Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1879-07-11

l was invited one evening (says writer IN
the Argonaut), during my sojourn at small
town not far from Kiyoto, the old capital of
Japan, to accompany some ydkuntnS (ofli-
cials), who were then travelling with me- to
tho neighboring river, for the purpose Of wit
Messing the manner in which cormorants are
employed in the catching Of fish at the same
time l was informed that pleasure boat had
already been engaged for the occasion. lac
ceptod the invitation eagerly, and, lanterns
being provided, together with guide TO show
the way, we set out, carefully picking our
way along the narrow paths dividing the rice
fields, the myriads of frogs in the water all
around us keeping up deafening roar, rem
dering IL almost impossible to carry on con-
versaton, while the mosquitoes were any
thing but friendly in their demonstrations.
When we were about five hundred yards from
the place whore our ydne-6lne Qiterally roof
boat was awaiting MS, we were met by one
of our boatmen bearing lantern, who Mt
once turned and preceded us to the little pier
of stones
On entering the boat, the bottom of which
was comfortably covered with tdtdnii Chick
mats, over which was spread gay -colored
rug, was agreeably surprised to find that
everything requisite for spending pleasant
evening had been sent on before by my hosts.
My yafter-acquaintance with the people of this
beautiful country has taught me that they
never lose the opportunity to make merry,
and will seize upon the most trihing excuse
for organizing picnic, and thoroughly en-
ioying themselves when such pleasures do
not interfere with the strict performance of
their public duties. On the present occasion
six gejshd (female musicians) had been engag-
cd, who sat at one side of the boat while we
of the other sex ranged ourselves on the mats
on the other. Sweetmeats of various kinds
were spread out on lacquered trays, as We all
settled ourselves into the most comfortable
attitudes, and the SendO (boatmen) were told
to cast off
After about fifteen minutes sculling we
rounded bend of the river, when q magnif-
cent spectacle burst on our view. The river
appeared to be on fire. Nearly two hundred
fishing boats were in sight At the bow of
each, and attached to the end of pole pro-
jecting over the water, was brazier contain
ing burning pine wood, blazing pieces of
which every now and then fell through the
bars into the water, thereby multiplying the
number of lights, real and reflected and ad-
ding TO the general effect. Our boatmen now
steered us into the midst of the busy scene,
and driving the boat pole into the bed of the
river, made fast to it, and sat down to smoke
their kiserO (pipes). Each of the boats pos
sesscd from ten to twenty cormorants which,
when not engaged in their duty of catching
fish, remained silently perched on the gun
wales awaiting their masters commands. The
birds which are employed in this branch of
industry are Matched from eggs obtained from
the cliffs along the shore, and being accus-
toned from the first to the company of man
are very tame. Each has a name given to it,
and, on its owner making peculiar sound,
will enter the water in search of the fish that
would, were it free, be its natural prey.
Large numbers of them were now swimming
around the boats, their movements controlled
by strings attached to rings round their necks,
and held in the fshermans hands. When
ever bind ,pied fish attracted by the glare
of the fire il seized it with its bill, but was
prevented from swallowing it by the ring
round It's throat The fisherman then utter
ed peculiar cry, and gently drew it into the
boat, where it was forced TO give up the prize.
Occasionally the birds are rewarded by being
permitted to swallow fish. In some parts
of Japan considerable quantities of fish are
taken in this manner.
One of my entertainers now hailed the
nearest boat, and bargained for some of the
fresh-caught SdkdRd (tsh), and having pro-
vidtd griddle for the occasion, had his pur-
chase broiled over the MLdchi (box holding
charcorl fire. and this, with the wine, made
aropast fit for an epcure. partook heartily
OF TINS dish, Whlch the Japanese know SO well
how to cook, and did not neglect the sake
(wine), which was passed round pretty rapid
ly aud which was kept hot in a kdndokur9
porcelain vessel in which wine is heated by
being placed in kettle OF hot water) by one
of the fair singers, who also took care that
the bottle was replenished as fast as it was
emptied. During all this time the gejshd had
been enlivening the feast with songs, accom-
panying themselves on their SaMiSeHs (gut-
ars), while in the interval jokes, puns, and
repartee kept all in continual laughter.
My hosts now proposed to return, and, the
boatmen having blown the remains of the to-
bacco out of their little pipes as boy would
blow pea from pea-shooter, the boat was
unmoored and we dropped gently down with
the stream toward our landing-place; and
just Us was beginning to cast rather tender
gances (probably the effects of the fish or the
wine) in the direction of a very pretty 9eishd
seated opposite me, we touched the pier and
stepping ashore, took our way again through
the rice fields, the scene enlivened by large
numbers of hOtdrO (fire-hies) fitting hiher
and thither. Outside our hotel we parted
with our fair musicians, and retired TO rest,
having spent most pleasant evening.