  pisiform,  deci- 
duous. Diflers  from  its  allies  in  the  longer  and  remote  spikes,  the  exannulated  achenium,  the 
bulbous  base  of  the  style,  &c. 

Carex  transversa,  Boott,  (n.  sp,):  spicis  4  approximatis,  terminali  mascula  gracili  cylindrica 


PL  a  NTS    COLLECTED    IN    JAPAN.  325 

ferruginea,  fcemineis  3  oblongo-cylindraceis  subcrassis  erectis  olivaceis,  inferioribus  vaginalis 
exserte  pedunculatis  longe  bracteatis  ;  stigmatibus  3;  perigyniis  immaturis  ex  ovali  basi  in 
rostrum  longum  aciiminatis  (ore  membraaceo  iutegro  oblique  fisso  !)  olivaceis  crebre  striato- 
nervosis  squama  ovata  acuminata  acuta  longe  bispido-aristata  alba  nervo  viridi  latioribus  lonci- 
oribus  vel  requantibus. — Yokobama.  Culm  slender,  about  a  foot  bigb,  triquetrous,  smooth  • 
the  spike-bearing  part  2^-3^  inches  long.  Culm-leaves  2  lines  wide,  longer  than  the  culm  with 
long  sheaths.  Bracts  foliaceous,  exceeding  the  culm,  the  lowest  two  lines  wide,  the  uppermost 
often  narrower,  equalling  the  culm.  Lowest  sheath  6-13  lines  long.  Lowest  peduncle  1  or  2 
inches  long.  Male  spike  12-15  lines  long,  a  line  wide,  in  one  specimen  setaceous-bracted ;  female 
spikes  8-15  lines  long,  3  or  4  lines  wide,  the  uppermost  sessile  and  destitute  of  a  sheath,  the 
lower  ones  peduncled,  all  contiguous.  Scales  all  long-awned  ;  those  of  the  male  spikes  lanceo- 
late, pale  ferrugineous,  the  lower  larger-awned,  those  of  the  female  spikes  whitish,  ovate,  grad- 
ually tapering  into  a  long  awn.  Perigynium  3  lines  long,  ^\  of  a  line  wide,  obliquely  ascend- 
ing. Immature  achenium  over  a  line  long,  oval- triquetrous,  apiculate  with  the  persistent  base 
of  the  style,  which  is  not  enlarged.  A  species  of  doubtful  affinity,  approaching  the  Lupulinoi 
in  habit,  but  differing  in  the  entire  and  oblique  orifice  of  the  perigynium  ;  and  receding  from 
the  Vesicarice  by  the  same  character,  as  well  as  by  the  sheathing  bracts  and  the  awned 
scales. 

Carex  dispalata,  Boott,  (n.  sp.):  spicis  4-6  elongatis  cylindricis  erectis,  terminali  mascula 
densiflora  ferruginea  pedunculata,  fcemineis  3-5  olivaceis,  superioribus  alternatim  contiguis, 
infima  longe  pedunculata  remota  longe  bracteata  evaginata,  omnibus  laxilioris,  flosculis  basi 
subverticillatim  interruptis  ;  stigmatibus  3  ;  perigyniis  ovatis  brevi-rostratis  (rostro  apice  ferru- 
gineo,  ore  membranaceo  obliquo  integro)  olivaceis  obsolete  nervosis  oblique  divergentibus  squama 
lineari-lanceolata  acuminata  acuta  vel  obtusiuscula  purpurea  medio  nervata  pallida  latioribus 
brevioribusque. — Hakodadi,  &c.  Culm  acute-angled,  smooth,  or  slightly  scabrous  between 
the  spikes,  which  occupy  8  or  9  inches  of  the  culm.  Leaves  wanting.  Lowest  bract  2  lines  wide, 
nearly  equalling  the  culm  ;  the  upper  ones  narrow,  equalling  or  shorter  than  their  spikes. 
Ligule  purple  and  clasping.  Lowest  peduncles  very  slender,  \\  to  2\  inches  long,  smooth. 
Male  spike  2  inches  long,  2  lines  wide ;  its  scales  linear  and  elongated.  Female  spikes  from 
over  an  inch  to  3  inches  long,  2-2^  lines  wide,  ihe  lower  tapering  and  loosely-flowered  at  the 
base.  Perigynium  1^  lines  long,  j^j  of  a  line  wide.  Achenium  ^\  of  a  line  long,  oval- 
triquetrous,  pale  ;  the  style  contorted.     Perhaps  most  allied  to  C.  olivacea,  Boott. 

Cakex  CONICA,  Boott,  (n.  sp.):  spicis  4  remotis  erectis  oblongo-ovalibus,  terminali  mascula 
pedunculata  ferruginea,  fcemineis  3  exserte  pedunculatis,  infima  radicali ;  bracteis  subaphyllis  ; 
stigmatibus  3  ;  perigyniis  ovalibus  conico-rostratis  (ore  integro)  sparse  puberulis  leviter  nervatis 
pallidis  basi  productis  squama  oblonga  obtusissima  truncata  vel  subemarginata  brevi-cuspidata 
pallida  purpureo-tincta  angustioribus  brevioribusque. — Simoda?  Culm  5  inches  high,  obtuse- 
angled,  leafy  at  the  base  ;  the  spike-bearing  portion  A\  inches  long.  Culm-leaves  a  line  broad, 
half  the  length  of  the  culm,  firm.  Bracts  sheathing,  subulate,  shorter  than  the  peduncles ; 
sheaths  8  or  7  lines  long,  purple  at  the  base.  Peduncles  10  to  18  lines  long,  rather  scabrous. 
Male  spike  7  lines  long,  a  line  and  a  half  broad.  Female  spikes  4  or  5  lines  long,  2  lines  wide, 
remote  :  scales  cuspidate,  the  cusp  of  the  lower  ones  scabrous  ;  male  scales  very  obtuse  ;  upper 
female  scales  narrow.  Perigynium  a  line  and  a  half  long,  clothed  with  short  scattered  hairs, 
the  nerves  of  the  same  color.  Achenium  a  line  long,  obtusely  triquetrous,  pale  ;  thickened  base 
of  the  style  deciduous.     Racheola  setaceous,  shorter  than  the  achenium,  placed  at  its  inner  side. 


326  EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN. 

Carex  bxcisa,  Boott,  (n.  sp.) :  spicis  4-5  rubro-purpureis  oblongo-cylindraceis  remotis 
pedunculatis  erectis,  terminali  mascula,  fcemineis  (fioriferis)  gracilibus  laxifloris  longe  exserte 
pedunculatis,  infima  radicali  nunc  basi  composita  ;  bracteis  subaphyllis  ;  stigmatibus  3  longis  ; 
perigyniis  (juvenilissimis)  ovalibus?  erostratis  emarginatis  pubescentibiis  nervatis  squama 
oblonga  obtusa  emarginata  cuspidata  apice  ciliata  rubro-purpurea  (nervo  viridi)  brevioribus. — 
Near  Yokobaiua,  on  the  margin  of  ditches  by  the  roadside.  This  is  not  unlikely  the  same  as 
the  last  species  in  an  immature  state  ;  and  the  suspicion,  founded  on  their  general  resemblance, 
is  strengthened  by  a  comparison  of  the  racheola  of  C.  conica  with  the  compound  lower  spike 
occasionally  met  with  in  C.  excisa. 

Carex  lanceolata,  Boott,  (n.  sp.):  spicis  3  erectis  pedunculatis  purpureis,  terminali  mascula 
abbreviata  pauciflora,  fcemineis  2,  superiori  apicem  mascula;  attingente,  altera  longiore  pauUo 
remota  brevi  et  exserte  pedunculata  ;  bracteis  aphyllis  ;  stigmatibus  3  longis  ;  perigyniis  ovalibus 
erostratis  emarginatis  plano-convexis  scabris  pallide  viridibus  nervatis  basi  glabris  spongiosis 
squama  purpurea  margins  albo-hyalina  lanceolata  acuminata  acuta  vel  hispido-cuspidata  (nervo 
viridi  scabro)  angustioribus  fere  dimidio  brevioribus. — Hakodadi,  in  rocky  places.  Culms  7  or 
8  inches  long,  weak,  rather  nodding,  very  scabrous,  with  2  or  3  short  and  sheathing  leaves  at 
the  base  ;  the  spike-bearing  part  1^  to  2  inches  long.  Kadical  leaves  flat,  half  a  line  or  a  line 
wide,  slender,  shorter  than  the  culm.  Hheaths  2  or  3  lines  long,  pale  ferrugineous,  bearing  an 
awn  of  a  line  or  two  in  length.  Peduncles  scabrous,  the  lowest  one  5-7  lines  long.  Male  spike 
4  or  5  lines  long,  half  a  line  wide,  4-5  flowered,  short-peduncled.  Female  spikes  5  or  6  lines 
long,  2  lines  wide,  erect ;  scales  all  similar  ;  those  of  the  male  spike  pointless  and  ciliate  ;  of  the 
female  spikes  acuminate,  acute,  or  with  a  hispid  cusp.  Perigynium  over  a  line  long,  nerved 
(the  nerves  of  the  same  color,)  scabrous,  the  spongy  base  pale  and  glabrous.  Allied  to  C 
pediformis  of  Meyer,  and  scarcely  distinct  enough  from  C.  pellucida  of  Turczaninow.  It  difi"ers, 
however,  in  its  very  scabrous  culms,  lanceolate  and  acute  or  acuminate  scales  nearly  twice  the 
length  of  the  perigynium,  and  in  the  nerved  j^erigynium.  From  C.  tristacbya  of  Thunberg 
(judging  from  Schkuhr's  figure  W  W)  it  is  distinguished  by  its  short  and  few-flowered  male 
spike,  the  more  remote  female  spikes,  and  the  lanceolate  scales. 

Carex  Morrowi,  Boott,  (n.  sp.) :  spicis  5  remotis  erectis,  terminali  mascula  purpurea  cylindrica 
longiori,  fcemineis  4  oblongo-cylindricis  laxifloris  vaginatis,  inferioribus  exserte  pedunculatis ; 
bracteis  subaphyllis  ;  stigmatibus  3  ;  perigyniis  ovalibus  obtuse  trigonis  rostratis  acute  bifidis 
pallidis  divergentibus  (rostro  ferrugineo  plus  minus  margine  serrato  deorsum  recurvato)  costato- 
nervatis  sparsim  scabriusculis  squama  lanceolata  acuminata  acutissima  purpurea  basi  pallida 
brevioribus  vel  ccquilongis. — Simoda?  Culm  10  inches  high,  slender,  smooth,  obtusely  angular, 
clothed  at  the  base  with  purple  rudiments  of  leaves  ;  the  spike-bearing  portion  6  inches  long. 
Radical  leaves  glaucous,  flat,  rigid,  striate,  4^  lines  wide,  longer  than  the  culm.  Culm-leaves 
all  subulate  and  bract-like,  sheathing.  Lower  bract  longer  than  the  peduncle,  the  others  shorter 
and  more  subulate.  Peduncles  3-17  lines  long,  rather  scabrous  ;  the  sheaths  2-12  lines  long, 
pale  purple.  Male  spike  16  lines  long,  a  line  wide,  acute  at  both  ends.  Female  spikes  4-9 
lines  long,  2^  lines  wide,  an  inch  or  more  apart ;  the  uppermost  shorter  and  approximate  to 
the  male  spike  ;  scales  all  similar,  the  male  ones  larger.  Perigynium  nearly  a  line  and  a  half 
long,  slightly  scabrous  under  a  lens  ;  the  beak  often  serrulate  on  the  margins,  more  strongly 
nerved  anteriorly.  Achenium  -fg  of  a  line  long,  elliptical,  above  obtusely  triquetrous  with 
convex  faces,  below  with  flattisli  faces,  punctulate,  raised  on  an  oblique  stipe  ;  the  base  of  the 
style  not  thickened,  deciduous.  A  fine  species  of  the  section  Digitatce ;  distinguished  from  all 
its  allies  by  the  divergent  perigynia  with  a  recurved  and  acutely  bifid  beak. 


PLANTS    COLLECTED    IN    JAPAN.  327 

Carex  anomala,  Boott,  (n.  sp.):  spicis  9  androgynis  basi  masculis  pallidis  alternis  ovalibus 
simplicibus  longe  bracteatis  ;  stigmatibus  3 ;  perigyniis  orbiculatis  rostratis  bidentatis  margine 
anguste  alatis  serratis   enerviis  squama  subrotuuda  obtusissima  longe  aristata  albo-byaliiia 
nervo  viridi  longioribus  vel  brevioribus. — Simoda?     Culm  10  inches  high,  weak,  smooth,  leafy 
at  the  base  ;  the  spike-bearing  portion  2\  inches  long.     Culm-leaf  2  lines  broad,  surpassing  the 
culm.     Bracts  foliaceous  ;  the  lowest  rather  narrower  than  the  leaf;  the  others  successively 
narrower;  all  but  the  uppermost  exceeding  the  culm;  the  lower  ones  much  exceeding  it.    Spike- 
lets  3  or  4  lines  long,  a  line  and  a  half  broad,  all  simple  and  sessile,  masculine  only  at  the  base. 
Lower  scales  larger-awned  than  the  upper,  the  hispid  awn  exceeding  the  perigynium,  in  others 
equalling  it  or  shorter.     Immature  perigynium  over  a  line  and  a  half  long,  less  than  a  line 
wide.     Achenium  obovate,  obtuse  ;  the  base  of  the  style  thickened  and  deciduous.     This  has 
somewhat  the  aspect  of  C.  remota  ;  from  which  and  from  its  allies  it  differs  in  having  three 
stigmas  and  the  spikes  all  bracteate.     From  the  description  of  C.  gibba  of  Wahlenberg  it  differs 
in  its  simple  spikes,  three  stigmas,  orbicular  perigynium,  and  awned  scales.     The  specimen  is 
too  young  to  show  well  the  achenium,  which,  from  the  three  stigmas,  should  be  triquetrous. 
I  know  of  no  sjiecies  among  the  Androgynae  had  mascula  to  compare  with  it  in  this  respect. 
Carex  incisa,  Boott,  (n.  sp.):    spicis  4-5  cylindricis  basi  attenuatis  laxifloris  pedunculatis 
evaginatis,  terminal!  basi  mascula,  reliquiis  fcemineis,  inferioribus  remotis  longe  pedunculatis, 
infima  bracteata  ;  stigmatibus  2  ;  perigyniis  (immaturis)  ovatis  erostratis  emarginatis  bidentatis 
enerviis  resinosopunctatis  squama  obtusissima  truncata  vel  emarginata  subajquilata  (nervo  lato 
viridi,  lateribus  pallide  lutescentibus)  longioribus. — Hakodadi,   on  the  sea  beach.     Culm   6 
inches  high,  slender,  smooth,  leafy  at  the  base,  and  there  covered  with  ferruginous  rudiments  of 
leaves ;  the  spike-bearing  portion  3  inches  long.     Leaves  2  lines  wide,  flat,  shorter  than  the 
culm;  the  base  and  sheath  spotted  with  fine  resinous  dots.     Bracts  shorter  than  their  spikes  ; 
the  lowest  foliaceous  ;  the  uppermost  scale-like  and  cuspidate.     Peduncles  varying  from  a  line 
to  an  inch  long,  smooth.     Terminal  spike  an  inch  long,  a  line  wide,  its  apex  bearing  few  or 
several  fertile  flowers,  the  base  tapering,  short-peduncled.     Fertile  spikes  i  to  2^  inches  long, 
a  line  wide,  tapering  and  loosely-flowered  at  the  base.     Perigynium  less  than  a  line  and  a  half 
long.     Related  to  C.  lenticularis  of  Michaux,  (which  equally  has  the  sheaths  dotted,)  and 
somewhat  so  to  C.  notha  of  Kunth. 

Carex  longerostrata,  C.  A.  Meyer  in  Mem.  Acad.  St.  Pet.  I.  c.  p.  220,  t.  12.  C.  bispicata, 
Hooh.  &  Am.  Bat.  Beech,  p.  118,  t.  28.  C.  Camschatcensis,  Kunth,  Enum.  2,  ^.  477. 
Hakodadi.     The  specimens  are  very  young. 

Carex  PRiECOx,  Jacq.  Fl.  Austr.  t.  446.     Hakodadi. 

Carex  heterolepis,  Bunge.  I.  c?  Slig.  2.  Hakodadi.  Too  young  for  determination. 
Carex  villosa,  Boott.  (n.  sp.);  spicis  2-3  remotis,  terminati  mascula  cylindrica  lutescenti- 
albida  pedunculata,  fcemineis  1-2  oblongo-cylindraceis  laxifloris  vaginatis,  infima  breve  exserte 
pedunculata ;  stigmatibus  3  ;  perigyniis  (floriferis)  ovatis  rostratis  (ore  obliquo  bidentato)  hir- 
sutis  demum  excurvis  nervatis  squama  oblonga  obtusa  brevi-cuspidata  longioribus. — Simoda? 
The  weak  culm  with  its  leaves,  bracts,  (the  latter  shorter  than  the  culm,)  sheaths  and  peduncles 
all  clothed  with  long  white  hairs.     The  species  is  allied  to  C.  pilosa. 

Carex  Donniana,  Spreng,  Syst.  'i,p.  825,  Drejer,  Symb.  Car.  t.  13.  C.  chlorostachys,  Don, 
in  Linn.  Trans.  14,  p.  330.  Simoda.  This  appears  to  be  the  same  with  the  Himalaya  species, 
which  is  well  figured  by  Drejer;  but  all  authors,  except  Don,  omit  to  notice  the  ventricose  peri- 


328  EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN. 

gynium,  which,  with  the  broader  fertile  spikes  and  leaves,  principally  distinguish  it  from  the 
C.  alopecuroides  of  Don. 

Carex  macrocephala,  Willd.;  Spreng.  Syst.  3,  p.  808  ;  Boott,  in  Hook.  Fl.  Bor.-Am.  2,  p.  215, 
/.  216;  Trev.  in  Fl.  Boss.  4,  p.  271.  Yokohama.  By  some  oversight  this  was  not  commu- 
nicated to  Dr.  Boott,  wlio  has  kindly,  and  with  hi.s  accustomed  thoroughness,  examined  the 
other  Carices  of  this  collection,  and  furnished  the  above  account  of  them.  There  is  no  room  to 
doubt,  however,  that  the  specimens,  though  young,  are  identical  with  the  species  of  the  north- 
west coast  of  America,  which  Pallas  also  obtained  in  Siberia,  probably  in  the  extreme  east ;  and 
being  a  sea-coast  species,  we  should  naturally  have  expected  it  from  Japan. 

Alopecurus  geniculatus,  Linn  ;  Thunb.  Fl.  Jap.  p.  49.  Hakodadi,  Yokohama,  and  Simoda. 
In  rice  fields,  &c. 

Alopecurus  malacostachyus  (n.  sp) :  caule  pedali ;  foliis  caulinis  omnibus  (nisi  infimo) 
vaginis  subtumidis  suprema  infiata  brevioribus ;  spica  laxa  cylindrica  (bipollicari)  ;  glumis 
basi  tantum  connatis  obtusis  carina  villoso-ciliatis  ad  nervos  laterales  basi  hirsutulis  caeterum 
glabris  palea  obtusa  leviter  5-nervi  pauUo  brevioribus ;  arista  paleas  fere  basilar i  glumas  plus 
duplo  superante  ;  stylis  a  basi'distinctis. — Simoda  and  Yokohama.  Somewhat  glaucous.  Eoot 
probably  annual.  Lowest  leaves  1^  to  2  inches,  the  upper  an  inch  in  length,  smooth  and  soft. 
Spike  rather  lax,  soft,  greenish.  Spikelets  3  lines  long,  nearly  as  large  as  those  of  A.  agrestis, 
but  much  more  compressed  ;  the  villous  fringe  of  the  keels  softer  than  in  A.  pratensis,  but 
nearly  as  long.  Awn  scabrous,  somewhat  contorted.  Inner  palea  wanting.  Ligule  membra- 
naceous, ovate,  obtuse.  This  cannot  be  A.  Japonicus  of  Steudel,  if  that  species  is  at  all  correctly 
described  as  having  only  one  glume  ciliate,  and  two  palea3,  &c. 

PoLYPOGON  MoNSPELiENSis,  Desf.     Simoda. 

PoLYPOGON  LiTTORALis,  Smith,  Engl.  Bot.  t.  1251  ?     Simoda. 

Agrostis  scabra,  Willd.;  Gray,  Man.  Bot.  A  laxiflora,  R.  Br.;  Griseb.  in  Fl.  Ross.  4,  p. 
441.     Simoda.     A.  tenuiflora,  Steud.     A  form  not  rare  in  the  United  States. 

PoA  annua,  Linn.  Gathered  at  all  the  stations.  The  collection  contains  one  or  two  other 
species  of  Poa  not  yet  determined.     Among  them  is  undoubtedly, 

PoA  ACROLEUCA,  Steud.  Sijn.  Glum.  1,  p.  256.     Yokohama. 

Glyceria  fluitans,  R.  Br.     Simoda.     In  rice  fields. 

Festuca  pauciflora,  Thunb.  Fl.  Jap.,  p.  52.  Simoda  and  Yokohama.  Probably,  also,  F. 
remotiflora,  Steud.;  but  the  leaves  and  sheaths  are  glabrous  or  nearly  so.  The  awns  are  as 
long  as  the  palere. 

Bromus  coNFORMis,  Stcud.  Syn.  Glum.  1,  p.  323.  Dry  rice  fields,  Simoda.  Spikelets,  includ- 
ing the  awns,  2  inches  long. 

Arundinaria  Japonica,  Sieb.  &  Zucc,  ex  Steud.  I.  c,  p.  334.  Simoda.  Inflorescence  and 
flowers  only.  There  are  imperfect  specimens  of  one  or  two  other  Bambusineous  grasses;  among 
them,  probably,  Phyllostachys  bambusoides  of  Siebeld  and  Zuccarini. 

Triticum  caninum,  Schreb.;  a  very  long-awned  variety.     Simoda. 

Triticum  vulgare,  Linn.     Simoda  ;  cultivated.     A  long-awned  variety  of  Wheat. 

HoRDEUM  VULGARE,  Linn.;  Thunb.  Fl.  Jap.,  2).  65.     Cultivated. 

Hordeum  HEXASTiciiUM,  iiK?i.     Simoda.     Cultivated;  various  forms  of  Six-rowed  Barley. 

AvENA  SATIVA,  i/in«.     Simoda.     The  Common  Oat.     No  doubt  cultivated. 

Trisetum  cernuum,  Trin.  in  Mem.  Acad.  St.  Pet.,  1830,  p.  61.  Bromus  bifidus,  Thunb.  Fl. 
Jap.,  p.  53.     Simoda  and  Yokohama.     I  do  not  doubt  that  the  Japanese  plant  is  the  same 


PLANTS    COLLECTED    IN    JAPAN.  329 

specifically  as  that  of  our  northwest  coast,  although  the  panicle  is  more  densely  flowered.  The 
scabrous  palefe  and  the  very  long  and  tortuous  awn  are  characteristic.  The  smallest  specimen 
accords,  likewise,  with  Thunberg's  description  of  his  Bromus  bifidus  in  its  short  leaves  and 
pubescent  sheaths.  The  larger  specimens  are  glabrous,  except  the  lower  sheaths,  and  sometimes 
the  rhachis  of  the  panicle.  Thunberg,  however,  states  that  the  spikets  are  scarcely  a  line  long  ; 
which  I  suspect  is  a  clerical  error,  for  he  describes  the  pointed  tips  of  the  lower  palere  as  half  a 
line  long,  and  he  hardly  would  have  referred  to  Bromus  a  grass,  with  the  aspect  of  Avena,  and 
with  its  spikelets  only  the  twelfth  of  an  inch  in  length. 

HiEROCHLOA  BOREALis,  licem.  d'  Scliult.     Hakodadi.     In  a  grave-yard. 

Pennisettjm  Japonioum,  Trin.  Ic.  Gram.  2,  t.  19.     Simoda. 

Panicum  (isachne)  lepidotum,  Steud.  Syn.  Glum.  1,  p.  95.  Milium  globosum,  Thunh.f 
Simoda.     In  the  spikets  examined,  the  lower  flower  was  staminate;  the  upper  pistillate  only. 

Imperata  pericellata,  Stend.  Syn.  Glum.  1,  j).  405.  Simoda.  Doubtless,  only  the  well 
known  I.  arundinacea,  which  is  widely  diffused  over  the  world. 

FILICES  :   By  Daniel  C.  Eaton,  of  Yale  College. 

Equisetum  arvense,  Lmn.     Hakodadi  and  Simoda. 

Drtnakia  hastata?  Polypodium  hastatum,  Thunh.  Fl.  Jap.,  p.  1335  ;  Willd.  Sp.  PI.  5, 
p.  164.     Simoda. 

Drynaria  ensata?  Polypodium  ensatum,  Swarfz,  Syn.  Fil.,  p.  29.  P.  Phyllitidis,  Ihunh. 
I.  c.     Simoda. 

Polypodium  linearh,  Thunh.  Fl.  Jap.,  p.  335?     Simoda. 

Leptogramma ;  tlie  species  not  determined.     Simoda. 

Drymoglossum  piloselloides,  Presl,  Pterid.,  p.  227.  Pteris  piloselloides,  Linn.;  Thunh.  Fl. 
Jap.,  p.  331 ;  Sivartz,  Syn.  Fil.,  p.  94,  t.  2.     Simoda. 

Onychium  Japonicum,  Kunze.     Simoda. 

Pteris  Cretica,  Linn. ;  Thunh.  I.  c.  p.  334.     Simoda. 

Adiantum  pedatum,  Linn.  Hakodadi.  The  specimens,  although  too  young  for  proper  exami- 
nation, are  apparently  identical  with  the  North  American  species,  which  extends  to  Unalaschka 
and  Kamtschatka,  and  also  recurs  in  the  Himalayas.  This  intermediate  station  is  tberefore 
interesting. 

WoODWARDiA  RADICANS,  Sivartz,  Syn.  Fil.  p.  117.     W.  orientalis,  Sivartz,  I.  c,  &p.  315. 

WooDWARDiA  Japonica,  Sivartz,  I.  c.  Blechnum  Japonicum,  Thunh.  Fl.  Jap.  p.  333,  t.  35. 
Yokohama  or  Simoda.  Only  one  imperfect  specimen  found,  which,  by  the  coadunate  pinna?, 
must  belong  to  this  species. 

Asplenium ;  a  delicate  species,  not  identified,' but  probably  not  undescribed.     Simoda. 

With  it  was  gathered  an  imperfect  specimen  of  an  Athyrium,  also  not  identified. 

Diplazium  lanceum,  Presl.  I.  c.     Asplenium  lanceum,  Tliunh.  Fl.  Jap.  p.  333.     Simoda. 

Cyrtonium  falcatum,  Presl.  I.  c.  ^j.  86.  Aspidium  falcatum,  Swartz.  Polypodium  falcatum;, 
Linn.  /.;  Thunh.  Fl.  Jap.  p.  336,  t.  35.     Simoda,  Yokohama,  and  Webster  Island ;  on  rich  banks. 

Aspidium  (Lastrea):  not  identified,  nor  sufiicient  for  description.     Yokohama. 

Aspidium  (Lastrea)  lacerum,  Sivartz,  Syn.  Fil.  p.  55 .-  Simoda.  We  have  only  imperfect 
specimens  of  an  apparently  well-marked  species,  which  does  not  disagree  with  Thunberg's  Poly- 
podium lacerum. 

42  « 


330  EXPEDITIO'    TO    JAPAN. 

AsPiDiUM  SETOSUM,  Sivartz,  I.  c.  p.  56.  PolTpodium  setosum,  Thunb.  I.  c.  Yokotama  ;  on 
steep  aod  rocky  banks.  A  fine  species,  of  nearly  coriaceous  texture,  which  accords  pretty  well 
with  Thunberg's  description.  What  he  describes  as  "pilis  atris  longis  laxis,"  clothing  the 
stipe  and  rhachis,  are  long-awned,  narrow,  chafi'y  scales. 

AsPiDiiM  (Lastrea)  erythrosokum,  Eaton,  (n.  sp.) :  frondibus  bipinnatis  ovato-oblongis,  pinnis 
eub-oppositis  lanceolato-oblongis  basi  paullo  augustioribus,  pinnulis  oblongis  obtusis  tranca- 
tisve  serratis,  venulis  furcatis ;  soris  margine  dissitis  in  venula  superiori ;  indusio  reniformi 
intense  rubro  margine  albo  integro ;  paleis  rhachidis  augustis  linearibus,  costc-e  secundari;e 
linearibus  e  basi  orbiculari  crispatis. — Simoda.  Frond  1  or  2  feet  high  ;  pinnw  2  to  4  inches 
long,  and  6  to  10  lines  wide.  I  do  not  find  this  described,  nor  can  I  suppose  that  so  remark- 
able a  character  as  a  bright-red  indusium  would  have  been  overlooked. 

AspiDiuM  (PoLTSTiCHOi)  Tripteris,  Eatoii,  (n.  sp.):  fronde  trisecto,  segmento  medio  maximo 
lanceolate,  lateralibus  3-4-plo  brevioribus  nunc  pinnas  segmenti  intermedii  vix  excedentibus, 
omnibus  pinnatis,  pinnis  alternis  lanceolatis  falcatis  acutis  (in  pi.  depauperata  oblongis  nunc 
obtusis)  basi  superiori  auriculatis  inferior!  cuneatis  argute  inciso-serratis,  dentibus  spinulosis  ; 
soris  costa  parum  remotis  solitariis  nisi  in  auricula  confluentibus ;  indusio  margine  dentato ; 
rhachi  costis  venulisque  paleis  lanceolatis  brunneis  instructis. — Simoda.  Frond  from  6  to  14 
inches  high  ;  pinna?  9  to  18  lines  long.     A  remarkable  species. 

Davallia  Chinensis,  Sivartz;  Hook.  Sp.  Fil.  f.  p.  187.     Yokohama  and  Simoda. 

OsMisDA  Japonica,  Thuuh.  Fl.  Jap.  p.  329.  Simoda.  This  might  be  taken  for  a  form  of  0. 
regalis,  except  that  the  sterile  and  fertile  fronds  are  separate. 

MUSCI  AXD  HEPATIC-E  :  By  W.  S.  SuLLiVAifT. 

1.  Htpxcm  Japoxicum  (n.  sp.)  :  monoicum,  lurido-virens,  laxe  ctespitosum ;  caule  ads  cendente 
fasciculatim  diviso  ;  foliis  confertis  secundis  late  ovatis  brevius  obtusiusque  acuminatis  reticuli 
densi  cellulis  minutis  subquadratis,  costa  valida  cum  vel  sub  apice  desinente  ;  pericluBtii 
polyphylli  foliis  lanceolato-attenuatis  erectis  obscure  costatis  ;  capsula  cylindracea  erecta  vel 
erecto-cernua  annulata  ;  operculo  conico  obtuso  ;  peristomio  normali. — This  species  belongs  to 
the  section  Amblystegium  of  the  Bryologia  Europa?a,  and  in  general  appearance  is  not  unlike 
Hypnum  orthocladon  and  the  larger  forms  of  H.  serpens,  but  is  easily  distinguished  by  its 
secund  leaves,  with  a  much  closer  areolation,  and  distinctly  dentate  margins. 

2.  Htpntm  gracile,  Br.  Scli.     This  species  is  common  in  Ohio. 

3.  Mxrrji  radiatcm,  Wils.  in  Lond.  Jour.  Bat.  1848,  p.  274.  Related  to  the  Californian 
Mnium  Menziesii. 

4.  Mmcm  Trichoman-es,  Mitten  in  Lond.  Jour.  Bof.  1856,  j).  231.  Intermediate  between  M. 
cuspidatum  and  M.  afline. 

5.  Bartrajha  pomiformis,  Hediv.,  var."CRisPA. 

6.  PoGOXATrM  tortile,  Sicartz. 

7.  RicQA  NAT.iXs,  Linn. 

8.  Fegatella  coxica,  Corda. 

9.  AzoLLA, ?     Without  fruit  ;  but  appears  to  be  the  same  as  the  Azolla  Caroliniana, 

found  in  this  country. 


PLANTSCOLLECTEDINJAPAN.  33 1 


ALG^  :  By  Dr.  W.  H.  Harvey. 


1.  Desmarestia  viridis,  Lmrwur.  ;  Harv.  Ner.  Bor.  Amer.  I,  p.  77.     Hakodadi. 

2.  Chorda  lomentaria,  Lyngb. ;  Harv.  Ner.  Bor.  Amer.  1,  p.  98.     Simoda. 

3.  Chordaria  simplex,  Harv.  (n.  sp.) :  frondibus  densissime  cajspitosis  filiformibus  simplici- 
bns. — Simoda. 

4.  Ri'TiPHLceA  LATiusciTLA,  Harv .  (n.  sp.) :  fronde  lato-lineari  complanata  tenui  membranacea 
transversim  rugulosa  bi-tripinnata,  jngamento  primario  simplici  v.  furcato  crebre  pinnato, 
pinnis  acutis  inasquilongis  sub-oppositis,  minoribiis  pinnatis,  majoribus  bipinnatis  pinnulis 
jiibulatis  erecto-palentibus  strictis. — Hakodadi. 

5.  PoLTSiPHONiA  MoRROWii,  Harv.  (n.  sp.)  :  fronde  badia  elongata  setacea  ca^spitosa  pellucide 
articnlata  4-siphonia  alterne  decomposita,  ramis  primariis  basi  nudis  v.  ramulis  paucis  hamatis 
instructis  supra  pinnatim  compositis  ;  pinais  ambitu  linearibus  virgatis  iterum  pinnulatis,  piu- 
nulis  brevissimis  erectis  spinfeformibus  inferioribus  simiplicibus  superioribus  multifidis  sub- 
corymbosis  ;  articulis  ramorum  diametro  6-8-plo  longioribus,  pinnarum  diaraetro  fequalibus, 
pinnularum  duplo  brevioribus  ;  cystocarpiis  ad  pinnulas  superiores  sessilibus  urceolatis,  ore 
maximo  crenulato. — Hakodadi.  A  very  distinct  and  handsome  sjjecies,  densely  tufted,  8  to  10 
inches  long.     It  is  allied  to  P.  urceolata,  but  the  ramification  is  very  diiferent. 

6.  PoLYSiPHONiA  Japonica,  fiarv.  (n.sp.):  fronde  fruticosa  gelatinoso-cartilaginosa  badia  basi 
ultra-setacea  sursum  attenuata  decomposite  ramosissima,  ramis  quoqueversum  egredientibus 
alternis  vel  vagis  iterum  et  iterum  divisis,  ramulis  ultimis  brevibus  simplicibus  fiircatis  vel 
dicbotomis  apice  fribrilliferis  ;  articulis  inferioribus  subcorticatis  (cellulis  secundariis  auctis) 
superioribus  nudis  4-siphoniis  diametro  ajqualibus  vel  sesquilongioribus,  articulis  ramulorum 
diametro  brevioribus. 

7.  Laurencia  virgata,  Ag.(J)  var.  ;  Harv.  Ner.  Bor.  Amer.  2,  p.  71.     Hakodadi. 

8.  Laurencia • — :  n.sp.?  (a  single  imperfect  specimen.)     Simoda. 

9.  Lomentaria  catenata,  Harv.  (n.  sp.) :  fronde  tubulosa  filiform!  pinnatim  ramosa,  ramis 
oppositis  V.  sparsis  longissimis  crebris  obsoletissime  et  distanter  constrictis  ramuliferis,  ramulis 
Seepe  verticillatis  nunc  oppositis  v.  sparsis  nunc  fasciculatis  catenato-constrictis,  articulis  3-4- 
seriatis  fusiformibus  v.  ellipsoideis  ;  soris  maculajformibus,  tetrasporiis  in  ramulis  immersis. 
— Simoda.     A  remarkable  species,  having  much  the  habit  of  a  Corallopsis,  but  not  the  structure. 

10.  Chondria  atropurpurea,  Harv.{?)  Ner.  Bor.  Amer.  2,  p.  22,  t.  18,  E.  Hakodadi.  A 
single  faded  specimen,  seemingly  referable  to  this  species. 

11.  Amphiroa  Californica,  Decaisne.  (?)     Simoda. 

12.  Delesseria  serrulata,  Harv.  (D.  serrulata,  Harv.  Alg.  Austral.  No.  277,  non  Post.  <& 
Rujijjr.)  :  fronde  costata  foliolis  a  costa  crassa  prorumpentibus  ramosa,  foliolis  lineari-lanceolatis 
utrinque  acuminatis  serratis  ;  cystocarpiis  sorisque  in  foliolis  junioribus  evolutis,  soris  diffusis. 
— Hakodadi.  These  specimens  so  nearly  agree  in  character  with  those  from  Port  Jackson,  on 
which  the  species  was  founded,  that  I  venture  to  consider  them  as  the  same.  They  are  less 
bright  in  color,  rather  purplish  than  rose-red,  and  the  apices  of  the  leaves  are  more  acute.  But 
the  nearly  allied  D.  Hypoglossum  varies  in  a  similar  way. 

13.  Gelidium  cartilagineum,  Grev.;  Harv.  Ner.  Bor.  Amer.  2,  p.  117.     Simoda. 

14.  Gelidium  corneum,  Lamour.;  Harv.  Ner.  Bor.  Amer.  2,  p.  116.  Webster's  Island, 
Jeddo,  and  Simoda. 

15.  Halosaccion  ?  (Halocoelia !)  Japonica,  flaru.  (n.sp.):  fronde  .  .   .  .   ;  ramis  filiformibus 


332  F,  XPEDITIONTO. JAPAN. 

utrinque  attenuatis  ramuliferis,  ramulis  crebris  patentibus  filiformibus  setaceis. — Hakodadi.  I 
have  only  seen  two  branches,  as  they  appear  to  be,  and  am  ignorant  of  the  ramification  of  th'e 
perfect  frond.  The  branches  are  6  to  8  inches  long,  about  a  line  in  diameter,  and  densely  set 
throughout  with  very  patent  prolifications.  The  structure  of  the  frond  is  much  denser  than 
that.of  2f.  sobolifera. 

IG.  Gymnogonuyrus  furcellatus,  Ag.  (f)     Simoda  and  Webster's  Island. 

17.  Gymnogoryrus  flabelliformis,  Harv.  (n.  sp.)  :  fronde  pumila,  compresso-plana  anguste 
lineari  pluries  dichotoma  ambitu  flabelliformi,  segmentis  apice  vix  dilatatis  iiistigiatis  obtusis  v. 
emar^-inatis. — Simoda.  Not  two  inches  high,  resembles  a  small  specimen  of  the  narrow  varie- 
ties of  Cliondrus  crispus. 

18.  Gymnogoryrus  pinnulatus,  Harv.  (n.  sp.)  :  fronde  elata  stipitata  dichotoma  et  vage  pro- 
lifera,  ramis  primariis  linearibus  compresso-planis,  superioribus  prolificatioubusque  complanatis 
cuneatis  furcatis  e  margine  pinnatis,  pinnis  linearibus  obtusis,  axillis  omnibus  latis  ;  cystocarpiis 
ovalibus  maculajformibus  immersis. — Hakodadi. 

19.  Cystoclonidm ?  armatum,  Harv.,  (n.  sp.) :  caule  subsimplici  compresso  ramis  lateralibu* 
densissime  onusto,  ramis  compressis  longissimis  subsimplicibus  fiexuosis  acutis  basi  angustatis, 
ramulis  divaricato-patentibus  subulatis  brevibus  secus  ramos  sparsis,  cystocarpiis  (saspe  binis)  in 
ramulis  immersis  oblongis. — Hakodadi.  This  has  the  habit  of  Gracillaria  armata,  and  a  struc- 
ture of  frond  not  very  dissimilar,  but  the  fruit  is  that  of  a  Cystodonium.  There  is  no  medullary 
stratum  of  filaments. 

20.  Nemastoma  livida,  Harv.,  (n,  sp.):  gelatinoso-carnosa,  purpurascens,  stipitebrevi  ramoso, 
ramis  complanatis  basi  cuneatis  mox  linearibus  plus  minus  dichotomis,  segmentis  superioribus 
angustioribus  ultimis  attenuatis. — Simoda.     A  single  specimen. 

21.  GLOlosirHOXiA  capillaris,  Carm.;  Harv.  Ner.  Bor.  Amcr.  2,  p.  202.     Hakodadi. 

22.  Ckramium  rubrum,  Auct.     Hakodadi ;  apparently  common. 

There  are  30  species  of  Algoj  in  the  collection.  Besides  these,  there  are  fragments  of  Hypnea 
musci/ormis,  and  one  or  two  others  not  easily  determinable  ;  and  a  specimen  of  an  Alga,  not  in 
fruit,  whose  genus  I  am  unable  to  determine.  It  is  possibly  allied  to  Chylocladia,  or  to 
Bhabdonia. 


OBSERVATIONS 


IN    RELATION   TO 


CYCLONES   OF   THE   WESTERN   PACIFIC 


•   BMBEACED   IN   A 


COMMUNICATION  TO  COMMODORE  PERRY, 


WILLIAM    C.    RE  DF  I  ELD, 


INTRODUCTORY   NOTE. 


The  following  paper,  prepared  by  the  lamented  "William  C.  Eedfield  expressly  for  this  report, 
may  he  looked  upon  as  the  very  last  offering  to  jiractical  science  of  that  eminent  man,  it  having 
heen  finished  hut  a  few  days  prior  to  the  illness  which  terminated  his  life. 

It  was  my  good  fortune  to  enjoy  for  many  years  the  friendly  acquaintance  of  one,  as  remark- 
able for  modesty  and  unassuming  pretensions,  as  for  laborious  observation  and  inquiry  after 
knowledge. 

To  him,  and  to  General  Keid,  of  the  Koyal  Engineers  of  England,  are  navigators  mainly 
indebted  for  the  discovery  of  a  law  which  has  already  contributed,  and  will  continue  to  contribute, 
greatly  to  the  safety  of  vessels  traversing  the  ocean. 

It  is  true,  that  subsequent  writers,  Piddington,  Thom,  Fryers^  Sedgewick  and  Bosquett,  as 
mentioned  in  the  1st  volume  of  this  work,  have  furnished  additional  information  upon  the  subject, 
but  to  Redfield  and  Reid  should  be  ascribed  the  credit  of  the  original  discovery  of  this  undeniable 
law  of  nature,  and  its  application  to  useful  purposes  ;  and  there  can  be  nothing  more  beautiful, 
as  illustrative  of  the  characters  of  these  two  men,  than  the  fact,  well  known  to  myself,  that,  not- 
withstanding their  simultaneous  observations  and  discoveries  in  distant  parts  of  the  world, 
neither  claimed  the  slightest  merit  over  the  other,  but  each  strove  to  give  to  his  co-worker  in 
research  the  meed  of  superior  success  in  the  great  object  of  their  joint  labors  ;  and  thus,  without 
ever  meeting,  a  strong  friendship  was  formed  between  them,  growing  out  of  congenial  aspira- 
tions for  honorable  fame,  and  mutual  admiration  of  the  generous  and  enlightened  views  exhibited 
by  each  other  ;  and  this  enobling  feeling  was  kept  alive  to  the  last  by  friendly  correspondence.* 

I  recollect,  when  sent  abroad  by  the  government,  in  1838,  to  visit  the  dock-yards  and  light- 
houses of  England  and  France,  I  was  favored  with  a  letter  of  introduction  from  Mr.  Redfield  to 
his  friend,  then  Colonel  Reid,t  and  I  could  well  judge,  by  the  many  attentions  and  valuable 
services  rendered  to  me  by  that  distinguished  officer,  and  his  verbal  enquiries,  how  highly  he 
valued  the  recommendation  of  a  man  whom  he  had  never  seen. 

M.  C.  PERRY. 

o  Tlie  last  letters  of  General  Keid  arrived  too  late  to  be  opened  and  read  by  the  deceased, 
f  Now  General  Reid,  and  Governor  of  Malta. 


OBSERVATIONS 


IN  RBLATION   TO 


THE   CYCLONES  OE  THE   WESTERN  TACIEIC 


BY    WILLIAM   C.    EEDFIELD. 


NE\rYoEK,  December  26,  1856. 

Dear  Sir  :  The  return  to  the  United  States  of  the  naval  expedition  placed  under  your  com- 
mand by  our  government,  for  special  service  in  the  Asiatic  seas,  has  furnished  much  valuable 
information  on  various  subjects  of  general  interest  and  importance.  Of  these  beneficial  contri- 
butions, the  numerous  geographical  and  hydrographical  examinations  made  by  the  officers  of 
the  squadron,  and  the  observations  made  and  collected  in  relation  to  the  tempestuous  cyclones 
of  the  Western  Pacific,  cannot  fail  to  promote  the  interests  of  navigation  and  commerce.  The 
latter  portion  of  these  materials,  together  with  such  other  notices  of  the  gales  and  typhoons  of 
the  China  Sea  and  the  North  Pacific  Ocean  as  are  now  at  hand,  constitute  the  subject  of  this 
communication. 

Cyclone  of  July,  1853. — The  steamships  Susquehanna  and  Mississippi  left  the  bay  of  Yedo,  in 
Japan,  on  the  17th  of  July,  1853,  steering  a  southwesterly  course,  with  the  barometer  at  30 
inches,  which  is  quite  above  the  mean  height  of  this  instrument  in  the  summer  season  on  that 
coast,  and  was  caused,  apparently,  by  the  exterior  atmospheric  wave  of  the  approaching  cyclone. 
On  the  18th,  the  barometer  commenced  falling,  with  the  wind  at  E.S.E.,  and  was  accompanied 
on  the  19th  by  a  heavy  swell  from  the  southeast  quarter,  in  latitude  31°  14'  N.,  longitude 
135°  03'  E. ;  the  center-path  of  the  cyclone,  thus  api^roached  by  the  ships,  being  at  the,distance 
of  about  five  hundred  and  fifty  miles,  as  now  estimated.  On  the  20th,  the  cyclonic  wind  liad 
veered  to  the  east,  increasing  in  force,  and  with  "very  heavy  sea."  At  6  p.  M.,  the  barometer 
had  fallen  to  29.36  ;  below  which  it  did  not  subside.  The  Mississippi,  after  lying  twenty-four 
hours  with  head  to  S.E.,  with  no  indications  of  a  favorable  change,  was  placed  with  her  head  to 
N.E.,  when  the  rise  of  the  barometer  was  very  apparent,  as  appears  by  the  master's  report. 
The  Susquehanna's  barometer,  at  9  A.  M.  of  the  21st,  stood  at  29.36;  and  from  this  time  it  con- 
tinued to  rise  slowly,  and  the  strength  of  the  gale  was  found  to  abate.  On  the  24th,  the  Missis- 
sippi was  in  latitude  26°  25',  longitude  128°  10'  E.,  near  to  Lew  Chew,  with  barometer  at  29.60, 
and  the  cyclonic  wind  had  veered  to  E.S.E.  On  the  26th,  at  Lew  Chew,  the  wind  had  veered 
round  to  the  southward,  and  the  barometer  rose  to  29.74  ;  and  on  the  27th  and  28th,  attained 
29.80,  the  usual  height  for  July  in  that  region. 

From  the  known  law  which  governs  the  cyclones  in  the  northern  hemisphere  it  results  that 
these  observations,  as  made  by  a  single  ship,  are  quite  sufficient  to  show  that  this  gale  was  a 
great  cyclone,  and  was  moving  in  the  direction  which  is  common  in  the  lower  latitudes  ;  that  it 
43  s 


338  EXPEDITIONTOJAPAN. 

was  of  great  superficial  extent ;  and  that  the  position  of  these  ships  was  far  to  the  right  of  the 
path  pursued  by  the  axis  of  the  gale.  It  is  equally  apparent  that  it  belonged  to  a  class  of  gales 
which  are  distinguished  by  the  sluggish  rate  of  their  geographical  progression.  All  this  was 
manif^ted  by  the  persistence  of  the  easterly  winds  ;  by  the  slow  and  graduated  efi'ect  of  their 
cyclonic  action,  as  seen  in  the  fall  and  subsequent  rise  of  the  barometer  ;  and  by  the  gradual 
veering  of  the  winds  towards  the  south,  as  the  cyclone  passed  off.  It  has  sometimes  happened 
that  a  ship  placed  in  a  similar  position  in  a  cyclone,  has  run  in  nearly  a  direct  course  parallel  to 
its  path,  for  several  days,  without  any  considerable  change  in  the  direction  of  the  storm  wind. 
Hence  it  has  been  inferred,  erroneously,  that  the  gale  was  not  a  cyclone.  A  better  knowledge 
of  the  cyclones  will  enable  the  mariner  to  avoid  this  error. 

But  we  have  further  knowledge  of  the  great  extent  and  slow  progression  of  this  storm, 
obtained  from  direct  observations  in  the  adjacent  parts  of  the  Pacific  ocean.  The  Saratoga, 
which  left  Yedo  bay  with  the  steamships,  bound  for  Shanghai,  on  a  track  more  northerly  than 
was  pursued  by  the  steamships,  encountered  in  like  manner  the  heavy  sea  and  strong  winds  from 
the  eastward  ;  and  on  the  21st  was  hove  to,  in  latitude  29°  1',  longitude  129°  37'  ;  and  likewise 
on  the  23d  and  24th,  near  latitude  30°  N.,  longitude  124°  E.,  and  was  off  Saddle  island,  near  the 
mouth  of  the  Yang-tsz  river,  from  27th  to  30th,  having  then  southeasterly  winds,  with  squalls 
and  continued  bad  weather.  The  barometer  reached  its  lowest  point,  29.60,  at  noon  of  24th, 
in  latitude  29°  28',  longitude  128°  17',  with  the  wind  at  E.N.E.,  and  afterwards  veering  to  S.S.E., 
as  with  the  steamships.  We  have  no  observations  made  nearer  to  the  right  border  of  the 
cyclone. 

Next  in  order  of  the  gale's  progression,  we  have  the  observations  found  in  the  master's  report 
of  the  United  States  store-ship  Supply,  then  lying  at  Kapha,  Lew  Chew  islands,  latitude  26°  12' 
N.,  longitude  127°  43'  E.,  a  position  much  nearer  to  the  center-path  of  the  cyclone.  His  tables 
show  the  maximum  of  the  anterior  barometric  wave  to  have  reached  Napha  as  early  as  noon  of 
the  12th,  when  tlie  barometer  stood  at  30.02  inches  ;  from  which  time  to  the  night  of  the  17th, 
it  slowly  subsided  to  29.84,  with  winds  from  the  eastern  board.  On  the  18th  the  wind  had 
become  strong,  with  an  increasing  fall  in  the  barometer.  On  the  19th  and  20th  the  gale  blew 
from  the  northeast  quarter,  with  increasing  violence  ;  and  in  its  greatest  force  from  the  north- 
ward on  the  21st.  At  3  a.  m.  of  this  day  the  barometer  had  subsided  to  28.88  ;  and  to  28.82 
at  noon,  with  a  slight  reaction  at  evening.  At  3  p.  m.  of  22d  it  had  settled  to  28.74,  its  lowest 
point,  from  which  it  had  only  risen  to  28.83  at  midnight,  with  improving  weather.  On  the 
23d  and  24th  the  wind  veered  through  east  to  southeast,  and  the  barometer  rose  more  rapidly. 
It  reached  29.80,  the  July  mean  of  the  region,  on  the  20th,  when  the  wind  had  veered  to  south, 
with  no  further  traces  of  tlie  dej^arting  cyclone.  The  fall  and  rise  of  the  barometer  at  Napha,  as 
also  with  the  other  vessels,  was  not  entirely  gradual,  but  with  very  moderate  fluctuations  of 
some  hours  continuance,  as  is  more  or  less  common  under  other  wide-spread  cyclones.  The 
gale,  though  of  much  violence  at  Napha,  was  not  of  the  greatest  intensity  of  hurricanes.  It 
was  observed  by  the  officers  "  that  even  when  the  wind  was  piping  loudest — when  the  water 
was  whirled  violently  by  in  perfect  sheets — the  scud  moved  overhead  at  a  remarkably  slow  rate, 
and  the  upper  layer  of  clouds  seemed  scarcely  to  be  stirred  at  all  ;"  thus  showing  the  very 
limited  elevation  of  the  superior  surface  of  the  cyclone.  Its  axial  center,  when  near  these 
islands,  probably  bore  south  from  Napha  near  noon  of  22d,  at  a  distance  which  I  now  estimate 
.at  about  eighty  miles. 

Jn  further  tr^^cipg  its  approach  to  tlie  western  limits  of  the  Pacific,  we  have  the  log-book  of 


CYCLONES    OF    THE    WESTERN    PACIFIC.  339 

the  United  States  store-ship  Caprice,  Lieutenant  Wm.  L.  Maury,  bound  from  Shanghai  to  Lew 
Chew.  At  8  A.  M.,  July  17,  the  Caprice  left  the  mouth  of  Woo-sung  river,  and  stood  down  the 
Yang-tsz  river.  Barometer  at'noon  29.71  inches,  its  maximum  for  this  period.  Anchored 
during  the  night,  with  a  heavy  ground  swell  from  S.E.  July  18th,  barometer  at  noon  29.67. 
P.  M.,  working  out  of  the  river  with  wind  at  S.E.  ;  barometer  at  midnight  29.62;  force  of 
wind  2  ;  and  a  heavy  swell  from  S.E. 

July  20. —  Pleasant,  and  wind  veers  from  E.S.E.  to  N.E.  by  E.  with  gradually  increasinf 
strength,  3  to  4  ;  with  very  heavy  swell  from  S.E.  to  E.S.E.  Latitude  at  noon,  31°  33'  N., 
longitude  123°  18'  E.  ;  in  18  fathoms  water.  Weather  still  pleasant,  with  good  breezes.  At 
6  P.  M.,  barometer  29.42  ;  took  in  sail  and  prepared  for  a  gale  ;  barometer  rising  to  29.50. 

July  21. — Commences  pleasant,  with  fresh  breezes  from  N.E.  by  E.,  increasing,  and  heavy 
seafromE.  At  10  a.  m.,  gale  at  N.E.  by  N.,force  7  ;  barometer  29.40.  Noon,  latitude  29°  30' N., 
longitude  124°  42'  E.     5  p.  m.,  gale  N.E.  ;  barometer  29.35 ;  at  midnight  29.34. 

July  22. — Gale  N.E.  ;  heavy  sea  from  E.  and  N.E.  ;  3  a.  m.,  barometer  29.27  ;  5  a.  m.,  N.E. 
by  E.,  increasing  ;  9  a.  m.,  force  9;  barometer  29.27;  sea  running  from  N.E.,  and  rapid  gale  scud 
flying  over.  Noon,  latitude  D.  K.  28°  46  ;  longitude,  chron.,  124°  49'.  1  p.  m.,  gale  E.N.E., 
force  10  ;  3  p.  M.,  barometer  29.25' ;  squalls  and  rain.  At  7  p.  m.,  gale  E.  by  N.,  10  ;  ship  was 
hove-to  ;  strong  gales  and  high  sea  ;  rapid  scud  flying  overhead. 

July  23. — Lying-to  throughout ;  a  high  and  regular  sea  from  E.N.E.,  with  rapid  scuds  flying. 
3  A.M.,  barometer  29.22  ;  9  a.m.,  gale  east,  10;  barometer  29.25.  Noon,  latitude  D.  R.  28°  30' N., 
longitude,  chro.,  124°  26'  E.  ;  3  p.  m.,  barometer  29.23  ;  5  p.  m.,  galeE.  ^  S.,  force  11  ;  9  p.  m., 
gale  E.  by  S.  ;  barometer  29.23  ;  spoon  drift  flying  over  the  ship. 

July  24. — Lying-to  throughout ;  gale  E.  by  S.,  force  10  ;  high  scud  flying  to  westward  with 
great  rapidity.  3  a.  M.,  barometer  29.22  ;  7a.m. ,29. 20;  9  A.  M.,  gale  E.S.E.  ;  barometer  29.18. 
Noon,  latitude  D.  R.  28°  26'  N.,  longitude,  chro.  124°  47'  E.;  1  p.  m.,  gale  S.E.  by  10  E.,  force  11, 
with  heavy  squalls  of  wind  and  rain,  with  irregular  sea;  3  p.  m.,  barometer  at  its  minimum, 
29.16  ;  heavy  cross  sea,  and  spoon-drift  flying  over  the  vessel ;  sky  overcast  with  clouds,  passing 
over  slowly  to  the  westward  ;  5  p.  M.,  barometer  29.18,  clouds  sluggish  ;  7  p.  m.,  gale  S.E.,  less 
severe  ;  barometer  29.24  ;  11  p.  m.,  barometer  29.27  ;  clouds  occasionally  breaking,  and  passing 
to  N.W. 

July  25. — 3  a.  m.,  gale  S.E.  by  S,  force  8;  barometer  29.25  ;  squally,  with  light  rain.  ^5  a.  m., 
force  7  ;  barometer  29.28.  9  A.  M.,  gale  increasing;  rainy  and  squalls  ;  barometer  29.32  ;  sea 
moderating.  11  p.  m.,  gale  8  ;  barometer  29.34.  Noon,  latitude  D.  R.  28°  51',  longitude  D.  R. 
124°  03'  ;  gale  S.  E.  8.  3  p.  m.,  gale  S.S.E.  7,  with  cross  sea  ;  barometer  29.37.  9  p.  m.,  gale 
S.8.E.  6  ;  sky  brightening  to  northward  and  patches  of  blue  sky  to  S.E.,  and  overhead. 

Jidy  26. — Wind  strong  at  S.  E,  by  S.,  force  6  ;  barometer  29.50  ;  scud  passing  to  northward; 
sea  from  S.S.E.  9  a.m.,  a  heavy  and  cross  sea  rising  ;  barometer  29.52.  Noon,  latitude  29°  31', 
longitude  125°  16'  ;  in  40  fathoms  water.  P.  M.,  wind  and  sea  increasing,  with  heavy  squalls  ; 
clouds  [scud?]  passing  rapidly  to  N.W.  At  5  p.  m.,  gale  still  S.E.  by  S,  force  8  ;  barometer 
29.49.     Ends  moderating,  (7)  ;  barometer  29.51. 

July  27. — At  5  a.  m.,  gale  S.E.,  7  ;  barometer  29.52  ;  squalls  increasing.  8  A.  m..  gale  S.E. 
^E.,8;  scud  low  and  thin,  passing  to  northward;  sea  from  southward,  increasing.  Noon, 
latitude  D.  R.  28°  55',  longitude  D.  R.  124°  16' ;  barometer  29.53  ;  heavy  squalls  and  rain  ; 
nimbus  clouds  passing  to  N.N.W.     At  7  P.  m.,  wind  S.S.E.  (6)  ;  barometer  29.55. 

Juiy  28. — 1  A.  M.,  strong  winds  (6)  from  S.S.E.  ;  barometer  29.54;  sea  moderating.     At  7 


340  EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN. 

A.  M.,  increasing  to  gale  (7)  from  8.E.  Ly  E.  ;  barometer  29.56  ;  noon  same,  with  high,  irregular 
sea  ;  barometer  29.58  ;  latitude  29°,  longitude  124°  37'  ;  r.  m.,  wind  S.E.  by  S.  (6)  ;  barometer 
29.56 — 29.58.     Ends  with  strong  winds  from  S.E.  and  squalls'. 

jujy  29. — 7  A.  M.,  gale  S.E.  (7)  ;  barometer  29.55  ;  low  scuds  flying  to  northward  ;  high  and 
irregular  sea  from  S.8.W.  Noon,  latitude  D.  K.  28°  09',  longitude  D.  R.  123°  22' ;  in  45  fathoms 
water;  barometer  ^9.56  ;  gale  S.E.  by  S.  (7)  ;  scud  flying  to  northward.  At  3  p.  m.,  gale  S.S.E. 
(7)  ;  barometer  29.52.  6p.m.,  strong  gale  (9)  and  squally,  with  rain  and  heavy  sea.  At  11 
p.  M.,  gale  moderated  to  5  ;  barometer  20.58. 

July  30. — Clouds  breaking,  clear  to  E.  and  S.E.  ;  strong  breezes  S.S.E.  to  S.E.  ;  clouds 
cumulo-stratus  and  nimbus,  passing  to  N.N.W.  At  noon  in  43  fathoms  ;  latitude  29°  N.,  lon- 
gitude 124°  30'  E.  ;  heavy  sea  from  S.E.,  and  swell  from  S.S.W.  ;  barometer  29.55  to  29.61. 

Jnhj  31. — Strong  breezes  (6)  from  southward;  heavy  swell  from  S.S.W.  At  noon  under 
double-reefed  topsail  and  foresail  ;  latitude  D.  R.  28°  19',  longitude  124°  17' ;  barometer 
ranging  between  29.57  and  29.63. 

Augrist  1. — Fresh  breezes,  force  5,  moderating  to  4  ;  heavy  swell  from  S.S.W.  Noon,  latitude 
28°  35',  longitude  125°  09  ,  in  50  fathoms.  Barometer  rises  from  29.62  at  1  A.  M.  to  29.69  at 
midnight,  or  nearly  to  the  same  point  as  at  the  commencement  of  this  very  extended  period  of 
cyclonic  action. 

The  phenomenon  thus  presented  may  be  regarded  as  of  much  scientific  and  practical  interest. 
It  does  not  appear  that  the  Caprice  was  at  any  time  nearer  to  the  axis  of  the  cyclone  than  about 
one  hundred  and  fifty  miles.  The  greatly  prolonged  influence  of  the  cyclone  upon  her  barometer 
was  nearly  equable  ;  its  movement  being  unusually  steady  during  its  successive  gradations. 
The  entire  range  of  the  barometer  during  a  period  of  seventy- two  hours,  from  3  a.  m.  of  the  22d 
to  same  hour  of  25th,  was  scarcely  more  than  one-tenth  of  an  inch,  or  between  29.27  and  .29.16 
inches.  The  lowest  depression  occurred  about  1  p.  M.  of  the  24th,  and  probably  indicated  the 
nearest  approach  of  the  cyclonic  axis,  as  it  passed  the  ship.  Its  nearest  approach  to  the  Supply, 
at  Lew  Chew,  appears  to  have  been  about  3  P.  M.  of  the  22d,  which  is  earlier  by  seventy  hours. 
Hence,  the  rate  of  the  advance  of  the  cyclone,  in  this  period,  for  the  distance  of  little  more  than 
two  hundred  nautical  miles,  appears  to  be  onli/  three  nautical  miles  per  hour. 

The  earlier  jirogress  of  this  storm  may  have  been  at  a  faster  rate,  as  has  been  shown  in  other 
cyclones,  while  moving  westward  toward  the  places  of  their  northwardly  recurvation.  The 
minimum  of  the  barometer,  when  properly  observed,  is  believed  to  furnish  more  exact  evidence 
of  the  actual  progress  of  the  storm  than  is  afibrded  by  the  specific  direction  and  changes  of  the 
winds,  particularly  in  a  wide  spread  cyclone. 

The  entire  absence  of  any  winds  other  than  from  the  eastern  board,  with  the  several  ships, 
would  perhaps  lead  many  navigators  and  meteorologists  to  infer  that  this  gale  was  not  a  cyclone, 
but  a  direct  wind,  moving  in  the  manner  of  a  great  current ;  and  such  inference  might  seem  con- 
firmed, on  finding  that  these  coTiditions  must  have  extended  over  a  breadth  of  track  equal  to 
about  ten  degrees  of  latitude.  Yet,  we  might  well  inquire  whether  any  gales,  other  than  cyclones, 
are  ever  found  to  blow  with  great  strength  on  the  broad  ocean.  But  the  characteristic  move- 
ments of  the  barometer  and  the  coincident  changes  in  the  direction  and  strength  of  the  winds, 
as  also  the  advanced  action  and  the  subsequent  changes  in  the  direction  of  the  heavy  swell, 
which  often  ran  in  a  course  diff'erent  from  the  winds,  as  blowing  at  the  several  ships,  are  quite 
sufficient  to  establish  the  cyclonic  character  of  this  extensive  and  slowly  advancing  gale.  More- 
over, the  direction  and  strength  of  the  winds  with  the  steamships  on  the  20th  and  2l8t,  was 


CYCLONESOFTHEWESTERNPACIFIC.  34 1 

such  that,  according  to  the  ahove  inference,  the  same  should  have  reached  the  Caprice,  and  the 
coast  of  China,  in  ahout  eight  hours  ;  "and  yet  some  fifty  or  sixty  hours  are  found  to  have 
elapsed  before  this  geographical  translation  had  fully  taken  place. 

Although  the  cyclonic  character  of  this  gale  is  thus  fully  established,  we  have  still  another 
important  series  of  observations,  obtained  by  the  officers  of  the  squadrom  from  the  British 
schooner  Eament,  procured  from  the  log-book  by  Lieut.  Wm.  L.  Maury,  which  show  us  a 
portion  of  the  northerly  winds  of  the  cyclone  as  veeriny  by  the  west  to  southwest  and  south,  in 
the  tnner  portion  of  its  left  hand  quadrants.  The  following  is  the  abridged  log,  with  the  old 
system  of  nautical  dates  reduced  to  civil  time  : 

The  schooner  Eament,  H.  D.  Brown,  commander,  from  Hong  Kong  towards  Woo-sung,  was 
standing  through  the  Formosa  channel,  and  on  the  afternoon  of  July  21,  had  moderate  breezes 
from  the  northern  quarter,  with  fine  weather. 

July  22  begins  with  light  breezes  from  N.N.W.  and  fine;  heading  N.E.  by  N.;  steady  breeze 
and  cloudy;  11  a.  m.,  in  all  studding  sails,  and  braced  sharp  up.  At  noon,  latitude  D.  R. 
25°  30'  N.,  longitude  by  chronometer  120°  46'  E. ;  barometer  29.40.  P.  M.,  moderate  breeze 
from  N.N.W. ,  and  heavy  sea  from  N.E.  Midnight,  pitching  very  heavily,  and  gale  increasing; 
double  reefed  the  foresail;  barometer  29.39.  [OIF  the  north  end  of  Formosa,  heading  up  north- 
eastward, and  approaching  the  center  path  of  the  storm.] 

July  23. — 1  A.  M.,  gale  still  N.N.W.;  split  inner  jib;  vessel's  course  falling  off  from  N.E.  to 
E.N.E.,  and  gale  increasing;  10  A.  M.,  Agincourt  island  bearing  S.S.W.,  distant  five  miles. 
Noon,  barometer  29.20;  strong  gale  from  N.N.E. ;  4  p.  m.,  gale  increasing,  close  reefed  foresail 
and  mainsail;  aneroid  falling  rapidly.  Midnight,  strong  gale  and  heavy  rain;  aneroid  28.50; 
vessel  pitching  heavily.     [Between  Formosa  and  the  Madjico-sima  group.] 

July  24. — 1  A.  M.,  blowing  a  hurricane  from  N.N.E. ,  with  high  sea;  at  11  a.  m.,  split  the 
foresail.  At  noon  gale  less  violent;  weather  looking  very  unsettled;  1  r.  M.,  wind  W.N.W., 
and  moderate,  with  dirty  looking  weather  and  high  sea;  aneroid  28.30,  and  still  falling;  at 
3  p.  M.,  calm  !  [Vessel  on  southern  edge  of  the  axial  area  of  the  cyclone.]  At  3.30  p.  m.  wind 
increasing,  and  bearing  to  S.W. ;  vessel  labors  heavily;  5  p.  m.,  gale  S.S.W.;  5.30,  blowing  a 
hurricane;  split  fore  trysail;  6  p.  M.,  hurricane  from  south,  increasing;  scudding  under  bare 
poles;  very  heavy  seas;  aneroid  28.14.  [Vessel  behind  the  storm's  centre,  and  running  across 
the  rear  of  the  vortex.]  At  7  P.  M.,  gale  S.S.E.;  8  p.  m.,  hove-to  under  bare  poles;  gale  S.E. 
At  10  p.  M.,  less  wind,  with  heavy  lain ;  set  fore  staysail  and  the  close  reefed  fore  and  main- 
sails; midnight,  strong  gale. 

July  25. — 4  A.  M.,  less  wind;  aneroid  rising;  8  A.  M.,  strong  wind  and  high  sea;  9.30, 
shipped  a  heavy  sea;  split  foresail;  vessel  heading  N.E.  at  noon,  with  strong  gale  and  heavy 
sea;  aneroid  28.00  [?]  and  [barometer?]  29.51  ;  p.  m.,  gale  strong  from  S.E.,  and  thick  weather; 
vessel  running  N.E.;  rolling  and  pitching  heavily  ;  6  p.  M.,  strong  breezes  and  thick  weather  ; 
aneroid  29.40  ;  midnight,  same  winds  and  weather. 

July  26. — At  4  A.  M.,  less  wind  ;  set  foresail,  close  reefed  ;  8  A.  M.,  set  squaresail ;  course  N.; 
rolling  heavily.  Noon,  strong  breezes,  with  heavy  sea;  aneroid  29.52;  p.  m.,  fresh  gale  from 
S.E.,  and  heavy  sea;  7  p.  m.,  strong  winds  and  dirty  weather;  double  reefed  the  foresail; 
midnight,  less  wind. 

July  27. — 4  A.  M.,  fresh  breezes  and  squally;  course  W.N.W.  At  9.30  a.  m.,  saw  Video, 
bearing  W.N.W.  \  N.,  distant  8  miles.  [Position  of  this  island,  latitude  30°  07',  longitude 
122°  46'  E.]     At  noon,  aneroid  29.63. 


342  EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN. 

It  is  here  seen  that  in  the  Formosa  channel  the  cyclonic  wind  had  set  in  on  the  2l8t,  settling 
to  N.N.W.  at  midnight,  at  the  distance  perhaps  of  90  miles  to  the  left  of  the  line  on  which  the 
axis  of  the  storm  was  approaching;  but  pushing  northeastward,  in  order  to  clear  Formosa  and 
the  small  islands,  the  vessel  was  steered  almost  directly  for  the  approaching  vortex,  and  thns 
changed  her  wind  from  N.N.W.  to  N.N.E.,  the  proper  anterior  wind  on  the  path  of  the  gale's 
axis.  When  this  axis  had  passed  the  vessel,  she  was  then  enabled  to  run  on  her  desired  course, 
before  the  southwesterly  and  southerly  winds,  thus  crossing  the  axis  path  into  the  second  right 
hand  quadrant  of  the  gale,  and  thus  bringing  the  wind  to  the  southeast  quarter. 

The  axis  path  of  the  gale,  as  indicated  by  the  foregoing  reports,  is  found  on  the  annexed 
storm  chart  for  the  north  Pacific  ocean,  marked  (A). 

To  what  limits  this  cyclone  might  be  traced  on  the  left  or  southerly  side  of  its  path  we  are 
unable  to  determine.  In  regard  to  the  entire  breadth  of  its  path,  it  appears  by  the  report  of 
sailingmaster  Conover,  "  that  on  26th  and  27  th  of  July,  it  blew  most  terribly  upon  the  coast 
from  Hong  Kong  to  Shanghai;  scattering  and  wrecking  the  unwieldy  Chinese  junks,  and 
sending  many  a  poor  fisherman  to  his  long  home."  Its  further  course  over  the  great  alluvial 
plain  of  China  and  the  adjacent  waters  of  the  Yellow  Sea,  and  the  subsequent  recurvation  of  its 
path  to  the  northward  and  eastward,  are  not  likely  to  be  determined  by  direct  observations. 

The  phenomena  of  this  great  cyclone  are  fruitful  of  instruction,  both  to  mariners  and  meteor- 
ologists, and  present  many  points  of  practical  interest,  which  cannot  be  dwelt  upon  in  the 
limits  of  this  communication.  It  may  be  noticed,  however,  without  regard  to  the  slow  rate  of 
progression,  that  the  phases  of  the  barometer  and  winds  which  were  presented  in  the  extensive 
region  on  the  right  side  of  the  axis  path,  are  in  perfect  accordance  with  those  which  are  found 
in  the  right  hand  quadrants  of  the  great  cyclones  which  so  often  sweep  over  the  United  States 
and  the  north  Atlantic  ocean,  in  pursuing  their  northeasterly  course.  Thus,  as  we  have 
already  seen,  during  the  W.N.W.  progression  in  the  lower  latitudes,  the  true  winds  of  the 
cyclone,  in  its  two  right  hand  quadrants  are  chiefly  from  the  eastern  board,  and  veering  to  the 
right  towards  the  south  in  the  progress  of  the  storm  ;  and  on  reaching  the  higher  latitudes,  in 
consequence  of  the  inversion  in  the  course  of  progression,  the  winds  of  these  two  right  hand 
quadrants  come  mostly  from  the  icesteni  board,  and  are  still  found  veering  towards  the  right,  by 
west  towards  the  north,  as  the  cyclone  moves  onward  over  the  places  of  observation.  Such  cases 
are  constantly  presented  during  the  greater  part  of  the  year ;  and  our  navigators  in  crossing 
the  Atlantic  have  great  experience  of  the  truth  of  this  position. 

CYCLONES    AND    MONSOONS. 

It  is  doubtless  important  that  the  nautical  reports  which  we  have  already  noticed  should 
become  available  for  the  better  guidance  and  security  of  oceanic  commerce.  For  it  often  happens 
that  seamen  are  too  slow  in  recognizing  the  cyclonic  character  and  conditions  of  the  gales  which 
they  encounter,  and  many  disasters  have  resulted  from  this  neglect. 

In  the  Asiatic  seas,  as  elsewhere,  the  judgment  of  the  navigator  is  often  misguided  by  the 
loose  and  inaccurate  statements  which  are  found  in  various  authorities.  Thus,  it  is  said  that 
gales  or  hurricanes  rarely  occur  in  these  seas,  except  at  the  equinoxes,  or  at  the  changes  of  the 
monsoons.  These  assumed  axioms  are  greatly  erroneous,  as  the  inspection  of  the  storm  charts 
may  suffice  to  show. 

The  actual  relations  of  the  cyclones  to  the  monsoons  and  local  winds  of  the  Asiatic  seas  are 
of  much  interest,  and  merit  a  careful  examination.     It  is  quite  remarkable  that  these  monsoons 


CYCLONES    OP    THE    WESTERN    PACIFIC.  343 

should  be  found  to  have  little,  if  any,  control  or  influence  as  regards  the  regular  courses  and 
developments  of  the  cyclones.  This  may  show  the  predominancy  of  cosmical  laws  and 
influences  over  the  apparently  opposing  conditions  which  are  so  extensively  presented  by  these 
alternating  winds. 

The  extent  of  the  westerly  monsoons^  parallel  to  and  on  both  sides  of  the  equator,  appears  to 
be  far  greater  than  has  been  recognized  by  most  writers.  In  the  northern  hemisphere  these 
counter  winds  of  the  true  trades  extend  from  the  east  coast  of  Africa,  near  longitude  45°  E.,  to 
at  least  longitude  175°  E.,  in  the  central  Pacific.  The  proper  trade  wind  appears  to  consist  of 
a  comparatively  thin  stratum  of  aerial  current  moving  upon  the  ocean  surface,  and  is  distin- 
guished by  its  inclination  towards  the  equator.  On  this  stratum  there  is  ordinarily  imposed 
another  current,  probably  of  greater  depth  and  volume,  into  which  the  trade  wind  ultimately 
merges,  and  which  also  moves  westward  while  in  the  trade-wind  latitudes,  but  generally 
inclines  from  the  equator,  as  is  shown  by  the  rain  clouds  and  squalls  which  it  carries,  and  by 
the  direction  of  translation  imparted  to  the  cyclones  wjiich  it  embodies,  This  important  wind- 
current,  80  little  recognized  by  most  writers,  frequently  alternates  with,  or  displaces,  the  true 
trades  ;  and  still  more  frequently  it  replaces  the  westerly  monsoon,  as  a  surface  wind,  to  the 
east  of  Sumatra.  Thus,  the  "  southwest  monsoon"  of  the  China  sea  and  the  western  Pacific^ 
and  which  extends  to  the  shores  of  Japan,  is  very  commonly  displaced  from  the  surface  by  the 
main  current  of  southeasterly  wind,  especially  to  the  eastward  of  Sumatra.  Thus,  the  "south- 
west monsoon"  of  the  China  sea  and  the  western  Pacific,  and  which  extends  to  the  shores  of 
Japan,  is  very  often  displaced  from  the  surface  by  the  subsidence  of  the  main  current  of  south- 
easterly wind,  more  especially  in  the  regions  near  the  Asiatic  coast. 

UNIVERSALITY   OF   THE   LAW    OF   STORMS. 

The  law  of  rotation  and  progression  in  storms,  as  developed  on  the  xitlantic  ocean,  which 
was  substantially  discovered  by  the  present  writer  in  September  of  the  year  1821,  is  essentially 
cosmical  or  world-wide  in  its  origin  and  application.  This  soon  became  apparent  in  examining 
the  accounts  of  gales  which  are  found  in  the  voyages  of  Cook,  Vancouver,  and  others,  in  the 
several  oceans  and  climatory  zones  of  our  globe.  Hence,  the  polar  relations  of  the  phenomena 
presented  are  necessarily  changed  in  the  southern  hemisphere,  where,  in  all  our  relative  com- 
parisons, south  must  be  substituted  for  north  ;  east  and  west  remaining  the  same. 

This  similarity  of  polar  relations  in  the  winds  of  the  two  hemispheres,  and  the  corresponding 
influence  on  the  barometer,  which  are  shown  by  the  opposite  cyclonic  changes  of  these  winds, 
are  virtually  recognized  in  P.  P.  King's  account  of  his  surveying  expedition  in  the  southern 
hemisphere  about  the  year  1826,  as  is  seen  in  his  sailing  directions.  The  more  complete  and 
satisfactory  evidence  of  this  cosmical  system,  or  law,  of  cyclonic  action,  which  is  derived  from 
a  series  of  extended  geographical  observations  in  the  paths  of  storms  in  the  southern  hemis- 
phere, has  since  been  furnished  in  the  several  works  of  Keid,  Thom,  and  Piddington.  The 
latter  author  has  also  investigated  many  storms  of  the  sea  of  Bengal  and  the  Indian  ocean,  and 
has  noticed  various  gales,  or  typhoons,  of  the  China  sea.  Some  of  the  following  notices  may 
serve  to  increase  our  knowledge  of  Asiatic  storms,  and  those  of  the  Pacific  ocean,  north  of  the 
equator : 

CYCLONES   OF   THE   CHINA   SEA. 

A  cyclone  of  moderate  intensity  was  experienced  by  the  Mississippi,  then  flag-ship  of  the 
expedition,  from  the  2d  to  the  4th  of  August,  1854,  in  the  harbor  of  Cum-sing-moon,  near 


344 


EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN 


Macao.  The  wind  was  from  N.E.,  veering  througli  E.  to  S.E.,  S.,  and  S.S.W.  Barometer  at 
lowest,  29.26  inches,  on  the  3d.  These  phases  of  the  wind  show  the  ship  to  hare  heen  under 
the  two  right-hand  quadrants  of  the  cyclone. 

I  have  placed  on  the  chart  the  track  of  a  cyclone  encountered  hy  the  American  ship  Panama 
in  the  China  sea  in  Octoher,  1831,  which  storm  had  previously  passed  over  the  Philippine 
Islands,  and  was  very  destructive  at  Manilla.  Also,  the  track  of  the  cyclone  of  her  Majesty's 
ship  Raleigh,  encountered  near  the  Bashee  Islands  in  August,  1835,  and  which  afterwards  visited 
Macao  and  Canton  with  great  violence.  A  sketch  showing  its  path  of  progression  on  the  5th 
and  6th  of  August  is  here  subjoined. 


It  appears  from  the  ship's  log-book,  as  published  by  Colonel  Reid,  that  the  Raleigh  sailed 
from  Macao  Roads  on  the  1st  of  August,  on  the  track  shown  in  our  sketch,  which  had  been 
prepared  before  the  publication  of  his  work.  On  the  4th  the  ship  met  with  northeasterly  and 
northerly  winds,  accompanying  a  fall  of  the  barometer,  and  which  increased  to  a  heavy  typhoon 
from  N.X.E.,  veering  to  X.E.  and  E.X.E.  Barometer  at  8  A.  M.,  29.60  ;  noon,  29.45  ;  8  p.  m., 
29.36  ;  and  midnight,  29.04,  with  typhoon  increasing.  August  5,  at  3  A.  M.,  the  typhoon  had 
veered  to  E.S.E.,  still  increasing  in  violence;  barometer  28.50,  and  falling.  At  5  a.  m., 
typhoon  blowing  from  S.E.  At  6.30,  barometer  falling  from  28.30  to  28.20  ;  commenced 
throwing  the  guns  and  shot  overboard.  At  8  a.  m.,  still  increasing.  At  9.30  A.  M.  the  ship 
went  over.  At  9.30  the  masts  and  bowsprit  went  by  the  board  and  the  ship  righted,  with 
four  feet  water  in  the  hold  ;  latitude  20°  44',  longitude  119°  18'  E. 

It  will  be  seen  by  the  veering  of  the  wind  that  the  Raleigh  was  on  the  right  side,  which  is 
here  the  northerly  side,  of  the  center-path  of  the  cyclone,  and  was  very  near  to  the  vortex  of  the 
gale  when  it  passed  the  ship,  as  is  shown  by  the  great  fall  of  the  barometer  and  the  intensity 


CYCLONES    OF    THE    WESTERN    PACIFIC.  345 

of  the  storm  at  that  period.  At  1  p.  M.  of  the  5th  the  typhoon  was  blowing  from  S.S.E.,  and 
had  moderated  a  little.  From  6  to  T  p.  m.,  more  moderate  ;  but  strong  gusts  of  wind,  with  a 
heavy  sea,  from  the  southward. 

At  Macao  the  typhoon  was  experienced  in  great  force  eighteen  to  twenty  hours  later  than 
with  the  Raleigh.  Of  a  valuable  series  of  observations,  thirty-four  in  number,  which  were 
taken  of  the  barometer  at  Macao  during  the  passage  of  the  cyclone,  the  lowest  was  28.08  inches, 
at  1.20  A.  M.  of  the  6th  of  August.  This  great  depression  shows  the  centre,  or  vortex,  of  the 
cyclone  to  have  passed  near  to  Macao. 

At  Canton,  on  the  right  of  the  center-path,  and  about  sixty  miles  north  of  Macao,  the  gale 
began  with  northerly  winds  on  the  evening  of  the  5th,  and  continued  through  the  night  and 
the  next  day.  Its  violence  is  said  to  have  been  greatest  about  2  a.  m.  of  the  6th.  At  midnight 
of  the  5th  the  barometer  had  fallen  to  29.37  inches.  Its  further  fall,  later  in  the  night,  was 
unnoticed  ;  but  at  5  a.  m.  it  had  again  risen  to  29.34  inches,  which,  respectively,  is  0.23  inches 
and  0.32  inches  higher  than  the  two  corresponding  observations  at  Macao.  The  wind,  during 
the  typhoon,  veered  from  N.,  through  N.E.,  to  S.E.,  and  at  8  a.  m.  of  the  Ith  the  barometer 
had  risen  to  29.94  inches. 

The  American  ship  Lady  Hayes  left  Macao  Roads  before  the  gale  set  in,  and  first  encountered 
it  about  thirty-five  miles  from  land,  being  on  the  left  side  of  the  line  pursued  by  the  storm's 
center.  An  attempt  was  made  to  return  to  port ;  which  having  failed,  the  ship,  from  noon  of 
the  5th,  was  run  off  S.E.  by  E.  under  all  the  sail  she  would  bear,  and  thus  was  meeting  the 
gale  in  its  approach,  the  wind  then  blowing  at  north,  with  a  tremendous  swell  from  the  east- 
ward. At  4  p.  M.  it  was  blowing  in  severe  gusts,  and  the  ship  was  becoming  unmanagable. 
About  8.30  p.  M.  the  wind  began  to  veer  to  the  west,  but  continued  to  blow  as  hard  as  ever  till 
midnight,  and  drew  round  to  the  south,  when  it  moderated  a  little.  It  continued  to  blow  hard 
from  that  quarter  until  noon  of  the  6th.  Had  the  wind  veered  eastward,  as  with  the  Raleigh 
and  at  Canton,  it  is  likely  the  shij)  would  have  been  driven  ashore  among  the  islands. 

A  three-masted  schooner  encountered  the  gale  on  the  5th  of  August  in  latitude  18°  2'  N.,  lon- 
gitude 115°  50'  E.,  but  no  particulars  are  given. 

Cajjtain  Dumaresq,  of  the  American  ship  Levant,  arrived  at  Lintin  on  the  7th,  having  made 
a  fine  run  from  the  southward  under  the  later  and  more  outward  winds  of  the  cyclone,  which 
had  veered  from  S.W.  by  W.  on  the  5th  to  S.S.W.  and  S.  on  the  6th,  with  strong  breezes, 
heavy  squalls,  and  rain — ending  in  fine  weather.  At  11  a.  m.  of  6th  had  heavy  squalls,  with 
rain  in  torrents.  Took  in  all  studding  sails,  royals,  and  topgallant  sails,  and  double-reefed  the 
topsails,  partly  from  an  apprehension  of  falling  too  near  the  land  the  following  night.  The 
track  of  the  Levant  is  seen  on  the  sketch,  as  obtained  from  the  ship's  log-book  and  the  private 
journal  of  Captain  Dumaresq,  which  he  has  kindly  placed  in  my  hands. 

From  the  data  to  which  I  have  now  alluded,  the  course  of  this  storm  appears  to  have  been 
N.  72°  W.,  and  its  rate  of  progress  is  estimated  at  about  seventeen  nautical  miles  per  hour.  It 
is  fully  apparent  that  its  axis  of  rotation  passed  to  the  northward  of  the  Lady  Hayes,  and 
southward  of  the  Raleigh  and  of  Canton,  and  the  anchorages  near  Macao,  and  nearly  on  the 
line  A  B  C,  as  designated  on  the  sketch. 

If  circles,  having  a  radius  equal  to  about  one  hundred  and  sixty  nautical  miles,  be  drawn 
around  the  two  points  B  and  C,  these  will  severally  comprise  the  areas  of  principal  violence  in 
this  hurricane  at  the  two  periods  of  9  a.  m.  of  the  5th  and  2  a.  m.  of  the  6th  of  August,  respec- 

44  s 


346  EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN. 

tively.  But  the  more  moderate  forces  of  the  cyclone  must  have  extended  very  far  beyond  these 
approximate  limits. 

A  more  extended  notice  of  this  storm  may  be  found  in  my  communications  to  the  American 
Journal  of  Science,  and  the  London  Nautical  Magazine,  published  in  January,  1839,  in  which 
I  have  also  comprised  accounts  of  various  other  cyclones  of  great  violence  which  have  passed 
over  the  China  sea,  and  the  regions  near  Canton  and  Formosa,  in  different  years.  The  tracts  of 
some  of  these  are  well  illustrated  by  the  typhoon  of  the  Raleigh.  I  omit,  therefore,  the  close 
grouping  which  their  delineation  would  require  on  the  chart. 

On  the  southern  coast  of  China  the  semi-annual  changes  of  the  monsoons  are  found  to  occur 
in  April,  and  about  the  end  of  September,  varying  somewhat  in  different  years.  Typhoons 
often  cross  the  China  sea,  more  commonly  from  May  to  October,  on  routes  corresponding  in 
direction  to  those  of  the  hurricanes  of  the  West  Indies  and  the  lower  latitudes  of  the  Atlantic, 
and  with  like  characteristics.  That  inquiring  old  voyager,  Dampier,  states  that  on  the  coast  of 
Tonquin  the  typhoons  are  expected  in  the  months  of  July,  August,  and  September.  It  will  be 
noticed  that  these  are  also  deemed  to  be  hurricane  months  in  the  lower  latitudes  of  the  Atlantic, 
east  of  Yucatan,  and  that  no  special  connexion  with  the  periods  of  change  in  the  monsoons  is 
indicated.  Dampier  says  that  in  these  typhoons  "the  wind  comes  on  fierce,  and  blows  very 
violent  at  N.E.  twelve  hours,  more  or  less.  When  the  wind  begins  to  abate,  it  dies  away  sud- 
denly, and  falling  flat  calm,  it  continues  so  an  hour,  more  or  less,  when  the  wind  comes  about 
to  the  S.W.,  and  it  blows  and  rains  as  fierce  from  thence  as  it  did  before  from  the  N.E.,  and  as 
long."  A  better  description  of  the  phenomena  of  a  violent  cyclone,  on  its  centre  path  in  the 
lower  latitudes,  and  before  its  recurvation,  could  hardly  be  given. 

CYCLONE   OF   THE   ANNIE   BUCKMAN,    IN   FEBRUARY,    1853. 

Among  the  valuable  collections  of  the  Expedition  is  an  extract  from  the  log  of  the  American 
barque  Annie  Buckman,  Henry  Barber,  commander,  and  furnished  by  him  to  Lieutenant  Wil- 
liam L.  Maury.  It  will  aid  in  dispelling  the  error  that  typhoons  and  hurricanes  are  only 
periodical  in  their  occurrence  in  the  torrid  zone. 

At  noon  of  February  3,  1853,  the  Annie  Buckman,  sailing  for  Canton,  was  in  latitude  12° 
30'  N.,  longitude  129°  16'  E.,  several  degrees  east  of  the  Philippine  islands,  with  the  barometer 
at  29.75,  and  a  double-reefed  topsail  breeze  from  the  N.E.  quarter.  In  the  period  between 
this  date  and  the  9th  the  vessel  was  subject  to  a  very  violent  typhoon,  during  which  both  the 
direction  of  the  wind  and  the  course  of  the  vessel  went  round  the  compass,  by  the  north,  west, 
and  south,  to  the  N.E.  quarter  on  tlie  9th.  At  noon  of  this  day  the  barque  was  in  latitude 
18°  09'  N.,  longitude  127°  25'  E.,  barometer  29.80.  .  Of  the  few  entries  given  of  the  barometer 
the  lowest  was  29.25,  at  4  p.  m.  of  February  7th;  wind  then  from  the  westward,  and  increasing 
soon  after  to  its  greatest  violence. 

Captain  Barber  states  that  in  twenty  years  navigation,  in  all  oceans,  he  had  not  encountered 
a  hurricane  so  violent.     Its  path  is  indicated  on  the  chart. 

Bonin  Islands. — These  islands,  according  to  Commander  Hammet,  of  H.  M.  ship  Serpent,  are 
subject  to  typhoons,  but  he  states  they  are  not  frequent. 

In  October,  1853,  the  United  States  ship  Plymouth,  belonging  to  the  Japan  Expedition,  was 
lying  in  Lloyd's  Harbor,  where  on  the  25th  she  encountered  a  typhoon,  in  which  an  ofiicer  and 
a  boat's  crew,  then  absent  from  the  ship,  were  lost.  Accordiug  to  the  report  of  the  acting 
master  to  Commodore  Perry,  it  commenced  with  squalls  of  wind  from  E.S.E.,  under  which  the 


CYCLONES    OF    THE    WESTERN    PACIFIC, 


347 


barometer  began  to  fall.  "  At  9  p.  m.  it  fell  calm,  and  continued  so  for  little  less  than  an  hour, 
when  the  wind  came  out  again  suddenly  from  the  N.W. ,  with  terrific  violence,  blowing,  if  any- 
thing, still  harder  than  from  the  E.S.E.  Barometer,  when  lowest,  28.97,  at  which  it  arrived 
very  rapidly,  and  when  it  commenced  rising  it  did  so  in  the  same  manner." 

The  position  of  Lloyd's  Harbor  (Peel's  Island)  is  in  latitude  27°  05'  N.,  longitude  142°  16'  E. ; 
and  the  above  report  affords  data  for  approximating  its  route  on  the  chart.  This  cyclone  evi- 
dently completed  its  recurvation  while  passing  over  the  Bonin  Islands. 

CYCLONE   OF   THE   MISSISSIPPI 

Some  observations,  made  in  a  storm-path  of  the  North  Pacific  ocean,  are  afforded  by  the  log- 
books of  the  ships  Mississippi  and  Southampton,  while  on  their  return  from  Japan  to  the  Sand- 
wich Islands,  and  by  other  reports  which  have  been  obtained. 

These  two  ships  of  the  squadron  left  Simoda  on  the  1st  of  October,  1854,  and  throughout  the 
2d  they  encountered  a  swell  from  the  S.E.  On  the  7th,  when  near  latitude  36°  N.,  they  were 
overtaken  by  a  cyclone,  which  increased  with  the  Mississippi  to  the  force  of  a  hurricane. 


^tlNc 


•■  MIS.<!ISSiri'I,"    OCTOBER   7,    185-i. 

The  Southampton,  early  ou  the  6th,  had  the  wind  eastward,  force  4,  and  increasing  to  6  at 
noon,  with  rain  ;  latitude  35°  28'  N.,  longitude  146°  43'E.  At  midnight  the  wind  had  veered 
to  S.S.E.,  decreasing  in  force.  On  the  7th  it  had  veered  to  S.S.W.,  moderate  in  force,  and  at 
9  A.  M  became  variable  in  direction.  At  noon,  latitude  37°  08',  longitude  147°  55'  E.,  the 
barometer  was  at  its  lowest  point,  and  tlie  wind  had  settled  to  a  gale  at  N.W.,  which  abated  in 


3  18  EXPEDITIONTOJAPAN. 

the  evening.  On  the  8th  wind  westward,  and  moderate  ;  latitude  37°  37',  longitude  152°  E., 
p.  M.,  the  wind  again  passed  to  N.W.,  increasing  in  force  ;  weather  cloudy,  with  rain.  I  have 
no  report  from  this  ship  for  the  5th  and  9th. 

The  Mississippi,  on  the  5th,  had  the  wind  from  N.E.,  veering  to  E.S.E.  ;  its  force  varying 
between  4  and  6,  and  barometer  falling  from  30.11  to  30.04  at  noon  ;  latitude  34°  N.,  longitude 
149°  E.  On  the  6th,  the  wind  gradually  went  to  S.S.E.,  latitude  35°  21',  longitude  151°  33'  E. 
At  9  p.  M.,  the  force  of  the  gale  had  increased  to  9  ;  topsails  close-reefed  ;  barometer  had  grad- 
ually fallen  from  30.02  to  29.71. 

October  7. — During  first  twelve  hours  the  gale  blew  from  S.S  E.,  veering  towards  south  ; 
force,  7  to  8.  ''  The  square  sails  were  taken  in,  and  the  ship  hauled  up  to  the  S.E.  to  avoid 
the  center  of  the  typhoon,  which  was  evidently  approaching  from  the  S.W."  At  noon,  barome- 
ter had  fallen  to  29.39  ;  gale  increasing;  latitude  35° 59'  N.,  longitude  153°47'  E.  At  1  p.  m.,  gale 
S.  by  W.  10 ;  barometer  29.29.  2  p.  m.,  S.S.W.  11  ;  barometer  29.17,  being  its  lowest.  3  p.  m., 
S.W.  12  ;  barometer  29.21.  From  noon  "until  4  p.  m.,  the  wind  was  blowing  with  the  force 
of  a  hurricane,  in  puffs,  flattening  the  sea,  and  filling  the  air  with  spoon-drift,  subsiding  then 
into  a  heavy  gale."  At  4  p.  M.,  gale  S.W.  11  ;  barometer  29.27.  6  p.  u.,  W.S.W.  10  ;  ba- 
rometer 29.45.     8  p.  M.,  W.  by  S.  9  ;  barometer  29.53.     10  p.  M.,  west  7  ;  barometer  29.60. 

On  the  8thj  gale  at  W.S.W,  abating  its  force,  and  from  9  a.  m.  inclining  southerly.  At 
noon  barometer  had  risen  to  29.71  ;  latitude  35°  30'  N.,  longitude  155°  11'  E.  ;  p.  M.  the  gale 
passed  to  N.W.,  with  increasing  force,  T  to  8  ;  midnight,  barometer  29.91. 

October  9. — During  first  twelve  hours  the  gale  continued  strong  from  N.W.,  6  to  8,  passing 
northward.  Noon,  barometer  30.16  ;  latitude  35°  40'  N.,  longitude  157°  59'  E.  At  8  P.  M.  the 
barometer  reached  its  maximum,  30.30  ;  wind  round  to  N.E.  quarter  ;  force,  6  ;  which  abated 
on  the  10th  to  an  ordinary  breeze. 

It  is  here  apparent  that  both  vessels  were  successively  under  the  two  right-hand  quadrants  of 
the  cyclone.  It  is  alike  obvious  that  the  Southampton  was  nearer  to  its  axis-path  than  the  Mis- 
sissippi, and  yet  had  far  less  of  its  violence.  This  may,  in  part,  be  accounted  for  by  the  greatly 
dilated  and  weakened  condition  of  the  interior  portions  of  the  cyclone.  This  dilated  condition 
is  very  common  in  the  great  cyclones  while  jjassing  through  the  temperate  latitudes,  and  may 
have  its  chief  origin  in  the  region  where  the  recurvation  of  the  storm-path  occurs.  For,  in  the 
change  of  course  at  this  period,  the  winds  of  the  eastern  part  of  the  cyclone  have  a  much  earlier 
and  shorter  transit  into  the  now  inverted  path  of  the  temperate  latitudes  than  the  cyclonic 
winds  of  its  westerly  side,  which  left  to  pursue  a  wider  circuit. 

On  the  23d  of  October  the  Mississippi  arrived  at  the  Sandwich  Islands,  where  an  account  of 
this  "  typhoon"  was  at  that  time  published.  While  at  these  islands,  an  extract  was  procured, 
by  Lieutenant  William  L.  Maury,  from  the  log-book  of  the  American  whale-ship  George  How- 
land,  which  vessel  encountered  the  gale  near  latitude  46°  N.,  which  there  set  in  on  the  morning 
of  the  8th.     See  as  follows  : 

Friday,  October  6. — Moderate  breezes  from  N.W.  ;  course  E.  by  S.  ;  latter  part  fresh  from 
W.N.W.  ;  latitude  46°  29',  longitude  161°  09'  E. 

October  7. — Wind  fresh  from  W.N.W  ;  latter  part  moderate  breezes  ;  latitude  45°  46'  N., 
longitude  104°  43'  E.     [This,  apparently,  is  the  ending  of  a  previous  cyclone.] 

October  8. — Moderate  breeze  W.S.W.  ;  course  E.  \  S.  At  8  A.  M.,  the  wind  hauled  to  S.S.W., 
and  increased  to  a  gale;  latitude 46°  18'  N.,  longitude  165° 50'  E.    At  4r.  m.,  wind  east,  [E.S.E. , 


CYCLONES    OF    THE    WESTERN    PACIFIC.  349 

true,]  and  a  heavy  gale.  At  9  p.  m.,  died  away  suddenly,  and  came  down  from  S.W.  ;  course 
E.  by  S. 

October  9. — Gale  moderate  from  S.W.  by  W.;  at  7  a.  m.,  hove-to  ;  middle  part,  wind  W., 
with  a  heavy  cross  sea.     At  4  p.  M.,  kept  ofFE.  by  S.;  latitude  45°  40'  N.,  longitude  169°  45' E. 

October  10. — Gale  fresh  from  N.W.,  [noon  ;]  wind  moderate,  W.  byN.  ;  latitude  44°  36' N., 
longitude  173°  20'  E. 

This  further  trace  of  the  cyclone  increased  the  desire  for  observations  from  the  earlier  portions 
of  its  path  in  the  lower  latitudes,  but  which  seemed  unattainable.  Fortunately,  the  London 
Nautical  Magazine,  for  February,  1855,  contains  the  following  report  from  P.  Briard,  com- 
mander of  the  brig  Giffard,  addressed  to  the  editor : 

"  CYCLONE   IN   THE   PACIFIC   OCEAN. 

"  Sir  :  I  forward  you  an  abstract  from  the  log  of  the  brig  Giffard  during  a  severe  typhoon, 
experienced  on  her  passage  from  San  Francisco  to  Shanghai,  which  will  help  to  investigate  the 
track  of  cyclones  in  that  part  of  the  Pacific  ocean. 

"Tuesday,  October  3,  1854.— Latitude  at  noon,  25°  32'  N.,  longitude  137°  48'  E.  ;  fresh  breezes 
from  N.E.  ;  hazy  weather  ;  a  dense  bank  of  clouds  in  the  east  ;  barometer  fluctuating  between 
29.70  and  29.80.  At  midnight  freshening  breeze,  with  squalls  and  rainy  weather  ;  ship  heading 
N.W.  byN. 

"  October  4. — Increasing  gales,  with  squalls  and  thick,  rainy  weather  ;  double-reefed  topsails  ; 
furled  jib  and  mainsail.  Noon,  latitude  27.40  N.,  longitude  134°  10'  E.  ;  barometer  29.60. 
At  1  p.  M.,  barometer  fell  to  29.35  ;  gale  increasing,  with  incessant  rain.  I  begin  to  suspect  we 
are  edging  gradually  in  a  typhoon,  the  winds  being  east,  and  our  course  W.N.  W. ;  consequently, 
being  on  the  northern  edge  of  it,  I  decided  on  heaving  to,  to  allow  the  center  of  the  cyclone  to 
pass  on  ahead  ;  sent  down  royal  yards,  furled  the  courses  and  foretopsail,  and  brought  the  vessel 
to  under  close-reefed  maintopsail  on  starboard  tack  ;  wind  east ;  ship's  head  N.N.E.  At  4  p.  m., 
barometer  29.30  ;  at  midnight,  barometer  29.25  ;  wind  E.S.E. 

"  October  5,  a.  m. — Blowing  a  severe  gale,  with  incessant  rain  ;  lying  to  under  close-reef  main- 
topsail.  At  4  A.  M.,  barometer  29.20  ;  wind  S.E.  ;  at  8  a.  m.,  barometer  29.15  ;  wind  S.S.E.  ; 
at  noon,  barometer  29.05  ;  wind  S.S.E.  ;  at  2  p.  M.,  barometer  29.00  ;  wind  S.  by  E.,  blowing 
a  furious  typhoon,  with  incessant  rain  ;  the  sea  a  complete  sheet  of  foam,  flying  over  the  ship. 
At  4  p.  M.,  barometer  28.80  ;  wind  south  ;  at  8  p.  M.,  barometer  28.70  ;  wind  S.S.W.  ;  were 
struck  by  a  sea  on  the  starboard  bow.  This,  combined  with  the  strength  of  the  wind,  wliich 
was  now  at  its  height,  carried  away  the  bowsprit,  foremast,  close  to  the  deck,  and  maintopmast, 
leaving  nothing  but  the  mainmast  standing,  and  shifted  the  ballast,  giving  the  vessel  a  heavy 
list  to  port.  At  midnight,  barometer  28.70;  wind  S.W.  ;  no  abatement  in  the  fury  of  the 
gale. 

"  October  &. — At  1  a.  m.  the  barometer  began  to  rise  ;  at  2  A.  M.,  barometer  28.90;  wind 
W.S.W.,  moderating  a  little  ;  still  raining  incessantly.  At  4  A.  M.,  barometer  29.00;  wind 
W.  by  S.  ;  at  8  A.  m.,  barometer  29.10;  wind  W.  by  S.  ;  at  noon,  barometer  29.30;  wind 
west ;  moderating  fast,  but  still  blowing  a  heavy  gale.  My  impression  is,  that  on  the  4th  the 
cyclone  was  travelling  N.W.,  but  that  on  the  5th  it  recurved  to  north,  as  we  had  the  heaviest 
of  it  when  the  center  bore  N.W. 

"  I  remain,  &c., 

"P.  BRIARD." 


350  EXPEDITION    TO     JAPAN. 

We  have  thus,  from  Captain  Briard,  a  good  account  of  this  cyclone  previous  to  and  at  the 
time  of  its  recurvation.  On  comparing  the  several  reports  with  those  of  the  previous  great 
cyclone  of  July,  1853,  and  in  view  of  other  analogies,  I  am  led  to  believe  that  the  swell  from 
southeast,  reported  by  the  ships  on  the  2d  of  October,  on  the  Japan  coast,  is  referable  to  the 
action  of  the  right  border  of  the  cyclone,  while  passing  westward  in  the  lower  latitudes. 

If  we  add  to  the  observed  track  of  the  cyclone  the  diameter  of  its  area  from  the  places  of  the 
earliest  and  latest  observations,  respectively,  we  may  consider  its  known  path  as  extending  m^re 
than  four  thousand  nautical  miles. 

The  rate  of  its  advance  from  the  probable  position  of  its  center  on  the  3d  to  that  of  the  4th  of 
October  I  estimate  at  about  seventeen  nautical  miles  per  hour ;  from  the  4th  to  5th  at  ten  or 
twelve  miles  per  hour,  and  from  7th  to  9th  at  about  forty  miles  per  hour. 

The  observations  made  on  board  the  Mississippi  furnish  the  best  data  for  estimating  the 
probable  diameter  of  the  cyclone  as  it  passed  over  the  ship.  The  time  thus  occupied  in  the 
barometrical  transit  may  be  reckoned  from  noon  of  5th  to  about  noon  of  9th — a  period  of  ninety- 
six  hours.  If  we  allow  an  average  rate  of  twenty-five  miles  an  hour  for  the  progression  at  this 
period,  and  deduct  the  corresponding  advance  of  the  vessel,  it  will  indicate  a  diameter  of  the 
cyclonic  influence  of  nearly  two  thousand  miles ;  but,  as  the  extreme  right  border  of  such  a 
cyclone  does  not  commonly  increase  its  latitude  in  those  parallels,  we  may  estimate  the  extent 
of  its  moderate  activity  on  the  7th  as  eqtial  to  about  fifteen  hundred  miles,  or  perhaps  greater. 

The  approximate  track  of  the  cyclonic  axis,  as  deduced  from  the  observations,  will  be  seen 
on  the  chart. 

Since  writing  the  above,  I  have  received  from  the  British  Admiralty,  through  the  kindness  of 
Captain  A.  B.  Beecher,  the  observations  made  during  the  period  of  the  cyclone  on  board  her 
Majesty's  ship  Winchester,  then  lying  in  the  roads  of  Nagasaki,  in  latitude  32^  44'  X.,  longitude 
129°  46'  E.  At  this  position,  situated  nearly  three  hundred  miles  northwestward  from  the 
nearest  part  of  the  axis  line  on  the  chart,  with  the  great  island  of  Kiusiu  intervening,  the 
earliest  indications  of  the  cyclone  were  from  midnight  of  4th  and  5th  of  October,  at  which  hour 
the  weather  was  calm,  and  the  barometer  30.05  Daring  the  first  twelve  hours  of  5th  the 
barometer  fell  to  29.88,  with  wind  veering  from  E.X.E.  to  N.E.;  force  4  to  3,  with  squally 
weather.  In  the  afternoon  of  5th  the  wind  had  veered  to  north,  and  the  barometer  fell  to 
29.80,  near  which  it  continued  during  the  night  and  throughout  the  6th,  with  wind  nearly  at 
north,  but  diminishing  ;  its  force  varying  from  4  to  2,  but  with  a  calm  at  8  p.  M.  of  6th.  In 
the*morning  of  7th  the  wind  came  from  N.X.W.;  force  .3;  and  at  noon  the  barometer  had 
risen  to  29.97 — reaching  a  maximum  of  30.06  in  the  following  night. 

This  account  shows  tlie  general  accuracy  of  the  recurvation  which  has  been  assigned  to  the 
track.  It  exhibits  a  cycUinic  depression  of  about  one-fourth  of  an  inch  in  the  barometer  at 
Nagasaki,  and  a  moderate  exhibition  of  the  cyclonic  winds.  Tlie  phenomena  do  not  difler 
essentially  from  those  of  the  corresponding  border  of  cyclones  in  the  United  States  in  the  like 
relative  position. 

reindeer's  cyclone,   JULY,    1850. 

The  American  ship  Reindeer  was  dismasted  in  a  furious  hurricane  on  the  19th  of  July,  1850, 
in  latitude  18°  30'  N.,  longitude  139°  E.,  about  twelve  hundred  miles  from  the  coast  of  China. 
She  ran  with  bare  poles  under  the  easterly  winds  of  the  cyclone,  thus  nearing  its  vortex  till  the 
barometer  had  fallen  to  28.85,  when  the  wind  veered  to  S.  S.  E.  in  a  perfect  blast  ;  the  ship 
broached  to,  and  the  masts  soon  went  overboard. 


CYCLONES    OF    THE    WESTERN    PACIFIC.  351 

With  the  knowledge  of  storms  which  we  now  possess^  our  ships  should  not  be  thus  disabled 
in  open  sea. 

THE  freak's  TYPHOON^  OF  MAY,  1850. 

The  English  brig  Freak,  T.  B.  Simpson,  master,  met  with  a  cyclone  on  the  first  of  May,  1850 
in  latitude  19°  28'  N.,  longitude  138°  44'  E.,  which  set  in  at  E.  by  S.  and  increased  to  a  hurri- 
cane of  great  severity.  During  the  remainder  of  that  day  the  brig  ran  westward,  with  an 
inoreasing  gale,  which  ranged  between  E.  by  S.  and  E.  by  N.  At  midnight,  the  master  began 
to  suspect  that  he  was  approaching  the  vortex  of  a  cyclone  that  was  travelling  to  the  northwest, 
and  at  1  a.  m.  of  2d,  he  hove  to  on  the  starboard  tack  to  allow  it  to  pass  him.  After  heaving 
to,  the  wind  continued  steady  at  E.  by  N.,  and  commenced  blowing  a  hurricane,  except  with  a 
partial  remission,  at  6  a.  m.  At  noon  the  wind  became  E.N.E.,  with  barometer  at  29.22,  near 
latitude  19°  40',  longitude  136°  40'  E.  Had  the  strength  of  the  cyclone  between  2  and  3  p.  m., 
when  the  fore-topmast  and  main-topgallant-mast  were  broken  off  by  the  force  of  the  wind,  which 
at  this  time  was  beyond  description.  At  3.50  p.  m.  barometer  had  fallen  to  28.87 — its  lowest 
point.  The  wind  from  noon  continued  to  haul  to  the  northward — its  greatest  strength  being 
from  about  N.E.  by  N.,  and  the  master  thus  found,  to  his  surprise,  that  he  was  in  the  north- 
west quadrant  of  the  cyclone  and  on  the  left  side  of  its  path,  it  having  already  recurved  to  the 
northward  and  eastward.  From  4  p.  M.  the  barometer  began  to  rise  and  the  force  of  the  gale 
to  decrease,  and  it  became  steady  for  a  time  at  N.N.W. 

The  easterly  winds  of  this  cyclone  having  veered  by  the  north,  the  master's  inference,  that 
the  recurvation  of  its  path  took  place  during  the  time  in  which  his  vessel  was  exposed  to  the 
gale,  appears  correct — the  center  having  recurved  southward  and  eastward  of  the  vessel's  place. 
His  full  account  may  be  found  in  the  Nautical  Magazine  for  1851,  pages  273-275. 

Marian  Islands.— The  island  of  Guam,  in  latitude  13°  26'  N.,  longitude  144°  52'  E.,  and  the 
other  islands  of  the  Ladrone  or  Mariana  group,  are  understood  to  be  subject  to  hurricanes,  for 
which  the  inhabitants  prepare  by  lashing  down  and  securing  their  houses.  They  are  expected 
in  the  months  of  June,  July,  and  August ;  also,  in  December  and  January. — Nautical  Maga.zine, 
1843,  11.  6. 

[The  delay  of  the  press  enables  me  to  state  here  that  Guam  was  visited  on  the  23d  of  Sep- 
tember last  [1855]  by  a  typhoon  of  the  most  violent  character.  The  account  states  that  "the 
storm  commenced  in  the  morning  and  kept  on  increasing  until  11  p.  m.,  when  it  burst  up5n  the 
place  with  all  its  power.  No  tongue  can  tell  nor  pen  describe  the  perils  of  that  night.  In  less 
than  twenty  minutes  more  than  eight  thousand  persons  were  left  without  a  house  or  roof  to 
protect  them  from  the  fury  of  the  storm. 

"  All  the  houses  upon  the  island  of  Guam,  with  the  exception  of  ten  or  twelve  stone  buildings, 
were  destroyed  and  scattered  in  every  direction .  The  rain  fell  in  torrents,  and,  as  it  touched 
the  lips,  it  tasted  as  salt  as  though  it  came  from  the  ocean.  Thousands  of  cocoa-nut  trees, 
(which  is  a  very  tough  wood,)  laden  with  fruit,  were  crushed  like  so  many  slender  reeds,  torn 
up  by  the  roots  and  thrown  into  all  shapes.  Nearly  everything  that  carried  its  head  above 
ground  was  destroyed."] 

CYCLONE   OF   THE   J.    N.    GoSLER,    MAY,    1855. 

The  American  ship  J.  N.  Gosler,  from  San  Francisco,  for  Hong  Kong,  experienced  a  heavy 
typhoon  on  the  28th  of  May,  1855,  in  latitude  16°  40'  N.,  longitude  147°  45'  E.,  nearly  two 
thousand  miles  from  the  Chinese  coast.     She  carried  away  sails,  spars,  &c.,  and  was  abandoned 


352  EXPEDITIONTOJAPAN. 

on  the  30th,  with  nine  feet  of  water  in  the  hold.     The  officers  and  crew  succeeded  in  reaching 
the  Marian  Islands  in  their  boats. 

strong's  island,  and  ascension. 

Mr.  John  T.  Gulick,  of  the  Sandwich  Islands,  in  the  year  1852,  visited  several  of  the  Micro- 
nesian  Islands,  near  the  equator,  in  company  with  the  missionaries  who  then  settled  at  these 
islands.  At  Strong's  island  (Ualan,)  in  latitude  5°  12'  N.,  longitude  163°  E.,  they  were 
informed  hy  King  George,  the  principal  chief,  that  at  a  former  period  the  island  had  been 
visited  by  a  hurricane  which  wholly  destroyed  the  bread  fruit  trees,  and  thus  caused  a  famine 
which  destroyed  a  large  portion  of  the  inhabitants.  He  described  the  gale  as  blowing  first  from 
one  quarter  of  the  heavens,  and  then  from  another. 

At  Ascension  island  (Bonabi,)  which  is  about  three  hundred  miles  distant,  in  a  west-northwest 
direction,  a  similar  account  was  received.  Although  it  cannot  be  certainly  known  that  the 
disasters  at  the  two  islands  were  produced  by  one  and  the  same  storm,  yet  their  relative  positions 
accord  with  the  usual  course  of  progression  in  the  lower  latitudes.  A  cyclone  moving  on  this 
track  would  be  likely  to  cross  the  China  sea,  unless  prevented  by  an  earlier  recurvation  of  its 
path  into  the  temperate  latitudes. 

CYCLONE   OF   THE   AUSTERLITZ  ;    NOVEMBER    1851. 

The  following  notices  of  this  cyclone  are  contained  in  letters  from  Hong  Kong,  dated  December 
18,  1851,  and  made  public  by  the  secretary  of  the  New  York  Board  of  Underwriters  : 

"  The  new  clipper  Witchcraft  arrived  at  Hong  Kong  on  the  3d  of  December,  from  California, 
with  loss  of  mainmast  head  and  all  the  topmasts.  She  experienced  a  typhoon  on  the  13th-14th 
of  November,  in  latitude  22°  40'  N.,  longitude  150°  E." 

"About  the  same  period,  in  latitude  19°  48'  N.,  longitude  159°  E.,  the  American  ship 
Austerlitz  was  totally  dismasted.  The  chain-plates  were  torn  from  her  sides,  and  her  hull 
otherwise  much  injured.  The  N.  B.  Palmer,  bound  from  San  Francisco  to  Shanghai,  fell  in 
with  her  and  took  from  the  wreck  all  on  board,  and  abandoned  her." 

It  cannot  be  doubted  that  the  two  ships,  Austerlitz  and  Witchcraft,  fell,  successively,  nearly 
into  the  heart  of  the  cyclone.  We  have  thus  two  points  established  in  its  track,  which  are 
distant  from  each  other  about  five  hundred  and  thirty  nautical  miles.  These  positions  show  its 
course  to  have  been  north  71°  west,  or  W.N.W.,  nearly.  The  want  of  an  exact  date  in  the 
account  of  the  Austerlitz,  leaves  the  rate  of  progression  undetermined.  The  position  of  the 
Austerlitz  is  more  than  two  thousand  five  hundred  miles  from  Hong  Kong,  on  the  coast  of 
China,  and  is  somewhat  nearer  to  the  Sandwich  Islands. 

I  have  been  informed  recently  by  Captain  Rodgers,  who  commanded  the  Witchcraft,  that  he 
left  San  Francisco  on  the  3d  of  October,  and  had  light,  variable  winds  and  calms  to  the  Sandwich 
Islands.  After  passing  these  islands,  he  found  very  unsteady  winds,  veering  from  N.E.  to  S.E., 
and  sometimes  S.W.,  with  occasional  light  airs  from  west  ;  the  barometer  ranging  from  30  to 
30.05.  In  longitude  169°  E.,  the  winds  veered  to  S.  and  S.W.,  with  heavy  clouds  and  swell 
from  westward  ;  barometer  ranging  about  29.90,  indicative  oftheS.W.  monsoon.  On  reaching 
longitude  159°  30'  E.,  latitude  20°  N.,  November  9th,  he  had  a  very  heavy  gale,  of  short  duration, 
from  S.W.,  veering  by  S.  to  S.E.^  in  which  his  close-reefed  topsails  were  blown  away.  Hence, 
he  hardly  expected  the  severe  gale  of  tlic  14tli,  iu  tlie  path  of  which  he  ran,  on  a  west  course, 
with  increasing  wind  from  S.E.,  veering  to  south,  and  finally  to  S.W.     The  ship  was  hove  to. 


CYCLONESOFTHE    WESTERNPACIFIC.  353 

with  the  wind  at  south  ;  and  at  no  time  was  in  advance  of  the  center  or  axis  of  the  cyclone. 
The  barometer  stood  lowest,  29.20,  about  8  a.  m.  of  the  14th,  at  the  time  when  the  topmasts 
were  blown  away. 

KINGSMILL   ISLANDS,    GILBERT    ARCHIPELAGO. 

These  islands,  situated  on  and  near  the  equator,  longitude  about  175°  E.,  were  visited  by  the 
United  States  ship  Peacock,  of  the  exploring  expedition  under  Captain  Wilkes.  Variable  winds 
from  the  northward  and  westward  prevail  from  October  to  April ;  and  they  have  violent  gales 
from  the  southwest.  According  to  Kirby,  who  was  taken  off  the  islands,  these  storms  are 
typhoon-like,  and  last  three  or  four  days.  The  westerly  sides  of  the  islands  receive  most  damage, 
and  both  land  and  trees  are  swept  away. 

THE  KADACK   ISLANDS. 

These  islands  are  scattered  between  6°  and  11°  N.,  and  longitude  168°  to  173°  E.  Captain 
Kotzbue  ascertained  that  hurricanes  of  great  violence  sometimes  occur  in  September  and  October, 
and  the  natives  always  anticipate  with  dread  the  recurrence  of  those  months. 

THE   japan's  TYPHOON. 

In  December,  1832,  the  Japan,  a  new  ship,  encountered  a  severe  hurricane  in  latitude  13° 
N.,  longitude  about  160°  west. 

This  position  is  about  on  the  meridian  of  the  most  western  of  the  Sandwich  Islands. 

The  tracks  or  paths  of  those  cyclones,  of  which  the  dates  and  positions  have  been  given,  are 
indicated  on  the  annexed  chart. 

SANDWICH  ISLANDS. 

At  the  Sandwich  Islands,  latitude  19°  to  22°  N.,  longitude  155°  to  100°  W.,  the  cyclones 
which  occur  are,  commonly,  not  of  great  severity ;  although  the  native  huts  are  sometimes 
unroofed  or  destroyed.  The  kona,  or  southerly  wind,  by  which  the  trade  wind  during  part  of  the 
year  is  much  interrupted,  may  be  referred,  at  least  in  part,  to  those  cyclones  which  have  their 
center-path  northward  of  tlie  islands,  or  which  complete  their  recurvation  in  that  region.  The 
easterly  gales  which  accord  nearly  with  the  trade  winds  in  their  direction,  indicate  an  axis-path 
which  lies  southward  of  the  islands.  The  actual  presence  or  influence  of  a  cyclone  may,  com- 
monly, be  determined  by  the  oscillation  of  the  barometer. 

The  absence  of  intense  violence  in  any  of  the  cyclones  which  visit  this  group  of  islands,  may 
possibly  be  due  to  their  geographical  position.  But  it  is  equally  probable  that  this  qualified 
exemption  may  result  from  a  diversion  of  the  course  of  the  central  vortex  of  the  cyclone,  occa- 
sioned by  the  great  height  and  compact  form  of  Hawaii,  the  most  southeastern  of  these  islands. 
For  the  group  lies  in  almost  a  direct  line,  which  is  parallel  to  the  ordinary  courses  of  the 
cyclones  in  the  lower  latitudes  ;  being,  from  the  summit  of  Manua  Kea  to  the  centre  of  Kauai, 
north  sixty-one  degrees  west.  A  cyclonic  vortex,  if  moving  previously  on  this  line  of  direction, 
would  be  displaced  by  the  eastern  angle  of  Hawaii,  which  island  has  an  area  of  near  four  thou- 
sand square  miles,  a  portion  of  which  rises  far  above  the  upper  horizon  of  the  cyclones,  and  at 
two  points  reaches  an  elevation  of  nearly  fourteen  thousand  feet.  The  protection,  or  partial 
diversion  of  course  thus  occasioned,  must  extend  in  good  measure  to  the  high  but  smaller  islands 
which  lay  in  the  same  track. 
45  « 


354  EXPEDITION     TO    JAPAN. 


CYCLONE   OF   THE   LARK. 

The  American  barque  Lark,  Tibbets,  master,  from  Canton  for  Valparaiso,  had  a  severe  gale 
on  the  23d  of  September,  1843,  in  latitude  15°  N.,  longitude  138°  40'  W.  Found  it  necessary 
to  make  a  port  after  the  gale,  and  put  in  at  Tahiti. 

It  appears,  also,  that  the  Lark  encountered  a  violent  typhoon  of  an  earlier  date,  when  off  the 
island  of  Formosa. 

CYCLONES   OF   THE   EASTERN   PACIFIC. 

In  approaching  the  eastern  border  of  the  North  Pacific  ocean,  in  the  lower  latitudes,  we  fall 
into  the  track  of  the  large  and  increasing  trade  to  California,  and  a  better  knowledge  is  thus 
obtained  of  the  cyclones  in  this  region.  Of  these  gales,  the  tracks  of  twelve,  which  will  now  be 
noticed,  are  partially  indicated  on  the  chart. 

Track  1.  The  Joseph  Butler,  on  or  about  the  24th  of  June,  1850,  encountered  a  severe  gale 
of  wind  near  latitude  16°  N.,  longitude  107°  AV.,  [260  miles  from  the  shore  of  Mexico,]  which 
carried  away  her  mainmast.     I  have  no  further  accounts  of  this  gale. 

Track  2.  The  barque  Como,  on  the  5tb  of  August,  1850,  in  latitude  14°  20'  N.,  longitude 
117°  W.,  encountered  a  severe  gale,  commencing  at  N.,  and  veering  to  W.  and  S.  Lost  sails 
and  bulwarks,  and  sustained  much  other  damage.  These  winds  denote  a  course  of  progression 
corresponding  to  that  of  the  hurricanes  in  the  West  Indies,  and  that  the  vessel  was  in  the  left 
side  of  the  storm-path. 

Track  3.  Niagaj-a's  Hurricane. — The  Niagara  was  dismasted  in  a  hurricane  September  9, 
1850,  about  ninety  miles  south  of  Acapulco,  [latitude  15°  16'  N.,  longitude  99°  50'  W.] 

The  Diana,  September  11,  latitude  22°  N.,  longitude  116°  W.,  had  a  severe  hurricane  from 
N.E.,  veering  to  S.W. ;  blew  five  hours  ;  vessel  hove  on  beam-ends. 

The  Diana's  position  was  in  the  left  side  of  the  storm-path,  but  near  to  the  axis  line,  the 
progression  of  the  storm  being  still  northwesterly.  Its  course  of  progression  from  the  Niaga7-a 
was  34°  N.  of  W.,  or  N.W.  by  W.  nearly.  Its  rate  of  progress  was  nearly  twenty-three  miles 
an  hour,  allowing  no  error  for  the  nautical  dates. 

Track  4.  The  Laura,  September  26,  1850,  latitude  26°  N.,  longitude  123°  W.,  in  a  severe 
gale,  was  thrown  on  her  beam-ends  ;  lost  cargo,  &c.  I  have  no  further  account  of  the  progress 
of  this  gale. 

Track  5.  The  Kingston,  from  San  Francisco  for  Panama,  experienced  a  severe  gale  on  the 
Mexican  coast,  and  was  thrown  on  beam-ends,  October  1,  1850,  in  latitude  14°  N.,  and  reports 
that  the  gale  swept  the  whole  coast  with  great  violence,  as  may  be  seen  in  the  succeeding 
etatements. 

The  Belgrade,  from  San  Francisco  for  Eealejo,  October  1,  fine  breeze  from  W.N.W.,  and 
heavy  swell  from  S.E.  At  10  p.  iM.  wind  hauled  suddenly  to  S.E.,  with  increased  force  and 
squally  appearances  ;  at  midnight  under  single-reefed  topsails  ;  1  a.  m.  still  increasing,  with 
vivid  lightning  and  heavy  rain  ;  4  A.  M.  split  fore-topsail  ;  8  a.  m.  lost  foresail ;  gale  increasing 
to  a  hurricane ;  thrown  on  beam-ends,  with  loss  of  main  and  mizen-topmasts,  with  head  of  main- 
mast, when  the  ship  righted  a  little.  At  1  p.  m.,  October  2,  hurricane  still  increasing,  ship  on 
her  beam-ends  ;  lost  fore-topmast,  with  much  other  damage  ;  at  midnight  blowing  as  hard  as 
ever  ;  at  4  A.  M.,  October  3,  more  moderate,  heavy  rain  ;  October  4,  latitude  18°  11'  N.,  longi- 


CYCLONES    OF    THE    WESTERN    PACIFIC.  355 

tilde  104°  5'  W.,  made  for  Acapulco.     It  may  be  seen  that  this  vessel  was  on  the  right  of  the 
axis  path  of  the  storm. 

The  Galindo,  on  the  same  route,  experienced  a  severe  hurricane  on  the  1st  and  2d  of  October; 
was  thrown  on  beam-ends  and  dismasted,  and  arrived  at  Acapulco  at  the  same  time  with  the 
Belgrade. 

The  Lavina,  off  Cape  San  Lucas,  the  southern  point  of  California,  October  5,  was  thrown  on 
beam-ends  in  a  violent  hurricane,  and  lay  twenty-one  hours. 

The  Fanny,  from  Mazatlan^  in  the  gulf  of  California,  for  San  Francisco,  was  damaged  in  the 
gale  on  the  5th  and  Gth  of  October,  and  put  back  to  Mazatlan. 

The  progress  of  this  hurricane  during  four  days  appears  to  have  been  N.W.  by  W.  nearly, 
at  a  rate  not  exceeding  eight  or  ten  miles  an  hour. 

Track  6.  Amazon  s  Hurricane. — The  brig  Amazon,  from  New  York  for  San  Francisco,  encoun- 
tered a  severe  hurricane  October  3, 1850,  in  latitude  13°  30'  N.,  longitude  11G°  50'  W.,  which  com- 
menced at  S.W.,  veering  successively  to  S.E.,  E.,  N.,  W.,  ending  at  S.W.,  in  which  lost  main- 
topsail  and  foresail.  Captain  Watt  states  that  the  gale  was  equally  severe  as  those  in  the  West 
Indies.  This  oif-shore  hurricane  was  cotemporaneous  with  that  last  noticed.  The  following  is 
drawn  from  the  account  which  was  published  by  a  passenger  of  the  Amazon. 

October  4,  latitude  13°  40'  N.,  longitude  116°  30'  W. ;  last  night  the  brig  encountered  a  hur- 
ricane, preceded  by  squalls  from  S.W.,  with  heavy  rain.  The  squalls  increased  in  number  and 
intensity  until  5  p.  M. ,  when  the  hurricane  commenced  ;  brig  under  close-reefed  fore-topsail  and 
mainsail.  Captain  Watts  put  his  vessel  before  the  blast,  or  "scudded"  her.  The  tempest 
raged  during  the  night,  with  momentarily  increased  fury.  It  veered  from  S.W.  to  due  south, 
thence  to  S.E.,  and  thence  to  N.E.  and  north,  and  from  thence  to  S.  W.,  thus  making  the  circuit 
of  the  compass !  According  to  our  reckoning,  it  veered  thirty-four  points  in  the  space  of  six 
hours,  during  which  time  the  brig  was  kept  before  it,  in  which  lay  our  only  chance  of  escape. 
At  4  A.  M.  the  foresail  was  blown  from  the  yard,  and  the  vessel  was  then  brought  to  the  wind, 
hut  could  not  withstand  the  tornado,  and  was  blown  directly  down  on  her  side,  or  beam-ends. 
Apprehending  she  would  founder,  the  order  was  given  to  put  her  again  before  the  wind,  but 
the  attempt  was  unsuccessful.  As  a  last  resource,  the  main-topsail  was  let  go,  when  she  paid 
off,  and  dashed  away  like  lightning  before  the  tempest.  She  was  kept  scudding  until  the  hurri- 
cane abated,  and  was  then  laid  to  in  a  heavy  gale  from  S.  W.,  into  which  the  hurricane  subsided. 

From  the  above  we  may  infer  that  the  course  of  the  vessel  while  scudding  was  not  unlike  that 
shown  in  the  annexed  figure.  ^j. 

The  short  time  in  which  the  bring  ran  entirely  around  the  axis  of  the  gale, 
after  entering  its  violent  portion,  shows  that  its  diameter  was  small,  and  that  w. 
Hs  progression  was  remarkably  slow.  This  slowness  is  also  shown  by  the  man- 
ner in  which  the  brig,  steering  N.  for  San  Francisco,  was  able  to  overtake  the  '  ;<; 
cyclone,  and  run  into  it,  upon  its  southeastern  side,  where  its  wind  was  southwesterly.  Hence, 
too,  after  clearing  the  vortex  of  the  cyclone,  and  heaving  to,  the  duration  of  the  exterior  portion 
of  the  gale  was  so  much  prolonged,  notwithstanding  the  drift  of  the  vessel  was  in  a  direction 
opposite  to  the  progression  of  the  storm.  It  is  probable  that  this  progression  did  not  exceed 
four  miles  an  hour,  and  it  may  have  been  less. 

This  is  a  slower  rate  of  advance  than  I  have  yet  found  on  the  Atlantic;  but  it  accords  well 
with  other  cases  which  have  occurred  within  the  tropics,  in  the  Indian  ocean.  It  appears, 
also^  as  having  some  relationJ;o  the  slow  rate  of  advance,  already  noticed  in  the  cotemporaneous 


356  EXPEDITION    TO   JAPAN. 

in-shorc  hurricane,  of  tlie  Kingston.  Hence  we  may  infer  that  the  great  current  of  rotation  in 
which  the  cyclones  are  imbedded  was  at  this  period  and  in  this  region,  at  least,  comparatively 
sluggish  and  inactive.  We  have  noticed  a  similar  condition  in  the  eastern  Atlantic  in  the 
previous  month,  in  the  case  of  the  Cape  Verde  hurricane,  of  Track  23. 

Track  7.  Captain  Budd's  gale,  of  October,  1851. — Capt.  Budd's  steamer  from  San  Francisco, 
for  Panama,  was,  on  the  21st  of  October,  in  latitude  22°  07',  off  Cape  San  Lucas.  At  daylight 
of  22d  the  wind  was  very  high,  hauling  to  S.E.,  preceded  by  a  heavy  siveUfrom  the  same  quarter. 
The  gale  blew  heavy  from  S.E.,  and  then  commenced  hauling  to  N.E.,  and  blew  still  more 
heavy;  barometer  29.75.  He  had  now  crossed  the  entrance  of  the  Gulf  of  California,  to  within 
sixty  miles  of  Cape  Corientes.  At  4  p.  m.  gale  abating,  and  hauling  to  the  westward,  going 
round  by  the  north. 

The  winds  in  this  case  appear  to  indicate  that  Captain  Budd  fell  under  the  right  hand  or 
northern  side  of  the  gale  as  it  first  approached,  and  that  the  gale  recurvated  northward  upon  the 
contiguous  portion  of  Mexico  before  the  axis  of  the  storm  had  reached  the  position  of  the  ship. 

Track  8.  Panama's  gale,  of  Juhj,  1852. — The  Panama  experienced  a  hurricane,  July  16, 
1852,  in  latitude  15°  N.,  longitude  115°  W.^  which  lasted  ten  hours;  carried  away  top-gallant- 
masts,  yards,  sails,  &c. 

Extract  from  logbook  of  ship  Empire,  bound  for  San  Francisco  : 

Jvhj  19,  1852,  commences  with  heavy  gales  and  bad  sea  from  the  north;  under  double-reefed 
topsails  and  courses.  [Ship  in  front  part  of  the  gale,  to  the  left  of  its  axis  path.]  At  8  p.  m. 
heavy  gale  from  N.N.W.;  at  10  p.  m.  very  heavy  gale;  hove  the  ship  to  under  triple-reefed 
main-topsail;  midnight,  gale  increased  to  a  hurricane;  the  mainmast  went  by  the  board, 
together  with  the  mizenmast,  fore-top-gallant-mast,  &c.,  with  everything  attached;  blowing  a 
complete  typhoon.  At  5  A.  M.  succeeded  in  clearing  the  wreck;  at  7  a.  m.  gale  had  in  some 
measure  abated,  at  8  A.  M.  got  the  ship  before  the  wind,  then  blowing  from  S.S.W.;  at  noon 
of  20th,  only  a  brisk  gale  from  S.S.E.;  latitude,  by  account,  17°  4'  N.,  longitude  117°  35'  W. 

This  could  have  been  none  other  than  the  Panama's  gale,  moving  on  a  course  between  30° 
and  40°  north  of  west,  and,  if  there  be  no  error  in  the  Panama's  date,  at  the  rate  only  of  about 
three  miles  and  a  half  per  hour  ! 

This  slowness  of  progression  in  the  three  hurricanes  of  the  Panama,  Amazon,  and  Kingston, 
is  of  great  interest  for  navigators  in  the  Pacific.  For  it  shows  how  perfectly  the  exposure  and 
safety  of  their  vessels,  during  such  hurricanes,  are  placed  in  their  own  control,  at  least  in  cases 
where  sea  room  on  all  sides  is  afibrded  them.  Thus,  if  the  master  of  the  Amazon  had  compre- 
hended the  character  of  his  hurricane,  or  its  law  of  rotation  and  progression,  he  might  have 
run  more  eastward,  and  until  the  state  of  the  barometer  and  winds  would  have  allowed  him  to 
come  up  to  his  desired  course.  This  would  have  enabled  him  to  make  a  safe,  rapid,  and  suc- 
cessful run  towards  his  port  of  destination,  while  he  kept  in  the  outskirts  of  the  gale. 

The  Empire,  when  headed  oif  by  the  north  wind  in  the  front  of  the  cyclone,  could  not  pursue 
her  course  for  San  Francisco,  nor  safely  heave-to  on  either  tack.  But  she  had  opportunity  to 
run  southward  in  the  beginning  of  the  gale,  keeping  the  wind  on  the  starboard  quarter  until 
the  state  of  the  barometer  and  the  diminished  strength  and  westerly  changes  of  the  wind  should 
enable  her  to  turn  eastward,  around  the  rear  of  the  hurricane,  and  thus  regain  her  course  with 
a  fair  wind. 

These  eight  cases  were  noticed  in  the  American  Journal  of  Science,  in  1854 ;  but  their  relation 
to  the  storm  chart,  as  well  as  their  value  to  navigators,  makes  i^  prgper  that  the  condensed 


CYCLONES    OF    THE    WESTERN    PACIFIC,  357 

statements  should  here  be  presented.  The  following  notices  of  other  cyclones  in  the  eastern 
Pacific  have  since  been  obtained  : 

Track  9.  The  Belle's  Cyclone. — The  barque  Belle  was  dismasted  in  a  severe  gale  on  the  3d  of 
August,  1855,  in  latitude  18°  N.,  longitude  109°  W.,  while  making  her  passage  from  Cape  San 
Lucas  to  Honolulu.  Her  main  and  mizen  masts  being  cut  away,  she  rightejj,  with  five  feet  of 
water  in  the  hold.  At  11  o'clock  the  wind  shifted  suddenly  to  southwest,  and  she  was  again 
thrown  on  her  beam  ends.  The  foremast  was  cut  away,  and  she  again  righted,  sweeping  the 
decks  of  everything. 

It  is  clear  that  the  Belle  was  on  the  center  path  of  the  cyclone. 

The  Dutch  ship  Gertrude  3Iar{a,  sailed  from  San  Francisco  for  Callao,  July  26,  and  proceeded 
on  her  voyage  very  well  until  August  5,  in  latitude  23°  53'  N.,  longitude  118°  47'  W.,  when 
she  experienced  a  severe  hurricane  from  N.E.  to  N.N.W.,  W.N.W.  and  west  to  S.W.  and 
south,  which  lasted  to  the  6th.  During  its  continuance,  lost  main  topmast,  with  everything 
attached. 

If  we  compute  the  advance  of  the  cyclone  in  two  days,  from  the  position  of  the  Belle  on  the 
3d  to  that  here  given  on  the  5th,  as  equal  to  six  hundred  and  sixty  nautical  miles,  it  will  show 
a  rate  of  about  thirteen  and  a  half  miles  per  hour,  on  a  course  which  is  north  58°  west,  or 
N.W.  by  W.,  nearly. 

Track  10.  Second  Cyclone  of  the  Gertrude  Maria. — From  the  8th  to  9th  of  August,  1855,  in 
latitude  15°  N.,  longitude  116°  31'  W.,  the  Gertrude  Maria  experienced  another  severe  hurri- 
cane from  N.E.  to  N.N.W.,  W.N.W.  and  west,  to  S.W.  south  and  S.W.,  during  which  she 
lost  fore-topmast,  &c.,  and  was  compelled  to  put  back  to  San  Francisco  to  repair. 

Track  11.  Cyclone  of  the  Edivard  Stanly. — The  ship  Edward  Stanly,  from  Cardifi"  to  San 
Francisco,  September  4,  1855,  in  latitude  20°  N.,  longitude  121°  50'  W.,  experienced  a  violent 
hurricane  from  S.E.,  which  lasted  eighteen  hours;  during  which,  shipped  a  heavy  sea,  and 
sustained  much  damage. 

CYCLONE   OF   THE   UNITED    STATES   SHIP   PREBLE. 

Track\2. — The  United  States  ship-of-war  Preble,  from  Monterey  towards  Callao,  at  noon  of 
October  24,  1847,  was  in  latitude  17°  19' N.,  longitude  106°  46'  W. ;  wind  N.N.E.,  and  squally 
appearances  ;  took  in  light  sails  ;  at  2.10  p.  M.,  made  sail  again  to  topgallant-sails  and  mainsail  ; 
barometer  29.78  ;  at  midnight,  wind  N.E.  by  N.,  and  squally  appearances  ;  barometer  29.78  ; 
to  4  A.  M.,  squally  ;  barometer  29.75  ;  from  4  to  8  A.  M.,  strong  gale  from  N.E.  by  E.  ;  three 
reefed  topsails,  &c.  ;  barometer  29.73  ;  from  8  to  noon,  strong  gale  ;  under  storm-sails  ;  gale  at 
10  A.  M.,  E.N.E.  ;  at  11,  E.  by  N.  ;  at  noon,  east ;  barometer  29.74  ;  in  latitude  15°  20'  N., 
longitude  106°  15'  W.  From  noon  of  25th  to  4  p.  M.,  gale  E.N.E.  ;  weather  unchanged  ;  ba- 
rometer 29.63;  from  4  to  8  p.  m.,  gale  the  same  ;  barometer  29.67  ;  8  p.  M.,  gale  strong  from 
E.N.E.,  with  rain  ;  at  9  p.  M.,  gale  N.E.  by  E. ;  weather  unchanged  ;  at  10  p.  M.,  bore  up,  and 
ran  S.W.  by  W.  to  clear  the  cyclone  ;  at  11  p.  M.,  gale  N.E.  ;  barometer  29.62  ;  [probably 
then  nearest  to  the  storm's  centre  ;]  from  midnight  to  4  A.  M.  continued  to  run  off  the  course- 
gale  abating;  at  1  a.  m.  the  wind  was  N.N.E. ;  at  half  past  1,  N.  ^  W. ;  at  2,  N.N.W. ; 
barometer  29.64  ;  at  5  a.  m.,  wind  S.W. ,  and  fresh;  at  8  a.  m.,  barometer  29.75;  at  noon, 
(October  26,)  observed  in  latitude  14°  32'  N.,  longitude  106°  43'  W. 

This  was  a  severe  cyclone,  as  I  am  informed  by  Lieutenant  Bent,  although  it  appears  to  have 
been  of  limited  extent,  and  of  slow  progress.  Had  the  ship  bore  up  at  an  earlier  period,  it  is 
likely  that  much  of  its  force  would  have  been  avoided. 


358  EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN. 

Track  13. — The  ship  Sylph,  F.  N.  Gardiner  master,  on  her  passage  from  Panama  for  San 
Francisco,  encountered  a  severe  hurricane  on  the  21st  and  22d  of  June,  1849,  in  latitude  15°  55' 
N.,  longitude  116°  16'  W.  This  position  is  intersected  by  track  8  on  the  chart,  which  thus 
may  represent  both  storms,  as  their  tracks  must  have  coincided  nearly. 

In  order  to  bring  into  one  view  the  storm  paths  of  both  the  Atlantic  and  Pacific  oceans,  I 
have  placed  on  the  eastern  border  of  the  chart  the  tracks  of  five  of  the  cyclones  of  the  Atlantic 
basin,  which  are  taken  from  my  storm  charts  previously  published. 

KECURVATION   OF   STORM   PATHS   IN   THE   EASTERN   PACIFIC. 

In  the  case  of  the  cyclone  marked  (7,)  we  find  direct  evidence  of  its  recurvation  on  the  Mexi- 
can coast,  near  latitude  20°  N.  It  is  quite  probable  that  other  cyclones  of  this  group  had 
already  commenced  their  recurvation  at  the  time  of  our  latest  notices  of  their  progress.  Such 
cyclones  as  recurvate  near  latitude  21°  N.,  and  near  the  coast,  foil  directly  upon  the  Mexican 
shores  of  the  Californian  Gulf.  These  storms  sometimes  exhibit  great  violence  at  and  near  the 
ports  of  Ipala,  San  Bias,  and  Mazatlan. 

One  of  these  cyclones,  represented  as  a  "terrific  gale,"  occurred  so  late  as  June,  1855  ;  and 
I  have  seen  a  number  of  accounts  of  similar  visitations.  On  the  first  of  November,  1839,  accord- 
ing to  Commander  Hamilton,  of  her  Majesty's  ship  Frolic,  twelve  ships  were  surprised  by  one  of 
these  gales  in  the  port  of  Mazatlan,  and  the  greater  part  were  lost,  and  all  on  board  perished. 
And  on  the  first  of  November,  1840,  three  vessels  were  lost  in  the  road  of  San  Bias,  and  several 
people  were  drowned,  without  it  being  possible  to  render  them  any  assistance. 

Most  of  the  cyclones  which  I  have  last  described,  however,  must  have  recurvated  in  a  more 
advanced  position  in  the  Pacific  ocean  ;  and  in  their  subsequent  northeasterly  progress  they 
would  fall  almost  i)erpendicularly  upon  the  coasts  of  the  two  Californias,  or  the  more  north- 
ern territories.  Thus,  instead  of  sweeping  a  great  length  of  these  coasts  successively,  as  hap- 
pens on  our  Atlantic  border,  these  cyclones  appear  more  like  local  storms,  and  cannot  be  traced 
consecutively  on  the  coast  line.  At  the  point  of  intersection  with  the  coast,  the  first  and  main 
portion  of  the  gale  will  be  felt  from  the  southeast,  on  its  centre  path,  or  more  southerly,  in  its 
right-hand  quadrants.  And  near  tlie  coast,  the  northeasterly  or  reflex  winds  of  the  cyclone, 
pertaining  to  its  first  left-hand  quadrant,  will  not  be  strongly  developed. 

We  learn  from  Lieutenant  Commander  Wood,  of  her  Majesty's  ship  Pandora,  that  from  Cape 
San  Lucas  to  San  Diego,  or  from  latitude  23"  to  latitude  32°  N.,  the  coast  is  subject  to  violent 
gales  from  S.E.  from  November  to  April,  and  that  they  are  more  frequent  as  we  go  towards 
San  Diego.  Before  their  recurvation,  these  cyclones  are  likely  to  have  passed  westward  in 
lower  latitudes  than  those  which  fall  on  the  Mexican  coast. 

From  San  Diego  to  San  Francisco,  the  coast  is  subject  to  southeasterly  gales,  like  those  of 
the  coast  of  Lower  California,  but  they  are  more  frequent  here,  and  blow  with  greater  force. 
These  gales,  according  to  Lieutenant  Wood,  "  last  from  twelve  hours  to  two  days,  and  are  accom- 
panied by  heavy  rain,  which  lasts  till  the  wind  changes,  which  it  often  does  very  suddenly,  and 
blows  as  hard  for  a  few  hours  from  the  northwest,  when  the  clouds  clear  off,  and  fine  weather 
again  succeeds."  This  is  a  clear  descrijition  of  the  phenomena  of  cyclones,  as  shown  on  their 
center-paths,  while  moving  in  a  northeasterly  course. 

The  same  authority  states  that,  from  San  Francisco  to  the  Straits  of  Juan  de  Fuca,  hard 
gales  from  all  points  of  the  compass  may  be  looked  for  at  all  seasons.  These  begin  generally 
from  southeast  to  southwest,  bringing   thick   rainy  weather  with  them.     Alter  blowing  from 


CYCLONES    OF    THE    WESTERN    PACIFIC.  359 

these  quarters  for  some  hours,  they  fly  round  to  the  northward,  by  the  west,  with  little,  if  any, 
warning,  and  blow  even  harder  than  before.  These  changes  show  the  observer  to  have  been  in 
the  right-hand  quadrants  of  the  gale,  as  most  often  will  happen,  and  are  but  counterparts  of 
the  changes  met  with  in  the  cyclones  encountered  in  the  same  latitudes  in  the  North  Atlantic. 

Having  referred  to  the  frequent  occurrence,  and  the  normal  progression  and  rotation  of  the 
cyclones  throughout  the  temperate  latitudes  of  the  North  Pacific  ocean,  as  shown  chiefly  by  the 
single  reports  of  various  ships  and  voyagers,  I  will  now  only  quote  two  or  three  notices  of  this 
charaeter  which  have  lately  came  to  hand. 

The  schooner  Eagle,  from  San  Francisco  for  Monterey,  encountered  a  severe  gale  from  south- 
east in  about  latitude  37°  N.,  and  was  compelled  to  heave  to — split  the  foresail,  &c.  The  wind 
then  shifted  to  northwest,  when  she  bore  up,  and  reached  San  Francisco  on  the  1st  of  January, 
1855.  It  will  be  seen  that  this  vessel  was  on  the  center-path  of  the  cyclone,  as  is  shown  by 
the  direction  and  change  of  the  wind. 

The  ship  Dalraatia,  from  Cape  Ommany  for  San  Francisco,  on  the  14th  of  December,  1854, 
in  latitude  55°  N.,  longitude  139°  W.,  encountered  a  violent  hurricane,  which  commenced  at 
east,  veered  to  south,  and  lasted  forty-eight  hours,  carrying  away  main  topgallant  mast,  yards, 
and  sails  ;  lost  boat,  cut-water,  chain-bolts,  round  house,  rail,  bulwarks,  and  sustained  other 
damage.  The  variation  here  being  between  20°  and  30°  E.,  the  first  severe  wind  of  the  gale 
was  about  E.S.E.,  true  meridian,  indicating  a  position  near  the  center-path  of  the  cyclone. 
But  her  course  being  south,  the  ship  would  soon  pass  into  the  right-hand  quadrants  of  the  gale, 
and  thus  be  headed  off  by  the  wind  as  it  veered  to  the  southward. 

On  the  first  day  of  January,  1855,  off  Cape  Mendocino,  latitude  40°  30'  N.,  the  Dalmatia 
experienced  another  gale  from  southeast  to  northwest,  attended  with  a  heavy  cross  sea. 

In  reference  to  one  of  these  cyclones^  the  master  of  the  Dalmatia  states  that  he  has  never, 
during  an  experience  of  thirty  years,  encountered  so  severe  a  gale. 

The  schooner  Page,  from  Japan  for  San  Francisco,  on  the  18th  of  January,  1850,  in  latitude 
45°  12'  N.,  longitude  180°  meridian,  encountered  a  heavy  gale  from  the  southwest.  On  the 
morning  of  the  19th  the  wind  changed,  and  blew  a  hurricane  from  the  west-southwest.  At  6 
p.  M.  scudding  under  bare  poles.  On  the  20th,  at  2  A.  M.,  the  Page  was  boarded  by  a  tremen- 
dous sea,  which  struck  square  aft  and  swept  the  decks,  carrying  with  it  the  cabin  gangway  and 
binnacle,  galley,  and  store-room,  the  pump-brakes,  boats,  and  bulwarks.  <■ 

Barque  Rebekah,  at  San  Francisco,  April  1,  from  Batavia,  experienced  heavy  weather  during 
the  passage.  March  15,  (1856,)  in  latitude  37°  N.,  longitude  160°,  experienced  a  severe  gale 
from  the  southwest,  and  shipped  a  sea  which  washed  away  quarter-boat,  stove  longboat,  head 
knees,  and  bulwarks.  During  the  last  nine  days  of  March  had  strong  southeast  gales — split 
sails,  &c. 

These  imperfect  notices  of  the  cyclones  which  prevail  in  the  North  Pacific  ocean  are  respect- 
fully submitted  for  the  consideration  of  the  officers  both  of  the  naval  service  and  mercantile 
marine.  If  they  shall  contribute  in  any  degree  to  the  safety  and  success  of  our  ships  and  com- 
merce, it  will  be  a  grateful  reward  for  the  attention  and  labor  which  this  important  subject  has 
at  any  time  required. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

WM.  C.  EEDFIELD. 

Commodore  M.  C.  Perry, 

Commander-in-chief  of  the  late  U.  S.  Exj^edition  to  Japan. 


REPORT  MADE  TO  COMMODORE  M.  C.  PERRY 


KURO-SIWO,  OR  GULF  STREAM  OF  THE  ]\^ORTH  PACIFIC  OCEAN; 


LIEUT.    SILAS    BENT. 


46  s 


KEPORT  MADE  TO  COMMODORE  M.  C.  PERRY 

UPON   THE 

KURO-SIWO,  OE  GULF  STREAM  OP  THE  NORTH  PACIEIC  OCEAN; 

BY    LIEUT.    SILAS    BENT. 


Japan  Expedition  Office, 

New  York,  January  10,  1857. 

Sir  :  In  obedience  to  your  orders,  I  have  made  a  careful  examination  of  the  monthly  meteoro- 
logical tables  and  reports  of  the  masters  of  the  several  vessels  of  the  late  Expedition  to  Japan, 
and  extracted  from  them  such  data  and  information  as  I  deemed  of  interest  to  science,  or  of 
importance  to  navigation,  and  have  succeeded  in  tabulating  and  arranging  the  first  in  such  form 
as  will,  I  trust,  prove  satisfactory  in  elucidating  the  process  by  which  the  general  results  were 
obtained. 

Scattered  over  the  ocean  and  seas,  extending  from  the  south  coast  of  China  to  the  northeast 
extremity  of  Japan^  during  a  period  of  eighteen  months  of  stirring  activity,  the  squadron 
traversed  that  whole  region,  in  every  direction  ;  and  these  reports,  written  with  intelligence, 
and  their  accompanying  tables,  compiled  with  care,  furnish  a  full  and  valuable  collection  of 
consecutive  observations,  which  show  conclusively  that  there  is  a  "  river  in  the  ocean,"  flowing 
to  the  northward  and  eastward  along  the  coast  of  Asia,  corresponding,  in  every  essential  point, 
with  the  €rulf  stream  of  the  Atlantic. 

All  the  observations  contained  in  these  tables  I  at  first  plotted  on  a  skeleton  chart,  but  found 
that  no  satisfactory  conclusion  could  be  adduced  from  them  in  such  a  form,  owing  to  the  con- 
fusion produced  by  the  unavoidable  discrepancies  arising  from  careless  steerage,  or  local  devia- 
tion of  the  compasses,  irregular  atmospheric  pressure,  and  influences  of  shifting  winds  and 
neighboring  land  ;  and  that,  so  far  as  the  defining  of  the  limits  and  general  direction  of  great 
oceanic  currents  were  concerned,  the  thermometers  were  the  only  sure  and  safe  guides.  I  there- 
fore made  the  accompanying  series  of  diagrams  of  the  various  passages  of  the  ships  between  the 
coasts  of  China  and  Japan,  the  Lew  Chew,  Bonin,  and  Sandwich  Islands,  in  order  to  exhibit  the 
tracks,  daily  winds,  currents,  mean  diurnal  atmospheric  pressure,  and  temperatures  of  the  air 
and  water,  and  to  convey  to  the  mind,  by  a  simple  inspection,  if  possible,  the  most  satisfactory 
information  and  results  in  regard  to  the  important  stream  in  that  region  of  the  Pacific  ocean. 

These  diagrams  are  confined  mostly  to  the  sailing  vessels,  as  the  wheel-currents  of  the  steamers, 
when  the  patent  log  is  not  used,  invariably  embarrasses  the  reckoning,  unless  in  the  most 
favorable  weather. 

By  a  reference  to  the  diagrams,  it  will  be  perceived  that  tlie  first  horizontal  column  at  the  top 
of  the  plate,  marked  "daily  winds,"  gives  the  average  direction  of  the  wind  by  initial  letters, 
corresponding  to  the  vertical  lines  extending  downward  from   that  column,  which  lines  repre- 


364  EXPEDITION    TO     JAPAN. 

sent  the  days  of  the  month.  Next  below  the  "  daily  winds  "  is  a  barometric  scale,  divided  off 
into  equal  parts,  for  days  by  the  Vertical  lines,  and  into  tenths  by  the  horizontal  lines,  the  last 
of  which  are  marked  at  the  side  of  the  diagram. 

This  scale  is  traversed  by  a  broken  line,  which  indicates,  at  its  intersection  of  the  vertical 
lines,  the  mean  diurnal  atmospheric  pressure. 

The  next  is  a  thermometric  scale,  divided  oflf  in  the  same  manner  as  the  barometric  scale,  but 
graduated  at  the  side  for  degrees,  instead  of  tenths,  and  traversed  by  a  red  line,  to  indicate,  at 
its  intersection  of  the  vertical  lines,  the  mean  daily  temperature  of  the  air  ;  and  by  a  blue  line, 
to  indicate,  in  the  same  manner,  the  mean  daily  temperature  of  the  water 

These  daily  means,  of  both  the  barometer  and  thermometer,  were  obtained  from  observations 
taken  at  the  hours  of  3  a.  m.,  9  a.  m.  ;  noon,  .3  ?.  M.,  9  p.  m.,  and  midnight. 

In  the  narrow  space  intervening  between  the  barometric  and  thermometric  scales  are  the 
days  of  the  month,  embraced  in  the  passage  of  the  ship  from  port  to  port,  and  corresponding  to 
the  vertical  lines  by  which  those  scales  are  inter.=ected. 

On  the  lower  part  of  all  the  plates  (except  Nos.  VllI  and  X)  is  a  sectional  chart,  with  the 
latitudes  marked  at  the  side,  and  the  longitudes  at  the  bottom 

On  this  chart  is  traced  the  track  of  the  ship,  with  her  position  every  day  at  noon  ;  the  direc- 
tion of  the  daily  current,  as  obtained  from  the  reckoning,  denoted  by  small  arrows,  and  its 
amount  per  day  in  nautic  miles,  expressed  by  numerals  at  the  points  of  those  arrows. 

I  have  not  multiplied  the  diagrams  further  than  what  I  considered  absolutely  necessary  to 
convey  a  general,  yet  accurate,  idea  of  the  direction,  velocity,  and  limits  of  this  remarkable 
stream.  You  will  find  it  traced  upon  the  accompanying  chart,  being  represented  by  the  shaded 
space  lying  along  the  western  shores  of  the  North  Pacfic. 

The  existence  of  a  northeast  current  on  the  coast  of  Japan,  was  noticed  by  Cook,  E  i- 
stern,  and  other  explorers,  and  has,  of  course,  not  escaped  the  attention  of  more  recent  intel- 
ligent navigators,*  but  I  believe  no  systematic  series  of  observations  upon  it  have  hitherti  been 
made. 

The  Japanese  are  well  aware  of  its  existence,  and  have  given  it  the  name  of  "  Kuro-£"  vo," 
or  Black  stream,  which  is  undoubtedly  derived  from  the  deep-blue  color  of  its  water,  when 
compared  with  that  of  the  adjacent  ocean. 

The  fountain  from  which  this  stream  springs  is  the  great  equatorial  current  of  the  Pacific, 
which,  in  magnitude,  is  in  proportion  to  the  vast  extent  of  that  ocean  when  compared  with  the 
Atlantic. 

Extending  from  the  Tropic  of  Cancer,  on  the  north,  to  Capricorn — in  all  probability — on  the 
south ;  it  has  a  width  of  near  three  thousand  miles,  and  with  a  velocity  of  from  twenty  to  sixty 
miles  per  day,  it  sweeps  to  the  westward  in  uninterrupted  grandeur,  around  three-eighths  of  the 
circumference  of  the  globe,  until  diverted  by  the  continent  of  Asia,  and  split  into  innumerable 
streams  by  the  Polynesian  Islands  ;  it  spreads  the  genial  influence  of  its  warmth  over  regions 
of  the  earth,  some  of  which — now  teaming  in  prolific  abundance — would  otherwise  be  but 
barren  wastes.  ' 

°  >I.  Biot,  in  his  description  of  the  general  system  of  currents  in  the  Pacific,  says :  "A  third.  [Ivranch  of  the  equatorial 
current,]  rejected  by  tlie  eastern  co;ist  of  China,  turns  to  the  northward.  But  this  soon  meets,  directly  in  its  course,  with 
the  Japanese  archipelago,  the  Peninsula  of  Kamtschatka,  and  the  eastern  prolongation  of  Siberia.  Besides  this  it  is  driven 
towards  the  equator  by  the  Polar  current,  which  issues  from  Behring's  Straits.  Under  the  combined  influence  of  these 
causes,  its  course  bends  to  the  eastward,  and  following  the  direction,  now  (luite  open  to  its  progress,  it  proceeds  to  the 
western  shores  of  North  America,  above  the  Oregon  Territory,"  &c. 


REPORT    ON    THE    KURO-SIWO,    ETC.  365 

One  of  the  most  remarkable  of  these  off-shoots  is  this  Kuro-Siwo,  or  Japan  stream,  which, 
separated  from  the  parent  current  by  the  Bashee  islands,  and  south  end  of  Formosa,  in  latitude 
22°  north,  longitude  122°  east,  is  deflected  to  the  northward  along  the  east  cost  of  Formosa, 
where  its  strength  and  character  are  as  decided!}'  marked  as  those  of  the  Gulf  stream,  on  the 
coast  of  Florida.  This  northwardly  course  continues  to  the  parallel  of  26°  north,  when  it 
bears  off  to  the  northward  and  eastward,  washing  the  whole  southeast  coast  of  Japan,  as  far  as 
the  Straits  of  Sangar — (see  therraometric  diagrams,  Plates  IV,  V,  VI,  VII,  and  XI) — and 
increasing  in  strength  as  it  advances,  until  reaching  the  chain  of  islands  to  the  southward  of 
the  Gulf  of  Yedo,  about  the  meridian  of  140°  East,  where  its  maximum  velocity,  as  shown  by 
our  observations  on  one  occasion,  was  72,  74,  and  80  miles,  respectively,  per  day. — (See  tracks 
of  vessels  on  Plates  I,  IV,  V,  VI,  VII,  XII,  XV,  and  XVI.)  Its  average  strength  from  tne 
south  end  of  Formosa  to  the  Straits  of  Sangar  is  found  to  be  from  35  to  40  miles  per  twenty-four 
hours,  at  all  seasons  that  we  traversed  it. 

Near  its  origin  the  Kuro-Siwo,  like  the  Gulf  stream,  is  contracted  and  is  usually  confined 
between  Formosa  and  the  Majico  Sima  Islands,  with  a  width  of  one  hundred  miles.  But  to  the 
northward  of  this  group  it  rapidly  expands  on  its  southern  limits  and  reaches  the  Lew  Chew  and 
Bonin  Islands,  giving  it  a  width  to  the  northward  of  the  latter  of  about  five  hundred  miles. — 
(See  thermometric  diagrams  and  tracks  of  vessels  on  Plates  I,  II,  V,  IX,  XII,  XV,  and  XVI.) 

To  the  eastward  of  the  meridian  of  143°  east,  in  latitude  40°  north,  the  stream  takes  a  more 
easterly  direction,  allowing  a  cold  current  to  intervene  between  it  and  the  southern  coast  of 
Yesso,  where  the  thermal  change  in  the  water  on  leaving  the  stream  is  from  16°  to  20°. — (See 
thermometric  diagrams,  Plate  XI.)  But  from  the  harassing  prevalence  of  fogs  during  the 
limited  stay  of  the  squadron  in  that  vicinity,  the  reports  and  tables  do  not  furnish  sufficient 
data  to  prove  conclusively  the  predominant  direction  of  the  cold  current  through  the  Straits  of 
Sangar,  particularly  as  the  tide  ebbs  and  flows  through  them  with  great  rapidity.  Yet  from 
what  we  have,  I  am  inclined  to  believe  that  it  is  a  current  from  the  Arctic  ocean,  running 
counter  to  the  Kuro-Siwo,  and  which  passes  to  the  westward  through  the  Straits  of  Sangar, 
down  through  the  Japan  Sea,  between  Oorea  and  the  Japanese  Islands,  and  forms  the  hyper- 
borean current  on  the  east  coast  of  China,  which  is  known  to  flow  to  the  southward,  through 
the  Formasa  channel  into  the  China  sea.  For  to  the  westward  of  a  line,  connecting  the 
north  end  of  Formosa  and  the  southwestern  extremity  of  Japan,  there  is  no  flow  of,  tropical 
waters  to  the  northward,  but,  on  the  contrary,  a  cold  countei  current  filling  the  space  between 
the  Kuro-Siwo  and  the  coast  of  China. — (See  thermometric  diagrams.  Plates  III,  VI,  VII,  and 
XV.)  As  far  as  this  cold  water  extends  off  the  coast,  the  soundings  are  regular,  and  increase 
gradually  in  depth  ;  but  simultaneous  with  the  increase  of  temperature  in  the  water,  the 
plummet  falls  into  a  trough  similar  to  the  bed  of  the  Gulf  stream,  as  ascertained  by  the  United 
States  Coast  Survey . 

The  surface  of  this  counter  current  is,  no  doubt,  influenced  in  some  measure  by  the  southwest 
monsoon,  and  during  the  season  of  that  wind  a  portion  of  it  is  forced  out  between  Formosa  and 
Japan,  to  mingle  its  waters  with  the  Kuro-Siwo.  But  so  well  is  its  existence  known  to  vessels 
trading  on  the  coast  of  China,  that  they  very  rarely,  if  ever,  attempt  to  beat  to  the  northward 
through  the  Formosa  channel,  but  almost  invariably  make  the  passage  to  the  eastward  of  For- 
mosa during  the  prevalence  of  adverse  winds,  though  those  winds  may  be  stronger  there  than 
in  the  Formosa  channel. 

Of  the  power  of  these  two  currents  I  cau  speak  from  personal  experience,  in  addition  to  the 


366  EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN. 

facts  disclosed  by  the  observations  now  tinder  consideration,  for  in  the  winter  of  1848,  when 
attached  to  the  United  States  ship  Preble,  commander  James  Glynn,  and  bound  from  Hong 
Kong  to  Japan,  we  struggled  for  three  days,  after  leaving  the  port,  against  this  southwest 
current,  setting  down  through  the  Formosa  channel,  without  making  a  single  mile  on  our 
course  to  the  eastward,  and  were  compelled  to  resort  to  the  expedient  of  working  along  in-shore 
and  anchoring  whenever  the  tide  was  combined  with  the  current  against  us.  A  number  of  days 
were  thus  toilsomely  spent  before  reaching  Breaker  Point,  on  the  coast  of  China.  We  then 
stretched  across  the  channel,  in  the  middle  of  which  we  felt  the  full  strength  of  the  southwest 
or  counter  current.  But  on  doubling  the  south  end  of  Formosa  we  immediately  fell  into  the 
Kuro-Siwo,  and  were  borne  by  it  ninety-two  miles,  dead  to  windward,  in  less  that  three  days, 
whilst  lying-to,  under  storm  sails,  in  a  stiff  gale  from  the  northward  and  eastward. 

The  diagrams,  you  will  perceive,  show  an  increased  temperature  of  both  the  air  and  the 
water  the  moment  this  stream  is  entered,  but  a  predominant  thermal  change  in  th&  water, 
which  almost  invariably  continues  superior  in  temperature  to  that  of  the  air  until  leaving  the 
stream  again.  On  the  northwestern  edge  of  the  stream  the  transitions  are  sudden  and  extreme, 
varying,  according  to  the  latitude,  from  10°  to  20°.  On  the  southeastern  side  the  change  is 
less  abrupt,  and,  from  the  gradual  approximation  of  the  thermal  ranges  of  the  air  and  water, 
its  outline  is  rendered  less  distinct  and  definite. 

Along  the  borders  of  the  stream  where  it  chafes  against  the  torpid  waters  of  the  ocean  and 
counter  currents,  as  also  in  its  midst  where  whirls  and  eddies  are  produced  by  islands  and  the 
inequalities  in  its  bed,  strong  tide-rips  are  constantly  encountered  which  often  resemble  heavy 
breakers  on  shoals  and  reefs,  and  become  finger-boards,  as  it  were,  to  warn  the  seaman  of  the 
otherwise  unseen  influence  which  may  be  bearing  his  ship  far  from  her  intended  track,  and, 
perchance,  upon  some  of  the  many  fearful  dangers  that  sprinkle  that  region  of  the  sea. 

The  Gulf  stream,  as  delineated  in  the  Coast  Survey  Eeport  of  Professor  A.  D.  Bache  for 
1854,  I  have  copied  upon  the  chart,  in  order  to  exhibit  to  the  eye  the  striking  resemblance 
between  it  and  the  Kuro-Siwo.  The  former  is  the  result  of  the  observations  made  upon  that 
stream  by  the  coast  survey  under  the  direction  of  Professor  Bache.  The  latter  is  delineated 
entirely  from  the  reports  and  observations  made  by  the  Japan  Expedition  ;  and,  as  these  latter 
were  obtained  during  the  necessary  transits  of  the  vessels  from  port  to  port  in  the  discharge  of 
their  duties  connected  with  the  expedition,  they  cannot,  of  course,  in  any  manner  pretend  to 
the  same  comprehensive  accuracy  and  conclusiveness  as  those  upon  the  Gulf  stream  ;  yet  they 
are  sufiicient,  as  I  have  before  stated,  to  prove  the  remarkable  analogy,  in  almost  every  par- 
ticular, between  these  two  important  currents  of  the  Atlantic  and  Pacific  oceans. 

The  strata  of  cold  water  lying  in  the  longitudinal  direction  of  the  streams,  as  represented  on 
the  chart,  were  traced  upon  the  Kuro-Siwo  from  the  diagrams  of  Plates  V,  YII,  XIII,  XV,  and 
XYI.  I  am  not  precisely  aware  of  what  the  thermal  change  is  in  passing  into  or  from  these 
cold  strata  in  the  Gulf  stream  ;  but  those  in  the  Kuro-Siwo  were  indicated  by  a  depression  of 
only  a  few  degrees  in  the  water  thermometer,  and  should  more  properly,  perhaps,  be  termed  cool 
strata,  as  compared  with  the  rest  of  the  stream  ;  for  in  all  instances  these  strata  maintain  a 
sujjerior  temperature  to  the  atmosphere  above  them ;  and  if  the  hyperborean  current  is,  as  I 
have  supposed,  entirely  separated  from  the  Kuro-Siwo  by  its  passage  through  the  Straits  of 
Sangar  to  the  westward  of  Japan,  I  am  inclined  to  think  tliat  there  is  no  counter  current  under- 
lying the  Kuro-Siwo,  as  is  the  case  with  the  Gulf  stream.  This,  however,  can  be  determined 
only  by  experiments  with  the  deep-sea  thermometer,  and  the  usual  apparatus  for  determining 


J 


REPORT    ON    THE    KURO-SIWO,    ETC.  367 

sub-surface  currents,  none  of  which  were  made  by  the  expedition,  as  its  special  object  was  of 
primary  importance,  and  all  other  subjects  within  the  field  of  our  observations  were  necessarily 
of  subordinate  consideration,  and  were  obliged  to  be  made  as  opportunity  and  the  ordinary 
facilities  of  our  situation  would  permit. 

Lieutenant  M.  F.  Maury  says  that  "the  maximum  temperature  of  the  Grulf  stream  is  86°, 
or  about  9°  above  the  ocean  temperature  due  to  the  latitude."  This  maximum  temperature 
coincides  pretty  nearly  with  that  of  the  Kuro-Siwo,  as  shown  by  the  daily  means  of  our  obser- 
vations ;  but  the  difference  between  the  temperature  of  the  Kuro-Siwo  and  the  "ocean  tempera- 
ture due  to  the  latitude"  is,  by  the  same  observations,  sliown  to  be  greater  than  that  of  the 
Grulf  stream,  amounting  on  an  average  to  about  12°. — {See  Thermometric  Diagrams,  Plates  II, 
VI,  VII,  XI,  XIII,  XV,  and  XVI. 

There  is  a  floating  sea-weed  found  in  the  Kuro-Siwo  similar  in  appearance  to  the/MC!t.s  natans 
of  the  Gulf  stream  ;  but  the  specimens  collected  by  the  expedition  were  unfortunately  lost  before 
being  submitted  to  botanists  for  examination,  and  it  is  therefore  yet  undetermined  whether  they 
are  identical  or  not. 

It  may  not  be  uninteresting  to  state  that  Lieutenant  Wm.  L.  Maury  found  sprigs  of  coral 
while  surveying  off  the  harbor  of  Simoda,  in  latitude  35°  north. 

I  would  further  call  your  attention  to  the  chart  upon  which  they  are  traced,  to  show  the 
striking  coincidence  in  the  recurvation  not  only  of  these  oceanic  streams,  but  also  to  the  general 
coincidence  in  their  recurvation  with  that  of  the  storms  of  the  northern  hemisphere.  Mr.  Ked- 
field  is  of  the  opinion  that  the  recurvation  of  storms  between  the  parallels  of  20°  and  30°  north 
and  south  latitude,  in  all  parts  of  the  world,  as  shown  by  observations,  is  but  partially 
dependent  upon  the  influence  of  land,  and  is  "to  be  ascribed  mainly  to  the  mechanical  gravita- 
tion of  the  atmospheric  strata  as  connected  with  the  rotative  and  orbital  movements  of  the 
different  parts  of  the  earth's  surface. — (Naval  Mag.,  1836,  p.  318.) 

These  atmospheric  meteors,  originating  generally  about  the  tenth  parallels  of  latitude,  north 
and  south,  are  impelled  by  this  influence  directly  towards  the  poles,  but  are  at  the  same  time 
borne  to  the  westward  by  the  trade  winds.  This  compound  force  gives  them  an  oblique  direc- 
tion to  the  northwest  and  southwest,  until  arriving  at  the  outer  limits  of  these  winds,  about  the 
parallels  of  25°  or  30°,  where  the  storms  become  released  from  their  influence,  and,  continuing 
their  course  to  the  north  and  south  towards  portions  of  the  earth's  surface  having  less  rotative 
velocity  than  that  from  whence  they  came,  they  gradually  recurve,  and  soon  assume  a'path  to 
the  northeast  and  southeast,  which  they  pursue  until  dissipated  by  expansion,  or  have  fulfilled 
their  mission  by  a  restoration  of  the  atmospheric  equilibrium,  a  disturbance  of  which  had 
probably  given  rise  to  them.  The  converse  of  this  rotary  influence  of  the  earth  is  thus  described 
by  Dr.  Hadley  and  Dr.  Franklin  :  "  The  air  under  the  equator  and  between  the  tropics,  being 
constantly  heated  and  rarified  by  the  sun,  rises  ;  its  place  is  supplied  by  air  from  the  higher 
and  polar  latitudes,  which,  coming  from  parts  of  the  earth  that  had  less  motion  and  not  sud- 
denly acquiring  the  quicker  motion  of  the  equatorial  earth,  becomes  an  east  wind  blowing 
westward,  the  earth  moving  from  west  to  east  and  slipping  under  the  air."  This  general  law 
of  nature  operates  in  the  same  manner  upon  the  waters  of  the  ocean  as  upon  the  atmosphere, 
when,  by  any  disturbing  cause,  portions  of  the  former  are  set  in  motion  from  about  the  equator, 
modified,  of  course,  by  such  local  obstructions  of  continents,  islands,  &c.,  as  may  be  encoun- 
tered in  their  path. 

In  the  American  Coast  Pilot,  edition  of  1837,  pp.  666,  667,  Mr.  Kedfield  furthermore  says: 


/ 

368  EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN. 

"The  Gulf  Stream  from  Florida  to  Newfoundland  is  for  the  most  part  imbedded  or  stratified 
upon  a  current  which  is  setting  in  the  opposite  direction  in  its  progress  from  the  polar  regions. 
By  this  action  the  great  stream  of  drift  ice  from  the  polar  basin  is  brought  within  the  desolving 
influence  of  the  Gulf  Stream ;  and  the  Grand  Bank  itself,  perhaps,  owes  its  origin  to  the  deposits 
which  have  resulted  from  this  process  during  a  long  course  of  ages.  The  icebergs  being  carried 
southward  by  the  deeper  polar  current,  their  rapid  destruction  is  here  effected  by  the  tepid  water 
of  the  Gulf  Stream.  These  two  streams  of  current,  like  other  currents,  both  atmospheric  and 
aqueous,  pursue  each  its  determinate  course,  the  Gulf  Stream  being  thrown  eastward  by  the 
greater  rotative  velocity  which  it  acquired  in  latitudes  nearest  the  equator,  and  the  polar  current 
being  thrown  westward  along  the  shores  and  soundings  of  the  American  continent  and  its  con- 
tiguous ocean  depths  by  the  tardy  rotation  which  it  derived  in  higher  latitudes.  Were  the 
influence  of  winds  wholly  unfelt  upon  the  ocean,  it  is  probable  that  the  same  system  would 
still  be  maintained  in  all  its  essential  features  by  the  mechanical  influence  of  the  earth's  rota- 
tion, combined  with  an  unstable  state  of  equilibrium." 

And  Lieutenant  M.  F.  Maury,  in  a  paper  on  the  Gulf  Stream  and  currents  of  the  sea,  read 

before  the  National  Institute  April,  1844,  says:  "A  geodetic  examination  as  to  the  course  of 

the  Gulf  Stream  does  not  render  it  by  any  means  certain  that  it  is  turned  aside  by  the  Grand 

Banks  of  Newfoundland  at  all,  but  that  in  its  route  from  the  coasts  of  Georgia  as  far  towards 

the  shores  of  Europe  as  its  path  has  been  distinctly  ascertained  it  describes  the  arc  of  a  great 

circle  as  nearly  as  may  be.     Following  the  line  of  direction  given  to  it  after  clearing  the  straits 

of  Florida,  its  course  would  be  nearly  on  a  great  circle,  passing  through  the  poles  of  the  earth. 

That  it  should  be  turned  from  this,  and  forced  along  one  inclining  more  to  the  east,  requires 

after  it  leaves  these  straits  the  presence  of  a  new  force  to  give  it  this  eastward  tendency.     And 

have  we  not  precisely  such  a  force  in  the  rale  at  which  different  parallels  perform  their  daily 

rounds  about  their  axis  ?     In  consequence  of  this  the  stream,  when  it  first  enters  the  Atlantic 

from  the  Gulf,  is  carried  with  the  earth  around  its  axis  at  a  rate  of  two  miles  and  a  lalf  a 

minute  faster  towards  the  east  than  it  is  when  it  sweeps  by  the  Grand  Banks  of  Newfoundland. 

"  That  this  explanation  as  to  its  eastward  tendency  should  hold  good,  a  current  setting  from 

the  north  towards  the  south  should  have  a  westward  tendency,  accordingly^  and  in  obedience 

to  the  propelling  power  derived  from  the  rate  at  which  different  parallels  are  whirled  around  in 

diurnal  motion,  we  find  the  current  from  the  north  which  meets  the  Gulf  Stream  on  the  Grand 

Banks  taking  a  southwesterly  direction,  as  already  described.     It  runs  down  to  the  tropics  by 

the  side  of  the  Gulf  Stream,  and  stretches  as  far  to  the  west  as  our  shores  will  allow." 

That  this  theory  of  rotative  influence  may  or  may  not  be  correct  it  is  not  my  province  to  dis- 
cuss, but  I  was  forcibly  struck  with  these  coincidences  of  recurvation  when  the  tracks  of  the 
Gulf  Stream  and  Kuro-Siwo,  together  with  the  paths  of  the  hurricanes,  were  traced  upon  the 
same  chart ;  and  I  have  made  these  quotations  to  show  what  hypotheses  are  entertained  by  some 
of  the  eminent  men  who  have  given  much  attention  and  study  to  the  subject,  and  from  a  con- 
viction that  they  are  in  some  measure,  at  least,  sustained  by  the  results  of  our  observations  upon 
the  Kuro-Siwo  ;  for,  notwithstanding  the  configuration  of  the  eastern  shores  of  the  continent  of 
America  and  Asia  are  undoubtedly  the  original  cause  of  the  deflection  to  the  northward  of  the 
whole  of  the  equatorial  current  of  the  Atlantic  by  the  Gulf  Stream,  and  of  a  portion  of  that  of 
the  Pacific  by  the  Kuro-Siwo,  or  Japan  stream,  yet  were  no  influences,  such  as  Mr.  Eedfield 
and  Lieutenant  Maury  refer  to,  operating  upon  these  streams,  would  not  their  natural  inclina- 
tion from  the  inertia  of  their  westward  flow  be  to  hug  the  coast,  and  wash  their  whole  length 


REPORT    ON    THE    KURO-SIWO,    ETC.  369 

to  the  Arctic  sea,  or  until  that  inertia  was  overcome  by  their  friction  against  the  continents  ? 
Yet  this  is  not  the  case  in  either  instance,  for  it  has  been  well  established  by  Mr.  Bache  that  a 
counter  current,  flowing  to  the  southward  and  westward,  intervenes  between  the  Gulf  Stream 
and  the  coast  of  the  United  States  as  far  as  the  peninsula  of  Florida ;  and,  as  I  have  before 
stated,  as  far  as  our  observations  extend,  they  prove  conclusively  that  there  is  a  very  important 
counter  current  intervening  between  the  Kuro-Siwo  and  the  main  coast  of  Asia. 

The  influence  of  the  Kuro-Siwo  upon  the  climates  of  Japan  and  the  west  coast  of  North 
America  is,  as  might  be  expected,  as  striking  as  that  of  the  Gulf  Stream  on  the  coasts  bordering 
the  north  Atlantic.  From  the  insular  position  of  Japan,  with  the  intervening  sea  between  it 
and  the  continent  of  Asia,  it  has  a  more  equable  climate  than  we  enjoy  in  the  United  States  ; 
and  since  the  counter  current  of  the  Kuro-Siwo  does  not  make  its  appearance  on  the  eastern 
shores  of  the  islands  south  of  the  straits  of  Sangar,  and  as  these  islands,  in  their  geographical 
position,  have  a  more  eastwardly  direction  than  our  coast^  the  Kuro-Siwo,  unlike  the  Gulf 
Stream,  sweeps  close  along  this  shore,  giving  a  milder  climate  to  that  portion  of  the  empire 
than  is  enjoyed  in  corresponding  latitudes  in  the  United  States. 

The  softening  influence  of  the  Kuro-Siwo  is  felt  on  the  coasts  of  Oregon  and  California,  but 
in  a  less  degree,  jierhaps,  than  that  of  the  Gulf  Stream  on  the  coasts  of  Europe,  owing  to  the 
greater  width  of  the  Pacific  ocean  over  the  Atlantic. 

Still  the  winters  are  so  mild  in  Puget's  Sound,  in  latitude  48  degrees  north,  that  snow  rarely 
falls  there,  and  the  inhabitants  are  never  enabled  to  fill  their  ice-houses  for  the  summer  ;  and 
vessels  trading  to  Petropaulowski  and  the  coast  of  Kamtschatka,  when  becoming  unwieldly  from 
accumulation  of  ice  on  their  hulls  and  rigging,  run  over  to  a  higher  latitude  on  the  American 
coast  and  thaw  out,  in  the  same  manner  that  vessels  frozen  up  on  our  own  coast  retreat  again 
into  the  Gulf  Stream  until  favored  by  an  easterly  wind. 

And  in  a  late  address  before  the  American  Geographical  Society  by  Dr.  Hawks,  when  speak- 
ing of  the  routes  for  a  railroad  to  connect  the  Atlantic  States  with  the  Pacific  coast,  cites  the 
remarks  of  Mr.  Johnson  and  other  eminent  surveyors,  to  show  that  the  precipitation  of  moisture 
to  the  westward  of  the  Kocky  mountains,  in  Oregon  Territory,  is,  with  rare  exceptions,  in  the 
form  of  rain  throughout  the  year,  and  seldom  as  snow ;  and  as  the  prevailing  winds  on  that 
coast  are  from  the  westward,  they  are  unquestionably  ameliorated  by  the  warm  waters  of 
the  Kuro-Siwo,  which,  impinging  upon  the  Aleutian  islands,  are  thence  thrown  against  the 
shores  of  Oregon  and  California,  and  form  the  southerly  current  on  those  coasts,  to  again  fall 
into  the  great  equatorial  current  of  the  Pacific. 

The  whole  of  the  Kuro-Siwo  is  not,  however,  obstructed  by  the  Aleutian  islands,  for  expe- 
rience shows  that  there  is  a  current  flowing  to  the  northward  through  Behring's  Straits,  which 
is  no  doubt  derived  from  this  stream.  This  is,  perhaps,  underlaid  by  an  arctic  current  flowing 
to  the  southward,  which,  rising  to  the  surface  after  passing  the  narrow  defile  of  the  straits, 
supplies  the  counter  current  to  the  Kuro-Siwo  before  spoken  of. 

In  studying  tliis  subject,  in  connexion  with  others  having  a  bearing  upon  it,  the  hypothesis 
has  forced  itself  upon  my  mind,  that  that  portion  of  the  Kuro-Siwo  which  finds  an  outlet  into 
the  Arctic  ocean  through  Behring's  Straits,  continues  its  course  to  the  northward  and  eastward, 
after  clearing  Icy  Cape,  and  is  the  cause  of  that  open  sea,  with  its  high  temperature,  seen  to  the 
northward  of  Greenland  by  Dr.  Kane  ;  and  from  tlie  unity  of  its  flow  in  a  given  path,  it  leaves 
the  vast  fields  of  ice  lying  to  the  southward  and  eastward,  between   that  path   and  the   north 

47  .s 


370  EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN. 

coast  of  America  and  west  coast  of  Melville  island,  in  a  great  measure  unaffected  by  its  dissolving 
influence ;  for  it  is  in  that  direction  that  our  enterprising  whalemen  who  resort  to  those  seas 
find  their  most  open  cruising  ground,  and  I  have  heard  of  no  instance  in  which  that  open  water 
has  been  explored  to  its  limits  in  a  northeast  direction  from  Behring's  Straits.  The  same 
physical  laws  operating  upon  the  Gulf  Stream  produce  similar  results  upon  it  after  passing 
Spitzbergen,  and  the  mass  of  water  from  these  two  streams  thus  accumulated  about  the  pole 
(after  parting  with  their  warmth)  find  no  outlets  except  those  to  the  southward,  between  Spitz- 
bergen and  the  east  coast  of  Greenland,  and  through  the  passages  among  the  islands  leading 
into  Baffin's  Bay,  and  thus  form  the  streams  known  as  the  Greenland  and  Labrador  currents  ; 
these  uniting  in  the  north  Atlantic,  become  the  counter-current  to  the  Gulf  Stream  after  passing 
Newfoundland. 

The  same  atmospheric  meteors  of  revolving  storms,  or  cyclones,  prevail  on  the  coasts  of  China 
and  Japan  as  those  that  have  been  rendered  so  painfully  familiar  to  us  by  their  devastations 
among  the  West  India  islands,  and  along  our  Atlantic  coast.  This  subject,  however,  is  being 
fully  and  ably  discussed  by  Mr.  Kedfield,  and  I  mention  it  here  merely  as  an  additional  illus- 
tration of  the  resemblance  in  the  physical  phenomena  which  characterize  the  western  shores  of 
the  two  great  oceans. 

In  the  passage  of  the  United  States  steam  frigate  Mississippi  from  Simoda,  Japan,  to  the 
Sandwich  Islands,  in  October,  1854.  the  thermometer  manifested  a  cold  aqueous  space  between 
the  meridians  of  155  degrees  east  and  170  degrees  west,  and  the  parallels  of  30  and  35  degrees 
north,  which  bears  a  general  correspondence  in  the  Pacific  ocean  to  the  position  of  the  Sargassa 
sea  in  the  Atlantic. — (See  Thermometric  Diagrams,  Plate  XIV.)  Plates  YIII  and  X  show  the 
prevailing  winds,  the  oscillations  of  the  barometer,  and  the  temperature  of  the  air  and  water  for 
each  day  during  our  last  visit  to  the  bay  of  Tedo  and  first  visit  to  Simoda.  They  are  interesting 
as  an  indication  of  the  fluctuating  atmospheric  pressure,  and  the  equable  temperature  of  the  air. 

The  great  changes  in  the  temperature  of  the  water  at  Simoda  coincide  with  the  changes  in  the 
pirection  of  the  wind,  (see  Diagrams,  Plate  X,)  yet  is  not  attributable  entirely  to  the  thermal 
influence  of  the  wind  upon  the  water,  as  would  seem  to  be  the  case  from  a  simple  inspection  of 
the  Diagram,  but  is  owing  chiefly,  no  doubt,  to  the  peculiar  position  of  the  harbor  in  regard  to 
the  Kuro-Siwo,  which  sweeps  directly  past  its  mouth,  and  from  which  a  superficial  layer  of 
warm  water  is  driven  into  the  harbor  by  every  southerly  wind  of  any  force.  The  specific  gravity 
of  this  layer  being  less  than  that  of  the  torpid  water  of  the  harbor,  it  remains  on  the  surface 
until  expelled  by  a  northerly  wind,  or  rintil  the  thermal  equilibrium  is  restored  between  it  and 
the  sub-surface  water,  when  the  normal  temperature  of  the  harbor  again  manifests  itself.  The 
bay  of  Yedo  being  more  remote  from  the  Kuro-Siwo,  the  water  thermometer  shows  no  such 
extreme  fluctuations  as  at  Simoda. — (See  Diagram,  Plate  VIII.) 
Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

SILAS  BENT,  Lieutenant. 

Commodore  M.  C.  Perry. 

United  States  Navy. 


Tlate J 


VUe 


SH^      SE^     SSE*       S* 


Daily  Winds 


s- 11^     Sir^      Sir* 


29  00 


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Track. 

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Air 
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Plate  11 


Daily  Wjuiis. 
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TT 


ot  the. 

Tracis,  Winds,  daily  curren 

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-  3iii-oiaete 
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U.  S.SSTJPPLT. 

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'Kp  piling 


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SAILING   DIRECTIONS 


NAUTICAL    REMARKS: 


OFFICERS  OF  THE  LATE  U.  S.  NAVAL  EXTEDITION  TO  JAPAN, 


I'NDER  HIE  COMMAND   OF 


COMMODORE   M.    C.    PERRY. 


SAILING  DIRECTIONS  AND  NAUTICAL  REMARKS, 


OFFICERS  OF  THE  LATE  UNITED  STATES  NAVAL  EXPEDITION  TO  JAPAN. 


Japan  Expedition  Office, 

Neio  York,  May  22,  ISSt. 
Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  herewith  to  send  the  sailing  directions  and  nautical  remarks,  compiled 
from  the  various  reports  and  observations,  made  by  the  officers  of  the  late  Japan  Expedition. 

It  is  due  to  Lieutenant  Bent  to  state,  that  the  general  remarks  and  directions  were  mainly 
written  by  him  before  his  detachment  from  the  office. 
I  am,  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

WM.  L.  MAURY, 
Lieutenant  United  States  Navy. 
Commodore  M.  C.  Perry, 

United  States  Navy,  New  York. 


Horsburg  and  the  China  Pilot  No.  1 ,  afford  good  sailing  directions  for  the  south  and  east  coasts 
of  China.  If  hound  to  Lew  Chew,  from  Hong  Kong,  pass  through  the  Formosa  channel  during 
the  southwest  monsoon,  giving  Agincourt,  Crag,  and  Pinnacle  islands,  off  the  north  end  of 
Formosa,  a  safe  berth,  as  there  are  said  to  be  reefs  among  them  not  laid  down  on  the  charts, 
and  the  currents  are  strong  and  variable  in  the  vicinity.  Thence,  shape  a  course  so  as  to  pass 
to  the  northward  of  Hoa-pin-san,*Tia-usu,  and  Raleigh  Rock,  after  which  haul  to  the  eastward, 
sight  Koomisang,  and  pass  either  to  the  northward  or  southward  of  it,  Karuma,  and  the  small 
islet  near  the  latter,  but  not  between  them,  as  reefs  are  said  to  have  been  seen  there.  If  to  the 
northward,  give  Tusima,t  a  small  rocky  islet,  a  good  berth  ;  j^ass  the  southward  of  Agenhu, 
which  may  be  readily  recognized  by  its  bold  south  point  and  wedge-shaped  appearance.  The 
Amakirrima  group  will  be  seen  to  the  south-southeastward,  Lew  Chew  visible  on  the  eastern 
horizon,  and  in  a  short  time  the  reef  islets  will  heave  in  sight  to  the  southward  and  eastward. 
These-latter  are  low  and  sandy,  slightly  covered  with  vegetation,  and  surrounded  by  coral  reefs. 

During  the  northeast  monsoon,  double  the  south  end  of  Formosa,  and,  with  the  strong  current 

*  The  positioQ  of  Hoapin-san  as  giveu  by  Hursburgh,  latitude  25'^  47'  N.,  longitude  123°  26'  E.,  is  correct,  but  it  is  errone- 
ously laid  down  on  the  French  chart  of  1847:  "  Carte  des  Isles  Mariannes,  &cT,"  as  also  upon  the  "  Admiralty  chart  of  1840, 
corrected  to  1849." 

t  Lieutenant  Commanding  H.  K.  Stevens,  of  the  late  North  Pacific  Surveying  Expedition,  says :  "  Tusima  is  a  r.)eky  islet,  one 
quarter  of  a  mile  ia  exteut,  with  a  reef  projecing  1^  mile  towards  the  northward,  and  one  fourth  that  distance  in  other  direc- 
tions. It  is  about  80  feet  high,  much  broken,  and  lies  13i  miles  N.  15°  E.  from  the  northernmost  peak  of  Koomisang,  and  N 
86"^'  W.  from  the  centre  nf  Agenhu. 


3"/ 4  EXPEPITIONTOJAPAN. 

of  the  Kuro-siwo,  beat  along  its  eastern  shore  to  the  northward  and  eastward*,  and  pass  to  the 
northward  of  the  Majico-Sima  islands,  hut  to  the  southward  of  Hoa-pin-san ;  sighting  Koomisang, 
pass  either  to  the  northward  or  to  the  southward  of  it.f  If  to  the  southward,  you  may  hug  the 
northern  shores  of  the  Amakirrima  islands,  as  it  is  believed  there  are  no  hidden  dangers  near  them. 

During  the  typhoon  season,  however,  it  is  advisable  to  pass  to  the  southward  of  Formosa  and 
Majico-Sima  islands,  in  order  to  have  plenty  of  sea-room  in  the  event  of  encountering  one  of 
these  storms. :|:  The  passage  to  the  southward  of  the  Amakirrima  is  clear,  with  the  exception  of 
Hall's  Keef,  which  bears  from  the  south  point  of  Lew  Chew  west  by  north  half  north,  distant 
about  T  miles,  and  which  is  slightly  above  water.  § 

Arriving  ofl'the  harbor,  be  governed  by  the  following  sailing  directions  for  Napha,  Island  of 
Lew  Chew  : 

This  is  the  principal  seaport  of  the  island,  and  perhaps  the  only  one  possessing  the  privileges 
of  a  port  of  entry. 

The  inner,  or  junk  harbor,  has  a  depth  of  water  of  from  two  to  three  fathoms,  and  though 
small,  is  sufficiently  large  to  accommodate,  with  ease,  the  fifteen  or  twenty  moderate  sized  junks 
which  are  usually  found  moored  in  it.  These  are  mostly  Japanese,  with  a  few  Chinese,  and 
some  small  coasting  craft,  which  seem  to  carry  on  a  sluggish  trade  with  the  neighboring  islands. 

The  outer  harbor  is  protected  to  the  eastward  and  southward  by  the  main  land,  whilst  in 
other  directions  it  is  surrounded  merely  by  a  chain  of  coral  reefs,  which  answer  as  a  tolerable 
breakwater  against  a  swell  from  the  northward  or  westward,  but  afford,  of  course,  no  shelter 
from  the  wind.  The  holding-ground  is  so  good,  however,  that  a  well-found  ship  can  ride  out 
here  almost  any  gale  in  safety. 

The  clearest  approach  to  Napha  from  the  westward  is,  by  passing  to  the  northward  of  the 
Amakirrima  islands,  and  sighting  Agenhu  island, H  (which  will  be  recognized  by  its  wedge- 
shaped  appearance  ;)  from  thence  steer  a  southeast  course  for  the  harbor,  passing  on  either  side 
of  Reef  islands,  being  careful,  however,  not  to  approach  them  too  near  on  the  western  and 
southern  sides,  as  the  reefs  below  water  in  these  directions  are  more  extensive  than  is  shown  by 
old  charts.  After  clearing  Reef  islands  bring  Wood  Hill  to  bear  S.S.E.,  when  stand  down  for 
it,  until  getting  upon  the  line  of  bearing  for  south  channel.  This  will  carry  you  well  clear  of 
Blossom  reef,  yet  not  so  far  off  but  that  the  White  Tomb  and  clump  of  trees  or  bushes  to  the 
southward  of  Tumai  Head,  (see  view  No.  1,)  can  be  easily  distinguished. T^     An  E.N.E.  ^  E. 

*  Extract  from  report  of  Lieutenant  Commanding  J.  J.  Boyle:  "On  the  29th  of  October,  1S53,  near  the  island  of  Formosa,  I 
discovered  a  volcano,  distant  from  the  land  about  ten  miles,  in  a  violent  state  of  eruption,  throwing  out  c  dumns  of  vapor  to  a 
great  height,  resembling  in  appearance  a  similar  phenomenon  to  which  I  was  witness  some  years  ago  on  the  coast  of  Sicily  ;  this, 
however,  was  of  greater  magnitude  and  force  than  that,  although  no  lava  was  visible  by  reason  of  the  dense  bank  of  vapor  which 
hung  around  it.  The  depth  of  water  here  is  much  greater  than  on  the  Sicilian  coast,  and  hence  my  conclusion  as  to  the  cause 
of  not  seeing  lava.  When  last  seen,  at  3  p.  m.,  it  was  in  a  lively  state  of  activity,  aud  bore  N.X.W.,  distant  about  ten  miles.  It 
was  in  latitude  about  34°  N.,  and  longitude  121°  50'  E. ;  there  was  no  sail  in  sight.'' 

t  A  diligent, but  unsuccessful,  search  was  made  for  Harp  island,  placed  in  latitude  23^  45'  N.,  and  longitude  122^_04' East. 
Several  vessels  of  the  squadron  also  passed  near  the  position  (latitude  23^  05'  N.,  longitude  121°  IS'  East,)  assigned  to  Alceste 
shoal,  without  seeing  any  signs  of  it. 

}  The  island  Ykima,  placed  on  some  of  the  charts  to  the  southward  of  Ty-pin-san,  does  not  exist :  but  the  two  small  islands 
between  Ty-piu-san  and  Patchung,  positions  ujfirked  "  doubtful,"  were  seen  by  some  of  the  squadron,  and  are  believed  to  be 
correctly  placed  on  our  chart. 

^  The  ship  Ileber  reports,  January,  1852,  the  discovery  of  a  rock  about  six  feet  above  water,  bearing  from  the  south  point  of 
Lew  Chew  W.  by  S.  J  S.,  seven  miles  di^ant. 

II  Giving  Tusiraa  a  safe  berth. 

11  In  running  down  for  the  bearing  for  south  channel,  care  must  be  taken  to  avoid  Lexington  Reef,  laid  down  on  the  chart  to 
the  southward  and  westward  of  Blossom  Reef,  distant  three  quarters  of  a  mile,  having  but  2J  fathoms  npon  it  at  low  water. 


1 


SAILING    DIRECTION    AND    NAUTICAL    REMARKS.  375 

course  will  now  take  you  in,  clear  all  dangers^  and  give  you  a  good  anchorage  on,  or  near,  the 
seven-fathom  bank,  about  half  a  mile  to  the  northward  and  westward  of  False  Capstan  Head, 

OAR  CHANNEL. 

To  enter  this  channel,  bring  the  centre  of  the  island  in  Junk  harbor  (known  by  the  deep 
verdure  of  its  vegetation)  to  fill  the  gap  between  the  forts  at  the  entrance  of  Junk  harbor,  (see 
view  No.  2,)  and  steer  a  S.E.  -^  E.  course  until  Capstan  Head  bears  east,  when  haul  up  E.N.E., 
and  anchor  as  before  directed. 

NORTH  CHANNEL. 

This  channel  is  very  much  contracted  by  a  range  of  detatched  rocks  making  out  from  the  reef 
on  the  west  side,  and  should  not,  under  ordinary  circumstances,  be  attempted  by  a  stranger,  as 
at  high  water  the  reefs  are  almost  entirely  covered,  and  it  is  difficult  to  judge  of  your  exact 
position  unless  familiar  with  the  various  localities  and  landmarks.  To  enter  by  this  (North) 
channel,  bring  a  remarkable  notch  in  the  southern  range  of  hills  in  line  with  a  small  hillock 
just  to  the  eastward  of  False  Capstan  Head,  (see  view  No.  3,)  and  stand  in  on  this  range  S.  by 
E.  I  E.  until  Tumai  Head  bears  E.  ^  N.,  when  open  a  little  to  the  southward,  so  as  to  give  the 
reef  to  the  eastward  a  berth,  and  select  your  anchorage. 

There  is  a  black  spar-buoy  anchored  on  Blossom  reef,  half  way  between  its  eastern  and 
western  extremities  ;  a  red  spar-biioy  on  the  point  of  reef  to  the  W.N.  W.  of  Abbey  point ;  and 
a  whitp  spar-buoy  on  the  southeast  extremity  of  Oar  reef.  Flags  of  corresponding  colors  were 
attached  to  all  these  buoys,  and  they  aiford  good  guides  for  the  South  and  Oar  channels.  There 
are  two  large  stakes  on  the  reefs  to  the  eastward  and  westward  of  North  channel,  planted  there 
by  the  natives,  this  being  the  channel  mostly  used  by  the  junks  trading  to  the  northward. 

An  abundance  of  water  can  always  be  obtained  at  the  fountains  in  Junk  harbor,  where  there 
is  excellent  landing  for  boats.  There  is  a  good  spring  near  the  Tombs,  in  Tumai  bluff;  but 
unless  the  water  is  perfectly  smooth  the  landing  is  impracticable,  and,  under  any  circumstances, 
it  is  inconvenient  from  the  want  of  sufficient  depth,  except  at  high  tide. 

Lieutenant  Wm.  B.  Whiting,  of  the  United  States  ship  Vandalia,  in  his  official  report  to  the 
commancler-in-chief  upon  his  surveying  operations  at  Lew  Chew,  says  : 

"I  herewith  submit  three  sectional  charts  and  one  general  chart  of  Lew  Chew,  comprising 
my  surveys  on  that  island.  The  sectional  charts  are  the  harbors  of  Deep  bay,  of  Suc0j,and 
Tubootch,  and  of  Shah  bay.  The  whole  of  the  west  coast,  with  the  exception  of  the  extreme 
north  and  south  points  of  the  island,  were  triangulated  ;  determining  with  accuracy  the  posi- 
tions of  all  the  prominent  hills,  as  also  the  sinuosities  of  the  shore  line,  the  latitudes  and  longi^ 
tudes  being  determined  by  upwards  of  two  hundred  observations.  In  constructing  the  general 
chart,  I  was  much  pleased  to  find  some  observations  (bearings,  ranges,  and  angles)  of  the 
French  survey  fall  in  exact  coincidence  with  our  own  determinations,  thus  affording  most  satis- 
tactory  corroboration  of  the  accuracy  of  our  work." 

DEEP  BAY. 

Lieutenant  Whiting  says :  "The  anchorage  at  the  head  of  Deep  bay  is  good.  Although 
open  to  the  west  and  southwest,  winds   from  those  quarters  rarely  blow  homo  ;  or  if  they  do, 

Note. — Tlie  spar-buoys,  aljove  described,  were  securely  moored  at  the  time  they  were  placed  in  their  respective  positions  ; 
hut  may  bo  displaced,  or  entirely  removed,  by  the  heave  of  the  Eca,  and  should  therefore  not  be  implicitly  relied  upon. 

SILAS  BENT,  Licui.  U.  S.  A'. 


376  EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN. 

never  raise  a  sea,  as  the  latter  is  broken  by  the  long  stretch  of  coast  from  Garaa  Satchi,  and  by 
the  great  depth  of  the  bay. 

"  The  country  around  the  head  of  the  bay  is  very  fertile  and  populous,  Motubu  and  Naguh 
being  the  largest  towns.  At  Oon-sah  we  found  a  very  good  ship  and  timber  yard,  where  several 
junks  were  being  built.  Here  we  also  found  the  natives  more  affable  and  sociable  than  on  any 
other  part  of  the  coast,  the  women  coming  around  us  to  examine  our  uniforms  and  surveying 
instruments.  This  part  of  the  island  (extending  to  beyond  Nacosi)  appears  to  be  in  a  high 
state  of  cultivation— rice  and  sweet  potatoes  are  the  principal  productions  ;  but  on  the  northern 
side  of  the  peninsula,  north  of  Deep  bay,  we  saw  the  most  extensive  fields  of  wheat  that  I  have 
seen  in  Lew  Chew,  extending  uninterruptedly  for  several  miles.  Cotton  was  observed,  also,  in 
many  places  ;  but  the  growth  was  small,  and  the  yield  poor.  Peas,  beans,  radishes,  turnips, 
and  sugar-cane  we  saw  growing  in  considerable  quantities,  also  mustard  and  ginger.  On  the 
Natchijen  mountains  cinnamon  was  found  growing  wild.  On  these  mountains  is  a  fine  growth 
of  timber,  which  furnishes  most  of  the  spars  for  the  native  junks  ;  Nakazuni  cove,  on  the  north 
side  of  the  peninsula,  being  the  principal  depot,  whence  they  are  transported  to  other  parts  of 
the  island. 

"  To  the  east  and  northeast  of  Suco  island  there  is  excellent  anchorage,  protected  from  any 
■wind  that  can  blow,  affording  free  egress  to  the  northward  and  southward,  and  where  wood, 
water,  and  fresh  provisions  can  be  easily  procured.  Although  on  the  harbor  chart  of  Suco  the 
anchorage  to  the  east  of  that  island  appears  to  be  open  to  the  south,  yet  it  is  well  sheltered  in 
that  direction  by  the  reef  making  out  from  the  south  point  of  Suco,  and  by  the  south  shore  of 
Deep  bay,  which  stretches  quite  across  the  southern  opening,  though  at  a  considerable  distance." 

OONTING,  OE  PORT  MELVILLE,  ISLAND  OF  GREAT  LEW  CHEW. 

This  beautiful  harbor  is  on  the  N.W.  side  of  Lew  Chew,  and  distant  about  thirty-five  miles 
from  Napha. 

Sugar  Loaf  island,  an  excellent  landmark,  lies  about  twelve  miles  to  the  W.N.  Westward  of 
the  entrance.  The  island  is  low  and  flat,  with  the  exception  of  a  sharp  conical  peak  near 
its  extremity,  which  rises  to  a  height  of  several  hundred  feet. 

Passing  to  the  north  of  Sugar  Loaf  island,  an  E.S. Easterly  course  will  bring  you  to  the  mouth 
of  the  harbor,  and  to  the  northward  and  westward  of  Kooi  island.  It  is  advisable  to  heave  to 
here,  or  anchor  in  twenty  or  twenty-five  fathoms  water,  until  boats  or  buoys  can  be  placed  along 
the  edges  of  the  reefs  bordering  the  channel,  for  without  some  such  guides  it  is  difficult  for  a 
vessel  of  large  draught  to  find  her  way  in  between  the  reefs,  which  contract  in  places  to  within  a 
cable's  length  of  each  other,  and  are  at  all  times  covered  with  water. 

The  ranges  and  courses  for  the  channel  are,  first,  Hele  rock,  in  range  with  Double-topped 
mountain,  bearing  south  37  degrees  east.  Steer  this  course,  keeping  the  range,  on,  until  Chim- 
ney rock  bears  S.-4-E. ;  then  for  Chimney  rock,  until  Point  Conde  bears  south  49  degrees  east ; 
then  for  Point  Conde,  until  entering  the  basin  of  Oonting,  when  anchor,  giving  your  ship  room 
to  swing  clear  of  the  reef  making  out  to  the  northward  of  Point  Conde,  and  you  will  be  as 
snug  as  if  lying  in  dock  with  good  holding  ground,  completely  land-locked,  and  sheltered  almost 
entirely  from  every  wind. 

Good  water  is  to  be  had  at  tlie  village  of  Oonting. 

By  order  of  Commodore  M.  C.  Perry.  SILAS  BENT, 

Lieutenant  United  Stales  Navy. 


J 


SAiLING    DIRECTIONS    AND    NAUTICAL    REMAKES.  377 

SHAH  BAY. 

Lieutenant  Whiting  says  :  "  Is  a  beautiful  land-locked  sheet  of  water,  but  the  reef  in  front 
of  its  entrance  prevents  its  being  accessible  to  vessels  of  larger  size  than  the  junks  which 
frequent  it.  When  once  within  the  entrance,  however,  the  water  deepens  to  twelve  and  eight 
fathoms,  the  bottom  soft  mud,  and  very  even. 

"  When  we  first  put  into  Shah  bay  it  was  evening,  and  the  weather  presented  a  threatening 
appearance.  The  next  morning  it  was  blowing  a  gale  from  the  northward  and  westward^  which 
continued  for  several  days,  rendering  it  impossible  for  a  boat  to  go  outside  of  Ofookah.  In  the 
meantime,  we  completed  the  survey  of  the  harbor  withia,  and  it  was  not  until  the  last  day  of 
our  sojourn  there  that  I  was  able  to  examine  the  entrance,  when  we  discovered,  to  my  great 
chagrin,  that  a  reef  across  the  mouth  effectually  prevented  all  ingress  for  ships  or  vessels  of 
large  draught. 

"  On  the  shore  of  Shah  bay  (where  marked  on  the  chart)  was  found  iron  ore,  mineral  coal, 
and  sulphur.  The  coal  which  I  saw  here  was  of  very  poor  quality,  and  mixed  with  earth  and 
gravel ;  good  coal,  however,  might  perhaps  be  found  by  digging." 

The  following  extracts  are  from  the  report  of  Lieutenant  George  B.  Balch  to  Commander 
John  Kelly,  of  the  United  States  ship  Plymouth  : 

"  In  obedience  to  your  order  of  August  9,  I  have  to  report  that  I  proceeded  on  the  15tli,  with 
the  launch  and  first  cutter,  to  execute  the  duty  assigned  me. 

"  On  the  evening  of  the  15th  we  encamped  on  the  Island  of  Kudaka,  the  southeastern  island 
of  the  chain  extending  along  the  east  coast  of  Great  Lew  Chew. 

"  The  following  day  we  discovered  the  existence  of  a  bay  not  previously  known  ;  but  from 
the  ex2)loration  we  found  that  it  was  of  no  practical  utility,  being  filled  with  coral  reefs.  In 
fact,  a  reef  commencing  five  miles  from  the  south  point  of  Great  Lew  Chew  extends,  in  an 
unbroken  chain,  outside  all  of  the  small  islands  as  far  as  the  northeast  point  of  Ichey  island, 
with  the  exception  of  a  narrow  channel  between  the  islet  off  the  N.E.  end  of  Kudaka  and  the 
Island  of  Tsking.     This  reef  is  of  coral  formation,  the  approach  to  which  is  bold. 

"  We  continued  our  survey  until  the  22d,  when  we  reached  the  Island  of  Ichey,  which  forms 
the  southeastern  point  of  Barrow  bay.  This  bay  we  then  proceeded  to  survey,  and  the  results 
prove  that  it  is  also  useless  for  all  purposes  of  navigation,  being  exposed  to  the  east  winds  and 
swell  from  the  ocean.  Our  survey  of  this  bay  led  to  the  discovery,  however,  of  a  port  of  refuge 
on  the  west  side  of  Ichey,  or  Hanadi,  under  either  of  which  a  secure  anchorage  may  be  found. 
I  have  marked  with  anchors  on  the  chart  the  most  desirable  positions.  This  is  the  only  harbor 
of  refuge  on  the  east  coast  of  Lew  Chew. 

"  Having  finished  the  survey  of  the  east  coast  and  adjacent  islands  and  reefs,  we  passed  round 
the  northeast  extremity  of  Great  Lew  Chew  on  the  26th,  on  our  return  to  the  ship,  where  we 
arrived  on  the  29th,  after  an  absence  of  two  weeks,  during  which  we  circumnavigated  the 
island. ' ' 

SAILING  DIRECTIONS  FOR  THE  HARBOR  OF  KEELUNG,  ISLAND  OF  FORMOSA. 


Keelung  harbor,  or  Keelung-taw,  head  (or  promontory)  is  situated  near  the  northeastern 
point  of  the  island  of  Formosa.     The  entrance  may  be  readily  known  by  the  high  island  of 
4^* 


378  EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN. 

Keeluug,  situated  three  and  a  half  miles  to  the  northeast,  and  by  the  high,  craggy  land  to  the 
westward,  outlines  of  which  are  given  on  tlie  chart.  Image  Point,  forming  the  western  side  of 
the  entrance,  is  called  so  from  the  action  of  the  sea,  having  worn  the  soft  sandstone  of  which  it 
is  composed,  leaving  boulders  of  darker  stone  on  elevated  pedestals  resembling  images.  The 
eastern  side  is  formed  by  a  low,  flat,  and  rocky  island,  (not  easily  separated  from  the  high  land 
behind  it,)  having  a  few  small  trees  and  shrubs  on  its  southern  edge. 

Making  and  keeping  Keelung  island  well  to  the  eastward,  the  entrance  may  be  approached 
without  fear,  as  the  soundings  are  deep,  and  free  from  hidden  dangers.  When  well  up  with  the 
entrance,  a  remarkable  hill  will  be  seen  in  the  harbor,  called  on  the  chart  Crag  peak  ;  bring  it 
to  bear  south  by  west,  which  course  will  take  you  down  the  center  of  the  channel  clear  of  the 
coral  reefs  on  both  sides.  The  best  anchorage  for  large  vessels  is  on  the  eastern  side  of  the 
entrance,  to  the  southward  of  some  dangerous  coral  shoals,  with  the  outer  points  of  "junk  and 
boat  passage,"  just  open.  The  holding  ground  (a  stiff  mud  and  sand)  is  excellent.  Anchorage 
for  a  single  vessel  may  be  had  in  Merope  bay,  to  the  southward  of  Image  Point.  Vessels  of  less 
than  15  feet  draught  may  find  a  snug  anchorage  half  a  mile  nearer  the  town,  to  the  southward 
of  a  coral  shoal,  which  makes  out  to  the  eastward  of  Crag  peak.  Near  this  anchorage  there  is 
a  small  but  remarkable  rock,  resembling  a  gothic  ruin,  and,  therefore,  called  Ruin  rock.  The 
town  of  Keelung  is  situated  at  the  head  of  the  harbor,  about  a  mile  from  this  last  anchorage, 
and  surrounded  by  extensive  mud  flats,  bare  at  low  water^  and  can  only  be  approached  by  small 
boats  at  high  tides. 

Tliere  are  several  coal  mines  about  a  mile  east-southeast  from  the  town,  situated  on  the 
southern  banks  of  the  small,  shallow  stream  which  branches  ofi'  in  that  direction. 

A  limited  supply  of  fresh  water  can  be  obtained  near  each  of  the  little  settlements  around  the 
shores  of  the  harbor,  but  generally  of  poor  quality.  Pigs,  poultry,  and  vegetables  can  be 
obtained  in  any  quantity  required.  There  is  a  covered  market  or  bazaar  at  Sowan  Point,  near 
the  junk  anchorage,  and  another  in  tho  town  of  Keelung.  There  is  a  good  landing  place  for 
boats  at  Sowan  Point,  and  from  thence  is  a  good  road  and  causeway  to  the  town. 

COAL  HARBOR  NEAR  KEELUNG. 

It  is  so  called  from  its  proximity  to  the  coal  mines  opened  by  the  Chinese  on  the  hill-sides  of 
the  southern  shore  of  Quar-see-kow  bay.  It  ofiers  anchorage  and  shelter  for  one  or  two  ships 
only.  Should  the  mines  ever  be  worked  by  Europeans,  the  coal  (which  is  of  good  quality)  could 
be  conveyed  to  Harbor  rock  by  means  of  a  railroad  along  the  west  shore  of  Quar-see-kow  bay, 
at  the  base  of  the  hills.  A  short  pier  from  the  north  side  of  Harbor  rock  would  enable  a  ship 
to  lie  alongside  in  three  or  four  fathoms  water,  and  receive  or  discharge  her  cargo. 

Keelung  harbor,  latitude  25°  09'  north,  longitude  121°  48'  east;  variation,  0°  00'.  High 
water  full,  and  change  10"  30".     Rise  and  fall,  3  feet.     The  soundings  are  in  fathoms. 

FROM  LEW  CHEW  TO  THE  BONIN  ISLANDS. 

Sailing  from  Napha  during  the  northeast  monsoon,  it  is  better  to  double  round  the  south  end 
of  the  island,  in  order  to  avoid  beating  through  the  Montgomery  group,  of  which  there  is  no 
reliable  survey  ;  but  with  a  southerly  wind  and  pleasant  weather  a  vessel  will  find  it  to  her 
advantage  to  pass  round  the  northern  end,  where  she  will  feel  the  influence  of  the  Kuro-Siwo, 
which  she  may  carrv  well  to  the  eastward  on  her  course  to  the  Bouins. 


SAILING    DIRECTIONS    AND    NAUTICAL    REMARKS.  379 


ISLANDS  OF  BORODINO. 

These  are  represented  in  the  old  charts  as  one  island,  but  there  are  two  lying  in  a  N.N.E. 
and  S.S.W.  direction  from  each  other,  distant  ahout  four  miles,  the  southernmost  being  the 
largest,  and  about  three  miles  in  extent  from  east  to  west.  It  is  low,  of  coral  formation,  and 
covered  with  vegetation.     A  reef  extends  along  its  southern  shore,  affording  no  visible  harbor. 

Latitude  25°  48'  30"  N.;  longitude  131°  15'  30"  E. 

KOSARIO  OR  DISAPPOINTMENT  ISLAND 

Lies  about  seventy  miles  W.  by  N.  from  Port  Lloyd,  in  latitude  27°  14'  30"  N.,  longitude  140° 
56'  45"  E.  It  is  about  one  mile  in  length,  from  east  to  west,  is  low,  rugged,  and  apparently 
unsusceptible  of  cultivation, 

PORT  LLOYD. 

Officers  of  the  squadron  made  examination  of  this  harbor  sufficient  to  verify  the  accuracy  of 
the  survey  of  Captain  Beechey,  R.  N.,  who  gives  the  following  sailing  directions : 

^^  Directions  for  entering. — Having  ascertained  the  situation  of  the  port,  steer  boldly  in  for  the 
southern  head,  taking  care  not  to  bring  it  to  the  northward  of  N.  47°  E.,  true,  or  to  shut  it  in 
with  two  paps  on  the  N.E.  side  of  the  harbor,  which  will  be  seen  nearly  in  one  with  it  on  this 
bearing.  In  this  position  they  are  a  safe  leading  mark.  To  the  southward  of  this  line  there  is 
broken  ground. 

"  If  the  wind  be  from  the  southward,  which  is  generally  the  case  in  the  summer  time,  round 
the  south  bluff,  at  the  distance  of  200  yards,  close  to  a  sunken  rock,  which  may  be  distinctly  seen 
in  clear  weather.  Keep  fresh  way  upon  the  ship,  in  order  that  she  may  shoot  on  end  through 
the  eddy  winds,  which  bafflle  under  the  lee  of  the  head  ;*  and  to  prevent  her  coming  around 
against  the  helm,  which  would  be  dangerous.  The  winds  will  at  first  break  the  ship  off,  but 
she  will  presently  come  up  again  ;  if  she  does  not,  be  ready  to  go  about,  as  you  will  be  close 
upon  the  reefs  to  the  northward,  and  put  the  helm  down  before  the  south  end  of  the  island,  off 
the  port  to  the  westward,  comes  on  with  the  high  square  rock  at  the  north  of  the  entrance. 

"  If  she  comes  up,  steer  for  a  high  Castle  rock  at  the  east  end  of  the  harbor  until  a  pointed 
rock  on  the  sandy  neck  to  the  eastward  of  the  south  headland  comes  in  one,  with  a  high 'sugar- 
loaf-shaped  grassy  hill  to  the  southward  of  it.  After  which  you  may  bear  away  for  the  anchor- 
age, taking  care  not  to  open  the  sugar-loaf  again  to  the  westward  of  the  pointed  rock.f  The 
best  anchorage.  Ten-fathom  Hole  excepted,  which  it  is  necessary  to  warp  into,  is  at  the  northern 
part  of  the  harbor,  where  the  anchor  is  marked  on  the  admiralty  plan. 

"In  bringing  up,  take  care  of  a  spit  which  extends  off  the  south  end  of  the  small  island,  near 
Ten-fathom  Hole,  and  not  to  shoot  so  far  over  to  the  loestern  reef  as  to  bring  a  rock  at  the  outer 
foot  of  the  South  Bluff  in  one  with  some  black  rocks,  which  will  be  seen  near  you  to  the  south- 
westward.  The  depth  of  water  will  be  from  18  to  20  fathoms,  clay  and  sand.  If  the  wind  be 
from  the  northward,  beat  between  the  line  of  the  before-mentioned  Sugar-loaf  and  Pointed  rock 
westward,  and  a  north  and  south  line  from  the  Castle  rock  to  the  eastward.  This  rock,  on  the 
western  side,  as  well  as  the  bluff  to  the  northward  of  it,  may  be  shaved,  if  necessary.  The  hand 
leads  are  of  very  little  use  in  beating  in  here,  as  the  general  depth  is  20  or  24  fathoms. 

*  Keep  the  top-gallant  clew-lines  in  hand. 

f  This  rock  is  white  on  the  top  with  birds'  dung,  and  looks  like  an  island. 


380  EXPEDITION    TO   JAPAN. 

"  The  best  ■watering  place  is  in  Ten-fathom  Hole.  It  is  necessary  to  he  cantions  of  the  sharks, 
•which  are  very  numerous  in  this  harbor.  It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  S""  .8"  ;  springs 
rise  3  feet.  The  station  on  the  north  side  of  Ten-fathom  Hole  is  in  latitude  2Y°  5'  35"  N., 
longitude  142°  11'  31",  variation  1°  8'  E." 

To  which  Acting  Masters  Madigan  and  Bennett,  of  the  United  States  ships  Saratoga  and 
Susquehanna,  append  the  following  remarks,  viz  : 

"The  entrance  to  the  harbor  of  Port  Lloyd,  on  the  western  side  of  Peel  island,  one  of  the 
Bonin  group,  is  well  defined,  so  that  it  can  scarcely  be  mistaken. 

"  A  ship  bound  in  would  do  well  to  place  a  boat  on  the  shoal  that  makes  off  south  from  the 
eastern  point  of  Square  Kock,  as  it  is  called  on  Beechy's  harbor  chart.  This  shoal  can  be  easily 
seen  from  aloft,  however,  even  when  there  is  no  swell  on.  It  extends  full  two  cables  length 
from  Square  Eock  to  the  southward,  and  is  steep.  The  centre  of  the  shoal  is  awash  with  a 
smooth  sea.  The  tide  rises  about  three  feet,  and  there  is  a  coral  rock  about  one  cable's  length 
north  from  the  northern  point  of  Southern  Head,  on  which  were  found  eight  feet  water.  But  a 
ship  entering  the  harbor  would  not  be  likely  to  approach  Southern  Head  so  near  as  to  be  upon 
it.  This  island,  as  well  as  those  surrounding  it,  is  visited  chiefly  by  whale  ships,  and  its 
products,  therefore,  are  such  as  to  suit  their  wants. 

"Potatoes,  yams,  and  other  vegetables,  fruits  of  various  kinds,  together  with  wild  hogs  and 
goats,  can  be  procured  from  the  few  whites  and  Sandwich  Islanders — thirty-five  in  all — settled 
there.  Wood  is  good  aad  plentiful,  and  water  can  be  had,  though  in  limited  quantities,  and 
slightly  tainted  by  the  coral  rocks  from  which  it  springs. 

"  The  anchorage  is  fair,  though  open  to  the  south  and  west.  The  reconnoissance  made  by 
order  of  the  commander-in-chief  proved  the  accuracy  of  Captain  Beechy's  chart." 

Mr.  Bennett,  acting  master  of  the  Susquehanna,  says  in  his  report:  "  Assuming  the  position 
of  Napha,  in  Great  Lew  Chew  island,  as  established  by  Beechy,  to  be  correct,  I  find  by  the  mean 
of  my  chronometers  that  he  has  placed  Ten-fathom  Hole,  in  Port  Lloyd,  five  miles  too  far  to  the 
westward,  and  consequently  the  whole  group  is  placed  that  much  to  the  westward  of  its  true 
position." 

BAILEY,    OR   COFFIN   ISLANDS,    BEING    THE    SOUTHERN    PORTION    OF   THE 

BONIN  GROUP. 

A  reconnoissance  of  these  islands  was  made  under  the  direction  of  Lieutenant  Balch,  by  the 
officers  of  the  Plymouth. 

Lieutenant  Balch,  in  his  report,  says  :  With  the  exception  of  Newport,  on  the  west  side  of 
Hillsborough,  (formerly  known  as  Fisher's  island,)  and  a  small  cove  just  to  the  northward  of  it, 
there  is  no  place  on  the  shores  of  any  of  the  islands  suitable  for  a  coal  depot,  nor  can  Newport 
or  the  cove  be  recommended  as  places  suitable  for  such  a  purpose.  They  are  both  open  from 
southwest  to  northwest,  and  the  holding  ground  is  not  good,  being  sand  and  rocks.  Vessels 
could,  however,  always  get  to  sea  on  the  approach  of  a  gale,  as  there  are  two  safe  passages,  and 
which  are  very  plain. 

Hillsborough  (the  largest  of  the  group)  is  seven  and  a  half  miles  in  length,  by  about  one  and 
a  quarter  in  widtli,  the  greater  part  of  which  is  hilly  and  rocky.  Some  wild  hogs  are  found 
upon  it;  fish  abundant ;  turtles  plenty,  in  season.  Also,  wood  and  water  can  be  obtained. 
From  May  1  to  December,  easterly  winds  prevail ;  after  that,  the  westerly  winds  blow  till  May 
with  the  regularity  of  a  monsoon. 


SAILING    DIRECTIONS    AND    NAUTICAL    REMARKS.  381 

The  islands  Yoiiron,  Oukin,  and  Kakaronma,  are  liigb,  well  wooded,  and  appear  to  be 
inhabited.  These,  as  well  as  all  other  of  the  islands  laid  down  on  the  French  "  Carte  de  L 
ArcMpel  Lou  Tchou,  et  de  la  partie  sud  du  Japon"  of  1848,  that  were  seen  by  our  squadron,  are 
correctly  placed.     We  believe  the  chart  can  be  fully  relied  upon. 

Ou-sima  is  the  largest  of  the  chain  of  islands  lying  between  Lew  Chew  and  JajDan.  It  is 
about  thirty  miles  long,  lying  in  a  northeast  and  southwest  direction,  and  is  high,  well  culti- 
vated, and  from  the  number  of  villages  seen  along  the  coast,  must  contain  a  large  population. 

Two  boats  from  the  Mississippi  landed  near  a  village  in  a  bay  on  the  western  shore,  where 
there  is  good  anchorage,  but  which  is  entirely  exposed  to  the  eastward.  A  few  fowls  and  vege- 
tables were  procured  from  the  natives,  though  the  visitors  were  decidedly  unwelcome.  Off  this 
bay,  about  two  miles  distant  from  the  shore,  there  are  two  rocks  above  water. 

The  vessels  sounded  as  they  ran  along  the  western  shore,  four  or  five  miles  distant,  in  from 
45  to  52  fathoms.  The  north  end  of  the  island  is  high,  and,  as  it  is  connected  with  the  main 
by  a  narrow,  low  isthmus,  it  has  the  appearance,  from  some  bearings,  of  being  a  separate 
island,  and,  as  such,  it  is  placed  upon  some  of  the  charts.  There  are  several  smaller  islands 
lying  immediately  off  the  south  end.  Latitude,  north  point,  28°  31'  north  ;  longitude,  north 
point,  129°  41'  east. 

This  is  probably  the  "  Harbor  island  "  of  the  old  charts. 

There  is  a  rock,  fifteen  or  twenty  feet  higb,  three  or  four  miles  to  the  northward  of  the  North, 
point.* 

Kikai-sima,t  probably  Bungalow  island  of  the  old  charts,  lies  to  the  southward  and  eastward 
of  the  north  end  of  Ou-sima,  distant  about  twelve  miles.  This  is  a  moderately  high  island, 
about  seven  miles  in  length,  and  inhabited.  Latitude,  center  of  the  island,  28°  20'  north  ; 
longitude,  center  of  the  island,  129°  57'  30"  east. 

SANDON  KOCK. 

This  is  a  small  rock,  about  twenty  feet  in  height,  resembling  a  haycock,  and  lying  twelve 
miles  north  by  east-half-east  from  the  north  point  of  Ou-sima. 

Bungalow  and  Harbor  islands,  as  laid  down  on  some  of  the  charts  to  the  eastward  of  the 
north  end  of  Ou-sima  and  Kikai-sima,  we  are  satisfied  do  not  exist. 

ISLAND  OF  KIKAI, 

As  laid  down  on  some  charts  in  latitude  29°  36'  north,  longitude  130°  25'  east,  has  no 
existence  in  that  position.  The  strong  currents  which  prevail  in  this  vicinity  are  no  doubt  the 
cause  of  the  numerous  discrepancies  in  the  jjositions  of  islands,  &c.,  given  by  the  different 
charts. 

EEDFIELD  ROCKS. 

This  is  a  dangerous  cluster  of  small,  sharp  pointed  rocks,  varying  from  five  to  twenty  feet  in 
height,  and  lying  about  twenty  miles  southwest  from  Kozu-sima,  in  latitude  33°  56'  13"  north, 
longitude  138°  48'   31"  east  ;  and  latitude  33°   57'  31"  north,  longitude  138°  49'   13"  east. 

*  The  ship  Willhiin  Badger  reports  (1856)  the  discovery  of  two  rocks,  about  8  feet  above  water,  bearing  nortlieast  by 
north  from  Ou-sima,  distant  30  miles. 

t  Commander  Rodgers,  in  his  recent  surveying  expedition  to  the  Nortli  Pacific,  reports  a  dangerous  shoal  about  tno 
miles  south  by  west  from  tlie  southwest  point  of  this  island.  The  charts  of  his  valuable  surveys  are  now  in  process  of  pub- 
lication. 


382  EXPEDITION     TO    JAPAN. 

Kozu-sima,  in  latitude  34°  13'  15"  north,  longitude  139°  08'  east,  (centre,)  is  the  most  south- 
western of  the  chain  of  islands  lying  off  the  Gulf  of  Yedo.  It  is  three  and  a  half  miles  in  length 
from  northeast  to  southwest,  and  may  be  recognized  by  a  remarkable  white  cliff"  on  its  western 
side,  and  a  white  patch  on  its  summit,  to  the  northward  of  the  cliff.  It  has  an  elevation  of 
2,000  feet. 

About  two  miles  to  the  westward  of  the  southwest  point  of  Kozu-sima  are  the  "Brood  rocks,'' 
which  should  be  given  a  safe  berth,  as  their  jagged  appearance  would  lead  to  the  belief  that 
there  may  be  bidden  dangers  in  their  immediate  neighborhood. 

Sikini-sima  is  a  low  island,  with  a  small  islet  off  its  north  point.  It  is  one  and  a  half  miles 
in  length,  and  lies  five  miles  N.N.E.  of  Kozu-sima.  One  of  the  vessels  of  the  squadron  passed 
between  these  islands  and  could  discover  no  dangers.     It  is,  therefore,  thought  to  be  safe. 

Nee-sima  is  about  one  and  a  half  miles  to  the  northward  and  eastward  of  Sikini,  and,  from  its 
broken  outline,  appears  from  a  distance  as  several  islands.  It  is  five  miles  in  extent  from  north 
to  south,  with  an  altitude  at  its  highest  point  of  1,468  feet.* 

Utoma  is  a  small  island  about  two  and  a  half  miles  N.  h  E.  of  Nee-sima  ;  is  cone-shaped,  and 
has  detached  rocks  lying  near  its  shores.     Its  elevation  is  660  feet. 

To-sima  is  a  couple  of  miles  N.  \  W.  from  Utoma.  It  is  one  mile  in  diameter  ;  pyrimidal- 
shaped,  with  an  elevation  at  its  apex  of  1,730  feet. 

Oho-sima  is  ten  miles  N.N. Eastward  of  To-sima.  Its  southeastern  point  is  in  latitude 
34°  39'  30"  N.,  longitude  139°  28'  E.  North  point,  latitude  34°  47'  30"  N.,  longitude  139°  24' 
E.  This  is  the  largest  and  most  northern  island  of  the  chain.  It  has  an  active  volcano  near  its 
summit,  which  ris3S  to  an  altitude  of  2,530  feet.  The  sloping  sides  of  the  mountain  are  exten- 
sively cultivated,  and  dotted  with  towns  and  villages.  The  vapor  which  sometimes  ascends 
from  the  volcano,  or  hangs  in  a  dense  mass  over  the  mountain,  makes  the  island  a  cajiital  land- 
mark for  vessels  approaching  this  part  of  the  coast  of  Japan.  The  passage  between  this  island 
and  To-sima  was  repeatedly  used  by  the  squadron,  and  is  believed  to  be  entirely  free  from  hidden 
dangers. 

The  current  sets  strongly  to  the  northward  and  eastward  through  these  various  passages,  and 
is,  of  course,  disturbed  in  its  regularity  by  the  obstruction  of  the  islands.  This,  therefore, 
should  be  always  borne  in  mind,  particularly  in  bad  weather. 

None  of  the  passages  between  the  above  named  islands  were  traversed  by  the  squadron,  except 
those  two  particularly  mentioned,  and  we  cannot,  therefore,  venture  to  offer  any  comments  upon 
them. 

Meac-sima  and  Mecoura  are  two  islands  lying  to  the  southward  and  eastward  of  the  above 
chain,  affording  a  safe  passage  of  some  fifteen  miles  in  width  between  them  and  Kozu-sima, 
through  which  the  squadron  passed  in  returning  from  the  first  visit  to  the  bay  of  Yedo.  Both 
of  the  islands  are  high  and  bold.  Meac-sima  is  in  latitude  34°  06'  N.,  longitude  139°  29'  E., 
and  Mecoura  is  in  latitude  33°  54'  N.,  longitude  139°  35'  E.  There  is  a  cluster  of  rocks  about 
two  and  a  half  miles  to  the  southward  and  westward  of  Meac-sima.  Broughton  says,  "  there 
are,  in  addition,  some  black  rocks  two  or  three  miles  from  the  eastern  point  of  the  island  ;"  but 
the  squadron  was  not  at  any  time  in  a  position  to  observe  them. 

BROUGHTON  EOCK 

Lies  about  seventeen  miles  to  the  southward  and  westward  from  Macoura,  in  latitude  33°  42'  N., 

*  There  is  also  a  small  low  island  a  short  distance  to  the  southward  and  eastward  of  Nee-sima. 


SAILING   DIRECTIONS    AND    NAUTICAL    REMARKS.  383 

longitude  139°  17'  E.  It  is  an  isolated  rock,  about  fifty  feet  in  height,  flat  topped,  and  with 
vertical  sides,  except  from  one  view,  which  presents  a  broken  outline  or  step. 

Todos  los  Santos. — The  Lexington  passed  over  the  position  of  this  island  as  laid  down  on 
Blunt's  chart  of  1851,  in  latitude  30°  51',  longitude  139°  15',  and  saw  no  indications  of  land. 

The  Macedonian  made  an  inelFectual  search  for  an  island  placed  on  the  charts  in  latitude  30° 
N.,  longitude  141°  30'  E.,  and  we  feel  assured  it  has  no  existence  near  that  position. 

Ponafidin  or  St.  Peter's  island  was  seen  by  one  of  the  vessels  of  the  squadron,  and  is  believed 
to  be  correctly  placed  on  our  chart,  in  latitude  30°  33'  N.,  longitude  140°  15'  E. 

Lot's  Wife,  in  latitude  29°  47'  N.,  longitude  140°  22'  30"  E.,  is  a  tall  pinnacled  rock,  rising 
to  an  elevation  of  about  250  feet  above  the  sea,  and  it  may  be  seen  at  a  distance  of  twenty-five 
miles,  and  bears  a  remarkable  resemblance  to  a  ship  under  full  sail.  A  cast  of  the  lead  within 
eight  miles  of  this  rock  gave  no  soundings  with  160  fathoms  of  line. 

In  the  vicinity  of  all  these  islands,  as  well  as  in  the  open  sea,  and  in  fact  throughout  the  path 
of  the  Kuro-Siwo,  from  the  south  end  of  Formosa  to  Behring's  Straits,  constant  heavy  tide  rips 
will  be  encountered,  which,  in  light  weather,  frequently  renders  a  vessel  for  a  time  unmanageable. 

SAILING  DIRECTIONS  FOR  THE  HARBOR  OF  SIMODA. 

BY  LIEDT.  WILLIAM  L.  MAURY,  U.  S.  N. 

Vessels  bound  to  the  harbor  of  Simoda  from  the  southward  and  westward  should  make  Cape 
Idzu,*  from  which  Rock  island  bears  E.S.E.  ^  E.,  distant  about  five  miles  ;  and  if  the  weather 
is  at  all  clear,  the  chain  of  islands  off  the  Gulf  of  Yedo  will  at  the  same  time  be  plainly  visible. 
Between  Rock  island  and  the  main  land  there  are  a  number  of  rocks  awash,  and  above  water, 
among  which  the  Japanese  junks  freely  pass  ;  but*  a  sliip  should  not  attempt  a  passage  inside 
of  Rock  island,  unless  in  case  of  urgent  necessity,  particularly  as  the  northeasterly  current, 
which  sweeps  along  this  coast,  seems  to  be  at  this  point  capricious,  both  in  direction  and  velo- 
city. 

Giving  Rock  island  a  berth  of  a  mile,  the  harbor  of  Simoda  will  be  in  full  view,  bearing  N. 
I  W.,  distant  five  miles. 

Vandalia  bluff,  on  the  east  side  of  the  entrance,  may  be  recognized  by  a  grove  of  pine  trees 
on  the  summit  of  the  bluff,  and  the  village  of  Susaki,  which  lies  about  one-third  of  the  way 
between  it  and  Cape  Diamond.  Cape  Diamond  is  a  rocky  islet  lying  immediately  off  the-point 
making  out  to  the  eastward  of  the  entrance  of  the  harbor. 

Standing  in  from  Rock  island  you  will  probably  pass  through  a  number  of  tide  rips,  but  not 
get  soundings  with  the  hand  lead  until  near  the  entrance  of  the  harbor,  when  you  will  be  in 
from  14  to  27  fathoms. 

Should  the  wind  be  from  the  northward,  and  fresh,  a  vessel  should  anchor  at  the  mouth  of 
the  harbor  until  it  lulls  or  shifts,  or  until  she  can  conveniently  warp  in,  as  it  is  usually  flawey, 
and  always  baffling. 

Approaching  from  the  northward,  a  vessel  can  pass  on  either  side  of  Olio-sima,  from  the 
centre  of  which  Cape  Diamond  bears  W.  by  S. ,  distant  about  seventeen  miles. 

Between  Oho-sima  and  Simoda  no  dangers  are  known  to  exist ;  but  the  northeasterly  current 
must  be  borne  constantly  in  mind,  particularly  at  niglit  and  in   thick  weather.     Its  general 

*Capo  Idzu  may  be  recognized  by  a  conspicuous  white  cliff  a  sliort  distance  to  the  northward  and  westward  of  it,  and  the 
conical  rocky  peak  a  few  miles  further  to  the  nftithward  and  westward.  forminR  the  southwestern  cxtieme  of  the  peninsula. 
To  the  F.S.Eastward  of  the  cape,  distant  half  a  mile,  there  is  a  rock  alpout  20  feet  aboie  water,  and  otf  Point  Nacaiie  lies  a 
similar  rock  one-third  of  a  mile  distant. 


384  EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN. 

strength  is  from  two  to  three  miles  per  hour  ;  but  as  this,  as  well  as  its  direction,  is  much 
influenced  by  the  local  winds,  headlands,  islands,  &c.,  neither  can  be  relied  upon. 

Should  Oho-sima  be  obscured  by  thick  weather  before  reaching  Cape  Diamond,  endeavor  to 
si<^ht  Eock  island,  for  there  are  no  very  conspicuous  objects  on  the  main  land  by  which  a 
stranger  can  recognize  the  harbor  at  a  distance,  and  the  shore  appears  as  one  unbroken  line. 

To  the  westward  of  the  harbor  there  are  several  sand  beaches,  and  three  or  four  sand  banks. 
These  can  be  plainly  discerned  when  within  six  or  eight  miles,  and  are  very  good  land-jnarks. 

A  vessel  from  the  southward  and  eastward  should  pass  to  the  westward  of  the  island  of  Kozu- 
sima,*  which  may  be  known  by  a  remarkable  snow-white  cliff  on  its  western  side.  There  is 
also  a  white  patch  on  its  summit  to  the  northward  of  the  cliff.  From  this  island  the  harbor 
bears  N.  by  W.  J  W.,  distant  about  26  miles. 

Approaching  from  the  eastward,  the  harbor  will  not  open  until  you  get  well  inside  of  Cape 
Diamond. 

To  the  northward  of  Cape  Diamond  is  the  bay  of  Sirahama,  which  is  quite  deep,  and,  as  it 
has  several  sand  beaches,  it  may  be  mistaken  for  Simoda  ;  but  as  you  approach  this  bay,  Cape 
Diamond  will  shut  in  the  Ukona  rocks  and  Rock  island  to  the  southward,  while  in  the  Simoda 
roads  they  are  visible  from  all  points. 

There  are  but  two  hidden  dangers  in  the  harbor ;  the  first  is  the 

SOUTHAMPTON  ROCK, 

Which  lies  in  mid-channel,  bearing  N.  i  W.  from  Vandalia  bluff",  about  three-fourths  of  the 

way  between  it  and  Centre  island.     This  rock  is  about  25  feet  in  diameter,  and  has  two  fathoms 

water  upon  it.     It  is  marked  by  a  white  si)at-buoy. 

The  second  is  the 

SUPPLY  ROCK, 

Bearing  S.  by  W.,  a  short  distance  from  Buisako  islet ;  and  is  a  sharp  rock,  with  11  feet  water 
upon  it.     Its  position  is  designated  by  a  red  spar -buoy. 

Both  of  these  buoys  are  securely  moored ;  and  the  authorities  of  Simoda  have  promised  to 
replace  them  should  they,  by  any  cause,  be  removed. 

Centre  island,  which  receives  its  name  from  being  the  point  from  which  the  treaty  limits  are 
measured,  is  high,  conical,  and  covered  with  trees.     A  cave  passes  entirely  through  it. 

In  the  outer  roads,  or  mouth  of  the  harbor,  a  disagreeable  smell  is  sometimes  experienced. 
But  inside  of  the  Southampton  rock  and  Centre  island  vessels  are  well  sheltered,  and  the  water 
comparatively  smooth.  Moor  with  an  open  hawse  to  the  southward  and  westward. 
There  are  good  landings  for  boats  in  Simoda  creek,  and  at  the  village  of  Kakisaki. 
A  harbor-master  and  three  pilots  have  been  appointed.  Wood,  water,  fish,  fowls,  and  eggs, 
also  sweet  potatoes  and  other  vegetables,  may  be  procured  from  the  authorities.  It  is  necessary 
to  supply  them  with  casks  to  bring  the  water  off. 

Latitude  of  Centre  island 34°  39'  49"  N. 

Longitude  "  138°  57' 30"  E. 

Variation  t ••..       2°  55'  westerly. 

High  water  F  and  C V.  hr. 

Extreme  rise  of  tide 5  feet  7  inches. 

Mean  "         3  feet. 

*This  is  the  uinsi  smthwfsteiii  island  of  the  (.hiiiu  of  islauik  lyiii'T  off  the  Gulf  of  Yedo. 
f  The  variation  given  on  the  dinrt  of  Simoda  is  incorrect. 


SAILING    DIRECTIONS    AND    NAUTICAL    REMARKS.  385 

To  make  the  foregoing  directions  more  easily  comprehended,  they  have  been  rendered  as  con- 
cise as  possible  ;  but  to  furnish  further  information  to  navigators  bound  to  or  passing  the  port, 
the  additional  remarks  are  appended. 

The  harbor  of  Simoda  is  near  the  southeastern  extremity  of  the  peninsula  of  Idzu,  which 
terminates  at  the  cape  of  that  name.  To  the  northward  of  the  harbor  a  high  ridge  intersects 
the  peninsula  ;  and  south  of  this,  all  the  way  to  the  cape,  it  is  broken  by  innumerable  peaks  of 
less  elevation. 

The  harbor  bears  S.W.  by  W.  from  Cape  Sagami,  at  the  entrance  of  Yedo  bay,  distant 
about  forty-five  miles. 

Rock  island  is  about  120  feet  high  and  a  third  of  a  mile  in  length,  with  precipitous  shores 
and  uneven  outlines.     It  has  a  thick  matting  of  grass,  weeds,  moss,  &c.,  on  the  top. 

From  the  summit  of  this  island  overfalls  were  seen,  bearing  N.  ^  W.,  distant  a  mile  or  a 
mile  and  a  half.  These  may  have  been  caused  by  a  rock  or  reef.  An  attempt  was  made  to 
find  it,  but  the  strong  current  and  fresh  wind  prevented  a  satisfactory  examination.  The 
Japanese  fishermen,  however,  deny  the  existence  of  any  such  danger. 

N.  by  W.  from  Rock  island,  distant  two  miles,  are  the  Ukona  rocks.  These  are  two  rocks, 
though  they  generally  appear  as  one.  The  largest  is  about  70  feet  high.  Between  these  and 
rock  island  the  current  was  found  setting  E.  N.  easterly,  fully  four  miles  an  hour. 

Centre  island  bears  from  rock  island  N.  ^  E.,  distant  5^  miles,  and  from  Ukona  rocks,  N.  by 
E.  ^  E.,  distant  3^  miles. 

Buisako  islet  lies  N.N.E.  from  Centre  island.  It  is  about  40  feet  high,  and  covered  with 
trees  and  shrubs. 

Should  the  buoy  on  Southampton  rock  be  removed,  the  east  end  of  Centre  island  on  with  the 
west  end  of  Buisako,  will  clear  the  rock  to  the  westward. 

Off  the  village  of  Susaki,  and  distant  one-third  of  a  mile  from  the  shore,  is  a  ledge  of  rocks 
upon  which  the  surf  is  always  breaking  ;  give  them  a  berth  of  two  cables  in  passing. 

Cape  Idzu,  latitude,  34°  36'  00"  N.,  longitude,  138°  50'  35"  E.  Rock  island,  latitude, 
34°  34'  20"  N.,  longitude,  138°  57'  10"  E. 

S.  W.  from  Koza-Sima,  distant  about  20  miles,  and  south  a  little  westerly  from  Cape  Idzu, 
distant  about  40  miles,  there  are  two  patches  of  dangerous  rocks,  15  or  20  feet  high,  which 
have  been  named  Redfield  rocks.  They  are  in  latitude  33°  5G'  13"  N.,  longitude  138°  48'  31" 
E.,  and  latitude  33°  57'  31"  N.,  longitude  138°  49'  13"  E. 

These  positions  may  not  be  strictly  correct,  but  it  is  believed  they  are  not  much  out  of  the 
way. 

By  order. of  Commodore  M.  C.  Perry,  U.  S.  N. 

SILAS  BENT,  Flag  Lieutenant. 


REGULATIONS    RESPECTING    PILOTS,   AND    THE    SUPPLYING    AMERICAN 
VESSELS  ENTERING  THE  PORT  OF  SIMODA. 

A  lookout  place  shall  be  established  at  some  convenient  point,  from  which  vessels  appearing 
in  the  ofiing  can  be  seen  and  reported  ;  and  when  one  is  discovered,  making  apparently  for  the 
harbor,  a  boat  shall  be  sent  to  her  with  a  pilot. 

And,  in  order  to  carry  this  regulation  into  full  eflect,  boats  of  suitable  size  and  quality  shall 
49  s 


386  EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN, 

always  be  kept  in  readiness  by  the  barbor-master,  -which,  if  necessary,  shall  proceed  beyond  Rock 
island  to  ascertain  whether  the  vessel  in  sight  intends  entering  the  harbor  or  not.  If  it  may  be 
the  desire  of  the  master  of  said  vessel  to  enter  port,  the  pilot  shall  conduct  her  to  safe  anchorage, 
and  during  her  stay  shall  render  every  assistance  in  his  power  in  facilitating  the  procurement 
of  all  the  supplies  she  may  require. 

The  rates  of  pilotage  shall  be,  for  vessels  drawing  over  18  American  feet,  fifteen  dollars  ;  for 
all  vessels  drawing  over  13  and  less  than  18  feet,  ten  dollars  ;  and  for  all  vessels  under  13  feet, 
five  dollars. 

These  rates  shall  be  paid  in  gold  or  silver  coin,  or  its  equivalent  in  goods,  and  the  same  shall 
be  paid  for  piloting  a  vessel  out  as  well  as  into  port. 

When  vessels  anchor  in  the  outer  harbor  and  do  not  enter  the  inner  port,  only  half  the  above 
rates  of  compensation  shall  be  paid  to  the  pilot. 

The  prices  for  supplying  water  to  American  vessels  at  Simoda  shall  be  fourteen  hundred  cash 
per  boat  load  (the  casks  being  furnished  by  the  vessel ;)  and  for  wood  delivered  on  board,  about 
seven  thousand  two  hundred  cash  per  cube  of  five  American  feet. 

KURA-KAWA-KAHEI,  Lieutenant  Governor. 
SILAS  BENT,  Flag  Lieutenant. 


SAILING  DIRECTIONS  FOR  TEDO. 

BY  UEUT.  WM.  L.  MAXJRT,  V.  S.  N. 

Vessels  from  the  southward,  bound  to  this  bay,  should  pass  up  to  the  westward  of  the  chain 
of  islands  lying  off  the  Gulf  of  Yedo,  and  are  cautioned  against  mistaking  the  deep  bight  of 
Kawatsu  or  "Wodawara  bay  for  the  entrance  of  Uraga  channel,  for  on  the  northeast  side  of  this 
bay  there  is  a  ledge  of  rocks  several  miles  from  the  shore,  bearing  from  Point  Sakoura  about 
N.W.  by  W.,  distant  five  miles,  upon  which  one  of  the  vessels  of  our  squadron  grounded.  A 
stranger,  without  a  correct  chart,  would  naturally  make  this  mistake,  as  the  opening  of  the 
channel  is  not  seen  at  a  distance  from  this  quarter,  the  shore  appearing  as  an  unbroken  line. 

The  entrance  to  the  channel  bears  from  the  centre  of  Oho-sima,  N.E.  by  N.  i  N.,  distant  about 
twenty-five  miles.  Stand  in  upon  this  line,  and  the  Saddle-Hill  to  the  northward  of  Cape 
Sagami  will  be  readily  recognized,  as  well  as  the  round  black  knob  on  the  eastern  side  of  the 
channel.  On  approaching  Uraga,  the  Plymouth  rocks  will  be  plainly  seen  ;  give  these  a  berth 
of  half  a  mile  to  clear  the  Ingersoll  patch,  a  sunken  rock  with  but  one  fathom  on  it,  and  which 
is  the  only  known  danger  in  the  channel. 

Between  Plymouth  rocks  and  Cape  Kami  Saki  the  ground  is  clear  and  the  anchorage  good, 
if  care  be  taken  to  get  pretty  well  in,  so  as  to  avoid  the  strong  tides  which  sweep  round  the 
latter  with  great  rapidity.  A  spit  makes  out  a  short  distance  to  the  southward  of  Kama  Saki, 
but  to  the  northward  of  the  cape  the  shore  is  bold  and  the  water  very  deep. 

On  rounding  Cape  Kami  Saki,  if  bound  to  the  city  of  Yedo,  steer  N.W.  A  N.  until  Perry 
island  bears  south,  when  Webster  island  will  bear  west.  This  will  clear  Saratoga  spit,  which 
makes  well  out  from  the  eastern  shore.  Then  haul  up  N.  by  E.  and  run  on  this  course  until 
Treaty  Point  bears  S.W.  by  W.,  which  keep  on  this  bearing  by  steering  N.E.  by  E.  until  the 
beacon  bears  N.W.,  when  there  will  be  found  good  anchorage  in  15  fathoms  water. 


SAILING    DIRECTIONS    AND    NAUTICAL    REMARKS.  387 

At  this  point  our  survey  terminated  ;  the  hoats,  however,  found  a  clear  channel  with  plenty 
of  water  for  the  largest  vessels  several-  miles  further  to  the  northward,  and  within  a  few  miles 
of  the  city. 

If  bound  to  the  American  anchorage :  from  Cape  Kami  Saki  steer  N.W,,  and  anchor  in  8  or 
10  fathoms  water,  with  Perry  island  bearing  S.S.E.,  and  Webster  island  S.W.  by  S. 

In  Powhatan  bay  there  is  also  good  anchorage  in  fi  and  7  fathoms.  Near  this  anchorage 
there  are  two  snug  coves,  very  accessible,  in  which  vessels  may  conveniently  repair  and  refit. 

Susquehanna  bay,  three  miles  W.N.W.  from  Cape  Kami  Saki,  is  well  sheltered,  but  it  con- 
tains a  number  of  reefs  and  rocks,  and  is,  therefore,  not  recommended  as  an  anchorage. 

Mississippi  bay  is  four  miles  north  of  the  American  anchorage ;  it  is  well  sheltered  from  the 
prevailing  winds.  Upon  anchoring  it  is  necessary  to  give  the  shore  a  good  berth,  to  avoid  a 
shoal  which  extends  out  from  a  half  to  three-quarters  of  a  mile.  The  conspicuous  headland  or 
yellow  blufi:'  on  the  north  side  of  this  bay  is  called  Treaty  Point ;  a  shoal  surrounds  the  point 
from  two-thirds  of  a  mile  to  a  mile  distant. 

Between  the  American  anchorage  and  Treaty  Point,  the  soundings  are  irregular,  shoaling 
suddenly  from  12  to  5  fathoms  on  banks  of  hard  sand. 

To  the  northward  of  Treaty  Point  and  N.N.W.  from  Cape  Kami  Saki,  distant  14  miles,  is 
Tokuhama  bay.  To  reach  this  anchorage,  bring  the  wooded  bluff,  which  terminates  the  high 
land  on  the  north  side  of  the  bay,  to  bear  N.  by  W.  |  W.,  and  steer  for  it  until  Treaty  Point 
bears  S.W.  by  S.  ;  this  clears  the  spit  off  the  point ;  then  haul  up  about  N.W.  by  N.  for  the 
bluff  over  the  town  of  Kanagawa,  and  anchor  in  5i  or  6  fathoms,  with  the  Haycock  just  open 
to  the  eastward  of  Mandarin  Bluff.  Mandarin  is  the  steep  bluff  a  mile  to  the  northward  of 
Treaty  Point. 

A  flat  extends  out  from  the  northern  shore  of  this  bay,  between  Kanagawa  and  Beacon  Point, 
from  one  to  two  miles;  off  Mandarin  Bluff  there  is  also  a  shoal,  extending  a  mile  to  the 
northward. 

The  Bay  of  Yedo  is  about  12  miles  wide,  and  30  deep,  with  excellent  holding  ground,  and 
capable  of  sheltering  the  fleets  of  the  world. 

Our  survey  embraced  the  western  shore  only,  from  Cape  Kami  Saki  to  Beacon  Point.  We 
had  no  opportunitj'  of  examining  the  eastern  side.  The  soundings  from  Treaty  Point,  across 
in  an  E.S.E.  direction,  are  regular,  and  3  fathoms  were  found  about  a  mile  and  a  half  ^om 
the  opposite  shore. 

Of  Uraga  channel,  a  reconnoissance  was  made  of  the  western  shore  only. 

During  our  stay  in  the  bay,  from  the  17th  of  February  to  the  18th  of  April,  the  weather  was 
generally  fine,  being  occasionally  interrupted  by  strong  winds  and  heavy  rain.  The  gales  came 
up  suddenly  from  the  southward  and  westward,  with  a  low  barometer,  and  continued  for  a 
short  time,  when  the  wind  hauled  round  to  the  northward  and  westward,  and  moderated.  We 
had  no  easterly  blows  ;  in  fact  the  wind  was  rarely  from  that  quarter,  except  when  hauling 
round  from  the  northward,  (as  it  invariably  did,)  by  east  to  the  southward  and  westward. 

The  tide  is  quite  strong  out  in  the  bay  ;  and  off  the  tail  of  Saratoga  spit.  Perry  island,  and 
Cape  Kami  Saki  its  velocity  is  much  increased,  but  at  the  anchorage  in  the  Bay  of  Yokuhama 
it  is  scarcely  felt.  At  Yokuhama  the  Japanese  authorities  supplied  us  with  wood  and  water, 
and  a  few  vegetables,  fowls,  eggs,  oysters,  and  clams. 

Latitude  of  Cape  Sagami,  35°  06'  30"  N.,  longitude,  139°  42'  45"  E.  Latitude  of  Webster 
island,  35°  18'  30"  N.,  longitude,  139°  40'  34"  E.     Latitude  of  Treaty  Building,  north  end  of 


388  EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN. 

Yokiihama,  35°  27'  15"  N.,  longitude,  139°  40'  23"  E.     Variation,  2°  44'  westerly.*      High- 
water,  F  and  C;,  TI.     Rise  and  fall  at  Yokiihama,  6  feet. 
By  order  of  Commodore  M.  C.  Perry. 

SILAS  BENT,  Flag  Lieutenant. 


FROM  THE  GULF  OF  YEDO  TO  CAPE  SIRIJA-SAKI,  AT  THE  EASTERN  ENTRANCE 

OF  THE  STRAITS  OF  SANGAR. 

A  vessel  may  pass  within  a  few  miles  of  Capes  Siisaki  and  Sirofama,  after  which  she  will 
experience  the  full  force  of  the  Kuro-Siwo,  setting  her  on  her  course  to  the  east-northeastward. 

In  doubling  Cape  Blanco,  which  is  a  bold,  chalky  bluff,  caution  is  enjoined,  as  the  squadron 
passed  over  the  outer  edge  of  a  reef  in  22  fathoms  water  S.S.E.  from  this  cape,  distant  about 
five  miles,  and  from  the  heavy  overfolls,  in  which  fishing  boats  were  anchored,  it  is  quite  certain 
that  there  is  much  less  water  upon  it  in  the  shoalest  part,  but  as  it  was  near  nightfall,  it  was 
impossible  to  examine  it. 

"We  place  this  reef  in  latitude  55°  08'  north,  longitude  140°  34'  east;  and  Cape  Blanco  in 
latitude  35°  13'  north,  longitude  140°  32'  30"  east.f 

From  this  point  to  the  Straits  of  Sangar  we  encountered  no  dangers,  nor  did  we  approach  the 
coast  sufdciently  near  to  test  the  accuracy  of  the  charts  until  arriving  off  Cape  Sirija-Saki,  the 
northeast  point  of  Nippon.     This  point  is  in  latitude  41°  26'  north,  longitude  141°  30'  east. 

From  the  northward  and  eastward,  at  a  distance  of  six  or  eight  miles,  the  outline  of  this  cape 
resembles  the  back  of  a  sperm  whale,  with  its  head  to  the  southward,  the  Dodo  rocks,  off  the 
point  of  the  cape,  forming  the  flukes.  On  nearing  the  entrance  of  the  Straits  of  Sangar,  the 
water  thermometer  suddenly  falls  fifteen  or  twenty  degrees  as  you  run  from  the  Kuro-Siwo  into 
the  cold  current  setting  through  the  straits.  From  Cape  Sirija-Saki,  a  northwest  by  west  course 
(made  good)  will  carry  you  to  the  promontory,  or  Point  Ohobana,  the  southern  extremity  of  the 
peninsula  of  Hakodadi. 

Cape  Esarme,  in  latitude  41°  50'  30"  north,  longitude  141°  13'  east,  is  the  northern  point  of 
the  eastern  entrance  of  the  straits.  It  is  a  bold  promontory,  with  several  remarkable  dome- 
shaped  mountains  in  the  rear. 

The  eastern  portion  of  the  straits  is  believed  to  be  clear  of  hidden  dangers,  and,  in  case  of 
necessity,  a  vessel  may,  no  doubt,  find  anchorage  near  the  shore. 

A  strong  current  was  found  setting  out  to  the  southward  and  eastward,  but  what  effect  the 
tide  may  have  upon  it  we  had  no  opportunity  of  determining. 


SAILING  DIRECTIONS  FOR  THE  PORT  OF  HAKODADI. 

BY  LIEUTENANT  WILLIAM  L.  MAURY. 

This  spacious  and  beautiful  bay,  which  for  accessibility  and  safety  is  one  of  the  finest  in  the 
world,  lies  on  the  north  side  of  the  Straits  of  Sangar,  which  separate  the  Japanese  islands  of 
Nippon  and  Yesso,  and  about  midway  between  Cape  Sirija-SakiJ  (the  northeast  point  of  Nippon) 

*  The  variation,  as  published  iu  the  charts  of  Yedo  Bay  and  the  Gulf  of  Yedo,  are  incorrect. 

t  These  positions  are  doubtful,  as  the  unfavorable  weather  prevented  observations  near  tliem.  They  are  probably  six  or  eight 
miles  too  far  to  the  eastward. 

{  Saki,  in  the  Japanese  language,  means  cape  ;  consequenily  it  should  more  properly  be  called  Capo  Sirija  ;  but  to  prevent 
mistakes,  it  has  been  thought  advisable  to  adopt  the  Japanese  names. 


SAILING    DIRECTIONS    AND    NAUTICAL    REMARKS.  389 

and  the  city  of  Matsmai.     It  bears  from  the  cape  northwest  by  west,  distant  about  forty  miles, 
and  is  four  miles  wide  at  the  entrance,  and  five  miles  deep. 

The  harbor  is  the  southeastern  arm  of  the  bay,  and  is  completely  sheltered,  with  regular 
soundings,  and  excellent  holding  ground.  It  is  formed  by  a  bold,  peaked  promontory,  standing 
well  out  from  the  high  land  of  the  main,  with  which  it  is  connected  by  a  low,  sandy  isthmus, 
and  appearing  at  a  distance  as  an  island  may  be  readily  recognized. 

The  town  is  situated  on  the  northeast  slope  of  the  promontory,  facing  the  harbor,  and  contains 
about  6,000  inhabitants. 

Approaching  from  the  eastward,  after  passing  Cape  Siwo-kubi,  named  on  our  chart  Cape 
Blunt,  which  is  a  conspicuous  headland  eleven  miles  E.  S.  E  ^  E.  from  the  town,  the  junks 
at  anchor  in  the  harbor  will  be  visible  over  the  low  isthmus. 

For  entering  the  harhor. — Bounding  the  promontory  of  Hakodadi,  and  giving  it  a  berth  of  a 
mile,  to  avoid  the  calms  under  the  high  land,  steer  for  the  sharp  j^eak  of  Komaga-daki,  bearing 
about  north  until  the  east  peak  of  the  Saddle,  bearing  about  northeast  by  north,  opens  well  to 
the  westward  of  the  round  knob  on  the  side  of  the  mountain,  then  haul  up  to  the  northward 
and  eastward,  keeping  them  well  open,  until  the  centre  of  the  sand  hills  on  the  isthmus, 
bears  southeast  by  east  f  east,  (these  may  be  recognized  by  the  dark  knolls  upon  them  ;)  this 
will  clear  a  spit  which  makes  out  from  the  northwestern  point  of  the  town  in  a  north-north- 
westerly direction  two-thirds  of  a  mile  ;  then  bring  the  sand  hills  a  point  on  the  port  bow,  and 
stand  in  until  the  northwestern  point  of  the  town  bears  southwest  ^  west,  when  you  will  have 
the  best  berth,  with  5^  or  6  fathoms  water.  If  it  is  desirable  to  get  nearer  in,  haul  up  a  little 
to  the  eastward  of  south  for  the  low,  rocky  peak,  which  will  be  just  visible  over  the  sloping 
ridge  to  the  southward  and  eastward  of  the  town.  A  vessel  of  moderate  draught  may  approach 
within  a  quarter  of  a  mile  of  Tsuki  point,  where  there  is  a  building  yard  for  junks.  This  por- 
tion of  the  harbor,  however,  is  generally  crowded  with  vessels  of  this  description,  and  unless  the 
want  of  repairs,  or  some  other  cause  renders  a  close  berth  necessary,  it  is  better  to  remain 
outside. 

If  the  Peak  or  Saddle  is  obscured  by  clouds  or  fog,  after  doubling  the  promontory,  steer  N.N.E. 
until  the  sand  hills  are  brought  upon  the  bearing  above  given,  when  proceed  as  there  directed. 

A  short  distance  from  the  tail  of  the  spit  is  a  detached  sand  bank  with  3|  fathoms  on  it.  The 
outer  edge  of  this  is  marked  by  a  white  spar  buoy.  Between  this  and  the  spit  there  is  a  narrow 
channel  with  4^  fathoms  water.  Vessels  may  pass  on  either  side  of  the  buoy,  but  it  is  most 
prudent  to  go  to  the  northward  of  it. 

Should  the  wind  fail  before  reaching  the  harbor,  there  is  good  anchorage  in  the  outer  roads, 
in  from  25  to  10  fathoms. 

Excellent  wood  and  water  may  be  procured  from  the  authorities  of  the  town  ;  or,  if  preferred, 
water  can  bo  easily  obtained  from  Kamida  creek,  which  enters  the  harbor  to  the  northward  and 
eastward  of  the  town. 

The  season,  at  the  time  of  our  visit,  was  unfavorable  for  procuring  supplies  ;  a  few  sweet  and 
Irish  potatoes,  eggs,  and  fowls,  however,  were  obtained,  and  these  articles,  at  a  more  favorable 
period  of  the  year,  will  no  doubt  be  furnished  in  sufficient  quantities  to  supply  any  vessels  that 
may  in  future  visit  the  port. 

Our  seine  supplied  us  with  fine  salmon  and  a  quantity  of  other  fish,  and  the  shores  of  the 
bay  abound  with  excellent  shell-fish. 

During  our  stay  in  this  harbor,  from  the  17th  of  May  to  the  3d  of  June,  the  weather  was 


390  EXPEDITION    TO    JAPAN. 

generally  pleasant  until  the  1st  of  June,  when  the  fog  set  in.     It  was  usually  calm  in  the 

morning,  hut  towards  the  middle  of  the  day  a  brisk  breeze  from  the  S.W.  sprung  up. 

Latitude  mouth  of  Kamida  creek,  41°  49'  00"  N. ;  longitude  mouth  of  Kamida  creek  140°  47' 

45"  E. ;  variation,  4°  30'  W. ;  high  water,  F.  and  C,  5  hours  ;  extreme  rise  and  fall  of  tide, 

3  feet. 

By  order  of  Commodore  M.  C.  Perrt. 

SILAS  BENT,  Flag  Lieutenant. 

The  Southampton  visited  Volcano  bay  and  Endermo  harbor,  and  verified  the  accuracy  of 
Captain  Broughton's  survey.  She  placed  Cape  letomo,  at  the  entrance  of  the  harbor,  in  lati- 
tude 42°  21'  N.,  longitude  140°  56'  30"  E.  The  following  sailing  directions  are  quoted  from 
Broughton's  voyages,  pp.  102,  104. 

Volcano  bay  is  to  the  west  of  Cape  Eroen.  It  was  visited  and  named  by  Broughton  in  Sep- 
tember, 1796.  He  thus  speaks  of  it :  "  I  have  seen  few  lands  that  bear  a  finer  aspect  than  the 
northern  side  of  Volcano  bay.  It  presents  an  agreeable  diversity  of  rising  grounds,  and  a  most 
pleasing  variety  of  deciduous  trees,  shedding  at  this  time  their  summer  foliage. 

"  The  entrance  into  this  extensive  bay  is  formed  by  the  land  marking  the  harbor,  which  the 
natives  call  Endermo,  and  the  south  point,  which  they  call  Esarmi.  They  bear  from  each  other 
N.  17°  W.,  and  S.  17°  E.,  11  leagues.  There  are  no  les.s  than  three  volcanoes  in  the  bay, 
which  induced  me  to  call  it  by  that  name.  There  are  50  fathoms  of  water  in  the  centre,  and 
the  soundings  decrease  on  the  approach  to  either  shore.  During  our  stay  at  the  period  of  the 
equinoxes  we  experienced  generally  very  fine  weather,  with  gentle  land  and  sea  winds  from  the 
N.E.  and  S. E.,  and  no  swell  to  prevent  a  ship  riding  in  safety,  even  in  the  bay,  and  the  harbor 
of  Endermo  is  perfectly  sheltered  from  all  bad  weather. 

"  Endermo  harbor,  as  before  said,  affords  good  shelter  from  all  winds,  bringing  the  bluff  on 
the  extreme  part  of  the  isthmus,  which  forms  the  starboard  point  in  coming  in,  to  bear  N.W. 
In  this  situation  we  found  4  or  5  fathoms,  and  the  larboard  entry  point  on  the  north  shore  was 
on  with  the  bluff.  In  running  for  the  harbor,  the  island  must  be  kept  open  with  the  starboard 
entry  point  till  within  half  a  mile  of  a  small  islet,  (which  is  only  so  at  half  tide,)  and  then  you 
must  steer  in  to  the  S.W.,  when  the  water  will  be  shoaled,  and  any  berth  taken  you  may  prefer. 
The  soundings  gradually  decrease  from  10  to  2  fathoms,  soft  bottom.  A  few  houses  were  scat- 
tered on  the  south  side  of  the  harbor,  and  towards  the  head  the  shores  are  low  and  flat,  so  much 
so  as  to  prevent  boats  landing  within  one  hundred  yards.  In  all  other  parts  wood  and  water 
are  procured  with  the  utmost  convenience.  The  small  island  was  named  Hans  Olason  Island, 
from  one  of  Broughton's  seamen,  who  was  buried  there.  The  harbor  is  formed  by  the  apparent 
island,  which  is  an  extensive  peninsula,  of  a  circular  figure.  Latitude  of  the  entrance  42°  19' 
29"  N.,  longitude  141°  07'  36"  E.     High  water,  full  and  change,  5"  30";  rise  and  fall,  6  feet." 

The  Japanese  islands  are  exceedingly  broken  and  mountainous,  with  numerous  peaks  rising 
to  a  considerable  height.  Mount  Fuzi,  or  Fuzi-yama,  is  the  highest ;  it  lies  in  latitude  35°  21' 
30"  N.,  and  longitude  138°  45'  45"  E.,  and  attains  an  elevation  of  about  12,500  feet.  In 
clear  weather  it  can  be  seen  at  a  great  distance,  and  is  an  excellent  landmark  for  vessels 
approaching  the  Gulf  of  Yedo. 

The  positions  given  above  of  islands,  rocks,  &c.,  are  not  pretended  to  be  strictly  correct,  as 
the  surveying  operations  were  secondary  and  subordinate  to  the  great  object  of  the  Expedition, 
but  it  is  believed  they  are  sufficiently  so  for  all  practical  purposes. 


SAILING    DIRECTIONS    AND    NAUTICAL    REMARKS.  391 


WINDS  AND  WEATHER. 

The  southwest  monsoon  sweeps  over  the  Lew  Chew  group,  and  reaches  the  southern  shores 
of  Japan  and  the  Bonin  Islands. 

At  Napha,  Lew  Chew,  we  found  it  prevailing  steadily  in  May  and  June,  and  veering  to  the 
southward  and  eastward  in  July.  In  August,  the  wind  was  very  changeable,  and  blew  at 
times  quite  strong,  with  squally,  rainy  weather. 

The  northeast  monsoon  set  in  about  the  1st  of  September,  and  continued  until  the  departure 
of  the  squadron,  on  the  Tth  of  February,  being,  however,  interrupted  during  the  winter  months 
by  fresh  gales  from  the  northward  and  westward,  which  were  generally  accompanied  with 
heavy  rain. 

At  the  Bonin  Islands,  in  April,  the  wind  was  variable  ;  in  June  it  was  from  the  southward 
and  westward  ;  and  in  October,  from  the  northward  and  eastward.  The  passage  from  Lew 
Chew  to  these  islands,  in  October,  was  found  to  be  exceedingly  boisterous  by  the  United  States 
ship  Plymouth. 

On  the  coast  of  Japan,  northerly  winds  were  most  prevalent  in  February,  March,  and  April, 
and  during  this  period  we  had  occasionally  strong  gales,  which  most  frequently  commence  at 
southwest,  hauling  to  the  northward  and  westward,  and  were  accompanied  with  heavy  rain.  In 
May  and  July  we  had  southwesterly  winds,  and  in  June  they  were  variable. 

During  our  stay  in  Japan,  from  February  to  June,  the  weather  was  generally  pleasant.  In 
the  Bay  of  Yedo,  the  mean  temperature  for  February  was  44°  Fahrenheit,  and  the  apricot  and 
camelia  japonica  were  in  full  bloom. 

Typlioons. — The  whole  region  from  Formosa  to  the  Bonins  is  within  the  track  of  these  storms  ; 
though  we  believe  they  seldom  reach  the  coast  of  Japan.  The  season  during  which  they  may 
be  expected  is  from  May  to  November,  inclusive  ;  but  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  Bonins  they 
seem  to  occur  more  frequently  in  October.  (For  further  information  on  this  subject,  see  the 
able  article  of  the  late  Wm.  C.  Redfield,  contained  in  this  volume.) 

Fogs. — We  had  but  few  fogs  on  the  coast  of  Japan.  They  commenced  at  Hakodadi  about  the 
1st  of  June,  but  did  not  extend  as  far  south  as  Simoda. 

CURRENTS. 

The  general  drift  of  the  current  from  Formosa  to  Japan,  and  along  the  eastern  coast  of  the 
latter,  is  to  the  northward  and  eastward.  From  the  south  point  of  Formosa  to  the  Straits  of 
Sangar,  we  found  its  average  strength  to  be  35  or  40  miles  per  day  ;  it  is,  however,  very  much 
influenced,  both  in  direction  and  velocity,  by  local  causes.  (See  in  this  volume  the  article  upon 
the  Kuro-siwo,  or  Japanese  stream,  by  Lieutenant  S.  Bent,  United  States  Navy.) 

WM.  L.  MAURY,  Lieutenant  United  States  Navy. 

SILAS  BENT,  Lieutenant  United  States  Navy. 


APPENDIX. 


50  * 


JOURNAL 


THE  SECOND  VISIT  OF  COMMODORE  PERRY  TO  JAPAN, 


BY  A  NATIVE  OF  CHINA. 


Among  those  who  embarked  in  China  on  board  the  squadron,  when  it  left  for  Japan  the  second 
time,  was  a  very  intelligent  and  educated  Chinaman,  who  acted  as  clerk  to  our  interpreter,  Mr. 
Williams.  This  observant  individual,  on  his  return  to  China,  furnished  to  the  "Overland 
Register,"  published  at  Hong  Kong,  a  copy  of  the  journal  he  had  kept  on  his  visit  to  Japan,  in 
which  paper  it  appeared  in  an  English  translation. 

As  it  is  a  specimen  of  the  intelligence  of  an  educated  Chinaman,  and  as,  besides,  it  presents 
briefly  the  views  of  an  Oriental,  uninfluenced  by  the  prevalent  opinions  of  our  countrymen 
around  him,  (for  difiference  of  language  prevented  much  interchange  of  thought,)  it  has  been 
supposed  that  it  would  not  be  without  interest  to  the  American  reader,  and  a  place  has,  there- 
fore, been  reserved  for  it  in  the  appendix  to  this  volume. 

From  the  "  Overland  Register  and  Price  Current"  of  Hong  Kong,  September  11,  1854. 

^'Journal  of  a  visit  to  Japan. — Under  this  heading,  in  the  body  of  the  paper,  will  be  found  a 
very  interesting  paper.  It  is  a  literal  translation  of  a  journal  kept  by  a  Chinese  gentleman  who 
was  attached  to  the  United  States  squadron  on  its  second  visit  to  Japan.  The  letter  addressed 
to  the  journalist  by  Ping-saiv-heem-ark-lang  is  especially  worthy  of  attention." 

"  JOURNAL  OF  A  VISIT  TO  JAPAN. 

"  Of  late  years,  the  intercourse  between  China  and  the  State  of  California,  in  America,  has 
greatly  increased  in  extent  and  frequency.  In  consequence,  the  government  of  the  United 
States  was  anxious  that  steam  vessels  should  run  between  the  two  countries,  and  it  became 
necessary  to  have  an  arrangement  by  which  they  could  purchase  coal  at  the  Japanese  islands, 
■which  lie  between  America  and  Asia.  To  obtain  this,  several  steamers  belonging  to  the  United 
States  visited  Japan,  in  the  tliird  month  of  last  year,  (April  or  May,)  and  it  was  attempted  to 
negotiate  a  treaty  of  jjeace  and  commerce,  but  the  Japanese  could  not  at  once  conclude  the 
matter.    An  agreement  was  deferred  for  some  time  ;  and  on  the  lOtli  of  January,  1854,  according 

to  foreign  computation  of  time,  Mr. asked  me  if  I  would  go  to  Japan  to  assist  in  the 

preparation  of  the  contemplated  treaty.  After  some  deliberation  I  consented,  and  on  the  loth 
we  spread  our  sails — got  up  our  steam  rather — and  began  our  voyage.  Next  day,  having 
prayed  and  sought  for  helj)  and  teaching,  as  I  stood  upon  the  steamer's  deck,  I  looked  up,  and 
was  struck  by  the  appearance  of  clouds  in  the  south  and  northern  quarters  of  the  heavens.     In 


396  APPENDIX. 

the  south  they  assumed  the  form  of  a  winged  lion,  springing  up  to  the  zenith,  while  those  in 
the  north  were  low  and  broken,  like  a  slaughtered  army.  A  few  cloudlets  seemed  to  have 
floated  away  from  them  towards  the  south,  till  they  were  arrested  by  the  lion's  breath,  whose 
figure,  moreover,  continued  to  dilate,  while  the  clouds  in  the  north  gradually  disappeared  alto- 
gether. After  looking  at  these  appearances,  I  said  to  my  friend,  '  The  heavens  prognosticate 
that  our  expedition  will  finally  be  successful,  but  difficulties  will  have  to  be  overcome  in  the 
first  place.'     '  Your  words,'  said  he,  '  are  strange  ;  let  us  wait  for  the  event.' 

"  After  three  days  our  vessel  steamed  right  towards  the  northeast ;  we  passed  Formosa,  and 
for  some  days  saw  no  land.  At  the  same  time  the  wind  blew  very  strong  from  the  north.  The 
steamer  was  tossed  about  as  if  it  had  been  a  fan,  while  all  around  it  there  were  gulls  darting 
and  flying  about.  In  this  way  we  went  along  for  seven  days,  when  we  came  in  sight  of  land, 
which  was  declared  to  be  Lew-k'ew. 

"  Lew-k'ew,  or,  as  Europeans  and  Americans  call  it.  Loo  Choo,  is  a  small  island,  about  100 
leao-ues  long,  and  30  or  40  leagues  broad.  Its  chief  town  lies  in  latitude  26°  14'  N.,  longitude 
127°  52'  E. 

"From  the  time  of  the  Ming  dynasty,  its  chief  has  received  investiture  from  our  emperor, 
having  the  title  of  a  king.  It  is  a  poor  territory,  yielding  only  sweet  potatoes,  some  vegetables, 
a  black  kind  of  sugar,  vegetable  oil,  and  a  few  other  things.  The  people  bind  up  their  hair  in 
a  knot,  and  wear  very  large  sleeves  to  their  coats.  Their  shoes  are  made  of  grass.  The  men 
wear  two  long  pins  through  their  top-knots,  and  the  women  one.  This  is  the  only  distinction 
between  them  in  their  dress,  so  that  when  they  are  young  it  is  not  easy  to  know  them  from 
one  another,  but  as  they  grow  up  the  beard,  which  is  not  shaven,  sufficiently  characterizes  the 
males.  One  is  surprised  to  see  the  middle-aged  men  walking  about  the  streets  all  with  long 
beards. 

"  On  the  first  day  of  our  new  year,  (January  29,)  I  went  on  shore  for  a  ramble,  and  finding 
a  lot  of  boys  on  the  street,  gave  them  a  few  cash,  which  greatly  delighted  them.  The  people 
were  very  humble.  Outside  the  doors  of  some  of  the  houses  congratulatory  sentences  were 
posted  up,  as  in  China  at  the  new  year,  but  there  was  no  excitement  and  no  other  sign  of 
rejoicing.  At  Napa  I  found  a  temple,  and  in  the  garden  attached  to  it  the  burying  place  of  the 
families  of  distinction.  The  surnames  and  names  of  the  dead,  and  the  time  when  they  lived, 
were  engraven  on  tombstones.  Every  day  the  priests,  I  was  told,  swept  them  clean,  and  placed 
before  them  flowers  and  leaves  of  trees.  The  tombs  of  the  common  people  are  like  those  which 
obtained  in  China  during  the  time  of  the  Ming  dynasty. 

"  The  heights  all  around  were  covered  with  trees.  The  people  I  found  living  in  grass  huts, 
put  up  with  enclosures  formed  of  rough  stones.  Their  dwellings  had  no  furniture.  For  stools 
and  chairs,  they  use  grass  mats,  on  which  they  hunker  on  their  knees  and  toes,  having  a  pan  of 
fire  before  them,  at  which  they  light  their  pipes.  A  few  of  them  can  speak  and  read  Chinese. 
They  have  no  shops,  but  a  market  ground,  where  the  business  of  exchanging  commodities  is 
conducted  by  the  women.  Thus  they  do  not  use  money,  and  care  little  for  the  coins  of  other 
countries.  The  common  people  stand  in  great  awe  of  their  rulers.  They  are  very  plain  in  their 
diet,  and  seldom  impose  on  one  another.  The  doors  of  their  houses  are  merely  thin  boards,  and 
for  windows  they  use  paper,  but  they  pass  the  nights  without  fear  of  thieves  ;  and  I  have  seen, 
when  a  man  dropped  anything  on  the  way,  another  pick  it  up  and  restore  it  to  him.  In  their 
public  courts  there  is  almost  nothing  to  do — no  quarrels  to  decide,  no  litigations  to  settle. 
Their  manners  resemble  those  of  the  golden  age  in  high  antiquity.     Whenever  we  strangers 


APPENDIX.  397 

wanted  to  buy  anything,  it  was  necessary  for  us  to  inform  the  magistrates,  who  thereupon 
managed  the  business. 

"On  the  3d  of  February,  Commodore  Perry  and  many  officers  of  the  Expedition  appeared  in 
full  dress  and  display,  and  proceeded  in  chairs  to  the  palace  of  the  king,  I  also  accompanying 
them.  The  prime-minister,  Shang-hwaag-heun,  presided  at  an  entertainment  which  was  given 
to  us,  and  we  were  received  by  the  treasurer,  Ma-leang-tsae.  A  grand  feast  was  set  out,  the 
articles  being  the  same  as  we  use  in  China,  and  at  the  conclusion,  the  various  officers  made 
presents  to  their  guests  of  fans,  tobacco-pouches,  silk^  and  other  things.  They  were  not  of  much 
value,  but  this  being  the  way  in  which  their  king  expresses  his  respect  for  foreign  nations,  the 
American  officers  gave  them  presents  in  return.  The  king  himself  we  did  not  see,  but  were  told 
that  he  was  young,  and  would  be  frightened  at  us.  The  palace  is  on  the  top  of  a  hill  named 
Seiv-le,  about  three  leagues  from  the  shore.  On  both  sides  of  the  way  to  it  were  large  trees, 
and  it  was  adorned  with  many  commemorative  arches.  The  building  itself  is  large  and  beau- 
tiful, with  great  quantities  of  the  phoenix-tail  grass,  and  many  of  the  melia  asedarach  and 
other  trees  growing  about  it,  and  affording  a  pleasant  shade.  On  the  hill-sides  and  in  the 
fields  we  saw  grain  growing,  and  on  the  shore  there  were  several  salt  pans.  At  this  time  the 
moon  was  advancing  to  the  full,  and  beneath  her  light  I  enjoyed  the  pleasant  scenery. 

"Two  days  after  we  resumed  our  voyage,  and  proceeded  towards  Japan.  For  four  days  we 
were  out  of  sight  of  land,  and  on  one  occasion  I  saw  a  whale  more  than  forty  feet  long  spouting 
out  a  jet  of  water  from  its  head  and  then  disappearing.  By-and-by  we  passed  some  uninhabited 
islands,  and  in  two  days  more  the  steamers  and  sailiug  vessels,  amounting  in  all  to  nine,  cast 
anchor  near  to  Hwang-pin,  called  by  the  Japanese  themselves  Toku-hama.  The  season  being 
spring  and  the  air  clear,  I  saw  at  a  diistance,  as  I  judged,  of  a  hundred  le.  inland  from  Yoku- 
hama  a  lofty  mountain,  rising  up  seven  or  eight  le.,  its  summits  covered  with  snow.  From  the 
highest  peak  lesser  though  still  lofty  elevations  succeeded  to  one  another,  as  if  in  a  cliain,  and 
reach  as  far  as  Keanghoo  or  Yedo,  the  capital  of  the  country.  When  the  emperor  heard  of  the 
arrival  of  the  Expedition,  he  sent  commissioners  to  negotiate  with  the  visitors,  the  chief  com- 
missioner being  of  the  surname  of  Lin.  I  do  not  give  the  names  of  the  others,  because  I  really 
never  could  distinguish  on  their  cards  what  was  surname  and  name,  what  was  office  and  what 
was  place. 

"  On  both  sides,  this  being  the  commencement  of  intercourse  between  their  respective  countries, 
there  seemed  at  first  to  be  some  suspicions.  I  observed  a  fleet  of  more  than  a  hundred  Japanese 
vessels,  all  with  cloth  sails,  drawn  up  some  distance  oiF,  near  the  shore,  and  on  the  land  was  a 
camp  full  of  soldiers  and  their  accoutrements,  all  in  preparation  for  any  hostilities  which  might 
arise.  Next  day  two  or  three  government  boats  came  ofi"  to  see  the  steamers,  carrying  at  their 
stern  a  blue  and  white  flag,  with  the  words  'Imperial  Service'  on  it.  The  American  officers 
received  the  parties  very  courteously,  and  showed  them  the  guns,  trains,  and  everything  on 
board  their  vessel.  The  visitors  were  greatly  delighted.  Their  dress  was  wide  and  loose,  with 
large  sleeves.  Each  man  had  a  couple  of  swords  at  his  girdle.  Their  hair  was  tied  up  in  a 
knot,  a  small  space  over  the  pia  mater  in  front  being  shaven.  They  wore  shoes  made  of  straw, 
and  their  trowsers  were  of  gay  and  very  various  colors.  Notwithstanding  the  difierence  of  their 
language,  I  could  introduce  myself  to  them  by  means  of  the  pencil,  as  they  understood  the 
Chinese  character,  and  they  responded  to  me  in  the  same  way,  expressing  their  admiration  of 
my  country,  and  their  pleasure  at  making  my  acquaintance.  Many  of  them  wrote  down  for  me 
their  names  and  titles,  and  a  friendship  was  thus  established  between  us. 


398  APPENDIX. 

Next  day  a  present  came  off  to  the  steamer,  consisting  of  one  boat  of  turnips^  twenty  fowls, 
five  hundred  eggs,  several  boxes  of  oranges,  and  several  piculs  of  onions.  These  things  were 
received,  and  corresponding  presents  were  returned,  after  which  it  was  proposed  to  commence 
the  negotiations.  On  this  the  commissioners  sent  for  instructions  to  the  capital,  and  received 
orders  to  erect  a  building  on  shore,  where  they  should  received  the  visitors.  This  was  soon 
done,  and  a  fine  building  it  was,  hung  round  with  silk,  screened  off  from  the  public  gaze  by  elegant 

curtains,  the  fioor  being  laid  with  mats  and  carpets.     Lin was  the  chief  commissioner 

on  the  Japanese  side,  and  on  the  American  side  was  Matthew  C.  Perry,  commander-in-chief  of 
the  United  States  naval  forces  in  the  East  India,  China,  and  Japan  seas — with  him  was  Dr. 
Williams,  interpreter  for  the  United  States.  For  every  officer  present  at  the  interview  there 
was  placed  an  entertainment  on  a  small  table,  but  it  consisted  merely  of  fresh  fish,  oysters,  and 
other  shell-fish,  fowls'  eggs,  turnips,  and  a  yellow  looking  wine.  The  Japanese,  indeed,  do 
not  keep  sheep^  nor  oxen,  nor  pigs,  nor  do  they  kill  animals  to  entertain  visitors  with.  I  saw 
that  many  even  of  the  fowls,  which  they  do  breed,  obtained  a  most  venerable  age.  If  we  look 
only  at  the  diet  of  the  people,  it  is  immeasurably  inferior  to  that  of  the  Chinese. 

The  commissioner  having  received  the  articles  of  the  treaty  as  proposed  by  the  Americans, 
returned  a  communication  after  five  days,  and  from  that  time,  every  day,  there  were  officers 
coming  to  the  ships,  and  supplies  were  sent  of  fuel,  water,  eggs,  and  fish.  Among  those  who 
came  to  our  vessel  was  a  gentleman,  named  Ping-san-heen-urh-lang,  of  an  ingenious  nature 
and  great  learning,  who  asked  me  about  the  troubles  which  are  at  present  distracting  my  native 
country.  I  showed  him  an  account  of  the  insurrection  which  I  had  drawn  up,  and  a  volume  of 
essays  on  the  principles  of  good  government.  These  he  borrowed  of  me  the  next  day,  in  a 
polite  manner,  and  returned  them  before  long  with  the  iollowing  letter : 

"  I  trust  that  since  I  saw  you,  you  have  been  well,  and  pursuing  with  pleasure  your  literary 
avocations.  I  have  read  carefully  the  record  concerning  the  affairs  at  Nanking,  and  the  volume 
of  essays,  with  the  perusal  of  which  you  favored  me.  I  have  learned  two  things  from  them,  for, 
in  the  first,  place  they  have  made  me  acquainted  with  the  causes  of  the  present  confusion  in 
China,  and,  in  the  next,  they  display  your  own  learning  and  worth.  In  times  of  disorder  and 
difficulty,  you  have  not  forgotten  the  regard  for  your  sovereign  and  interest  in  your  country, 
which  every  good  man  ought  to  cherish.  As  I  have  shut  ujd  your  volumes,  my  feelings  have 
found  vent  in  sighs. 

"The  common  people  are  oppressed  and  miserable,  and  the  rulers  pay  no  attention  to  their 
feelings.  They  who  should  be  the  pastors  of  the  nation  fail  to  dischage  their  duties  ;  bribery 
and  venality  widely  prevail ;  such  it  seems  is  the  condition  of  China,  from  antiquity  to  the 
present  time — the  common  diseases  of  a  decaying  empire.  The  essential  evil  of  such  a  state 
may  be  described  in  a  single  phrase — it  is  the  desire  of  gain.  Now,  the  desire  of  gain  is  com- 
mon to  all  men,  and  is  the  pregnant  womb  of  all  evil.  Confucius  seldom  spoke  of  gain,  wishing 
to  check  the  lust  of  it  in  its  source.  This,  also,  was  the  reason  why  my  ancestors  cut  off  all 
intercourse  of  foreign  nations  with  Japan,  because  the  desire  of  gain  led  astray  the  ignorant 
people,  and  wonderful  arts  in  the  investigation  of  principles  deceived  the  perverse,*  so  that 
they  got  striving  together,  seeking  gain  and  hurrying  after  what  was  wonderful,  till  filial  duty, 
modesty,  and  the  sense  of  shame  were  all  forgotten.  To  a  man  who  has  reached  this  stage  of 
evil,  neither  his  father  nor  his  sovereign  is  anything. 

*  The  Japanese  gentleman  writes  Chinese  with  great  freedom.  Few,  if  any,  Sinologues  from  the  west  could  compete  with 
him.  Yet  his  composition  might  be  pliiincr  in  some  parts  than  it  is.  It  is  not  easy  to  make  out  his  meaning  here,  where  he  is 
touching  on  an  interesting  topic — the  reason  which  induced  the  exclusion  of  foreigners  from  .Tapau. 


APPENDIX.  399 

"  The  ways  of  Heaven  are  great.  It  nourishes  all  things  in  the  universe.  Even  among  the 
dark  countries  who  dwell  by  the  icy  sea,  there  is  not  an  individual  who  is  not  a  child  of  Heaven 
and  Earth — not  one  who  is  not  made  to  love  his  fellows,  and  be  friendly  with  them.  On  this 
account  tlie  sages  embraced  all  men  with  a  common  benevolence,  without  distinction  of  one  from 
another.  The  principles  for  mutual  intercourse,  all  over  the  globe,  are  the  same — propriety, 
complaisance,  good  faith,  and  righteousness.  By  the  observance  of  these  a  noble  harmony  is 
diffused,  and  the  heart  of  Heaven  and  Earth  is  abundantly  displayed. 

"If,  on  the  contrary,  commerce  is  conducted  merely  with  a  view  to  gain,  quarrels  and 
litigations  will  spring  from  it,  and  it  will  prove  a  curse  instead  of  a  blessing.  Against  such  a 
result  my  ancestors  were  profoundly  anxious.  Looking  thus  at  the  subject,  the  one  topic  of 
intercourse,  it  is  the  means  by  which  people  exchange  the  commodities  which  they  have 
abundantly,  for  those  which  they  have  not,  and  one  nation  succours  the  distresses  of  another  ; 
its  prosperity  is  plainly  indicated  by  Providence,  and  peace,  harmony,  and  good  feeling  are  its 
true  results.  Yet  if  gain — gain — be  what  is  sought  for  by  it,  it  will  only  develope  the  lusts ' 
and  angry  passions  of  men,  and  there  will  be  a  melancholy  termination  to  what  may  be  begun 
under  good  auspices.  It  is  but  a  hair's  breadth  which  separates  those  different  results  ;  for,  give 
selfishness  the  reins,  and  righteousness  is  instantly  merged  in  the  desire  of  gain. 

"From  ancient  times  till  now,  for  hundreds  and  thousands  of  years,  confusion  and  disorder 
the  rise  and  fall  of  states,  recourse  to  arms  and  words  of  peace,  all  have  been  determined  by 
this.  Whenever  nations  agree  to  carry  on  intercourse  together,  they  should  speak  clearly  on 
this  point  of  righteousness,  and  then  let  them  exercise  their  soldiers  and  discuss  the  subject  of 
war,  that  they  may  be  prepared  to  inflict  any  punishment  which  Heaven  demands.  No 
sovereign  of  any  kingdom  should  be  unprovided  for  this. 

"It  happens,  however,  that  when  peace  has  long  prevailed,  these  important  matters  are 
slighted,  and  thence  comes  the  decay  of  States.  But,  in  our  country,  the  due  precautions 
for  safety  have  been  well  attended  to.  Our  soldiers  have  been  trained  ;  the  art  of  war  has 
been  discussed  ;  guns  have  been  cast ;  ships  have  been  built,  day  after  day,  and  month  after 
month,  for  many  years,  and  now  our  troops  are  like  those  of  the  ancient  heroes  T'ang  and  Woo. 
It  is  in  this  way  that  we  have  secured  the  continuance  of  our  peace.  If  we  had  not  done  so, 
some  nefarious  ministers  or  powerful  thieves  might  have  arisen  to  excite  confusion,  and  to  begin 
to  plunder,  and  we  should  be  unable  to  punish  them.  All  over  the  globe  the  strong  dastroy 
the  weak,  and  the  great  swallow  the  small,  as  if  societies  of  men  were  like  collections  of  tigers 
and  wolves.  God,  by  his  spiritual  pervasion,  however,  sees,  with  a  parent's  heart,  how  His 
children  impose  on  and  strive  with  one  another.  Must  he  not  be  grieved  ?  must  he  not  be 
moved  to  pity  ? 

"But  the  world  may  be  compared  to  a  chessboard,  and  every  nation,  also.  There  cannot  bo 
wanting  worthy  princes  and  heroic  lords.  Who  is  he  that  shall  go  before  his  fellows,  whip  in 
hand,  to  execute  the  laws  of  Heaven?  Now  great  changes  are  occurring.  It  is  a  time  of  revo- 
lutions, when  every  prince  should  set  his  heart  to  act  in  obedience  to  providence,  and  labor  for 

the  good  of  his  people.     You now  live  in  a  steamship  of  the  United  States,  and  you 

wander  over  the  seas.  Have  you  seen  such  a  man  as  I  indicate  ?  If  you  have  not,  I  pray  you, 
wherever  you  go,  to  inculcate  the  principles  I  have  stated  on  every  sovereign  and  ruler ;  so 
shall  the  wishes  of  Confucius  and  Mencius,  so  many  centuries  after  their  time,  be  made  to  shine 
conspicuously  in  the  whole  world. 


4(H)  APPENDIX 

"Herewith,  with  these  observations,  I  beg  to  return  to  yoti  your  documents,  and  wait  upon 
you  with  my  desires  for  your  happiness." 

To  this  letter  I  returned  the  following  reply  : 

"Now  it  is  drawing  towards  the  third  month  of  spring,  and  the  landscape  is  assuming  aspects 
of  beauty.  I  have  received  your  admirable  letter,  and  my  poor  mind  has  been  not  a  little 
enlarged  by  it.  We  have  come  together  like  the  leaves  of  plants  floating  on  the  water,  and  on 
me  has  fallen  the  light  of  your  instructions.  When  you  say  that  all  in  the  world  are  the  chil- 
dren of  heaven  and  earth,  and  that  they  should  treat  each  other  according  to  the  principles  of 
propriety,  complaisance,  good  faith,  and  righteousness,  your  words  are  great  and  correct,  and 
are  sufficient  to  show  the  generous  spirit  of  universal  and  equal  benevolence  which  belongs  to 
the  school  of  our  sages.  For  every  word  in  your  letter  I  shall  ever  be  grateful.  I  shall  wear  it 
at  my  girdle,  and  always  keep  it  in  remembrance. 

"  The  present  age  is  very  different  from  the  times  of  antiquity  ;  but  who,  with  a  conscience, 
can  altogether  disregard  it  ?  Notwithstanding  my  want  of  talent,  for  years  I  gave  myself  to 
the  business  of  the  world.  During  the  war  with  the  English,  I  led  a  body  of  braves,  and  put 
forth  all  my  strength  in  the  service  of  my  country.  Yet,  afterwards,  the  officers  of  the  govern- 
ment, bent  on  nothing  but  gain,  made  no  account  of  my  devotion  and  efforts.  It  was  this 
neglect  which  set  my  mind  on  travelling  abroad,  and  led  me  to  my  present  position  on  board 
this  steamer.  Revolution  is  impending.  Mere  ordinary  men,  whose  objects  are  power  and 
profit,  get  into  the  possession  of  authority,  and  men  of  spirit  and  generous  aim  are  likely  to  be 
pushed  by  them  into  calamity  and  driven  to  ruin.  The  maxim  of  the  sage  must  be  observed : 
'  When  the  empire  is  well  governed,  you  may  show  yourself ;  when  it  is  ill-governed,  live  in 
obscurity.'  Yet,  I  have  been  unable  to  banish  from  my  mind  all  interest  in  the  condition  of 
affairs,  and,  therefore,  drew  up  the  two  works  which  you  have  read,  hoping  that  some  man  will 
arise  who,  by  his  deeds  and  principles,  shall  promote  the  good  of  the  people,  and  establish  the 
prosperity  of  the  country  on  a  permanent  basis.  This  is  what  I  deeply  desire  ;  would,  for  the 
good  of  my  country,  that  this  end  were  gained  ! 

"As  to  making  compositions,  jingling  sentences,  and  seeking  poetic  inspiration  from  the 
moon  and  from  flowers,  this  sort  of  thing  I  have  long  given  up  ;  yet,  to  dissipate  my  melan- 
choly and  moodiness,  I  have  made  a  couple  of  odes,  to  which  I  beg  you  to  apply  the  axe  of  your 
correction,  and  herewith  I  wait  upon  you  with  my  desires  for  your  haj^piness." 

In  the  flrst  decade  of  the  third  month  (March  or  April)  the  commodore  had  a  conference  on 
shore  with  the  Japanese  commissioners,  on  which  occasion  rows  oi  japonicas,  in  full  flower, 
were  arranged  outside  the  building.  Lin,  the  chief  commissioner,  had  several  hundred  bags  of 
grain,  each  weighing  more  than  two  hundred  catties,  set  down  close  by,  and,  soon  after,  there 
appeared  eighty  or  ninety  burly  fellows,  naked,  excepting  a  cummerbund,  though  the  weather 
was  extremely  cold,  and  taking  up  the  bags,  one  man  two  or  three  sacks  at  a  time,  they 
removed  them,  in  a  twinkling,  to  the  shore.  These  men  were  not  of  uncommon  height,  but  very 
stout,  and  immensely  muscular.  After  they  had  removed  the  sacks  of  grain,  they  were  made 
to  exhibit  their  strength  in  wrestling  and  fightings  in  an  open  space  in  front  of  the  reception 
hall — the  victor  being  rewarded  with  three  cups  of  wine. 

At  that  time  I  talked  with  an  officer  of  the  district  of  Poo-ho,  by  the  name  of  Hop-yuen- 
tsaon-chwang,  and  asked  how  they  proceeded  in  Japan  in  the  appointment  of  men  to  official 
situations.  He  told  me  that  both  in  the  civil  and  military  departments,  officers  were  appointed 
after  examination,  only  ira]iortance  was  not  attached,  as  in  China,  to  the  making  of  verses; 


i 


APPENDIX.  401 

that  the  books  which  they  studied  were  those  of  Confucius  and  MenciuSj  and  the  writers  of  their 
school,  and  that  after  passing  the  examinations,  and  being  approved  as  competent  for  office, 
parties  were  privileged  to  wear  two  swords. 

As  the  Japanese  for  two  hundred  years  have  had  no  intercourse  with  foreigners,  and  have 
seen  none,  excepting  the  few  Chinese  and  Dutch  who  carry  on  the  trade  at  Nanga-saki,  I 
found  myself  quite  an  object  of  interest ;  and  as  they  set  a  great  value  on  Chinese  characters  and 
compositions,  whenever  I  went  to  the  hall  of  reception  many  of  them  were  sure  to  ask  me  to 
write  on  fans  for  them.  The  fans  which  I  inscribed  during  a  month  while  we  were  at  Yoku- 
hama  could  not  be  fewer  than  five  hundred.  The  applications  were,  indeed,  troublesome,  and 
the  writing  took  up  much  of  my  time,  but  it  was  difficult  to  decline  acceding  to  their  pressing 
requests. 

On  the  same  day  on  which  the  exhibition  of  athletes  took  place,  the  articles  of  treaty  were 
settled,  and  it  was  arranged  that  the  two  ports  of  Seang-Kwan  and  Hea-teen,  called  by  the 
Japanese,  Hakodadi  and  Simoda,  should  be  open  to  vessels  from  the  United  States,  which 
should  there  be  supplied  with  firewood,  water,  provisions,  and  coal.  The  most  friendly  feel- 
ing was  displayed  by  both  the  contracting  parties,  and  there  seemed  to  be  an  end  of  their 
suspicions.  A  few  days  after,  Commodore  Perry  gave  an  entertainment  to  Commissioner  Lin 
on  board  his  flag-ship,  the  Powhaian,  which  was  decked  out  for  the  occasion.  I  made  the 
following  lines  upon  it : 

Two  nations'  representatives  at  Yokubauia  met ", 

To  show  their  human  brotherhood,  the  feast  of  joy  was  set. 

Here  were  the  chiefs  who  doff  the  hat  and  friendly  greetings  pay, 

And  there  the  heroes  with  two  swords,  in  proud  and  bold  array. 

They  raised  the  sparkling  cup  to  prove  their  words  of  peace  sincere, 

While  roll  of  drums  and  clash  of  bells  came  thundering  on  the  ear. 

Love  spake  from  every  lip,  strained  every  eye  with  pleasure, 

Ever  may  the  treaty  last,  a  good  securing  measure ! 

After  the  feast  there  were  some  theatrical  performances  ;  and  when  it  was  evening  the  Japanese 
returned  to  the  shore.  Next  day  the  presents  brought  from  the  government  of  the  United 
States  to  the  Emperor  of  Japan  were  exhibited.  There  was  a  model  of  a  railway  engine  and 
carriage,  a  life-boat,  an  electric  telegraph  apparatus,  the  instruments  for  taking  daguerreotype 
pictures,  various  implements  of  agriculture,  and  other  things.  A  circular  railroad  had  been 
laid  down  outside  the  town,  on  which  the  engine  and  carriage  swept  round  and  roundr  with 
great  rapidity,  to  the  astonishment  of  the  beholders.  The  use  of  the  electric  telegraph  was  by 
means  of  copper  wires  to  convey  intelligence  instantaneously  from  one  place  to  another.  By 
the  daguerreotyjie  apparatus  pictures  were  taken  by  the  reflection  of  the  sun's  light  from  the 
object  on  plates  of  metal.  There  is  no  need  for  pencils  or  drawing,  and  the  pictures  last  long 
without  fading.  The  life-boat  was  fitted  with  air-boxes,  by  means  of  which  it  was  kept  from 
sinking.  On  occasions  of  shipwreck,  parties  may  be  saved  by  means  of  this  invention.  The 
implements  of  agriculture  were  the  most  ingenious  contrivances  for  purposes  of  husbandry  used 
in  the  United  States.  The  Emperor  of  Japan  received  all  these  things,  and  gave  in  return 
presents  of  lacquered  ware,  what  might  be  called  fine  China  ware,  if  it  were  not  made  in  Japan, 
silks,  &c.  There  was  one  gentleman,  a  Mr.  Hop-yuen-choo,  who  conversed  with  me  on  this 
occasion,  and  gave  me  a  case  for  pencils,  along  with  these  lines : 

"  The  rain  is  gone  ;  the  nightingale 

Sings  loud  among  the  trees  ; 

Its  notes  to  the  foreign  vessels 

Are  borne  upoti  the  bree«e. 
51  s 


402  APPENDIX. 

Ah !  eilly  bird,  thou  knowest  not 
Their  sails  they  soon  will  turn, 
The  yellow  hata  and  laee  of  gold 
Go  and  leave  us  to  mourn." 

At  the  same  time,  an  officer  named  MIng-tuli  showed  me  an  ode  which  he  had  made  on  the 
first  morning  of  the  year.     It  ran  : 

"The  bear  begins  his  course  again; 

To  me  the  world  seems  cold  and  vain. 

Tsing  Hok's  high  aim  my  soul  inspires  ; 

But  not  in  me  are  Woo-how's  firee. 

With  poet"s  pencil  in  my  hand, 

And  wine  cup  near  me  on  the  stand, 

I  hear  the  willow  rustling  at  my  eaves, 

And  watch  the  opening  of  its  eye-like  leaves  " 

Another  officer,  named  Yuk-foo  Sank-kew-chung,  also  brought  me  some  lines  on  the  spring. 

They  were : 

"  Last  night  among  the  flowers  I  walked  and  sang, 
This  morn  again  my  voice  in  green  woods  rang. 
Beyond  men's  ken  the  way  of  God  above ! 
This  greenery  of  spring  well  proves  his  love." 

This  piece  was  composed  in  the  hall  of  reception,  and  it  seemed  incumbent  on  me  to  produce 
something  of  the  same  kind,  so  I  took  my  pencil  and  wrote: 

O  face  of  spring,  that  now  revisitest 
The  earth,  my  soul  is  stirred  by  thee  to  song'. 
Though  still  the  winter  snow  clothes  all  the  hills, 
The  rural  paths  are  bright  with  blushing  flowers, 
And  on  the  mountain  sides  the  firs  shine  green. 
Amid  the  waves  see  bow  the  sea  gulls  play, 
And  find  their  home  upon  th;  ocean's  breast. 
Along  the  shore  the  smoke  curls  from  the  camps ; 
The  hovering  mists  close  shroud  the  ships  of  war. 
Here  in  this  hall  the  east  and  west  are  met ; 
There  rise  the  towers  of  Japan's  capitol. 
Where  shall  1  go  to  taste  the  inspiring  cup? 
I'll  row  my  boat  to  yonder  clump  of  trees. 

On  the  same  day,  Wau-che-choo,  of  Shan-pun,  asked  me  to  inscribe  a  fan  for  him,  and  pre- 
sented to  me  the  four  following  lines  : 

"  Say  not  our  meeting  here  was  aTl  of  chance  ; 
To  you  we  owe  the  treaty  and  our  peace. 
From  far  the  strangers  came,  their  language  strange, 
'Twas  well  we  had  your  pencil  and  your  tongue." 

I  took  the  opportunity  that  day  to  take  a  long  walk,  and  not  far  from  the  town  came  upon 
an  old  temple  dedicated  to  the  dragon  spirit.  It  was  built  of  wood,  and  in  the  inside  were 
hung,  in  frames,  a  great  many  pictures.  Near  by  was  a  brick  manufactory.  The  bricks  were 
diflferent  from  those  we  use  in  China — hard  and  large,  and  of  an  ashy  color.  Strolling  on  two 
or  three  le,  there  were  a  good  many  dwellings  of  the  commou  people,  some  covered  with  tiles, 
and  some  thatched  with  stiaw.  Mobt  of  them  had  pasted  on  the  door  Buddhistic  charms, 
written  on  strips  of  paper.  The  women,  afraid  of  a  foreigner,  kept  all  out  of  sight.  During 
all  the  time  we  were  f.t  Yoku-haraa,  indeed,  I  saw  only  one  woman. 

After  some  days,  the  business  of  the  expedition  at  this  port  being  concluded,  the  steamer  left 
Toku-hama,  and  in  one  day  reached  Simoda,  called  in  Chinese  "  Hea-teen,"  which  would  be  in 


APPENDIX.  403 

English  "  Low-fields."  It  lies  in  latitude  34°  39'  north,  longitude  138°  57'  east,  and  takes  its 
name  of  Low-fields  from  its  lying  at  the  foot  of  high  hills,  from  which  streams  come  down, 
making  the  country  around  rich  and  fertile.  There  is  a  small,  rocky  island  in  the  middle  of 
the  harbor,  which  serves  the  purposes  of  a  break-water.  Within  it  vessels  may  lie  in  perfect 
safety  as  in  an  amphitheatre,  with  loftj'  hills  rising  one  above  another  in  front  and  outside  the 
great  ocean  ;  but  whatever  storms  rage  there,  they  may  ride  quietly  and  undisturbed.  The 
steamers  anchored  close  by  the  rocky  island,  the  shore  of  the  mainland  being  steep  and  precip- 
itous, rocky  clifis,  indeed,  against  which  the  waves  might  beat  and  chafe  for  ever  without 
making  any  impression.  The  heights  and  hills  are  well  wooded,  and  abound  with  pheasants, 
hawks,  crows,  and  foxes.     In  the  low  grounds  teal  are  abundant. 

On  the  day  after  our  arrival,  the  commodore  went  on  shore,  and  took  up  his  quarters  in  the 
Leaou-seen  temple,  on  Fae-shun  hill;  There  was  a  priest  in  charge  of  the  temple  called  Yis- 
tsang,  and  two  neophytes  with  him.  Inside  was  a  large  hall  for  the  worship  of  Buddha,  and 
along  the  sides  of  it  were  many  tombs — small  structures  made  of  stones — which  it  was  the  duty 
of  the  priests  to  sweep  and  keep  clean,  and  where  they  presented  daily  ofi^erings  of  flowers. 
The  parties  buried  in  them  had,  during  their  lifetime,  made  contributions  to  the  temple. 
Behind  the  temple  was  a  small  pillared  dome,  built  of  stone,  a  small  fish-pond,  and  many 
flowers  and  fruits.  While  we  were  taking  some  refreshments,  hundreds  of  the  people,  men  and 
womeUj  came  in  to  look  at  the  strangers  and  receive  presents.  The  women  came  and  went  with- 
out any  appearance  of  bashfulness.  They  wore  their  dress  long,  had  an  apron  behind  instead 
of  in  front,  and  their  hair  was  bound  up  with  a  strip  of  red  silk.  Most  of  them  were  good 
looking,  and  before  marriage  their  teeth  are  beautifully  white.  After  they  have  children,  how- 
ever, they  stain  the  teeth  black  with  gall-nut  powder. 

On  another  day  I  walked  through  the  streets,  and  looked  at  the  shops  and  houses.  Some  of 
them  were  built  of  bricks  and  covered  with  tiles,  while  others  were  merely  huts  of  straw.  They 
were  mostly  connected  together,  so  that  one  could  walk  a  long  way,  just  passing  from  one  house 
to  another.  The  women  moved  about  in  the  houses  and  streets  as  freely  as  the  men.  They 
came  readily  on  the  streets  to  me  when  I  called  them  ;  many  of  them  I  saw  working  with  the 
upper  part  of  their  bodies  uncovered.  Many  of  the  men  go  about  without  any  covering  but  the 
cummer  bund,  and  the  women  think  nothing  of  looking  at  obscene  pictures.  There  are 
bathing  houses,  to  which  both  the  sexes  resort  without  distinction.  The  women  came  q^lways 
in  crowds  to  see  a  foreigner,  but  ran  off  when  any  of  the  two-sworded  gentry  made  their  appear- 
ance. 

The  streets  are  all  named.  There  are  "  Great  Work  street,"  "  New  street,"  "  Shop  street," 
and  half  a  score  besides.  Passing  along  the  shore  and  crossing  a  bridge,  after  walking  a  little 
more  than  a  le,  you  are  in  the  district  of  Tsze-Ke,  and  come  to  tlie  temple  of  the  "  Gemraeous 
spring,"  shaded  by  old  flr  trees,  and  fronting  the  rocky  island  in  the  harbor,  of  which  I  have 
spoken.  Here  a  piece  of  ground  has  been  assigned  as  a  burial  place  for  strangers  from  the 
United  States. 

The  people  are  all  Buddhists.  All  about,  on  the  hill  sides  and  by  the  seashore,  are  images 
of  Buddha,  and  on  most  of  their  tombstones  are  engraven  some  words  from  the  "water  lily," 
classic.  At  the  temple  of  "  Great  Repose/'  I  saw  people  worshipping  Buddha,  without  either 
incense  or  lighted  candles.  When  they  had  finished,  tliey  put  some  money  in  a  box,  calling  it 
"Let-go-life  money,"  with  reference  to  the  Buddhist  doctrine  which  forbids  the  killing  of 
animals.     There  were  two  priests  in  the  place,  who  asked  me  to  write  some  characters  for  them, 


404  APPENDIX, 


on  which,  struck  by  the  scenery  around,  I  wrote  "encircling  peaks,  girdling  waters."     They 
in  return  described  their  position  in  the  following  lines : 

"  Hero  in  our  little  cells  we  sit, 
Eound  our  inkstones  the  white  clouds  meet. 
Mere  dust  to  us  is  gold  so  rare, 
The  future  gives  us  not  a  care. 

While  I  was  sitting  with  them,  there  came  a  woman  to  the  temple  to  worship  ;  the  sight  of 
beauty  greatly  stirred  me  ; — 

"  Her  lips  vermillion  red,  her  teeth  were  white, 
Her  hair  in  clouds  rose  o'er  her  eyebrows  bright. 
In  glittering  head-dress  starlike  was  her  sheen, 
Or  like  the  moon  through  plum  tree  branches  seen." 

The  day  being  very  warm,  the  priests  had  tea  brought  in,  and  I  found  it  sweetish,  like  that 
produced  at  the  hill  of  Se-tseaou,  not  far  from  Canton.  About  a  bow-shot  from  this  temple  is 
a  mountain  gully,  where  a  stream  ilows  clear  over  a  bed  of  sand  and  pebbles — a  beautiful  place 
for  bathing. 

In  "  Pond"  street  is  a  temple,  where  I  found  an  idol  grasping  in  his  hands  a  bow  and  arrows. 
On  the  walls  were  hung  many  paintings  of  ships,  which  I  supposed  to  be  votive  offerings  from 
parties  on  their  safe  return  from  sea.  Many  peojile  had  hung  up  in  the  same  temple  the  hair 
of  their  head,  having  vowed  in  a  time  of  danger  to  cut  it  off,  and  present  it,  should  they  be 
delivered.     Such  are  some  of  the  customs  of  the  Japanese. 

The  azalea  is  very  abundant  on  the  hills  about,  nor  are  other  flowers  rare.  My  friend  made 
large  collections  of  them,  which  he  afterwards  dried  and  preserved  for  future  study,  showing 
himself  worthy  to  be  a  disciple  of  Confucius,  who  advised  his  followers  to  read  the  book  of  Odes, 
that  they  might  become  acquainted  with  the  names  of  birds  and  animals,  plants  and  trees. 

Now  every  village  has  that  which  is  good  in  its  order  and  government.  Though  Japan  is  a 
smaller  country  than  China,  yet  robbing  and  oiipression  are  unknown  in  it.  The  doors  of  the 
houses  are  for  the  most  part  but  thin  boards,  or  frames  with  paper  pasted  over  them,  yet  a  case 
of  theft  is  hardly  ever  heard  of.  Surely  these  things  are  sufficient  to  prove  the  excellence  and 
ability  of  its  rulers. 

One  day,  wishing  to  ramble  over  the  hills,  I  got  a  priest  to  guide  mt,  and  after  walking  five 
or  six  le,  came  to  a  village  called  Seu-Ke,  by  the  sea-shore.  There  I  saw  large  quantities  of 
the  shells  of  the  pickle  fish,  which  is  found  largely  in  the  neighboring  waters.  Returning  to 
the  town  I  went  into  several  shops.  Among  articles  for  sale  in  these,  laquered-ware  occupies 
the  first  place.  When  I  made  any  purchase,  I  wrote  my  name  on  the  article  and  also  the  price. 
The  shop  keeper  then  carried  it  to  the  officer  of  customs  for  the  port,  who,  with  his  assistants, 
superintended  all  matters  of  buying  and  selling.  A  dollar  was  taken  as  1,600  cash.  The 
Japanese  themselves  have  a  large  copper  coin,  equal  to  100  cash.  They  have  also  several  coins 
of  gold  and  silver,  and  one  piece  of  silver  gilt.  Within  a  circuit  of  seven  le  around  Simoda, 
I  did  not  see  a  single  sheep,  goat,  or  pig.  Herds,  however,  were  not  uncommon,  and  were  used 
for  carrying  burdens.  Cows  and  oxen  are  used  by  the  people  for  ploughing.  The  women 
weave  cloth  just  as  they  do  in  China.  Blacksmiths  and  carpenters  seemed  to  go  about  their 
work  as  among  ourselves  ;  but  I  did  not  see  any  pieces  of  women's  work  in  embroidery.  Both 
men  and  women  are  fond  of  carrying  fans.  While  I  was  at  this  place  I  am  sure  I  inscribed 
more  than  a  thousand  fans.     The  governor  and  the  various  oflicers  conducting  the  intercourse 


APPENDIX  405 

with  the  Americans,  all  requested  my  services  in  this  matter.     They  sent  me  the  following 
complimentary  lines : 

"  In  foreign  ships  abroad  you  roam, 
Escaping  from  the  ills  of  home. 
O'er  the  wide  ocean  to  the  East, 
You've  come,  and  us  with  peace  have  blessed." 

I  returned  to  them  this  reply  : 

"  Eastward  my  course,  the  ship  of  fire  I  joined. 
On  travel  bent,  new  scenes  absorb  my  mind. 
What  mountains  rise  to  bless  my  wandering  sight ! 
O'er  ocean's  fields  I  gaze  with  vast  delight; 
Our  wheels  !  like  wings  whose  power  the  eagle  wields ; 
Our  helm  !  t'  its  lightest  touch  the  vessel  yields ; 
We  dash  along,  a  car  whose  steeds  are  whales  ; 
Like  osprey  strong,  we  sport  with  furious  gales ; 
By  moonlight  calm  I  saw  Lew  Chew's  fair  isle  ; 
I've  marked  of  Japan's  hills  the  snowy  pile. 
Deeply  my  insignificance  I  feel, 
Not  vain  to  friendship,  tliese  things  I  reveal." 

On  the  16th  day  of  the  4th  month  (12th  May,)  the  commodore  sailed  from  Simoda,  and  in  five 
days  reached  Ilakodadi,  the  second  of  the  ports  appointed  in  the  treaty.  It  lies  in  latitude 
41°  49'  N.,  longitude  140°  47'  E.,  and  its  climate  is  very  much  the  same  as  Moukden.  It  is  a 
retired  and  small  place,  surrounded  by  a  barren  country,  where  the  trees  are  few  and  the  grass 
is  scanty.  The  people  consequently  are  dependent  for  their  food  on  supplies  from  other  places, 
and  vessels  are  constantly  coming  and  going  to  it.  From  this  circumstance  it  has  received  the 
name  in  Chinese  of  Seang-kwang,  i.e.,  "  Hall  of  boxes."  The  harbor  is  wide,  an  open  bay 
indeed,  the  hills  on  shore  standing  round  it,  as  if  in  audience  of  the  sea.  When  we  were  there 
the  snow  was  still  to  be  seen  on  the  tops  of  the  mountains.  The  houses  are  superior  to  those  of 
Simoda,  and  the  dress,  ornaments^  and  vessels  of  the  people  are  all  indicative  of  more  wealth. 
The  women  kept  in  their  houses,  and  did  not  allow  themselves  to  be  seen  by  foreigners.  The 
morals  of  the  inhabitants  appeared  to  be  good.     Obscene  language  was  rarely  heard. 

Near  Hakodadi  is  "Kingdom-protecting"  hill,  on  which  there  is  a  temple  where  the  pillars 
and  beams  are  covered  with  carvings.  All  the  articles  in  it  are  new  and  beautiful,  and  many 
pictures  are  hung  round  the  walls.  On  each  side  of  the  principal  hall  are  many  graves.'  The 
commo<lore  had  several  pictures  taken  in  this  building  with  a  daguerreotype  apparatus,  and 
distributed  among  the  Japanese  officers. 

Some  difficulty  arose  in  arranging  about  the  distance  to  which  the  American  citizens  might 
travel  round  the  port  of  Hakodadi,  and  a  reference  upon  the  subject  was  made  by  the  Japanese 
to  Yedo,  During  the  time  which  thus  elapsed,  there  was  free  intercourse  with  the  people,  and 
one  could  not  but  be  struck  with  their  quiet  and  submissive  habits.  They  would  kneel  down 
by  the  way-side  when  they  saw  an  officer.  I  did  not  see  a  single  woman.  On  our  first  arrival, 
indeed,  most  of  the  shops  and  houses  were  shut,  for  the  people,  alarmed  by  the  appearance  of 
the  foreign  vessels,  had  fled  to  distant  villages.  Gradually,  however,  they  regained  their  con- 
fidence, and  came  back  and  resumed  their  occupations.  Hundreds  of  horses  and  some  asses  were 
to  be  seen  upon  the  streets,  bringing  and  carrying  burdens  of  food.  The  windows  were  mostly 
of  paper,  as  in  other  places  where  we  had  been,  and  upon  many  of  the  doors  were  pasted  Chinese 
characters,  signifying  "Wilderness  House,"  "Tortoise  House."  In  the  shops  there  was 
abundance  of  silks,  but  of  a  quality  inferior  to  those  of  China.      Their  lacquered  ware,  how- 


406  APPENDIX  . 

ever,  was  admirable,  and  the  shops  were  soon  emptied  of  it  by  their  visitors.  Deer  skins,  the 
roach  fish,  and  medicinal  sea-weed  were  to  he  seen  in  hirge  quantities.  The  food  of  the  people 
was  of  a  better  quality  than  at  Simoda. 

After  some  days,  a  request  arrived  from  Yedo  that  the  expedition  would  return  to  Simoda, 
that  the  question  how  far  the  country  around  Hakodadi  should  be  cousidered  open  territory 
mio'ht  be  determined  in  conference  with  the  Commissioner  Lin.  Besides  the  usual  verses  of  com- 
pliments,  an  officer,  called  Ynen-tang,  presented  me,  on  our  leaving  the  port,  with  two  pictures 
in  rolls,  not  to  be  distinguished  from  those  common  in  China.  Another  gave  me  a  good  many 
volumes,  I  always  acknowledging  the  gifts  by  the  return  of  strings  of  fragrant  beads.  On  the 
4th  of  June,  the  commodore  commenced  his  return  to  Simoda,  the  passage  back  occupying  the 
same  time  as  the  passage  from  it  had  done.  The  day  after  his  arrival,  he  and  his  officers,  all 
in  full  dress,  were  entertained  by  Lin  in  the  Leaon-seen  temple,  and  in  the  afternoon  the 
American  soldiers  marched  in  order  through  the  streets,  there  being  a  general  turn  out  of  the 
population  to  look  at  them.  Among  the  attendants  of  one  of  the  commissioners  was  a  young 
gentleman  named  Kwei-ching-min,  of  much  intelligence  and  liveliness.  All  the  visitors  were 
very  fond  of  him,  and  he  had  a  great  knack  of  drawing  their  likenesses.  One  of  the  imperial 
physicians,  Wan-tsuen,  asked  me  on  this  occasion  about  the  manner  in  which  officers  were 
advanced  to  government  employment  in  China.  I  endeavored  to  explain  the  subject  to  him, 
and  we  afterwards  exchanged  stanzas. 

On  the  17th  of  June,  Lin  and  tlie  other  commissioners  completed  the  negotiations  connected 
with  the  treaty,  which  was  arranged  in  thirteen  articles.  It  was  agreed,  also,  that  American 
citizens  should  be  free  to  ramble  to  the  distance  of  five  le  all  round  Hakodadi.  These  are 
Japanese  le,  and  the  five  may  be  equal  to  ten  English  miles.  On  the  same  day  the  commodore 
gave  a  grand  entertainment  on  board  the  steamer,  and  exhibited  a  mimic  specimen  of  a  naval 
fight,  for  the  entertainment  of  his  Japanese  guests,  but  the  festivities  were  sadly  interrupted 
by  heavy  rains. 

Having  lieard  that  in  Simoda  there  was  one  Yun-ts'ung-wo,  famous  for  his  skill  in  writing 
with  his  mouth,  I  went  to  him  and  got  him  to  draw  and  inscribe  for  me  about  a  dozen  pictures. 

On  the  25th  of  June,  all  the  business  being  concluded,  the  squadron  left  Japan,  many  officers 
escorting  it  in  their  own  boats.  Six  days  brought  us  to  Lew-Chew,  where  the  native  authorities 
received  us  courteously,  and  supplied  the  ships  with  provisions.  When  we  sailed  from  Lew- 
Chew  in  February,  the  commodore  had  left  some  sailors  who  were  sick,  and  circumstances  came 
to  light  concerning  the  death  of  one  of  them,  which  required  investigation.  He  and  two 
others  had  been  drinking,  and  he  in  particular  had  provoked  the  people  till  they  began  to  stone 
him.  They  probably  killed  him  and  threw  him  into  the  sea  ;  but  the  authorities  concealed 
the  fact  of  his  having  been  stoned,  and  merely  said  that  he  had  disappeared,  leaving  his  com- 
jmnions  drunk,  and  they  knew  nothing  of  him  till  he  was  reported  as  found  drowned  at  a  certain 
spot.  The  fact  of  his  having  been  stoned  coming  out,  one  of  the  men  concerned  in  the  case  was 
brought  before  the  Commodore,  who,  after  inquiry,  delivered  him  to  the  Lew-Chewan  authorities, 
to  be  dealt  with  according  to  justice.  He  was  banished,  1  understood,  to  Kew-chung  hill,  and 
the  local  magistrate  was  deprived  of  his  pay,  but  retained  in  office. 

On  the  11th  July,  the  prime  minister  and  the  treasurer,  at  an  interview  with  the  commodore 
at  Napha,  concluded  articles  of  a  treaty  between  the  United  States  and  Lew-Chew.  This  being 
settled,  the  steamers  separated,  and  we  sailed  for  diff'erent  ports  of  China.* 

*  Altliough  there  are  some  errors  in  the  descriptions  of  the  Chinese  writer,  his  paper  has  been  faithfully  copied. — M.  C.  P. 


1 


APPENDIX.  407 

No.  2. 

GENERAL  ORDER  No.   1. 

United  States  Steam  Frigate  Mississippi, 

At  Sea,  December  22,  1852. 
In  promulgating  the  subjoined  extract  from  the  instructions  addressed  to  me  by  the  honorable 
Secretary  of  the  Navy,  and  bearing  date  the  13th  ultimo,  I  have  to  enjoin  upon  all  officers  and 
other  persons  attached  to  the  vessels  under  my  command,  or  in  any  way  connected  with  the 
squadron,  a  most  rigid  adherence  to  all  the  requirements  of  said  order. 

Whatever  notes  or  drawings  may  be  prepared  by  the  officers  or  other  persons  before  men- 
tioned, whether  by  special  order  or  their  osvn  volition,  will  be  endorsed  by  the  respective  parties, 
and  transmitted  through  the  captain  of  the  fleet  to  the  commander-in  chief,  who  will  in  due 
time  lodge  them  at  the  Navy  Department,  from  whence  they  may  or  may  not  be  reclaimed,  as 
it  may  be  deemed  expedient  by  the  government. 

All  curiosities  and  specimens  of  natural  history  are  also  to  become  the  property  of  the  United 
States,  unless  voluntarily  relinquished  by  the  commander-in-chief. 

M.  0.  PERRY, 
Commander-in-chief  United  States  naval  forces 

stationed  in  the  East  Indies  and  China  seas. 

Extract  from  instructions  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy. 

"A  subject  of  great  importance  to  the  success  of  the  expedition  will  present  itself  to  your 
mind  in  relation  to  communications  to  the  prints  and  newspapers  touching  the  movements  of 
your  squadron,  as  well  as  in  relation  to  all  matters  connected  with  the  discipline  and  internal 
regulations  of  the  vessels  composing  it.  You  will,  therefore,  enjoin  upon  all  under  your  com- 
mand to  abstain  from  writing  to  friends  and  others  upon  those  subjects.  The  journals  and 
private  notes  of  the  officers  and  other  persons  in  the  expedition  must  be  considered  as  belonging 
to  the  government  until  permission  shall  be  received  from  the  Navy  Department  to  publish 
them." 


general  order  No.  2. 


United  States  Steam  Frigate  Mississippi, 

At  Sea,  December  23,  1852. 

Entertaining  the  opinion  that  if  the  talents  and  acquirements  of  the  officers  of  the  squadron 
are  properly  developed  and  brought  into  action,  tliey  will  be  found  equal  to  a  plain  and  practical 
examination  and  elucidation  of  the  various  objects  pertaining  to  the  arts  and  sciences  that  may 
come  under  their  observation  during  the  present  cruise,  and  being  aware  of  the  limited  accom- 
moc^ations  of  the  vessels  under  my  command,  I  have  invariably  objected  to  the  employmer^  of 
persons  drawn  from  civil  life  to  conduct  those  departments  more  immediately  connected  with 
science. 

Therefore,  I  iiave  to  request  and  to  direct  that  each  officer  of  the  respective  ships  may  employ 
such  portions  of  his  time  as  may  be  spared  from  his  regular  duties  and  proper  hours  of  relaxa- 
tion in  contributing  to  the  general  mass  of  information  which  it  is  desirable  to  collect,  and,  in 


408  AP  PEN   D  IX  . 

order  to  simplify  and  methodize  these  researches,  a  paper  is  subjoined  particularizing  the  various 
departments,  in  reference  to  which  information  is  more  especially  wanted,  so  that  each  officer 
may  select  that  or  those  departments,  which  may  seem  most  congenial  to  his  tastes  and  incli- 
nations. 

All  captains  and  commanders  are  required  to  render  every  facility,  consistent  with  the  proper 
duties  of  their  respective  vessels,  to  those  officers  who  may  manifest  a  zealous  co-operation  in  the 
pursuits  herein  specified,  and  it  is  to  be  plainly  understood  that  I  do  not  officially  require  the 
officers  to  perform  any  involuntary  duty.  I  shall  only  exact  that  which  may  come  legitimately 
within  the  sphere  of  my  authority,  leaving  to  the  officers  themselves  to  engage  as  far  as  they 
may  see  iit  in  those  investigations,  which  may  be  considered  in  an  official  point  of  view 
gratuitous. 

And  it  will  always  give  me  the  greatest  pleasure  to  identify  and  bring  to  proper  notice  the 
labors  of  each  and  every  individual  who  may  contribute  to  the  general  work. 

M.  C.  PERRY, 
Commanding  Bast  India  Squadron. 


No.    3. 

Letter  from  the  second  King  of  Siam  to  Commodore  Perry,  recently  received. 

Palace  of  the  Second  King, 

Banhoh,  Siam,  July  16,  1856. 
Dear  Sir  :  A  long  interval  has  elapsed  since  I  have  heard  from  you,  but  you  are  not  forgotten. 
The  beautiful  pistol  which  you  had  the  honor  of  forwarding  to  me  has  afforded  me  much  satis- 
faction and  amusement.     I  was  so  much  pleased  with  it,  that  I  have  taken  special  pains  to  secure 
as  many  varieties  of  the  revolver  as  I  could  obtain,  but  none  have  given  the  satisfaction  of  the 
pistol  you  sent  me. 

As  there  is  an  opportunity  of  sending  to  America,  through  Mr.  Mattoon,  the  United  States 
consul,  I  gladly  avail  myself  of  it  to  send  you  a  small  but  richly  wrought  spear,  manufactured 
in  Siam,  which  I  trust  you  will  do  me  the  kindness  to  accept. 

The  American  envoy  had  the  honor  of  making  a  liberal  treaty  of  commerce  and  friendship, 
which  I  trust  will  prove  mutually  advantageous. 

With  best  wishes  for  yourself,  believe  me,  yours,  truly, 

S.  PHRA  PIN  KLAU  CHAU  YU  HUA, 

Second  King  of  Siam,  (kc. ,  &c. 
Commodore  M.  C.  Perry,  [seal.] 

United  States  of  America. 


No.  4. 

Account  of  the  loss  of  Lieutenant  John  Mattheivs  and  boat's  crew,  of  the   United  States  ship 

Plymouth. 

In  consequence  of  the  misplacement  of  some  of  the  official  communications  of  Captain  John 
Kelly,  no  particular  account  of  the  disastrous  loss  of  Lieutenant  John  Matthews  and  the  entire 


APPENDIX.  409 

crew  of  one  of  the  boats  of  the  Plymouth,  at  the  Boiiin  ishxnds,  has  been  given  in  the  first 
volume  of  this  report.  To  remedy  this  omission  as  far  as  practicable,  an  extract  from  a  dupli- 
cate despatch  recently  received  from  Captain  Kelly  is  here  inserted.  And  it  is  due  to  the 
memory  of  Lieutenant  Matthews  to  state,  that  he  was  an  officer  of  high  and  honorable  standing, 
and  of  great  professional  merit ;  his  comrades  in  the  boat  were  also  men  of  excellent  character. 

Extract.  "I  have  also  the  unpleasant  duty  to  perform  of  reporting  the  loss  of  the  second 
cutter,  with  Lieutenant  Matthews  and  fourteen  men,  thirteen  of  whom  belonged  to  this  ship, 
the  other  was  a  man  who  had  been  left  sick  on  the  island  by  an  American  whale  ship.  The 
circumstances  attending  the  melancholy  event  are  as  follows : 

"  On  the  morning  of  the  25th  of  October  last.  Lieutenant  Matthews  requested  permission  to 
take  the  second  cutter  and  proceed  to  North  island  for  the  purpose  of  fishing  and  shooting  wild 
pigeons,  stating  that  he  would  return  by  dinner  time;  he  left  about  8  a.  m.,  and  stood  off 
under  sail  about  two  miles  from  the  island  to  speak  an  English  schooner  then  in  the  offing. 
The  captain  of  the  schooner  reported,  that  while  entering  the  harbor  he  saw  the  boat  very  near 
North  island  ;  so  that  I  imagine  she  must  have  been  returning  to  the  ship  when  he  encountered 
the  typhoon. 

"The  gale  was  terrific,  commencing  at  the  N.?  and  ending  at  the  N.W.  You  may  judge  of 
the  strength  of  the  wind  when  I  inform  you  that  this  ship,  with  four  anchors  down,  lower  yards 
and  topmast  struck,  dragged  completely  across  the  harbor,  with  the  water  as  smooth  as  a  mill 
pond. 

"^On  the  2'7t]i  I  despatched  Sailingmaster  H.  N.  T.  Arnold  in  search  of  the  cutter,  supposing 
she  had  been  stove  on  landing,  and  that  the  crew  were  on  one  of  the  islands,  and  only  waiting 
to  be  relieved. 

"After  two  days'  ineffectual  search,  he  returned.     I  herewith  enclose  you  his  report. 

"The  whaleship  Bowditch,  Captain  Waldron,  was  lying  in  the  harbor  at  the  time;  his  boats 
went  out  daily  in  search  of  the  hump-back  whale ;  he.  Captain  Waldron,  directed  his  boat's 
crew  to  examine  closely  all  the  islands  ;  but  to  no  effect;  not  a  vestige  of  the  boat  or  her  crew 
could  be  discovered. 

"On  the  29th  I  got  underway  and  stood  to  the  northward  and  westward,  in  hopes  of  meeting 
with  some  of  the  oars  or  masts,  but  without  success.  I  then  stood  to  the  southward,  fearing 
some  accident  had  befallen  the  surveying  party  ;  but,  thank  Grod,  they  were  all  safe  ;  though 
Lieutenant  Balch  reported  they  were  very  near  being  lost." 

52  s 


410 


APPENDIX. 


No.  5. 

List  of  officers  belonging  to  the  several  ships  composing  the  Naval  Expedition  which  visited  Japan  in 
1853-'4,  in  command  of  Commodore  M.  C,  Ferry. 


Bank. 


Names. 


Ship. 


Bemarks. 


Commander-iii-Chief 

Captain  of  the  Fleet 

Flag  Lieutenant 

Do 

Chief  Interpreter 

Commodore's  Secretary 

Commodore' s  Clerk 

Captain 

Do 

Commander 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Lientenant  Commanding  . 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 


lientenant . 
Do... 
Do... 
Do... 
Do... 
Do... 
Do... 
Do... 
Do... 
Do... 
Do... 
Do... 
Do... 
Do... 
Do... 
Do... 
Do  .. 
Do... 


Commodore  M.  C.  Perry '• 

Commander  H.  A.  Adams,  .staff i | 

! 
John  Contee do , Resign e<l . 

SUas  Bent do 


Dr.  S.  Wells  Williams do 

0.  H.  Perry do 

A.  L.  C.  Portman do 

Joel  Abbot commanding. 

William  J.  McCluney do 

John  Kelly do 

Franklin  Buchanan do 


Macedonian. . 

Powhatan 

Plymouth 

Susquehanna. 


William  S.  Walker do ,  Saratoga  . 

John  Pope do i  Vandalia  . 

6.  S.  Lee do... 

Junius  J.  Boyle do 

Arthur  Sinclair do... 

John  J.  Glasson do 

Alfred  Taylor do 

William  L.  Maury do... 


Mississippi 

Storeship  Southampton 

Storeship  Supply 

Storeship  Lexington 

Steamer  Queen* 

Store  barque  Caprice'.. 


John  P.  Gillis.. attached  to.. 

Olivers.  Glisson do 

John  R.  Goldsborough do 

Thomas  R.  Bootes. do 

Thomas  T.  Hunter do 

B.  B.  Pegram do 

William  B.  Whiting do 

Edmund  Lanier do 

Latham  B.  Avery do 

Joseph  H.  Adams do 

Washington  Gwathmey do 

Francis  S.  Haggerty do. 

John  B.  Randolph do 

G€orge  H.  Preble do 

William  E.  Boudinot do 

J.  Hogan  Brown do 

Edward  L.  Winder do 

John  K.  Duer do 


1863 ;  subsequently  trans- 
ferred to  Mississippi. 
Returned  home,  1854. 


Plymouth 

Powhatan 

Saratoga 

Vandalia 

Susquehanna 

Powhatan 

Vandalia 

Mississippi 

Macedonian 

Powhatan 

Macedonian. 

Powhatan 

Susquehanna Returned  home  sick,  1854. 

Macedonian 

Powhatan ' 

Susquehanna 

Macedonian Returned  home  rick,  1854. 

Susquehanna 


Died  at  Macao,  1853. 


"  Hired  vessels. 


APPENDIX. 

LIST  OF  OFFICERS— Continued. 


411 


Bank. 


Names. 


Ship. 


RemarliB. 


liieutenant 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Fleet  Surgeon 

Do 

Surgeon 

Do 

Do 

Do.. , 

Passed  Assistant  Surgeon  . 

Do 


Do.. 

Do 

Do 

Assistant  Surgeon 

Do 

Do.. , 

Do.. , 

Do 

Do. 

Purser 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Chaplain 

Do 

Passed  Midshipman  and  Act- 
ing Master 

Do 

Do 

Do.. 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Passed  Midshipman 


George  B.  Balch attaelied  to.. 

J.  M.  B.  Clitz do 

George  H.  Cooper do 

Charles  M.  Morris do 

J.  W.  A.  Nicholson do 

John  Matthews do 

W.  B.  Fitzgerald do 

N.  B.  Harrison do 

Alphonse  Barbot do 

Sommerville  Nicholson do 

William  A.  Webb do 

Thomas  L.  Smith do 

Daniel  S.  Green do 

Amos  G.  Gambril do 

Robert  Woodworth do 

Charles  D.  Maxwell do 

J.  T.  Mason do 

John  S.  Messersmith .do 

C.  H.  Wheelwright do 

William  A.  Nelson do 

L.  J.  Williams do 

James  S.  GUliam do 

Thomas  B.  Steele do 

Benjamin  Vreeland do 

Arthur  M.  Lynah do 

Charles  F.  Fahs do 

Jenks  H.  Otis do 

Albert  Schriver do 

Garret  R.  Barry do 

William  Speiden do 

Edward  C.  Doran. do 

Joseph  C.  Eldredge do 

Richard  T.  Allison.. do 

James  K.  Harwood do 

George  Jones do 

E.  C.  Bittinger do 


Plymouth 

Mississippi 

Susquehanna. 

Mississippi 

Vandalia 

Plymouth 

Supply 

....do 


Lost  in  a  typhoon,  1853. 
Returned  home  sick,  1853. 


Henry  N.  T.  Arnold do 

Reuben  Harris do 

John  Waloutt do 

John  Madigan do 

Garrit  V.  Denniston do 

George  A.  Stevens do 

Francis  S.  Conover do 

John  W.  Bennett do 

Peter  Wager do 


Vandalia 

Powhatan 

Mississippi 

Susquehanna  . 

Mississippi 

Plymouth 

Macedonian . . 

Powhatan 

Vandalia 

Southampton 
Powhatan 


Died  at  Hong  Kong,  1853. 


Returned  home  in  tlie  Ply- 
mouth. 


Store  ship  Lexington. 

Mississippi 

Macedonian 

Saratoga 

Vandalia 

Mississippi 

Susquehanna 

Plymouth 

Powhatan 

Susquehanna 

Mississippi 

Plymouth 

Powhatan 

Macedonian 

Vandalia 

Mississippi 

Susquehanna 


Plymouth 

Susquehanna. 
Macedonian.. 

Saratoga  

Vandalia 

Southampton 

Supply 

Susquehanna - 
Lexington 


412 


APPENDIX. 
LIST  OF  0FFICEB8— Continued. 


Bank. 


Acting  Master 

Do 

Do 

Passed  Midshipman. 
Acting  Master 

Do. 

Do 

Passed  Midsliipman. 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do .- 

Do 

Do 

Do.. 

Do 

Do 

Do. 

Do 

Midsliipman 


Names. 


Ship. 


Do 

Do 

Do.. 

Do 

Do 

Do.. 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Boatswain 

Do..- 

Acting  Boatswain 

Boatswain 

Actiug  Boatswain [  J.  C.  Hayden 

Boatswain ;  Charles  Smith 


David  Ochiltree attached  to. 

Beigart  B.  Lo^vry do 

John  T.  Barrand.. do 

John  H.  Upsher . do 

Ed.  Y.  McCauley do 

John  Kell do 

J.  Howard  March do 

James  H.  Eochelle do 

Eobert  U.  Minor do 

Walter  F.  Jones do 

Joseph  Fry do 

Albert  Allmand do 

Charles  Gray do 

Eobert  W.  Scott do 

T.  T.  Houston do 

John  Waiters do 

K.  Bandolph  Breese do 

Edwin  F.  Gray do 

John  G.  Sprosfon do 

William  McN.  Armstrong do 


Frederick  A.  Boardman do 

Lester  A.  Beardslee do 

Charles  E.  Hawley. do 

Simon  C.  Mish do 

George  F.  Morrison do 

Eobert  L  May do 

James  W.  Shirk do 

Edward  C.  Stockton do 

Oscar  F.  Stanton do 

Amos  Cx>lson do 

William  Whiting do 

John  Collins do 

William  Smith do 

do 

, do 


Missississipi 

Powhatan 

Steamer  Queen. 

sui'piy 

Powhatan 

Mississippi 

Mississippi- 

Southampton  .  - 

Lexington 

Mississippi 

Supply 

Saratoga 

Southampton  .. 

Saratoga  

Southampton  .. 

Macedonian 

Mississippi 

Plj-mouth 

Macedonian 

Mississippi 


Do,.. 
Gunner  ... 

Do... 

Do... 

Do... 

Do... 

Do... 

Do,.. 
Carpenter . 

Do... 

Do... 


Eilward  B.  Bell do 

Samuel  G.  City. dp 

John  Caulk do 

Charles  B.  Oliver do 

William  H.  Hamilton do 

Hamilton  Bell do 

John  Wilkins ,.do...... 

William  Hafcourt do 

John  Green ...,,.. do 

John  0.  Butler do 

Henry  M.  Lowry do 


Susquehanna  . 

Plymouth 

Susquehanna . 

Mississippi 

Plymouth 

Southampton  . 

Misisissippi 

Plymouth 

....do , 

Mississippi 

Powhatan 

Susquehanna  . 

Plymouth 

Macedonian  . . 

Saratoga 

Vandalia 

Powhatan 

Mississippi 

Susquehanna  . 

Saratoga 

Macedonian  . . 

Vandalia 

Plymouth 

Susquehanna  . 

Powhatan 

Mississippi 


Eemarks 


1854-'55. 

1854. 

1854-55. 


Came   home  in  charge  of 
sick,  1853. 


APPENDIX. 

LIST  OF  OFFICERS— Continued. 


413 


Kauk. 


Names. 


Carpenter 

Do 

Do 

Do... 

Sailmaker 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Major  Marine  Corpg 

Captain 

Do 

First  Lieutenant 

Do 

Chief  Engineer 

Do 

Do 

First  Assistant  Engineer 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Second  Assistant  Engineer. 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Third  Assistant  Engineer.. 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Captain'  sClerk 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 


Ship. 


Daniel  Jones attached  to  . . 

Leonard  Moses do 

Charles  W.  Babbitt do 

Thomas  V.  Butt do 

George  Parker do 

George  T.  Blackford. do 

Jacob  Stevens do 

Charles  T.  Frost do 

W.  S.  L.  Brayton do 

Henry  T.  Stocker do, 

Jacob  Zeilin do 

T/illiam  B.  Slack do 

Eobert  Tansill do 

James  H.  Jones ..do 

Jacob  Read do 

Jesse  Gay .do 

Samuel  Archbold do 

George  Sewell do 

John  P.  Whipple do 

Eobert  Danby do 

William  Holland do 

George  F.  Hebard do 

Henry  H.  Stewart. .do 

John  Faron do 

George  T.  W.Logan.. do 

George  Gideon,  jr do 

Edward  Fithian do 

Eli  Crosliy do 

William  Henry  King do 

J.  C.  E.  Lawrence do 

William  H.  Rutherford do 

George  W.  Alexander do 

Thomas  A.  Shock do 

William  S.  Stamm do 

Stephen  D.  Hibbert do 

Mortimer  Kellogg do 

Henry  Fauth do 

Edward  D.  Eobie do 

Le  Roy  Arnold do 

John  D.  Mercer do 

J.  W.  Spaulding. do 

Joseph  P.  Norris do , 

Bibby do 

Wliittlesey do 

Abbot do 

N.   B.   Adams do 


J.  S.  Sewell :do. 


Macedonian  . 

Saratoga  

Plymoutli  .. 

Vandalia 

Powhatan . . 
Plymouth  .. 
Mississippi. . 
Macedonian  . 

Vandalia 

Saratoga  

Mississippi .  . 
....do 


Powhatan 

Macedonian 

Vandalia 

Mississippi 

Susquehanna  .  . 

Powhatan 

Steamer  Queen. 

Mississippi 

....do 


Susquehanna . 

....do 

Powhatan 

Mississippi 

Powhatan 

Susquehanna. 
....do 


Powhatan 

Susquehanna. 

Mississippi 

....do 


Susquehanna. 

Powhatan 

Susquehanna. 
Powhatan 


.do. 


Mississippi. 
Powhatan  . 
Mississippi. 
....do 


Plymouth .- 

Powhatan 

Vandalia 

Macedonian 

To  captain  of  fleet. 
Saratoga 


Remarks. 


Died  at  Lew  Chew,  1854. 


414 


APPENDIX. 

LIST  OF  OFFICERS— Continued. 


Rank. 

Names. 

Ship. 

Remarks. 

Captain's  Clerk 

Do 

McClenahan... 

Arthur  Sinclair 

William  Speiden 

William  B.  Draper 

John  Williams 

John  Lewis 

Lawrence  Lewis 

Eandall 

bloane 

Wheeler 

Ashbury 

J.  H.  Bierbower 

William  Heine" 

.attached  to.. 

do. 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

Southampton _. 

Sunnlv. 

Purser's  Clerk     . 

Mississippi           ... 

Bated  Acting  Master' s  Mate. 
Do 

-.-.do. 

Do 

Vandalia 

Do 

Do 

Do 

do 

....do 

....do 

....do. 

do 

Ijexington. __ 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

E.  Brown,  jr' 

do 

Do     

James  Morro wf . . 

do 

»  Employed  as  Artist. 


f  Employed  as  Agriculturist. 


NOTE. 

As  the  Treaty  of  Kan-a-ga-wa  was  the  first  formal  instrument  of  the  kind  ever  nego- 
tiated by  the  Empire  of  Japan,  according  to  the  usages  of  international  law,  with  any 
Christian  nation,  it  has  been  thought  advisable  to  preserve  a  fac-simile  in  this  Eeport  of 
the  original  document. 


FAC-SIMILE 


THE  ORIGINAL  TREATY  WITH  JAPAN. 


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FAC-SIMILE    OF    TREATY    IN    JAPANESE. 


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JAPANESE    TEEATY. 


The  United  States  of  America  and  the  Empire  of  Japan,  desiring  to  establish  firm,  lasting, 
and  sincere  friendship  between  the  two  nations,  have  resolved  to  fix,  in  a  manner  clear  and 
positive,  by  means  of  a  treaty  or  general  convention  of  peace  and  amity,  the  rules  which  shall 
in  future  be  mutually  observed  in  the  intercourse  of  their  respective  countries  :  for  which  most 
desirable  object  the  President  of  the  United  States  has  conferred  full  powers  on  his  commissioner, 
Matthew  Calbraith  Perry,  special  ambassador  of  the  United  States  to  Japan ;  and  the  august 
Sovereign  of  Japan  has  given  similar  full  powers  to  his  commissioners,  Hayashi-Daigaku-no- 
kami,  Ido,  Prince  of  TsusSima,  Izawa,  Prince  of  Mimasaki,  and  Udono,  member  of  the 
Board  of  Eevenue. 

And  the  said  commissioners,  after  having  exchanged  their  said  full  powers,  and  duly 
considered  the  premises,  have  agreed  to  the  following  articles : 

AKTICLE  I. 

There  shall  be  a  perfect,  permanent,  and  universal  peace,  and  a  sincere  and  cordial  amity, 
between  the  United  States  of  America,  on  the  one  part,  and  the  Empire  of  Japan  on  the  other, 
and  between  their  people,  respectively,  without  exception  of  persons  or  places. 

ARTICLE  II. 

The  port  of  Simoda,  in  the  princij^ality  of  Idzu,  and  the  port  of  Hakodadi,  in  the  principality 
of  Matsmai,  are  granted  by  the  Japanese  as  ports  for  the  reception  of  American  ships,  where 
they  can  be  supplied  with  wood,  water,  provisions,  and  coal,  and  other  articles  their  necessities 
may  require,  as  far  as  the  Japanese  have  them.  The  time  for  opening  the  first  named  port  is 
immediately  on  signing  this  treaty ;  the  last  named  port  is  to  be  opened  immediately  after  the 
same  day  in  the  ensuing  Japanese  year. 

Note. — A  tarifi"  of  prices  shall  be  given  by  the  Japanese  officers  of  the  things  which  they  can 
furnish,  payment  for  which  shall  be  made  in  gold  and  silver  coin, 

ARTICLE  III. 

Whenever  ships  of  the  United  States  are  thrown  or  wrecked  on  the  coast  of  Japan,  the 
Japanese  vessels  will  assist  them,  and  carry  their  crews  to  Simoda  or  Hakodadi,  and  hand  them 
over  to  their  countrymen  appointed  to  receive  them.  Whatever  articles  the  shipwrecked  men 
may  have  preserved  shall  likewise  be  restored,  and  the  expenses  incurred  in  the  rescue  and 
support  of  Americans  and  Japanese  who  may  thus  be  thrown  upon  the  shores  of  either  nation 
are  not  to  be  refunded. 

ARTICLE  IV. 

Those  shipwrecked  persons  and  other  citizens  of  the  United  States  shall  be  free  as  in  other 
countries,  and  not  subjected  to  confinement,  but  shall  be  amenable  to  just  laws. 

ARTICLE  V. 

Shipwrecked  men,  and  other  citizens  of  the  United  States,  temporarily  living  at  Simoda  and 
Hakodadi,  shall  not  be  subject  to  such  restrictions  and  confinement  as  the  Dutch  and  Chinese 
are  at  Nagasaki ;  but  shall  be  free  at  Simoda  to  go  where  they  please  within  the  limits  of  sevefl 
55  s 


JAPANESE    TREATY. 

Japanese  miles  (or  n)  from  a  small  island  in  the  harbor  of  Simoda,  marked  on  the  accompa- 
nying chart,  hereto  appended ;  and  shall  in  like  manner  be  free  to  go  where  they  please  at 
Hakodadi,  within  limits  to  be  defined  after  tl^e  visit  of  the  United  States  squadron  to  that  place. 

ARTICLE  YI. 

If  there  be  any  other  sort  of  goods  wanted,  or  any  business  which  shall  require  to  be 
arranged,  there  shall  be  careful  deliberation  between  the  parties  in  order  to  settle  such  matters. 

ARTICLE    VII. 

It  is  agreed  that  ships  of  the  United  States' resorting  to  the  ports  open  to  them  shall  be 
permitted  to  exchange  gold  and  silver  coin  and  articles  of  goods  for  other  articles  of  goods, 
under  such  regulations  as  shall  be  temporarily  established  by  the  Japanese  government  for  that 
purpose.  It  is  stipulated,  however,  that  the  ships  of  the  United  States  shall  be  permitted  to 
carry  away  whatever  articles  they  are  unwilling  to  exchange. 

ARTICLE  VIII. 

"Wood,  water,  provisions,  coal,  and  goods  required,  shall  only  be  procured  through  the  agency 
of  Japanese  officers  appointed  for  that  purpose,  and  in  no  other  manner. 

ARTICLE    IX. 

It  is  agreed,  that  if,  at  any  future  day,  the  government  of  Japan  shall  grant  to  any  other 
nation  or  nations  privileges  and  advantages  which  are  not  herein  granted  to  the  United  States 
and  the  citizens  thereof,  that  these  same  privileges  and  advantages  shall  be  granted  likewise  to 
the  United  States  and  to  the  citizens  thereof  without  any  consultation  or  delay. 

ARTICLE  X. 

Ships  of  the  United  States  shall  be  permitted  to  resort  to  no  other  ports  in  Japan  but  Simoda 
and  Hakodadi,  unless  in  distress  or  forced  by  stress  of  weather. 

ARTICLE    XI. 

There  shall  be  appointed  by  the  government  of  the  United  States  consuls  or  agents  to  reside 
in  Simoda  at  any  time  after  the  expiration  of  eighteen  months  from  the  date  of  the  signing  ot 
this  treaty ;  provided  that  either  of  the  two  governments  deem  such  arrangement  necessary. 

ARTICLE  XII. 

The  present  convention  having  been  concluded  and  duly  signed,  shall  be  obligatory,  and 
faithfully  observed  by  the  United  States  of  America  and  Japan,  and  by  the  citizens  and  subjects 
of  each  respective  power ;  and  it  is  to  be  ratified  and  approved  by  the  President  of  the  United 
States,  by  and  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  Senate  thereof,  and  by  the  august  Sovereign 
of  Japan,  and  the  ratification  shall  be  exchanged  within  eighteen  months  from  the  date  of  the 
signature  thereof,  or  sooner  if  practicable. 

In  faith  whereof,  we,  the  respective  plenipotentiaries  of  the  United  States  of  America  and  the 
Empire  of  Japan,  aforesaid,  have  signed  and  sealed  these  presents. 

Done  at  Kanagawa,  this  thirty-first  day  of  March,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  one 
thousand  eight  hundred  and  fifty-four,  and  of  Kayei  the  seventh  year,  third  month,  and 
third  day. 


INDEX. 


Pago- 
Abbot,  Captain  Joel,  instructions  from  Commodore 
Perry,  in  relation  to  islands 

lying  south  of  Cape  King..  123 
his  report  of  an  examination 

of  islands  of  Japan 123 

instructions  from  Commodore 
Perry  to,  in  relation  to  the 

Bonin  group  of  islands 127 

his  report  of  an  examination  of 

the  Bonin  group  of  islands  128 
instructions  from  Commodore 
Perry,  in  relation  to  a  visit 

to   Manila  and  Formosa  . .  137 
his  report  in  relation  to  Ke- 

lung,  island  of  Formosa 142 

his  report  in  relation  to  Ma- 
nila   143 

his  correspondence  with  the 
governor  of  the  Philippine 

islands 146, 147, 148, 149 

Adams,  Capt.  H.  A. ,  letter  from,     communicating 
particulars  of  the  ratification 

of  the  treaty  of  Kanagawa  201 

Agriculture  of  Madeira 3 

failure  of  wines 3 

nature  of  blight 3 

decrease  of  the  vintage  of  1852..  3 
similar  wine-growing  soil  in  the 

United  States- 3 

chestnut 4 

wheat . 4 

variety  of  grape  cultivated 5 

of  Cape  of  Good  Hope 5 

productions 5 

description  of  Cape  wheat 5 

grain. 6 

wool .  7 

preparing  vineyards.. 8 

manufacturing  wine 8 

cattle 8 

native  sheep 8 

peculiar  farinaceous  vegetable 8 

of  Mauritius 9 

exportation  of  sugar 9 

sugar  culture 9 

price  of  labor 9 


Page. 
Agriculture  of  Mauritius — 

loss  of  cattle  by  an  epidemic 10 

of  Ceylon l 

nutmeg  tree 1 

coacoa-nut  groves 1 

cinnamon  garden 1 

of  Singapore 1 

beautiful  orchards 1 

nutmegs.. 1 

mangosteen 1 

sago  manufactories 1 

of  Lew  Chew 15 

beans 16 

radish 16 

turnips 16,32 

carrot  and  parsnip 16 

mustard 16 

wintergreens 16 

tara,  cultivation  of 17,29 

cereals 17 

mode  of  cultivation 17 

wheat 17,30 

. 17 

17 

18,28 

granaries 18,34 

irrigation '      19 

atmosphere 20 

sugar  cane 20,30 

sugar  mills 20,30 

tobacco 20,33 


millet 

rice  crop  -  _ .    

cultivation  of  rice- 


cotton 

soil 

climate 

enclosures  and  fences. 

tenure 

labor  and  habitations. 

implements 

grading,  culture,  &C-. 

barley 

sweet  potatoes 

sago 

grasses  

fruits 

animals 

surface  of  the  island.. 


20 
24 
25 
25 
25 
26 
26 
26 
31 
31 
32 
33 
33 
34 
36 


IV 


INDEX, 


Page. 
Agriculture  of  Lew  Chew — 

amount  of  produce 36 

of  Japan 81 

preparation  of  barley 83 

rice  hulling -- 83 

harvest  time - --  84 

rice  culture 84 

plough 84 

heans 84 

potato 85 

Indian  com 85 

grapes 86 

Japanese    paper,   from  mulberry 

tree 86 

tea  plant 87 

dwai-fing  fruit  trees 87 

storehouses 87 

horses  at  Hakodadi 87 

stables 88 

animal  food 88 

of  China 101,111 

preparation  of  land 102 

duck  eggs 102 

duck  boats 103 

hog 103 

beef 104 

crops 105 

manures 105 

domestic  animals 106 

implements 111 

chain  pump 112 

cotton  gin 113 

irrigation 112 

Aino  Indians,  island  of  Tesso 118 

American  commerce  in  the  east — 

extension  of,  further  encouragement  to  173 

a  treaty  with  Siam  arranged 174 

principal  staples  of  Siam 174 

attempts  to  establish  intercourse   with 

Cambodia  and  Cochin  China 174 

treaty  relations  with  nations  of  the  east  175 

negotiations  with  eastern  nations 175 

results  of  the  ' '  opium  war' ' 176 

unsettled  relations  of  all  Chmtian  nations 

with  the  government  of  China 176 

importance  of  Kelung  as  an  American 

settlement 178 

geographical  position  of  Formosa,  as  suit- 
ed for  American  trade 180 

objections  to  an  American  colony  con- 
sidered   181 

Americans  at  Peel  Island 130 

Analysis  of  Japan,  Cumberland,  and  Formosa  coal.  167 

Animal  food  of  Japan 88 

Animals  of  Lew  Chew 34 

of  Benin  islands 71,78,130 

of  Japan 87,88 

of  China 106 

Appendix 393 


Page. 

Arts  and  manufactures  of  Lew  Chew 49 

Articles  of  agreement  of  the  settlers  of  Feel  Island.  130 

Atmosphere  of  Lew  Chew 20 

Bayard  Taylor,  exploration  of  Peel  Island 67 

Bache,  Dr. ,  analysis  of  coal  by 167 

Bailey,  or  Coffin  Islands 132 

Barley,  Lew  Chewan  and  Japanese 31,83 

Barometric  observations . 93 

Biilch,  Lieut.  Geo.  B.,  report  of,   to  Com.  Kelly...  132 

Bent,  Lieut.  Silas,  report  on  the  Kuro  Siwo .  363 

Beef  of  China 104 

Beans,  Lew  Chewan  and  Japanese 16,  85 

Blight  of  grape  rines,  Madeira,  nature  of 3 

Boar,  wild,  of  the  Bonin  Islands 69 

Boats,  Chinese  family 103 

duck 103 

Bonin  Islands,  report  made  by  Capt.  Abbot  on  the  128 
report  made  by  Lieut.  Balch  on  the  132 
cattle  left  on  the  islands  by  Commo- 
dore Perry 130 

Boyle,  Lieut.  Com'g  J.  J.,  instructions  to 117 

report  of.  in  relation  to  Volcano  Bay  117 

Botanical  specimens,  account  of,  by  Prof.  Gray 303 

Botany  of  Lew  Chew,  by  Dr.  Chas.  F.  Fahs,  U.  S.  N.  41 

Coniferse .  42 

Ebenaceje 42 

Euphorbiaceaj 42 

Mores 42 

Palm* 43 

Cupulifene 43 

Kosacese 43 

Aurantiaces 43 

Musacea; 43 

Camellieae 43 

Leguminosse 43 

Aquifollace£e  - 43 

DahKa 43 

Cactacese 43 

Convol  vuluceae 43 

Solanacea; 43 

Meliaceaa 44 

Labiatas 44 

LiliaceiE 44 

AracefB 44 

Piperaceaj 44 

Chenopodiace.'B 44 

Alsines - 44 

Ean\mculus 44 

Cruciferfe 44 

Helianthus 44 

ChicoraceiE 44 

Oxalis 44 

Violacese 44 

Malvacea? 44 

Cucurbitaceae 44 

Graminea; 44 

Cyperace<E 44 

Ferns 45 

Lichens 45 


INDEX. 


Botany  of  Lew  Chew,  Algfe 

Birds,  note  to  paper  on 

collected  in  Japan 

1.    OBDER  RAPTORES. 

Birds,   luilvus  melanotis- - 

Accipiter  gularis 

2.    ORDER   IN3ESS0RE3. 

Birds,  Heterornis  pyrrhogenys 

Sturnus  cineraceus 

Emberiza  ciopsis 

personata 

Motacilla  boarula 

lugens  

Calamoherpe   orientalis 

Zosterops  Japouica 

Cucuhis  canoriis 

Kcus  Major 

3.    ORDER  RASOEES. 

Birds,  Turtin  meena 

Phasianus  versicolor 

Phasianus  soemmeringii 

Coturnix  Japonica 

4.    ORDER  GEALLATORES. 

Birds,  Gallinago  Solitaria 

Stenura 

Kumenius  Tahitiensis 

Totanus  Pirevipes. 

Corethura  ery throtiiorax 

Eiaticula 

Plialaropus  Hy  perboreus 

5.    ORDER  NATATORES. 

Birds,  Dafila  acuta 

Mareca  Falcata 

Penelope 

Larus  Ichthyaetus 

Melanurus 

Brunneicephalus 

Ceratorhy ncha  Monocerata 

Brachyrhamphus  Temminckii 

Phaleris  my stacea 

Graculus  carbo 

Birds  collected  in  China,  the  Lew  Chew  islands,  the 
islands  of  Singapore  and  Ceylon,  and  on  the 
coast  of  California 

1.  ORDER  EAPTOKES. 

Birds,  Falco  Spar verius 

Haliffitus  Leucocephalus 

Elanus  Lencurus 

Circus  Hudsonius 

2.    ORDER  IKSESS0RE3. 

Birds,   Garulax  Perspicillatus 

Melophus  melanicterus 


45 
217 
219 


219 
219 


220 
220 
220 
221 
221 
221 
221 
221 
222 
222 


222 
223 
225 
227 


227 
227 
228 
229 
229 
230 
230 


231 
231 
231 
232 
232 
232 
233 
233 
234 
234 


236 


236 
236 
236 

237 


237 
237 


Page. 

Birds,  Chlorospiza  sinica 237 

Heterornis  sericea 238 

Lanius  scbach 238 

Artamus  fuscus 238 

Dicrurus  coerulescens 239 

Tephrodornis  pondiceriana 239 

Erythrosterna  rubecula 239 

Hypothymis  cyanomelana 239 

Lusciola  cyanura 239 

Calamoherpe  cantans 240 

Malacocircus  griseus 240 

Copsychus  saularis 240 

Petrocincla  manillensis 240 

pandoo 240 

Ixos  sinensis i 241 

Hsmorrhoa 241 

Parus  Cinereus 241 

Motacilla  Lugens 241 

Lorius  Domicella 241 

Loriculus  Indicus . 242 

Yunx  Torquilla 242 

Megalaima  caniceps 242 

Alcedo  Bengalensis -  242 

Halcyon  Pileata. 242 

Coromanda -  243 

Merops  Phillippinus 243 

Cinnyris  Zeylonica 243 

3.    ORDER   KASORES. 

Birds,  Treron  vernans 243 

Turtur  Chinensis 244 

Coturnix  Coromandelica. 244 

Francolinus  perlatus 244 

4.  ORDER  GRALLATORES. 

Birds,  Grus  Canadensis 244 

Ardea  Herodias 244 

Egretta 244 

Cinerea. - --  244 

Leucoptera '     245 

Nycticorax  gardeui 245 

Botanrus  Lentiginosus 245 

Gallinula  Chloropus 245 

Gallinago  Stenura 245 

Charadrius  pluvialis. 246 

Squatarola  helvetica 246 

Hiaticula  Atrifrons - 246 

Totanus  Glottis 246 

Tringa  Hypolenca 246 

Ehynchiea  chinensis. 246 

Recurvirostra  occidentalis 246 

5.    ORDER  NATORES. 

Anas  Boschas 247 

Mareca  Americana. 247 

Querquedula  Carolinensis 247 

Fuligula  marila 247 

Tadorna  vulpanser 247 


VI 


INDEX. 


Page. 

Birds,  liirus  Fuscus - 247 

Occidentalis 247 

Stemaminuta 248 

Bridges  in  Lew  Chew 25 

Brevoort,  James  Carson,  notes  on  Japanese  fish —  255 

Broad-tailed  sheep 8 

Cape  of  Good  Hope - 5 

peculiar  farinaceous  vegetable  of  8 

superior  quality  of  Cape  wheat.  5 

wines,  Madeira,  Constantia,  and  Sherrj- 7 

cattle - 8 

Canton  river 101 

Carriages  upon  sleigh  runners,  Madeira. 5 

Carrot  of  Lew  Chew 16 

Castle  of  Nagagusco,  Lew  Chew 50 

Cave  at  Hakodadi -- 98 

Cassin,  John,  description  of  birds  collected  in  Ja- 
pan, &c 219 

Ceylon,  island  of 11 

Chinese  agriciilture 101,111 

crops 105 

boats - 103 

Chestnut  of  Madeira -   4 

Chain  pump,  Chinese 112 

Cinnamon  garden 11 

Climate 25,91,92 

Correspondence  in  reference  to  Siam 191 

in  relation  to  botanical  specimens.  299 

Constantias 1 5 

Coal  mines 159 

exploration 59 

bluffs 61 

analysis  of . 167 

Cocoa-nut  groves 11 

Comparison  of  languages 47 

Commerce  in  the  East,  extension  of  American 173 

Cotton 61 

gin 113 

Com,  Indian 85 

Cultivation  of  tara 29 

rice 18,28,84 

wheat 17,30 

barley 31,83 

Culture,  grading,  &c 26 

Customs  of  the  Lew  Chewans 48 

Cyclones  of  the  Western  Pacific,  observations  in 

relation  to 337 

Cyclone  of  July,  1853 337 

Cyclones  and  monsoons 342 

Universality  of  the  law  of  storms 343 

Cyclones  of  the  China  Sea 343 

Cyclone  of  the  Panama 344 

Kaleigh 344 

Annie  Bucknam 346 

Mississippi 347 

Reindeer's  cyclone 350 

The  Freak's  typhoon 351 

Cyclone  of  the  J.  N.  Gossler 351 

Strong' s  Island  and  Ascension 352 


Page. 
Cyclones  of  the  Western  Pacific — 

Austerlitz 352 

Kingsmill  Islands,  Gilbert  Archipelago  ..  353 

The  Kadack  Islands 353 

The  Japan's  typhoon 353 

Sandwich  Islands 353 

Cyclone  of  the  Lark 354 

Cyclones  of  the  Eastern  Pacific 354 

The  Joseph  Butler 354 

barque  Como 354 

Niagara's  hurricane. 354 

The  Diana 354 

Laura 354 

Kingston 354 

Belgrade 354 

Galindo 355 

La  vina 355 

Fanny 355 

Amazon's  hurricane 355 

Capt.  Budd'sgale 356 

The  Panama's  gale 356 

Empire  . 356 

Belle's  cyclone 357 

Gertrude  Maria - 357 

Edward  Stanly 357 

Cyclone  of  the  U.  S.  Ship  Preble 357 

Recurvation  of  storm  paths  in  the  East- 
ern Pacific 358 

Domestic  animals 106 

Duck  eggs  of  China - 102 

boats 103 

Ducks,  manner  of  hatching,  in  China 251 

Dried  plants  collected  in  Japan,  list  of 305 

Anemone  Baikalensis 306 

Aquilegia  flabellata 306 

Akebia  quinata 307 

lobata 307 

Aiabis  hirsuta 307 

Alpina 307 

lyrata 307 

Arenaria  sepyllifolia 309 

Acer  Japonicum.. 309 

polymorphum. 310 

pictum 310 

Archangelica  officinalis 312 

Aucuba  Japonica 312 

Abelia  serrata 313 

Aspenila  odorata 313 

Aster  Japonicus 314 

Asteromcea  Indica -.  314 

Aplotaxis  multicaulis 314 

Anandria  Bellidiastrum 314 

Andromeda  (pieris)  elliptica 315 

Azalea .' serpyllifolia 315 

Ajuga  remota 316 

Abies  polita --  319 

Arisajma  Thuubergii 319 

Japonicum. 319 

Acorus  gramineus 319 


INDEX, 


VII 


Page. 
Dried  plants  collected  in  Japan — 

Aletiis  Japonica 320 

Allium  Thunbergii 322 

Alopecurus  geniculatus 328 

malacostachyus 328 

Agrostis  scabra 328 

Arundinaria  Japonica • .  328 

Avena  sativa 328 

Adiantum  pedantum 329 

Asplenium 329 

Aspidium  (lastrea) 329 

(lastrea)  lacerum 329 

setosum 330 

(lastrea)  erythrosorum 330 

(polystichum)  tripterus 330 

AzoUa?  -. 330 

Amphiroa  Californica 331 

Burgeria  obovata 307 

Berberis  vulgaris 307 

Tbuubergii 307 

Brassica  Cbinensis 308 

Brunella  vulgaris 316 

Benzoin  sericeum 318 

Bronssonetia  papyrifera 319 

Boehmeria  nivea 319 

Betula  carpinifolia 319 

Bromus  conformis 328 

Bartramia  pomiformis 330 

Clematis  Florida.. 305 

Japonica 305 

Williamsii 306 

Caltba  paliistris 306 

Chelidoniuminajus 307 

Corydalis  incisa 307 

heterocarpa 307 

pallida 307 

Cardaminc  impatiens 308 

macrophylia 308 

Capsella  bursa- pastoris 308 

Cerastium  yicosum 309 

Fischerianum 309 

Camellia  Japonica 309 

Celustrus  articulatus 309 

Cajsalpiuia  sepiaria 310 

Cydofiia  Japonica 311 

Chrysosplenium  oppositifolium 311 

Coelopleurum  Gmeleni 312 

Calendula  officinalis 314 

Cirsium  Japonicum 314 

Chorisis  repens 315 

Campanula  trachclium 315 

Callicarpa  mollis 316 

Calystegia  soldanella 317 

Cinnamomum  pedunculatim 318 

Celtis  Willdeuoviana 319 

Castanea  Japonica 319 

Cryptomeria  Japonica 319 

Cephalauthera  Japonica 319 

Cymbidium 320 


Page. 
Dried  plants  collected  in  Japan — 

Calanthe  discolor 320 

Cypripedium  Japonicum 320 

Convallaria  majalis 321 

Commelyna  polygama 322 

Carex  pumila 322 

monadelpha  . 323 

leucoehlora 323 

puberula 324 

pisiformis. 324 

transversa.. 324 

dispalata 325 

conica 325 

excisa 326 

lanceolata ...  326 

Morrowi 326 

anomala 327 

incisa 327 

lougerostrata 327 

prajcox 327 

heterolepis 327 

villosa 327 

donniana 327 

macrocepliala 328 

Cyrtonium  falcatum 323 

Chorda  lamentaria 331 

Chordaria  simplex 331 

Chondria  atropurpurea 331 

Cystoclonium  ?  armatum 332 

Ceramium  rubrum 332 

Dicentra  spectabilis 307 

Draba  neraorosa 308 

Dianthus  Cbinensis.. 309 

Deutsia  scabra 312 

crenata 312 

Damnacantbus  indicus 314 

DoUingeria  scabra 314 

Diospyros  kaki 316 

Dendrobium  catenatum 319 

Disporum  sessile ,  321 

smilacinum 321 

Drynaria  hastata 329 

ensata 329 

Drymoglossum  piloselloides 329 

Diplazium  lanceum 329 

Davallia  Chiaensis 330 

Desmarestia  viridis 331 

Delesseria  serrulata. 331 

Eui'ya  Japonica 309 

Euscaphis  staphyleoides 309 

Erigeron  pulcliellus 314 

Erichitum  pedunculare 317 

Elieagnus  macrophylia 318 

umbellata ..  318 

pungens 318 

Euphorbia  helioscopia 318 

Epipactis  Thunbergii 319 

Equisetum  arvense 329 

Fragaria  (Ducliesnea)  indica 310 


VIII 


INDEX 


Page. 
Dried  plants  collected  iu  Japan — 

Fraximus  Sieboldtiana 317 

Fagopyrum  emarglnatum 318 

Ficus  erecta 319 

Fluggea  Japonica 322 

Festuca  pauciflora 328 

Fegatella  conica 330 

Glaucidium  palmatum 306 

Galium  aparine 313 

trachyspermum 313 

Gnaphalium  confusum 314 

Gentiana  Thunbergii 317 

squarrosa 317 

Glyceria  fluitans 328 

Gelidium  cartilagineum 331 

comeum 331 

Gymnogongyrus  furcellatus 332 

GjTnnogorjTUS  flabellifoi-mis 332 

pinnulatus .  332 

Gloiosiphonia  capillaris 332 

Honckenya  peploides 309 

Hjrpericum  CMnense 309 

Hedysanim  coronarum 310 

Hydrangea  virens 312 

hortensia 312 

hirta. 312 

Heracleuem  lanatum 312 

Hottuynia  cordata 318 

Hordeum  \iilgare -.  328 

hexastichum 328 

Hierochloa  borealis 329 

Hypnum  Japonicum 330 

gracile 330 

Halosaccion?  Japonica 331 

IsopjTum  Japonicum 306 

Illicium  religiosum 307 

Hex  crenata 309 

Indigofera  decora 310 

Isolobus  radicans 315 

Iris  Japonica 320 

iTersicolor 320 

Imperata  pedicellata 329 

Juncus  xiphioides 322 

Kerria  Japonica 310 

lathynis  maritimus 310 

Lotus  comiculatus 310 

lionicera  Japonica 313 

(Xylosteum)  Morrowi 313 

Lappa  major 314 

Lysimachia  lubinioides 316 

cletbroides 316 

Lamiam  amplexicaule 316 

petiolatum 316 

lithospermunn  Japonicum 316 

Ligustnim  Japonicum 317 

Ibota 317 

Lilium  Japonicum 32 1 

Luzula  campestris 322 

Leptogramma 329 


Page. 
Dried  plants  collected  in  Japan — 

Laurencia  yirgata 331 

Do 331 

Lomentaria  catenata 331 

Matthiola  annua 308 

Ma?hrinjria  lateriflora 309 

arenarla 309 

Malacbium  aquaticum 309 

Malva  Mauritiana 309 

Medicaqo  lupulina 310 

Mazus  rugosus 316 

Myosotis  arvensis. 316 

Chinensis 316 

Menyanthis  trifoliata 317 

Malonetia  Asiatica 317 

Machilus  Thunbergii 318 

Maiiscus  umbellatus 322 

SInium  radiatim 330 

trichomanes 330 

Nandina  domestica 307 

Nasturtium  palustre 307 

ofSclnale  . 307 

Nepeta  Glechoma 316 

Nemastoma  lirida 332 

Oxalis  comiculata 309 

Osmorhiza  longistylis 312 

Omphalodes? 317 

Orchis  aristala 320 

Orithya  oxypetala  .*. 322 

Onychium  Japonicum 329 

Osmimda  Japonica 330 

Paeonia  officinalis 307 

Papaver  somniferum 307 

Polygala  Japonica 308 

Pisum  sativum 310 

Prunus  (Amygdalus)  pcrsica 310 

pseudo-cerasus 310 

Japonica 310 

PotentiUa  fragarioides. 310 

gelida 310 

Pyrus  mains ... 311 

spectabilis 311 

Petasites  albus 314 

Pyrethrum  sinense 314 

Picris  hieracioides 314 

Pyrola  rotundifolia 315 

Plantago  media 316 

Primula  cortusoides 316 

PauUownia  imperialis- 316 

Perilla  arguta 316 

Physalis  Alkekingi 317 

Polygonum  ariculare 317 

Japonicum 317 

Chinense 317 

Thunbergii 317 

Siebcldii  - 317 

convohTilus --  317 

Piper  futukadsura 318 

Polygonatum  Japonicimi 321 


INDEX. 


IX 


Page. 
Dried  plants  collected  in  Japan — 

Polypogon  monspeliensis .  328 

Littoralis 328 

Poa  annua 328 

acroleuca 328 

Pennisetum  Japonicum 329 

Panicum  (isachne)  lepidotum 329 

Polypodium  lineare 329 

Pteris  cretica 329 

Pogonatum  tortile 330 

Polysiphonia  Japonica 331 

Morrowii 331 

Quercus  glandulifera 319 

serrata 319 

dentata - 319 

Eanunculus  seleratus 306 

ternatus 306 

Japonicus  306 

repens 306 

Raplianus  sativus 308 

Eubus  parvifolius 310 

incisus   310 

hydrastifolius   . . 311 

coptophyllus 311 

Rosa  multiflora 311 

Ehaphiolepis  Japonica 311 

Khododendron  indicum 315 

Metterniciiii 315 

Rumex  crispus 318 

Riccia  natans 330 

Eytiphloea  latiuscula 331 

Staiintonia  hexaphylla 307 

Stellaria  media 309 

uliginosa 309 

Staphylea  bumalda 309 

Stachyurus  prjEcox 309 

Spiriea  callosa 310 

Japonica 310 

Thunbergii 310 

Stransvaisia  digyna 311 

Saxifraga  sarmentosa 311 

Stephanandra  flexuosa 312 

Sodum  lineare 312 

Sambucus  pubens 313 

Serissa  fatida 314 

Sonchus  asper 315 

Styrax  Japonicum 316 

Scutellaria  indica 316 

hederacea 316 

Solanum  nigrum 317 

Saururus  loureiri 318 

Salix  Sieboldtiana 319 

Japonica 319 

integra 319 

Salisburia  adiantifolia 319 

Spiranthes  Australis 320 

Smilax  Japonica 320 

Smilacina  (maianthemum)  bifolia 321 

Japonica 321 

56  5 


Page. 
Dried  plants  collected  in — 

Turritis  glabra 307 

Thermopris  fabacea 310 

TorUis  Japonica 312 

Tagetes  patula 314 

Teraxacum  dens-leonis .  315 

Thesium  alpinum . .  318 

Triscercandra  quadrifolia  ... 318 

Thujopsis  dolabrata 319 

Trillium  erectum 320 

Triticum  caninum 328 

vulgare 328 

Trisetum  oernuum 328 

Viola  palustris 308 

Japonica i 308 

Gmeliniana 308 

gry poceras  . 308 

canina - 308 

laciniosa ...  308 

Vitis  vinifera 309 

Vicia  faba 310 

sativa 310 

tetrasperma 310 

orobus 310 

Viburnum  erosum 313 

plicatum 313 

Valeriana  tripteris 314 

Veronica  anagallis 316 

Verbena  officinalis 316 

Vincetoxicum  Japonicum 317 

Wistaria  sinensis - .-  310 

Wahlenbergia  marginata 315 

Weigela  Japonica 313 

Youngia  Thunbergiana -  314 

dcbilis 314 

Japonica 314 

Zanthoxylum  planispinum 309 

pepiretum 309 

Ethnography  and  botany  of  Lew  Chew 41,45 

Epidemic,  loss  of  cattle  by 10 

Enclosures  and  fences,  Lew  Chew 25 

Endermo  harbor,  island  ofYesso 117 

Exports  of  wool  from  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope 6 

sugar  from  Mauritius 9 

Exploration  for  coal,  Lew  Chew --  59 

of  Peel  Island 67,75 

Extension  of  American  commerce  in  the  East 173 

Examination  of  six  natives  of  Sillababoo,  medical.  141 

Bonin  group  of  islands 127 

islands  of  Japan 123 

Fahs,  Dr.  Cbas.  F.,  report  on  the  botany,  ethno- 

raphy,&c.,of  Lew  Chew 41 

exploration  of  Peel  Island  ...  75 

Family  boats,  China 103 

Ferns.- - -  ^^ 

Fisheries,  Peel  Island ^^ 

Fish,  notes  on  some  figures  of  Japanese 255 

Formosa  coal -- 153,167 

and  Manila,  visit  to   -  137 


I  X  D  E  X  . 


Page. 

33 

87 

i 

11 

407 

407 

41 


Fruit 

trees,  dwarfing - 

Funchal ,  Madeira,  town  of 

Garden,  cinnamon,  island  of  Ceylon 

General  order.  No.  1 

2 

Geological  features,  I^ew^  Chew 

exploration - 53,54,55,56 

Government,  Lew  Chew 

Grapes 

Grape  cultivated,  variety  of 

Grain,  production  of - - 

Grading,  culture,  &c 

Grasses 

Granaries  . - 

Gray,  Prof.  Asa,  description  of  plants 

Green,  Surgeon  Daniel  S.,  agricultural  notices  and 

observations 

agriculture  of  Lew  Chew 
Japan  .  -  - 

China 

medical    topography    of 

Japan 

Harvest  time  in  Japan - 

Hakodadi,  port  of - 

climate  of 

mineral  spring  near 

Harbor  of  Endermo,  island  of  Tesso 

Napha,  Lew  Chew 

Port  Lloyd,  Peel  Island - 

Simoda 

Horses  at  Hakodadi 

Hakodadi,  medical  topography  of 

Indian  corn 

Irrigation 

Instructions  to  Captain  Abbot - 127,123 

and  reports  in  relation  to  Manila  and 

Formosa 

Implements,  agricultural 

Introductory  note  to  papers  on  natural  history  .-. 
Index  to  the  ichthyology 


48 

86 

5 

6 

26 

33 

34 

303 

3 

23 

81 

101 

91 
83 
92 
91 
97 
119 
15 
128 
91 

91 

85 
19 


132 

26 

213 

287 


Jay,  John  C. ,  paper  on  Japan  shells 291 


255 
81 
46 
86 
87 
87 
167 
296 


Japanese  fish,  notes  on  some  figures  of 

agriculture - -■ 

and  Lew  Chewans,  ethnography  of. 

paper  

tea  plant 

horses 

coal 

Japan  shells,  list  of 

Jones,  Rev.  George,  reports  to  Commodore  Perry..  153, 156 

geological  exploration -  . 

exploration  of  Lew  Chew 

description  of  mineral  spring 

at  Hakodadi 

Journal  of  the  second  visit  of  Commodore  Perry  to 

Japan 

Ke-Iung,  Formosa,  town  of 

coal  mines  near 


53 
59 

97 

395 
156 
153 


Kelly,  Com.  John,  report  of  Lieut.  Balch  respect- 
ing Bonin  islands,  to 

in  relation  to  the  loss  of  Lieut. 

Matthews  and  boat's  crew — 

Kuro-Siwo,  or  Gulf  stream  of    the  North  Pacific 

ocean .... 

meteorological  reports  and  tables 

diagrams  constructed  from  the  obser- 
vations  

explanation  of  diagrams 

the  exi-jtcnce  of  a  northeast  current 
noticed  by  Cook,  Kruzenstcrn,  and 

others 

extent  of  the  equatorial  current  of  the 

Pacific 

average  strength  of  the  Kuro-Siwo 
from  south  end  of  Formosa  to  Straits 

of  Sangar .- - 

thermal  change  in  the  water  on  leav- 
ing the  stream 

efforts  of  United  States  ship  Preble  to 

beat  through  Formosa  channel 

striking  resemblance  between  the  Gulf 
stream  of  the  Atlantic  and  the  Kuro- 
Siwo - 

temperature  of  the  Kuro-Siwo 

floating  sea- weed -- 

influence  of  the  Kuro-Siwo  upon  the 
climate  of  Japan  and  the  west  coast 

of  North  America 

winters  in  Puget'  s  Sound 

winds  and  rains  in  Oregon  Territory.. 

Land  in  Lew  Chew,  preparation  of 

Lew  Chew,  island  of 

agriculture 

climate 

medical  topography  of — 

Lew  Chewans  and  Japanese 

comparison  of  language 

women 

commerce 

arts  and  manufactures 

exploration  of - 

Letters  of  Com.  Perry  to  second  king  of  Siam 

second  king  of  Siam  to  Com.  Peny 

Com.  Perry  in  reference  to  Siam 

to  Mr.  McLane 

to  Secretar)'  of  the  Navy  .. 

to  Secretary  of  State 

Dr.  Joseph  Wilson,  U.  S.  N.,  to  Dr.  L. 
'                          J.  Williams,  V.  S.  N.,  describing  the 
manner  of  hatching  ducks  in  China.. 
Capt.  H.  A.  Adams,  communicating  par- 
ticulars of  the  ratification  of  the  trea- 
ty of  Kanagawa - -- 

Dr.  James  Morrow,  agriculturist 

Professor  Asa  Gray  to  Com.  Perry 

Com.  Perry  to  Charles  D.  Mugford 

List  of  ofiicers ■ 

Literature  of  Lew  Chew 


Fnge. 

132 

408 

363 
3G3 

363 

363         i; 

364 
304 

365 

365 
366 


366 
367 
367 


369 

369 

369 

102 

15,187 

15,24 

25 

23 

46 

47 

48 

49 

49 

53,59 

191,192 

192, 193 

194 

195 

J96 

300 


251 


201 

299 
300 
139 
410 
49 


INDEX 


XI 


Page. 

Maury,  Lieut.  Wm.  L.,  sailing  directions,  &c.,  by.  373 

Madeira,  Island  of 3 

Mauritius,  Island  of 9 

Matthews,  Lieut.  John,   and  boat's  crew,  lost  in  a 

typhoon 408 

Map  of  coal  region 155 

Manila  and  Formosa 153 

Manners  and  customs  of  the  Lew  Chewans -  48 

Manures  used  in  China 105 

Mangosteen H 

Merino  rams,  price  of 6 

Mineral  spring  near  Hakodadi 97 

water . 92 

Mount  Fuzi 81 

Morrow,  Dr.  James,  report  on  agriculture 15 

Nautical  remarks  and  sailing  directions 373 

Napha,  Lew  Chew 15 

Nagagusco,  castle  of 50 

Native  sheep.  Cape  of  Good  Hope 8 

Nutmeg  tree 11 

Olason's  Island,  Volcano  Bay 119 

Observations  in  relation  to  cyclones  of  the  western 

Pacific 337 

Peel  Island 128 

Perry,  Com.  M.  C. ,  instructions  to  Capt.  Abbott  123, 127, 137 
remarks    on    the    extension    of 
American    commerce    in    the 

east.. 174 

instructions  to  Lieut.  Com.  Boyle  117 
remarks  of,   upon  the   probable 
future  commercial  relations  of 

Japan  and  Lew  Chew 185 

concessions  of  the  Japanese 185 

arguments  of  the  Japanese  princes  186 

articles  which  they  need 186 

attempt  to  introduce  opium  into 

Japan 187 

letters  of,  to  second  king  of  Siam  191, 192 
second   king  of   Siam 

to 192,193,408 

in  reference  to  Siam..  194 

to  Mr.  McLane 195 

to    Secretary     of    tho 

Navy 196 

Population  of  Lew  Chew 36 

Port  Melville,  Lew  Chew 60 

Preble,  Lieut.  George  H. ,  sailing  directions  for  Ke- 

lung 377 

Reports  of  Capt.  Joel  Abbot 123,128,137 

Chaplain  Jones 153,166 

Lieut.  Balch, respecting  Bonin  Islands..  132 

Lieut.  Commanding  Boyle 117 

Redfield,  Wm.  C. ,  cyclones  of  the  western  Pacific  337 

Religion  of  the  Lew  Chewans 49 

Rice  culture  - 18,28,84 

Sailing  directions  and  nautical  remarks — 

By  ofiicers  of  the  U.  S.  Japan  Expedition 373 

From  Hong  Kong  to  Lew  Chew 373 

Napha,  Lew  dliew 374 


Page. 

Sailing  directions  and  nautical  remarks —  ' 

Deep  Bay 375 

Oonting  or  Port  Melville.- 376 

Shah  Bay 375 

Harbor  of  Kelung,  Island  of  Formosa 377 

Coal  harbor  near  Kelung 376 

From  Lew  Chew  to  the  Bonin  Islands 378 

Islands  of  Borodino 379 

Rosario  or  Disappointment  Island 379 

Port  Lloyd 379 

Bailey  or  Coffin  Islands,  being  the  southern 

portion  of  the  Bonin  group 380 

SandonKock 381 

Island  of  Kikai .381 

Redfield  Rocks 381 

Broughton  Rock 382 

Harbor  of  Simoda 383 

Southampton  Rock 384 

Supply  Rock 384 

Regulations  respecting  pilots  and  the  sup- 
plying American  vessels  entering  the  port 

of  Simoda 385 

Yedo  Bay 386 

From  the  Gulf  of  Yedo  to  Cape  Sirija-Saki, 
at  the  eastern  entrance  of  the  Straits  of 

Sangar 388 

Harbor  of  Hakodadi 388 

Volcano  Bay  and  Endermo  Harbor 390 

Mount  Fuzi... 391 

Winds  and  weather 391 

Currents 391 

Sago  manufactories 11,  32 

Shells  collected  by  the  Japan  Expedition 291 

Settlers  of  Peel  Island 130 

Shanghai,  city  of , 104 

Storehouses  in  Jap-in 87 

Stables  in  Japan 188 

Simoda,  port  of 91 

Singapore,  agriculture  of '11 

Sugar  mills. 20,  30 

culture,  Mauritius 9 

Submarine  volcano . 374 

Sweet  potatoes 31 

Thermometrical  and  barometrical  observations 93 

Timber  and  fuel.  Lew  Chew 35 

Tobacco 20,35 

Tara,  cultivation  of 17,  29 

Visit  to  Manila  and  Formosa,  reports  in  relation  to  137 

Vineyards,  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  description  of 7 

Vintage,  1852,  Madeira,  decrease  of 3 

Variety  of  grape  cultivated 5 

Volcano  Bay,  Island  of  Yesso 117 

Wheat,  cultivation  of 4,5, 17,30 

Whiting,  Lieut.  Wm.  B. ,  nautical  remarks 375 

Wine-growing  region,  Madeira,  soil  of 3 

Wine  manufacturing.. 8 

Women  of  Lew  Chew 48 

Zoological  collections  of  the  Japan  Expedition 213 


LIST   OF  CHARTS 


UNITED   STATES  JAPAN   EXPEDITION. 


No.    1.  Track  Chart  of  the  World. 

Nos.  2  and  3.  Coast  of  China  and  Japan  Islands,  Inoluding  the  Mariannes  and  Philippines. 

No.    i.  Lew  Chew  Island. 

No.    5.  Harbor  of  Napha,  Lew  Chew. 

No.    6.  Deep  Bay,  Lew  Chew. 

No.    7.  Tubootch  and  Suco  Harbors,  Lew  Chew. 

No.    8.  Shah  Bay. 

No.    9.  Kelung,  Formosa. 

No.  10.  Coffin  Group. 

No.  11.  Yedo  Bay. 

No.  12.  Gulf  of  Tedo. 

No.  13.  Harbor  of  Simoda. 

No.  14.  Harbor  of  Hakodadi. 

No.  15.  Endermo  Harbor. 

No.  16.  Chart  showing  tracks  of  hurricanes — (Page  354.) 

No.  17.  Chart  of  the  Euro  Siwo,  or  Gulf  Stream  of  the  Pacific— (Page  364). 


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~\LIFORNIA  LIBRARY 
Ingeles 
ie  jast  date  stamped  below. 


.JUL  06 1985 


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OCT  115  1999 


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SERVICES  BU9 


UCLA  ACCESS 

Interllbrary  Lx>ans 

11630  Untvorslty  R«isearcn  UDrary 

Box  951 576 

Lo«  Angeles,  CA   8  0095- 1675 


REC'D  YRL  NOV  t  5  "99 


3  1158  00524  6755 


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