Page:St. Nicholas (serial) (IA stnicholasserial321dodg).pdf/385

1905.]



the present population of Japan there are two distinct races, the Ainos and the Japanese. Of the former there is only a small number, now remaining in Vezo and Ishikari, The Ainos are probably the original race. The origin of the term Aino is unknown, but the Japanese believe it is derived from inu, meaning a dog, and was bestowed on them in contempt. The name is net used by the Ainos themselves, but Vezo is used by them instead. They are very odd. and many stories are told about them.

In their rude superstitions, the bear seers to have a singular part, Whether their traditions concerning this animal had their origin in some earlier fear of the bear as a ferocious neighbor, it is impossible to determine. In every community the men capture, each spring, a young cub, which they bring home. It is guarded with great care and is fed upon milk, When it is too old to be further fed in this way, it is confined in a bear-cage provided for the purpose. Then, in the autumn of the following year, the grand bear festival is held. At an appointed signal the door of the cage is opened, and the bear, which has been infuriated by hunger and teasing attacks, rushes out. The assembled hunters rash upon him with bows and arrows, clubs and knives, and after an exciting struggle despatch him. The carcass is cut in pieces and distributed among the families of the community, who feast upon it with great delight. Mingled with this rough and exciting scene is much sakê-drinking, This is one accomplishment which they have learned from the Japanese. The men are all confirmed sakê-drinkers, and both men and women persistent smokers. Of the meaning and object of this bear feast the Ainos themselves are ignorant. It goes back to a period beyond their present traditions. Whether it has in it an element of bear worship it is impossible to learn.

on a time there were twin brothers. Now, that sounds like a fairy story, does n’t it? But this is going to be a true story that I am going to tell you.

Well, the father of these two brothers was the Emperor of Japan, and so these men were princes.

After a while their father died, and then there was a great commotion. Of course, there always is when a great man dies; but this was unusually interesting, Which brother would be emperor?

if they had been men common to that time,