Japan And The Japanese: From The Most Authentic And Reliable Sources; With Illustrations Of Their Manners, Costumes, Religious Ceremonies, Etc

Japan And The Japanese: From The Most Authentic And Reliable Sources; With Illustrations Of Their Manners, Costumes, Religious Ceremonies - P R E F A C E -THE general interest manifested by all classes of society, for information upon the subject of Japan and the Japanese, renders useless any apology for placing before the public all the reliable or mluable information that can be obtained upon the s u b j e c t i n a form within the reach of all. If it were only the great bulk and cost of many of the works from which the information is derived, it mould prevent a large portion from participating in the knowledge but the scarcity of some of the publications would render it thoroughly impossible for many to obtain them, independent of the fact that but few would be acquainted with the names of the books from which the selections have been made, ccThe Universe Displayed, or a survey of the monderful works of creation, and the various customs and inventions of men, in which whatever is remarkable throughout the world, both with respect to the works of Nature in Plants, Insects, Serpents, Beasts, Birds, Fishes, C., in four vohrmes, 8vo. R. Goadby London 1771. It is doubtful if even another copy is to befound in the United States. lLThe Wonders of Xature and Art, or a concise account of mhatever is most curious and remarkable in the world, compiled from Historical and Geographical Works, of established celebrity, and illustrated with the Discoveries of Modern Travellers, by the Rev. Thos. Smith, author of the Universal Atlas, Sacred ilIimor, C., c. Revised, corrected and improved, by James JIease, BI. D., c. 14 vols 12mo Phila., 1807. Then, the copies of the splendid engravings in PicartsReligious Cerernoniee the whole article from blalte-Bruns llIodern Geography, ography, 3 01s 4 . to Boston 1836-with all its authorities and all from AlcCullochs Geographical Dictionary, or Universal Gazeteer, 2 vols. 8vo. 1851-as well as the various extracts from other sources. In fact, any other plea for profering information upon the subject would be ridiculous. And as to any specnlative or prosy articles upon the probable success of the present Expedition, o ubled a like presunlptuous all that I feel arrnnitne dsa ying is, no expectation can be realized, that Japan may hare progressed in knowledge or civilization, owing to their seclusion and degenerating influences of their social and religious institutions. This reinark is made from hearing it expressed, that It is probable thcy Inay h a ceh angcd their vie rs, and partake in some dogree of the spirit of universal progrcss, eriilced by the people of the United States. But rithoot flattery to that people, experience teaches us that it is not their example that is capable of imitation, even by the most enlightened nations of Europe, that it is not only owing to the rast amalgamation of persons from the most distant climes, but of all circumstanccs, together, conspiring in one firm band of union to make a hIodel Nation, vast in its resourccs of all vastness it is to no one quality or characteristic of its climate, soil, productions, or its people, but the combination of the whole all are equally indebted to each, and each to all...