Page:TASJ-1-3.djvu/269

 instead of returning the same way, struck away to the N. W. for four miles, along the ridge of a long spur of Odai Yoma; here we dipped down a few hundred feet, and fell upon the main road, or rather path, between Osaka and Singo. Turning to the S. E. for eight and a quarter miles along the path, we then suddenly descended from a height of 3,000 feet to 480, where in a village situated on a beautiful stream, swarming with trout, we found comfortable lodgings for the night. This afternoon we passed a cluster of huts on the hill, side some way to our right and far up a deep valley. The old guide when I enquired the name of the village, said there was a gold mine there, worked by one hundred people, under the superintendance of a Government official. Unfortunately it was not feasible to reach the place that day or I should certainly have visited it. It rejoiced in the name of Nishi no mura.

After resting for the night at Totchi moto, where there may have been about 50 houses, I started next morning at eight, mounted immediately to 2,700 feet and then descendod to a most rugged pass cut through the mountains, by a torrent of the clearest water, which after rushing down its headlong course over boulders and masses of limestone rock, joined one of the main rivers at a level of 400 feet above the sea, where five houses constituted the village of Nagouchi. We reached this place about noon, wet to the skin. It had rained in torrents since eight in the morning. From here we ascended again to a height of 3,000 feet. The coolies were nowhere, so I struck off along the sharp ridge, knowing by compass that the direction was right, but being enveloped in mist and rain. I was not sorry when in a couple of hours time I came across the same path I had passed along eight days before.

Being now certain as to my whereabouts, I made the best of my way to Owasi, reaching the ship at six, having since starting at eight, done bout twenty miles in distance, and ascended in the aggregate about 8,000 feet.

And here finished a cruise I shall always remember with pleasure and interest. I only wanted a little more