Page:"Round the world." - Letters from Japan, China, India, and Egypt (IA roundworldletter00fogg 0).pdf/61

 only get rid of them by throwing them a dozen copper coins called tempos, about the value of one cent each. Before we reach the hotel we meet several coolies propelling heavy two-wheeled carts loaded with boxes of tea, or sugar and rice in sacks, marking time with a loud monotonous cry, ''whang-hai! whang-hai!'' Other porters are bearing merchandize to and from the quay, each pair with a burden between them on a pole, others singly, with baskets slung on each end of a pole about six feet long, which rests upon the shoulder. These porters are very mus ularmuscular [sic] and healthy-looking fellows, although their diet is entirely fish and rice, both of which are very cheap, and of excellent quality.

The first word which I have learned in the Japanese vocabulary is one easily remembered, and reminds me of home. The ordinary salutation is “Ohaio,” signifying “good day.” When uttered by a “Jap” it is always accompanied with a graceful inclination of the body, in strong contrast with the slight bob of the head with which Jones, Smith and Brown jerk out “How are you?” The parting word is “Saionara,” which loses nothing in softness by contrast with the French adieu, or the Italian addio, and the elaborate courtesy of all classes in Japan makes a very favorable impression on the stranger. W. P. F.