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 severe, and one might cross the lake upon thick ice for 30 or 40 days (January and February.) The fishing is excellent and it is said that the country abounds in game. On fine days one may see from the middle of the lake Fujiyama, which appears in all its height through a large opening formed at the S. E. by the mountains which encircle the lake.

The lake is not large, 2 ri by 1 ri, but it is well situated and surrounded by remarkable mountains; it empties its waters into the Pacific, by the large river Tenriyukawa, which runs towards the S.E. and has its outlet at Hamamatsu (province of Enchiu) into the Pacific.

This river is one of the most important in the island of Nippon. It traverses mountainous regions almost impassable; its course is torrent-like, and presents rapids which are descended with some danger. The navigation on it is considerable.

From Shimonosuwa to Kamitsutahi.—From Shimonosuwa to Kaminosuwa 1 ri 18 chô, we follow the north bank of the lake. The view of the lake and surrounding country is picturesque; to the east the far off summits of Hidanotakayama, which may be seen, preserve the traces of show in their fissures.

Kaminosuwa is a moderate sized village, situated at the end of the lake, where is still to be seen the castle of the Prince who formerly lived in the district. From Kaminosuwa to Kanagawa (3 ri 18 chô) a pretty route, through a moderately well-cultivated country. From Kanagawa to Kamitsutaki (3 ri) a hilly road with fine horizon. Fusiyama, which commands the whole landscape, is nearly always visible.

From Kamitsutaki to Kōfu.—From Kamitsutaki to Tsuburai (5 ri 10) the road, which is very hilly, follows almost entirely the course of a torrent (an affluent of the Fujikawa.) The fields are traversed by streams of water, very rapid and beautifully clear.

After leaving Tsuburai near Nizazaki the road goes into the bed of the torrent, itself and becomes very often impassable (2 ri, 18 cho.)