The
Japanese Collection Was Especially Interesting, Containing Both
The Fine Carabi Of Northern Countries, And The Gorgeous
Buprestidae And Longicorns Of The Tropics.
The doctor made the
voyage to Jeddo by land from Nagasaki, and is well acquainted
with the character, manners, and customs of the people of Japan,
and with the geology, physical features, and natural history of
the country.
He showed me collections of cheap woodcuts printed
in colours, which are sold at less than a farthing each, and
comprise an endless variety of sketches of Japanese scenery and
manners. Though rude, they are very characteristic, and often
exhibit touches of great humour. He also possesses a large
collection of coloured sketches of the plants of Japan, made by a
Japanese lady, which are the most masterly things I have ever
seen. Every stem, twig, and leaf is produced by single touches of
the brush, the character and perspective of very complicated
plants being admirably given, and the articulations of stem and
leaves shown in a most scientific manner.
Having made arrangements to stay for three weeks at a small hut
on a newly cleared plantation in the interior of the northern
half of the island, I with some difficulty obtained a boat and
men to take me across the water - for the Amboynese are dreadfully
lazy. Passing up the harbour, in appearance like a fine river,
the clearness of the water afforded me one of the most
astonishing and beautiful sights I have ever beheld. The bottom
was absolutely hidden by a continuous series of corals, sponges,
actinic, and other marine productions of magnificent dimensions,
varied forms, and brilliant colours.
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