May 1855 Sikoda, Japan 256 Stitches afforded small fishes resembling Cobitis. In the river were percoid fishes of considerable size (which however could not be caught) with gobies, large shrimps (Palamom) and multitudes of a bivalve shell (Cyprea), Paludina, Melania etc. were also found. A path extended for some miles along the bank of the river, rendering the walk a very pleasant one. The small confluent brooks generally turned the large undershot wheels of the mills, where the corn or rice was reduced to flour by the stamping or hammering process as in China. I searched the hill-sides and wooded places for land shells, with no success however, the only ones found being the ones common in most of the Japanese & Chinese ports. Two species of lacertae however a were found; and a venomous snake was captured by Mr Brooke. Shortly before our departure we received a present from the Prince, consisting of a variety of finely lacquered wooden dishes, containing various edibles in high estimation among the Japanese—chiefly lobsters, rice-cakes, turnips, gingerbread and rolls of rice-pudding packed in the edible seaweed; there being for dessert some small soft, globular cakes each containing a portion of dark red sugar. 28th. This day we got underweigh and stood out to sea, the launch starting at the same time, and the "Hancock" following shortly after. Our launch has been undergoing equipment for some days for her coasting voyage to Nakodadi, and now looks bravely under her mainsail, squaresail, jib, flying jib, jib topsail, and gaff topsail. She is furnished with a forecastle and poop, with weather bulwarks and covers of tarpaulin. The crew consists of Mr Brooke (Commanding), Mr Kern, Mr Berry and 10 men, including my assistant "Skelley". She is to survey the coast, and to land wherever it is practicable. She beat up the bay of Tedo while we stood out to seaward past the island Ohosima. 29th. N. lat. 35°08' E. long 140°20' Wind light, Vble. Temp. 70°. The Coast of Japan in sight. Plume fishing boats passing occasionally. 30th. N. lat. 35°42' E. long 140°52' Wind N.E. light. Temp. 70° Coast still in sight. The fishing boats have become very numerous, and are seen in all directions. At noon I went in a boat to try and obtain some fish, and got several species. I also picked up a fulmar-petrel May 1855 Japanese Coast 257