onciles one with the manners
and customs of a race, powerfully individualized by the isolation of
centuries. The generally accepted idea that the Japanese resemble the
Chinese in their lives and habits is entirely erroneous, the marked
differences between them extend into all the relations of life.
Especially is this the case as to courtesy and civility, qualities which
cost nothing, but which buy everything.

A visit to the curiosity bazars, or curio-shops, as they are called, is
one of the first excursions of the newly-arrived tourist. The Japanese
have quickly discovered to what European and American tastes run, and
they can manufacture antiquities as rapidly as purchasers can be found.
In the line of antique bronzes they especially excel; and as to old
china, from four to five centuries of age, it is now turned out by the
wheelbarrow load daily at Yokohama, from half-a-dozen establishments. Of
course there are some genuine pieces, though rare, and the prices
charged for such are almost prohibitory. Well made, substantial
lacquered ware takes the place of nearly all other for domestic
utensils. China and glass are far too brittle and perishable for common
use among the people. When strangers appear, the china is produced, and
the universal tea served in it.

There are two streets in Yokohama known as Honcho-dori and Benten-dori,
where the stranger will find an extensive collection of bricabrac, as
well as other fine goods. It is amusing to examine the old spears,
swords, daggers, bronzes, and astoundingly ugly carved idols. There are
stores also devoted to lacquer, china, porcelain, and satsuma ware, not
ancient, but choice, elegant and new patterns, far more desirable to our
taste than the cracked and awkward specimens held at prices equal to
their weight in gold. The former speak for themselves, the latter can be
and are constantly imitated. The reason that so many swords and daggers
are for sale, and at prices for which it would be impossible to
manufacture them, is because the army has discarded the native weapons
and adopted European arms. So the junk-dealers and curio-shops have the
former supply of the army. The Japanese sword is remarkably well
tempered, and will cut through a copper penny without turning its keen
edge, this being the usual test of its quality. In these streets there
are also some fine silk and lace stores, with many choice articles of
ladies' wear, embracing very fine specimens of native si