Page:An Ainu-English-Japanese dictionary (including a grammar of the Ainu language).djvu/8



Dear Dr. Montandon,

Many thanks for the measurements. I am glad you have met with such large success in the short time you were here.

I have made many inquiries but find that the Ainu have never heard of a "spear-thrower" and I have never heard of a name for one among them.

The first word you mention is the Japanese ohyo, the Ainu is at , "elm fibre", of which they make their native cloth. The other word is iyangarapte or irangarapte, and equals "How-do-you-do".

I am at the dictionary daily and it is steadily growing. If the Japanese Government cannot take 500 copies I shall be unable to print it as I have spent all my money on the Ainu and have none left. It will be a pity to leave it unpublished and there is no one living I could trust to see the proofs through the press. But I hope Government will take it up, unless they do the old work must suffice, and that would be great pity.

Mrs Batchelor and the daughter join with me in sending very kindest regards and best wishes for the coming Xtmas-tide and New Year.

Yours very Sincerely

John Batchelor