An elaborate report upon Japan published by Mr. Kreitner, the
Austrian Consul at Yokohama, rather modifies English pre- conceptions of that Empire. He says the earthquakes destroy a city every seven years, and that, moreover, the period of volcanic activity during which Fusiyama destroys everything in its neighbourhood, is again approaching. Of the 3,100 islands comprising the Kingdom, the vast majority are of volcanic origin ; and many of the more northern, including the great island of Yesso, are practically incapable of culture. There is plenty of coal and petroleum, but the mines of other minerals are State monopolies, and are badly worked, Japan, which used to export gold, now importing it. Mr. Kreitner speaks highly of the vegetable resources of Southern Japan ; but he does not regard it as the paradise which it appears to men fascinated by its peculiar arts. He confirms the story that the Japanese Trade Guilds succeed in keeping the secret of making their steel sword. blades, of manufacturing the best lacquer, and of cultivating the wax-tree, a pursuit requiring extreme care.
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