, so called from the abundance of maple trees by which it is surrounde

not been sufficiently provident to bring with them a

t a dinner-party, but usually remain in the background. Our friend, however, having travelled c

waiting who at once conducted us to a s

ers and white-winged boats; and to the right Mount Fuji, her peerless head losing itself in a

s marble, and the patterns in the lattice wo

our coming were the cushions upon which we were to sit, and the hibachi or fire bowls, over which we were to toast our fingers. We

anese of the old school and very ceremonious, bowed low, so low that his honorable nose quite kissed the floor; and rem

s upon which we sat were covered with beautiful dark-blue crêpe relieved here and there by branches of maple leaves, the rich October coloring making a striking but exq

nenobu, and very old. On this platform stood a large vase of brown wicker work so wondrously fine that at a little distance it appeared like an elegant bronze. In this vase were branches of flower

in gold and silver, and above the doors were paintings of maple branches with foliage of scarlet, maroon, and every shade of green. On the opposite side of the room was another raised platform. Here also were two lar

ing, and shading almost as delicate as though painted by the early frosts of autumn. We ate some of the cakes and put some in our pockets to carry home. It is etiquette in Japan to take away a little of the confectionery, and paper is often provided by the hostess in which to wrap it. The native guests put their pack

of sake. Sake is a light wine distilled from rice, and is of about the strength of table sherry. A paper bag containing a pair of chopsticks also rested upon the tray; and taking the chopsticks out, we uncovered our soup and began to look around to see how our Japanese friends were eating theirs. We shyly watched them for a moment. It looked easy; we were sure we could do it, and confidently attempted to take up some of the floati

mptying his sake cup, he rinsed it in the hot water, and then re-filling it with wine, presented it to a friend

kind of fish and ginger root. After this we were favored with music on the ningenkin. This is a harp-like instrument giving forth a low weird

boy bears to the rich mellow tones of a choice violin. This same singing, however, is regarded as a great accomplishment in Japan. The singer on this occasion was a rare type of Japanese beauty, fair as a lily, with hands and feet so delicate and shapely that she was almost an object of envy. Her coiffure, like the coiffures of all Japanese women, was fearfully and wonderfully made. Her dress was of the richest crêpe, quite long and very narrow, opening in front to

is served last. The daikon is a vegetable somewhat resembling a radish. It grows to an enormous size. Indeed it is a common saying among vegetable-growers that one daikon grown in the province of Owari, takes two men to carry it, and that two Satsuma turnips make a load for a pony. This sounds somewhat incredible, a

lasted four hours; and when at the close we attempted to rise from the mats, our limbs we

Mikado. We looked inside for the shōji, or sliding doors, were all open, and we could see the whole length of the house. Here, as

nic exercise of bows, and with warmest thanks to our kind host and hos

to return to the United States. The common people dine with very little formality. Bread, beef, milk and butter are unknown to them. They live princip