Japan and the Japanese

CASTLES. 297
in these houses, and that in this particula: they are far beyond ours
in Europe, because of their being built all of cedar wood, or fir ;
and because the windows are generally contrived so that upon
opening them, and removing the screens which separate the rooms,
a free passage is left for the air through the whole house.
u I took notice that the roof, which is covered with planks,* or
shingles of wood, rests upon thick, strong, heavy beams, as large as
they can get them, and that the second story is generally built
stronger and more substantial than the first. This they do by reason
of the frequent earthquakes which happen in this country,
because, they observe, that in case of a violent shock, the pressure
of the upper part of the house upon the lower, which is built much
lighter, keeps the whole from being overthrown.
" The castles of the Japanese nobility are built, either on great
rivers, or upon hills and rising grounds. They take in a vast deal
of room, and consist commonly of three different fortresses, or en-
closures, which cover and defend, or, if possible, encompass one
another. Each enclosure is surrounded and defended by a clean,
deep ditch, and a thick, strong wall, built of stone or earth, with
strong gates. Guns they have none. The principal and innermost
castle or enclosure is called the Foumas, that is, the true or chief
castie. It is the residence of the prince or lord who is in posses-
sion of it, and as such it is distinguished from the others by a square,
large, white tower, three or four stories high, with a small roof
encompassing each story like a crown or garland. In the second
enclosure, called Ninmas, that is, the second castle, are lodged the
gentlemen of the prince's bed-chamber, his stewards, secretaries and
other chief officers, who are to give a constant attendance about his
person. The empty spaces are cultivated, and turned either into
gardens or sown with rice. The third and outwardmost enclosure
is called Sotoyamei, that is, the outwardmost defence ; as, also,
Ninnomas, that is, the third castle. It is the abode of a numercus
train of soldiers, courtiers, domestics and other people, everybody
being permitted to come into it. The white walls, bastions, gates,
each of which hath two or more stories built over it, and above all
the beautiful tower of the innermost castle, are extremely pleasant
* Thunberg says, " tiles of a singular make, very thick and heavj,"