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caused more or less damage from the beginning of his- toric times to the present day must equal 2006. One of the most terrible was that of 1S55 at Tokio, in which more than 100,000 persons perished and the greater part of the city was destroyed.

Mineral Springs. — As compensation for the damage caused by the volcanoes Japan has a large number of mineral springs. There are at least 100 which, because of ease of access and their medicinal qualities, are much frequented.

Climate, Typhoons. — During the cold season, which begins in October and ends in April, Japan is visited by the north and the west wind, the atmospheric press- ure being lower on the Pacific Ocean than on the con- tinent. The contrary is the case from May to Octo- ber, because the wind then comes from the south and east. This difference of atmospheric pressure gives rise to numerous typhoons, which often cause great disasters. To mention only that of 1902, the number of persons killed equalled 3639, vessels lost 3244, houses destroyed or damaged 695,062. Total loss, 29,742,081 yen.

Rain, Snow. — Japan is one of the most rainy coun- tries in the world. The average yearly rainfall is about 61 inches. The average number of rainy or snowy days per year is 150. There are 89 meteorological sta- tions, where six observations are made daily, at two, six, and ten o'clock, morning and evening (135° E. of Greenwich time).

Imperial House. — Dynasty (Teishitsu). — The form of the Japanese Government is an hereditary and con- stitutional monarchy. A single dynasty has reigned in Japan since the foundation of the empire. The present emperor is the one hundred and twenty-second descendant of Jimmu Tenno, first emperor of Japan. His own name is Mutsuhito; he has no family name, since he is supposed to be descended directly from the race of the gods. Born 3 November, 1852, he suc- ceeded his father Komei Tenno, 13 Feb., 1867, and was crowned 12 October, 1868. On 28 December of the same year he married the Princess Haruko, third daughter of Kuge Ichijo Tadaka, a noble of the first rank, b. 28 May, 1850. Yoshihito Haru no miya, son of the emperor, b. 31 August, 1879, was proclaimed heir apparent, 31 August, 1887. On 10 May, 1900, he married Sadako, fourth daughter of Duke Kujo, by whom he has had three sons.

Branches of the Imperial Family (Kozoku). — There are fourteen branches of the imperial family: Fushimi, Arisugawa, Kan-in, Higashi-Fushimi, Kwacho, Ya- mashina, Kaya, Kuni, Nashimoto, Kita-Shirakawa, Komatsu, Takeda, Asaka, Higashi-Kuni. The first four families have the title of Shinno (princes of the blood), and constitute the four branches from whom must be chosen the heir to the throne, if the emperor die without issue. The others have the title of O (princes). The first, when they are of age, have by right a seat in the House of Peers. The others may only sit there by order of the emperor. These last may also succeed a nobleman or be adopted by him. All are by right a portion of the imperial household. They may be neither arrested nor summoned before a court without the command of the emperor, nor marry without his permission, nor ally themselves with any .save the family designated by him. If they commit an act unworthy of their rank, the emperor has the right to punish them, and even to deprive them of their title of prince. If they are wasteful of their property, they may be interdicted and forced to submit to the appointment of an administrator of their property.

Estates of the Crown. — According to present data the Crown possesses 12,1.35 acres of built land, represent- ing a value of 62,090,8.30 yen; 5,272,745 acres of forests valued at 123,809,642 yen; and 300,770 acres of divers territory estimated at 2,319,808 yen. Its bonds and stocks represent in gross a sum of 30,000,- 000 yen, while the amount of its treasure is unknown.

Crown Laws. — In the Constitution is inserted a col- lection of laws known as the Code of the Imperial House {Koshitsu Tempnn), in twelve chapters, which govern the Crown. This code regulates the succession to the throne, and the coronation ceremonies, fixes the majority of the emperor, the prince imperial, and the various members of the imperial family. It contains laws concerning the regency, the family council, the governor to be assigned to an emperor in his minority, the expenses of the court, possible disputes between members of the emperor's family, the disciplinary measures to be taken against delinquents.

Ministry of the Imperial Household. — The reform of Taikwa had created a Kunaikwan (government of the palace), which in 1702 was changed into the Kunaisho (ministry of the palace). The minister had the title of Kunaikyo and was charged with the collection of imposts (in the provinces), with the possessions of the Crown, etc. He had eight ministers under his juris- diction. After the Restoration the Kunaisho was re- tained, but underwent two modifications, one in 1870, the other in 1889. To-day the Kimaisho is charged with the affairs of the emperor's household. A minis- ter is at the head charged with the general administra- tion and all the employes of the ministry are under his immediate jurisdiction. He has control of the nobil- ity, regulates the civil and religious ceremonies, dis- tributes the favours, presents, or rewards granted by the emperor, notifies those interested of the decrees raising them to a dignity or an office, and is the execu- torof all the regulationsof theimperial household. He is assisted by a vice-minister and fifteen councillors, all chosen by the emperor. The chief of these are the chamberlain, the keeper of the seal, the empress's steward, the master of ceremonies, the director of the bureau of domains, and the director of the bu- reau of the nobility. "The number of the employes of the imperial household is 2534; salaries, 1,003,805 yen.

Decorations. — In Japan there are six orders of deco- ration conferred as reward of merit: (1) Order of the Chrysanthemum (Kikiiioasho), created in 1876, re- served to sovereigns and members of princely families; (2) Order of Paulownia {Tokwasho), created in 1876, granted to princes and very exalted personages; (3) Order of the Rising Sun {Kyokujitsusho), created in 1875, conferred for military and civil services; 8 classes; (4) Order of the Sacred Treasure (.Z^dhosho), created in 1888, to reward military and civil services; 8 classes; (5) Order of the Crown (Hokwansho), cre- ated in 1888, reserved to women; 8 classes; (6) Order of the Golden Kite (Kinshisho), created in 1890, re- wards extraordinary military feats, and entitles to a pension. In recognition of meritorious deeds which, however, do not deserve a decoration, the Govern- ment awards certificates, medals, and cups of gold, silver, or wood. The number of Japanese thus deco- rated or rewarded reaches into the millions. On 31 March, 1908, the number of persons decoi-atcd and en- titled to a pension was 70,822. Pensions furnished by the Government, 9,063,000 yen. Number of decora- tions distributed in 1903, 3914; in 1905, 36,357; in 1907, 37,602, not counting the decoration of- the Golden Kite. Decorations of the Golden Kite in 1904, 2316; in 1905, 27,649; in 1906, 73,810; in 1907, 1160; number of persons who have received certifi- cates, medals, gold, silver, or wooden cups, in 1905, 2,492,510; in 1906, 2,512,818; in 1907, 1,305,018. This shower of decorations wi»s caused by the war with Russia. The number of forcigner.s decorated by the Japanese Government was, on 31 March, 1907, 417, and that of Japanese decorated by foreign govern- ments, ,542.

Titlr.<i of Nobility- — The class of nobles (Kimzoku) comprises the ancient noliles of the court (Kiiijc), the ancient lords of the provinces (Daiiiiio). and those who have been ennoljletl since the Restoration, or the new