h, kept in idleness, and
reverenced by both priests and people, being fed on the fat of the land,
like sacred bulls at Benares.

At the Kioto temples it was observable that fully a score of priests
were kept busy writing brief prayers upon slips of paper at the
solicitation of devotees, doubtless suited to their supposed
necessities. These scraps the recipients pressed to their lips,
foreheads, and breasts, then pinned or pasted them up in the temples
among thousands of similar offerings. One of these temples, we were told
by our guide, contained over thirty thousand idols, and as far as a
casual glance could take in the confused mass of them ranged close to
each other, the aggregate number may be correct. These idols were three
feet high, representing some approach to the human figure, each
possessing many arms and hands. They were carved from solid blocks of
wood, and very heavily gilded, presenting a most gaudy and toy-like
appearance. While we stood within this temple some women came in,
prostrated themselves before the glittering toys for a few moments, and
then passed out, making room for others; but we saw no men at devotion
in this temple of many thousand idols.

The streets of Kioto were thronged with mountebanks, peep-shows,
performing acrobats, and conjurers. Sleek and pampered priests in yellow
robes were met at every turn, a class who exercise a certain influence
over the people through their superstition, but who command no personal
respect. We were told that they are a profligate set, like too many of
their class elsewhere, and enjoyed a certain immunity from the laws.
Before the temples was seen in one or two instances a theatrical
performance in progress, which seemed rather incongruous, but upon
inquiry this was found to be designed to appease the special gods of the
temple,--to entertain and amuse them! so that they would grant favors to
the people. The exhibition consisted of dancing and posturing by
professionals of both sexes, accompanied by the noise of tom-toms,
whistles, gongs, bells, and fifes. There was no attempt at time or
harmony, as far as could be discovered, the end and aim being apparently
to make all the noise possible.

Amusements are not lacking at Kioto, as there are numerous theatres
where farce, tragedy, and comedy are duly represented after the crude
fashion of the country. These theatres open at early morning and the
play lasts until midnight, with the briefest intermissions.