The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1861-01-10
The Streets of Nnga-aki.

An American merchant writing fIOm Japan,
describes Nugis4ki a. u city Of only 10000 in
haJittnts (n spite Of other estimates 70 the
c.utr.ry), aIrh0uGh the cen,urie- hor1 oiaT--l
since it was founded 10y some Portuguese adven-
turerS. with permission Of the ruling powers.
The streets OF Naglsaki have the convenient
width and cleanliness Of the approved japanese
pattern, and are burdered by the usual neat cot
tdges Of one and two stories, the quiet shops, and
strong f~re-prOpt warehouses, with hard-hnisIed
white walls and Oyer-haugiug roofs Of dark and
white tiles. Many Of the streets are long. hand
some avenues. Of two y twD-and-a-Ealf rods
wide, with u smooth, well-beatcn, and ever
cieaniy-swept roadway, IN the centere Of which
l. 4 stone pavement Of u few feet in width.
japanese sidewalks are always in the centre Of
the street. The situation Of the city assists to
good drainage. and everywhere pure water from
the hills was flowing down the stone channels Of
the street cutters, imParting 10 the whole city 4
refreshing cleanliness and sIlubTity. Buildings
Of two stories are more common than in IeddO
Bay. owing, probably. 70 the greater frequency
and severity Of earthquakes about the latter.
The hills are - steep that houses and temples
are ranged in tiers, one above the other. like the
seats Of 81 theater. The floor of one house Is on
q level with the roof of it, next lower neighb1r,
- that one might sit on his own garden wall and
look down into his HeIghhJr smoke aperture -
Inspect the family cooking. Leading away from
the streets II frequent intervals are flights Of
Lewn-ztone steps. wide and deep, leading upward
70 temples. miaS, and chapels. hidden amid
-hrubb-ry and trees. at the tOp-rarely conduct
ing 20 a tea-hoUse. a. Mr.. O~lyrhant suPpose-.
Walls. thanking the streets, or inclosing private
grounds and residences, too high for idle cUriysi-
" To gaze over, are numerous in every quarter.
They are built Of stone and pottery, and are
overgrown till they are hid under a Trofusiyn Of
creeping vines, among which are the ivy and a
variety Of creeping ferns. The shops are less
pretentiJus than the gIycr bazaars Of Hokuha-
ma. \ stranger i at first at a loss u find out
the merchant princes Of Nagasaki, who only
indicate by a few cheap wares displayed on the
lower front floor that in q rear room or up stairs
they have for sale tine beautiful porcelain Of Hi
zen, the gilt inlajl work Of MiacD, OF the lac
quered and pearl work Of NaglSaki. Among
the merchants there wer. indications IF q longer
acquaintance with foreigners, though the people
We're IS administrative in the streets with their
shouts Of I. Ohio, and We everywhere heard
from the children .. Button CASH." IL was
surprising % see the amount Of for
cign goods in native shops for native cOnsump-
ton. French p.rc-laius and calicse-, Dutch
glassware, and German cloths. were cpmnon.
too. there was some cutlery, perfumery. and
medicines offered. and | was more than once
in the streets with a request - buy gin
az One dollar u bottle / DO not think the ma
tEveS understood the bleaching effect Of Hollands
beverage. or they would not have seen in
dark yisIEe any signs Of excessive f,ndness
for Schnaurs