Japan and the Japanese

CHAPTER XXXIV.
DEPARTURE FROM NAGASAKI. TRAIN OF THE DUTCH. THE DAY'S JOURNEY
TREATMENT OF THE DUTCH. RESPECT SHOWN THEM IX THE ISLAND OP
XIMO. CARE WITH WHICH THEY ARE WATCHED. INNS AT WHICH THEY
LODGE. THEIR RECEPTION AND TREATMENT THERE. POLITENESS OF THE
JAPANESE. LUCKY AND UNLUCKY DAYS. SEIMEI, THE ASTROLOGER.
"ALL the princes, lords, and vassals of the Japanese empire
being obliged," says Kiimpfer, " to make their appearance at court
once a year, it hath been determined by the emperor what time
and what day they are to set out on their journey. The same is
observed with regard to the Dutch, and the fifteenth or sixteenth
day of the first Japanese month, which commonly falls in with the
middle of our February, hath been fixed for our constant departure.
Towards that time we pet everything ready to set out, having first
sent by sea, as already mentioned, to the city of Simonoseki the
presents we are to make, sorted and carefully packed, together
with the other heavy baggage, and the victuals and kitchen furni-
ture for our future travels. Three or four weeks after, and a few
days before our departure, our president, attended with his usual
train, goes to visit the two governors of Nagasaki, at their palaces,
to take his leave of them, and to recommend the Dutch who re-
main in our factory to their favor and protection. The next day,
all the goods and other things which must be carried along with
us are marked every bale or trunk with a small board, where-
upon is writ the possessor's name, and the contents. The day of
our departure, all the officers of our island, and all persons who
are any ways concerned with our affairs, particularly the future
companions of our voyage, come over to Desima early in the morning.
They arc followed soon after by both governors, attended
with their whole numerous court, or else by their deputies, who
come to wish us a good journey.
The governors
or their depu-