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 Amusements. The favourite amusements of the Japanese are the ordinary theatre (shibai); the Nō theatre, (but this is attended chiefly by the aristocracy); wrestling matches,—witnessing, not taking part in them; dinners enlivened by the performances of singing and dancing-girls; visits to temples, as much for purposes of pleasure as of devotion; picnics to places famous for their scenery, and especially to places noted for some particular blossom, such as the plum, cherry, or wistaria. The Japanese also divert themselves by composing verses in their own language and in Chinese, and by playing chess, checkers, and various games of the "Mother Goose" description, of which sugoroku is the chief. Ever since the early days of foreign intercourse they have likewise had certain kinds of cards, of which the hana-garuta, or "flowercards," are the most popular kind,—so popular, indeed, and seductive that there is an official veto on playing the game for money. The cards are forty-eight in number, four for each month of the year, the months being distinguished by the flowers proper to them, and an extra value being attached to one out of each set of four, which is further distinguished by a bird or butterfly, and to a second which is inscribed with a line of poetry. Three people take part in the game, and there is a pool. The system of counting is rather complicated, but the ideas involved are graceful. There is another game of cards, in which stanzas from what are known as the "Hundred Poets" take the place of flowers. At this game no gambling is ever indulged in. It is rather an amusement for family parties, who at New Year time often sit up, over it all night. 