Page:TASJ-1-3.djvu/223

 covered with rocks. The gradients are very sharp. In fine weather the neighbouring summit of the Nasusan may be seen with fine effect, the view embracing a vast expanse towards the S. W. and E. and presenting a magnificent ensemble.

13th August.—Halt at Yumoto.

The village of Yumoto consists of some 30 houses built solely to receive the bathers of the summer season. A torrent of mineral water runs through this open gorge from SS. [sic] to N. at the foot of mount Nasu. The only street of the village is in this gorge and runs parallel with the stream. Wooden pipes convey the water into the middle of the street by two conduits, the one bringing cold, the other, hot, water. Five square tanks of two compartments occupy about 30 metres of the road between these two streams. The mineral water contains sulphur in small quantities and alum. The temperature is very high (from 60° to 62° C.) but it can be reduced in the tanks in a few minutes to a more moderate level by a simple and ingenious system of cocks, by which the streams of hot and cold water can be regulated at will. These mineral waters are called the Shikano yu (the waters of the stag.) Tradition relates that the first persons who made use of them were led thither by observing a deer which had been wounded by hunters, its instinct leading it to resort to the waters.

The village was formerly much larger than at present. It is overlooked, in front, by several temples sufficiently well preserved, at least externally. Tt was built at about 800 metres distant from its present site. But a terrible flood in 1857-58 destroyed the whole village, and in order to avoid the repetition of a similar catastrophe, it was rebuilt higher up the valley. It contains only about a hundred inhabitants; its sole trade consisting in a little sulphur and some vegetable products used in dyeing. In winter a few deer are killed, and, though rarely, bears of a small species. It is a good game country, and possesses wood-cock and pheasants. In the neighbouring stream ai and yamame (trout) are caught.