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X.—Notes on the East, North-east, and West Coasts of Yezo.
By Commander H. C. St. John, e.n., H.M.S. Sylvia. .
We left Hakodadi on July 28tli, 1871, beating westwardly;
but owing to the strength of the current (averaging 6 knots)
on the 30th found ourselves one mile to the east of our starting-
point. Having refilled with coal we started again from Hako¬
dadi and proceeded east, passing Cape Yerimo during a thick
fog, the ship drifting westward about one mile per hour, and on
the 3rd August anchored in Akishi. Started early on the
following morning, and reached Nemero the same evening.
Left Nemoro for Shibets. As soon as Notski Spit was
reached, the ship being on new ground, I carried a line of
soundings to Shibets 16 miles from east end of spit, keeping
close to the Yezo shore. I believe, however, there is a channel,
with 6 or 7 fathoms in it, farther out. Shibets is tlie last
settlement previous to rounding the north-east cape, Sirotoko.
At this place there are 280 Ainos and 50 Japanese ; salmon
fishing is carried on, but no cultivation is attempted.
■ At daylight on the 8th we proceeded west to Abasiri,
rounding Cape Sirotoko, whose real position is about 80 miles
south-east of that shown on the Admiralty Chart. At Abasiri
a considerable river runs into the bay, the country round is
covered with wood, principally deciduous trees. The settlement
is composed of about 150 Japanese and Ainos engaged in
salmon fishing.
Keached Mombets, a small fishing-station (about 54 miles
w.n.w. of Abasiri), on the 10th, and Cape Soya on the 11th,
where we anchored off the settlement, outside the reefs, which
extend a great distance along the bay, but not far off shore.
The remains of ih.Q Battler were still visible.
Left early on the 12th and proceeded to Risiri Island,
intending to remain there until the south-west wind blew over.
The water for a considerable distance off Cape Nossyab was
much discoloured, and 5° less salt than the" pure sea water ;
evidently influenced by some large river.
Quantities of drift wood, trees, and refuse, were floating in
the discoloured water, and particularly along the line of contact,
doubtless brought down by the river from inland. The south¬
westerly wind dying away, and the weather generally clearing
up, we proceeded on, passing Taruri sands at midnight, and
■arrived at Otarunai at 1 p.m. on the 13th.
Otarunai is the port for the Iskari salmon fishery ; about
6000 tons of this fish are dried and shipped for the southern
344 St. John s Notes on the East, North-Eust, and
ports. Herrings aré dried and boiled doM'n for manure. The
bay is capable of being turned into an excellent harbour, by
means of a breakwater, stofie for which abounds in the locality.
Iskari is a settlement about 13 miles east by water, and 20 by
land ; situated at the mouth of the largest and finest river in
Yezo, of the same name ; measuring from 200 to 300 yards
in width for a considerable distance, with about 10 feet of water
on the bar; inside, and along the sandy bank of the riveiv
there are 6 or 7 fathoms.
Satspro, the new capital of Yezo, at present consists of about
100 wooden huts or houses. It is 24 miles south-east from
Otarunai, and 20 miles south of Iskari. It took me 4 hours
to go from its situation to the river by boat, down a partially
natural and partially artificial stream. A new road is being
jnade to Endermo Harbour. The country is perfectly wild, and
entirely covered with fine timber, hard wood, oak, etc. The
soil is rich, and the lower slopes of the hills well adapted for
agricultural purposes. Almost anything would grow and flourish ;
potatoes, beans, millet and wheat, are already grown in small
patches of ground in the villages.
We left here on the 22nd and proceeded round the coast to
Iwani, passing a fleet of over 100 jimks, bound south, laden
with fish ; there were as many more at anchor in the bay, and a
number at Yoitchi, 10 miles west of Otarunai.
The coal mine at Iwani is still being worked by 80 hands,
and appears to have been open about five years. I do not think
it can ever pay, there being no means of getting the coal away.
The tramway is in good order, and small quantities are shipped
off in junks when opportunities occur and weather permits.
The bay is entirely open to the southward and westward, and
there is no indentation, or bay or creek which could be formed
into a harbour, however small. A few junks were squeezed in
between the rocks in one or two places, but they draw little
water, and make fast to the rocks ; neither are they particular
about being bumped a bit.
We left at 74 t.m. for Hakodadi, and arrived there on the
24th.
In the south-west parts of Yezo I feel sure anj thing in the
way of agriculture would answer well; the growth of wild
plants, and particularly grasses, is marvellous. There are situa¬
tions about Otarunai, Iwani, and Satsporo well adapted for grain.
The little wheat that is grown is cut before the middle of
August. Several kinds of roots answer well. Wood and good-
sized timber abounds, both hard wood and pine.
The north-east and east coast I do not think would answer
West Coast of Yezo.
3^5
for farming purposes, being washed by the cold stream from the
north. Fish and timber exports, however, would both pay along
this coast.
The summer months are short, and the sun is generally
obscured by fogs.
The west coast is under the influence of the warm stream ;
the east, north-east, and south-east, as far west as Cape Yerimo>
under that of the cold.
Coal is found on the surface at Saru, Sutsini, and Siranoki
on the south coast, and Uromoki on the west coast ; but worked
only at Iwani, west coast ; other minerals are said to abound.
If they do, the Japanese alone know of their existence.
Want of harbours, or even anchorages, is the great drawback
to Yezo. The extent of coast line is about 1000 miles, and
along the whole of that distance there are only Hakodadi and
Endermo on the south-west, and Akishi on the south-east, that can
be called harbours. Hamanaka is an anchorage, Nemoro is but
an anchorage, and from Nemoro to Otarunai, a distance of
420 miles, there is nothing in the shape of a harbour. A vessel
maj^u,nchor at one or two places, provided the wind is off shore ;
under such circumstances little could be doné in the way of
exportation should the island become of any importance.
Otarunai is at all times safe, and might be made an excellent
harbour. There is no place between Otarunai and ^akodadi
which Can be used as an anchorage, except Sutsini and Hogers
Island, and there only under favourable circumstances. Con¬
sidering Otarunai as a harbour, there are then four along the
1000 miles of coast line, namely, Hakodadi, Endermo, Akishi,
and Otarunai ; and three anchorages possessing good shelter
—these are Hamanaka, Nemoro, and Sutsini.
None of the places I visited in the East had ever seen Euro¬
pean vessels even pass the coast, except some years ago, when
a vessel went once or twice to Nisibets, and a steamer passed
into the Straits of Yezo, and proceeded to Nemoro ; the Sylvia
is the first man-of-war, and almost the first ship, that has 'been
round Yezo.
South-East Coast of Yezo.
On May 5th, 1871, H.M.S. Sylvia left Hakodadi for the
eastward. Cape Yerimo was passed at midnight. It is pro¬
bably as much as 15 miles out of position, as laid down on our
chart (Kuril Islands, 2405), but is correctly shown on the
Japanese chart of this island.
Akishi, or Cape of Good Sope Bay, was reached in the after¬
noon of the following day. This bay is 18 miles to the east of
346
St. John'« Notes on the East^ North-East, and
its position as shown on our chart> and about .2 miles south in
latitude ; but is correct, according to the Japanese chart, not only
in position, but in delineation. A meridian distance was taken
here.
The Japanese have a settlement at this place, consisting,
according to the statement of the head official, of 40 Japanese
and 160 Ainos. Fiáh of numerous kinds—salmon, herring, flat
fish, and a very white silvery fresh-water fish, about 10 inches
long—abound. The salmon do not come into season until
August and September.
Some of the fish are dried, but the greater portion are boiled
down for manure, which is sent south. Seaweed cutting and
drying commences in July, lasting three months, during which
time fishing is almost suspended. Junks bring provisions
during the summer; overland there is a path to Hakodadi,
which place can be reached in about 17 to 20 days.
The cultivation of rice was commenced, but entirely failed ;
nothing else has been attempted until this year, when about
a quarter of an acre has been planted with common potatoes ;
they. were not put in the ground until the end of May.
Notwithstanding the inducements of a house, money, and
free living being held out by the Japanese Government, these
people cannot be got to migrate so far north, dreading the
cold season. I am given to understand. many die from cold
during the severe and lengthened winter.
The Japanese, conti'ary to their usual custom, live a great
deal on animal I'ood, not only here but at the other places
we visited ; deer abound during the winter months. The Ainos
appear to be in abject slavery to the Japanese. Money is
seldom used, wages being paid in kind. The head man informs
me the expenditure on the part of the Government last year
amounted to 11,1)00 dollars, against AVhich exports (fish and
seaweed) brought in 15,000 dollars. I very much doubt this
statement ; probably, like most Japanese accounts, it is according
to what suits the individual, without the slightest regard or idea
of truth.
The country, from a little to the westward of Akishi,
suddenly becomes perfectly flat in appearance, as if the higher
ground had been sliced off, so very even and level does it
look^. 'It is in-reality nothing but a repetition of small hills
and valleys, with streams and rivers running in every direction.
In height it is 250 feet, gradually lowering eastward. The
whole country is covered with wood, mostly deciduous trees,
mixed with spruce, fir, and yew. Of the deciduous kinds I
collected fourteen or filteen—oak, birch, walnut, and hazel are
the most numerous. Hardly any of these trees grow large
West Coast of Yezo.
347
enough to make timber, except the spruce pine. This is, how¬
ever, owing to the tangled mass the woods are in. Trees of
all ages lie strewed over the ground, heaped one across the
other, covered with moss and lichen of long and wild growth ;
wild currants, raspberries, and creepers are the principal under¬
growth, with again underneath this a rank, coarse, bamboo
grass. The country is at present in its wildest, most tangled,
and impenetrable state. In places there are immense lagoons
and swamps, the swainps overgrown with rank strong reeds and
hazel shrubs. The soil is made up of decayed wood and
leaf-mould, and is very rich. Thé rock is universally conglo¬
merate.
At the head of the bay is a large lagoon, with a good-
sized river running into it ; the lagoon is very shallow, almost
dry at low water. The river is pretty rapid, and pomes from
the north-west. Oysters abound in the lagoon, also other
shell-fish ; and numerous species of water-birds, waders, and
divers, congregate in great numbers over this well-adapted
locality for them.
The climate of Akishi is far more moderate than after
rounding the east cape. In the middle of May snow lies in
great heaps, hard and thick, but principally where it has been
drifted into deeper dips and sheltered nooks ; still the whole
country was very humid from the melting snow, small streams
running in places where otherwise it would be quite dry.
Here frost sets in hard in September, and snow falls soon
afterwards, wiiich shortens the summer considerably.
The Japanese here, certainly in appearance, look the picture
of health, and very much as if the rigorous climate agreed with
them.
The coast between Cape Yerimo and Akishi, a distance of
nearly 90 miles, stretches about north-east from the cape,
slightly curving back, then trending more to the eastward ; there
is not even an indentation along here. Junks do anchor during
a westerly wind a little to the north of Yerimo.
Kusuri, a Japanese settlement 20 miles west of Akishi, is
situated at the mouth of a river. There are about 500 Japanese
and ratlier more Ainos here : the usual thing, fish and seaweed,
being the produce of the place. A vessel can anchor off the
settlement if the wind is off shore, or between north-west
and north-east, but not otherwise. Considering this bay a
good anchorage, and believing it to be the only place towards
the east end of Yezo which could be termed such, I decided
to make a plan of it. Leaving officers and men to do so, I left
on the 12th of May, when the weather appeared to have
settled, and reached Hamanaka the same day.
318 Sr. John's Notes on the East, North-East, and
Hamanalca.—This is the next settlement, 13 miles east of
Akishi. It is a large open bay, except for an island running
across the southern part, and which forms the anchorage inside it.
There are more Ainos and Japanese here than at Akishi ; the
same produce, fish and seaweed, and no cultiyation. Snow lay
in greater quantities than at Akishi. It blew hard for two
days, so much so, that I was unable to land except on the
evening of the 13th.
Cape Noyshap.—On the 14th, Sunday, being fine, the Sylvia
left, and at noon was abreast Cape Noyshap, the east cape of
Yezo (Nossyam or Broughton), which is 17 miles south-west of its
position on the chart. It is a rocky, rugged-looking point,
nearly 40 feet in height. From Akishi here the land is a most
gradual slope, and of exactly the same aspect, except that there
are larger .patches of the country with only the rank bamboo
grass growing on it. The trees are more stunted, and very much
twisted and weather-beaten, appearing as if swept out of the
perpendicular by the strong westerly winds. The islands to the
eastward of the cape are similar in appearance to the mainland,
and look very much as if in former ages they were part of the
island of Yezo. For a distance of 3 miles due south of the cape,
and along the land for several miles west of it, are reefs and
rocks in every direction.
Yezo Strait.—There is a clear pass, of about If mile in
width, between Cape Noyshap and ^e nearest reefs off it. But
from here (these reefs) stretching east and towards the islands,
appearing connected with the islands, and, in fact in every
direction, are reefs and rocks, both under and above water.
The islands being so low and flat, are seen at no great dis^
tance. The nearest island to the cape, the most northern one,
is 5 miles off, the southern 7 miles. A more ugly or dangerous
pass and locality could scarcely be found, being, as it is, open to
the Pacific, and constantly enveloped in dense fog. And the
currents, both strong, and unknown for certainty as to direction,
add to this rugged cape dangers which had better be shunned
by proceeding further east, and passing between the large and
high island Skotan, and the most easterly of this low flat group.
There are ten islands in this group, Skotan making the
eleventh. The easternmost one from the cape is 20 miles dis¬
tant. Skotan is 20 from this one, leaving a good passage
between of 20 miles in width. Skotan (Chicotan on sheet
2405) has a few Japanese settled on it. Also Sibuts, the north¬
western one of the group, has a few settlers. Fish and seaweed
are the only two exports in Yezo. These islands abound with
seagulls, albatross, and other birds.
As soon as the cape is passed, the strait of Yezo is entered.
West Coast of Yezo.
349
The Sylvia reached Nemoro about 3 p.m. ; it is nearly 15
miles almost due west of the cape. " Its position (on sheet 2405)
is more than 22 miles to the north-east of its real locality. A
meridian distance was taken to this place.
The anchorage at this settlement is capable of giving fair
shelter for one vessel of small size, besides some junks, which
make fast to the rocks on the island, that running across the
bay, forms the anchorage inside it. As this is the only place
in the east extreme of Yezo with any pretensions whatever to
an anchorage, and being a Japanese settlement, I made a plan
of it.
On the 24th of May I took a line of soundings across the
straits, taking the course from the Japanese chart, which
includes Kunasiri Island. Immense masses of floating ice
blocked up the northern entrance of the straits. The north¬
east cape of Yezo was almost entirely covered with snow,
and on Kunasiri Island quantities still lay in detached
heaps.
Tomare or Kunasiri Island is similar to Yezo, producing
wood, principally oak and birch, but, except in places where
there happens to be shelter, the trees reach scarcely 20 feet
in height, and appear then to be twisted to all kinds of shapes ;
the tops blown off. Spruce pine is of some size in the valleys.
The same coarse bamboo grass flourishes as well as it does
in Yezo.
Itmen Bay is open to the south and south-west ; it is very
shallow, but regular in depth. There are about 150 Japanese
and Ainos in the settlement. Seals and ducks are very plen¬
tiful along the shores of the low spit forming the eastern side
of the bay. The south-west point of Kunasiri Island was fixed
astronomically.
Noislci.—27th May. To-day, being fine, I took a line of
soundings across to Notski, a curious nook-like, sandy spit
running out from the Yezo shore on the western side of the
strait, and from here to Nemoro, The soundings give a very
irregular bottom.
Between Nemoro and the north-east cape, Sirotoko, there
are three settlements, all under the Governor of Nemoro. The
Japanese surveying officers have been employed surveying this
part.
On the 2nd of June the Sylvia left, anchoring that evening
at Hamanaka, and returning to Akishi the next day ; sights
were obtained on the 1 st. I went to Hamanaka to fix it astro¬
nomically, bringing a line of soundings from Nemoro to Akishi.
Considering the weather experienced, the survey of the last-
mentione;! bay had got on very well ; but every available hour
350
St. John's Notes on the East, North-East, and
had to be taken advantage of, both previons to my return
and after, the fogs becoming more frequent and of longer
duration.
The Governor of Nemoro is a man of consequence, and,
unlike Japanese generally, is energetic and clever. He has
made sketches and even plans of the whole of his jurisdiction,
and for three years noted regularly the climate, change of
seasons, duration of ditto, winds, &c. I have more confidence
in this man than in any Japanese I have yet met.
From my own observations, the current flows through the
north-east straits, between Yezo and Kunasiri, always running
to the southward. The temperature of the water was 37^,
average m May, both at surface and bottom. From Cape
Noyshap to Yerimo it flows west along the coast. Temperature
36° to 37°, both, at surface and bottom. The colour of the
water is uniformly of a brownish tint. It was generally 40°
when soundings were taken. This cold current, constantly
flowing up against the coasts of this island, causes, even in
latitude 42° to 45°, the climate to be rigorous and the summer
short. The sun having great power during June, July, and
August, soon heats the land, consequently an easterly wind,
which is cold, coming off the Arctic waters, with a temperature
of 37°, invariably brings a fog. Whenever we have had the
wind from the south-west to north-east it has, almost without
exception, brought fog. West to north-east winds, or off the
land, clear the fog off in a very short time.
Temperature of the atmosphere during May varied from
70° to 30°. In this month we had most severe weather, both
at this place and Nemoro. 22nd and 23rd, a strong westerly
gale, veering round to north-east, and bringing snow, the entire
country being covered to a depth of 8 inches. Fierce and
sudden winds lasting for half a day, then shifting and dying
away, or springing up from another quarter, were frequent ;,
the thermometer on many occasions below freezing-point.
The winds were very cutting, and rain fell to a very considerable
amount, with the wind from any quarter. Great quantities of
floating ice drifted through Yezo strait, brought down, probably
from the coasts of Sagalien, with the current.
Snow fell on four days at least ; rain on twelve ; and twelve
days were foggy; south-west was the prevailing wind. The
Governor at Nemoro states, that, during June, July, and
August, frequently for three weeks at a time, he has never
seen the sun, so constant are the fogs. At this place and
Kusuri the head men agree in stating, until the frost comes
in September, they usually have about three fine days a month,
without fog, during the entire summer months.
West Coast of Yezo.
351
On the 2nd of June snow still lay on the ground at Neinoro,
and the north-east cape, Sirotoko, which is high land, retained
great quantities for a considerable way inland. The summer
is now commencing, 13th June, and by all accounts is over
about the first week in September. > The sun during the summer
being usually obscured by fog, is a very great drawback to any
agriculture. Grain, rice, beans, and a few other seeds have
been tried by the Japanese. Mustard appears to be the only
one, however, that came to anything. This was at Kusuri.
At Nemoro hard frost sets in in September, and snow falls in
October. The strait is frozen over in great patches by December.
There appesirs to be no spring. The snow disappears by the
end of May, and by the first week in June summer may be
said to have arrived. The buds burst immediately, the first,
flowers show out ; good and rich grass springs up (while you
look at it); the early trees are green in a few days; and so
sudden is the transition that it appears almost incredible.
There are no mines or minerals known to exist, except at
Sykubets, a little west of Kusuri, where coal is procurable from
the surface.
• Birds and animals appear to pay little regard to the seasons,
reproducing their species early in May; the former sitting
on their eggs surrounded by snow. The principal fish found
in the eastern parts of Yezo are herrings, which are in in¬
credible numbers. The temperature of the sea being below 40°,
which does not agree with the temperature the same fish are
found, on our own coasts, in 54° to 58°. Salmon are not so
plentiful as on the west coast ; these fish are not in season until
the end of August ; flat fish are not sought, but are common.
The mode adopted for procuring herrings is simple enough : a
long straight net is run out from the beach, where the water
is shallow, at about 300 yards distance is a large square bag,
similarly set, and arranged' as the staTce net for salmon in
Scotland. This fish is both larger and coarser than that found
in our own waters, and tasteless in comparison. The Japanese
do not understand salting herrings, boiling them down for
manure being the chief way of gain.
Both government and private firms have fishing companies
sent to all these settlements, and, as far as the quantity of fish
goes, there is ample field for very many more than at present
are engaged in it.
•352 St, John's Notes on the East, North-East, and
Summary of what has been done since the Sylvias
, reaving Hakodadi, information gained regarding
€limate, Seasons, &c., and Suggestions relating to
the Survey of the Coasts, besides other Particulars.
A meridian distance was taken to this place, Akishi Bay,
and a complete survey of the port made. It is, without excep¬
tion, the only place or locality which is a port, q,nd to which a
vessel can make in stress of weather, if blown to the eastward
when proceeding to Hakodadi, and which is not unlikely to
happen during the winter months ; also if proceeding to the
eastward round Yezo, it is an excellent place to have on your
lee if caught in a south-east gale, or to wait during fogs, pre¬
vious to starting east, and if the coast of Yezo is to be surveyed.
It is now a starting-place, and a rendezvous for coal, &c. From
here the Sylvia proceeded, as close to the coast as possible, to
the next settlement, where there is an anchorage, a distance of
13 miles.
From here to the next cape, east 15 miles, as close to the
coast as prudent, and on to the east cape of Yezo, Noyshap,
20 miles further, rounding this dangerous cape, passing between
the reefs, visible above water, and proceeded to Nemoro, con¬
sidering it as the principal Japanese settlement, and only place
that can be called an anchorage, anywhere in the east extreme.
I fixed it and suiveyed the bay. From here, took a line of
soundings across to Kunasiri anchorage, and fixed south-west
point astronomically, back to Notski or Yezo, and from Notski
to Nemoro. These soundings, being to and from the south-east
and south-west extremes of Kunasiri Island, and across the
strait at different parts, proved at any rate that no regular
shoal extended off the southern end of Kunasiri, and also that
there is a passage or channel through this strait; this, bow-
•ever, will be shown and remarked on sheet now in construction,
and remarks for directions, returning from Nemoro here, with
sights and soundings the entire distance. From here I take
sights back to Hakodadi.
Nemoro, as well as this place, being now properly fixed and
surveyed, is another place as a starting-point for detailed work,
and a rendezvous for coal in bad weather, &c.
On the 14th June, having fortunately got sights the previous
day, the Sylvia started, and reached Cape Yerimo the following
day. The fog clearing most opportunely, I remained here,
fixing the cape astronomically, and examining the cape and
reef off. ditto. A line of soundings, and constant current obser¬
vations, were brought from Akishi here (Hakodadi) previous to
West Coast of Yezo.
353
starting west. I intend proceeding to Endermo Harbour, which
has been surveyed but not fixed.
Climate.—May was a cold, raw, and boisterous month ; frost
and snow were frequently experienced. To this time in June
it has been very much finer, but foggy as much more frequently,
lasting five days at a time. In the beginning of the month,
herbage was as far forward as it is in England about the first
week in April ; but, as previously stated, when once commenced,
it rapidly progresses.
The shortness of the summer, and the cold winds which
prevail during the few months constituting that season, besides
the almost perpetual fogs, would render any attempts at culti¬
vation, if not impossible, at least very unprofitable ; what has
been tried has failed. Hoots would probably answer better than
grain. The soil is good, but damp. Salting fish might be
enlarged upon to any extent, and would prove most lucrative.
The increase of population at these settlements appears to be
brought about but very slowly and tardily, the Japanese disliking
the hard winter, and cold fogs of summer. In winter they do
nothing ; sleep like their neighbours the bears, which animal is
common. All the Japanese I have conversed with wish to
return south.
The Japanese chart is, comparing it with proper observations
and fixed positions, very correct as far as the coast line, goes,
and islands lying off it. What they do not appear to lay down
on their charts, or maps more properly speaking, are reefs or
dangers not seen. Soundings and plans of good anchorages are
required ; but for all purposes at present, and likely to be so
for many years to come, a detailed survey of the coast would
be a great waste of time and labour. The Japanese chart, is
quite sufScient for all present purposes. European vessels
(having no business to call them this way) never proceed east,
or visit any of these small and insignificant settlements; a
few junks during the summer carry off all that can be got
togetiier of dried fish and seaweed. A sheet of the east cape,
which would necessarily include the islands and reefs off it and
them, would take probably two entire seasons to complete,
through months being wasted by fogs and bad weather.
Unless this part of the world took an entire revulsion, and
changed from a rigorous to a moderate climate, and mines
were opened, and ports formed or turned up where there are none
now, it would be useless, as well as a waste of time, money, and
labour, to commence any detailed work. Eussian men-of-war occa¬
sionally pass east of Yezo, but always take the passage between
Kunasiri and Iturup, or Staten Island; and doubtless this is
the wisest and best course. The dangers off Cape Noyshap,
. VOL. XLII. ' 2 A
354 Brine on the Rained Cities^* of Central America.
and the group of islands mixed up with reefe, rocks as they are,
besides those extending some miles off the cape itself, parti¬
cularly to the southward, cause this narrow pass round the cape
to be most dangerous, and fogs coming on suddenly add much
to these dangers. If a vessel once gets within them in making
for the pass, and becomes entangled in fog and bad weather,
she is placed at once in imminent danger. The currents also
are strong, and whirl round this cape and among the reefs.
The governor at Nemoro promised most faithfully to erect a
beacon 20 feet high on the cape, which will enable a vessel to
pick it out with certainty, which at present is very difficult,
even with a complete sheet of the strait, cape, reefs, &c. This
will never be a pleasant place to make, in a vessel ; but if any
detailed work is to be done of the eastern part of Yezo, this I
should first recommend. The other coasts are regular and
even, with deep water off them, and are well delineated on the
Japanese maps.
Translation op the Governor dp Nemoro's Notes on
Weather, &c., during Three Years' Eesidence there.
" It begins to snow, end of October.
",The snow disappears by May ; it is 2 feet deep all over the
ground during the winter.
" The sea freezes a long way out.
" The ground is frozen hard to a depth of 2 feet, and remains
so up to June.
" The Japanese never can wear summer clothes.
" Fog is constant all the summer.
" Kadishes, turnips, and potatoes will grow.
" The current is always running through the strait, coming
from the north-east, and it never runs the opposite way."
I think these few remarks can be depended on. This man is
both energetic and clever, and has made Nemoro what it really
is, a small but flourishing settlement, although at present com¬
posed of only a few huts and houses.
915.2 S143
3 5556 009 120 130
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