220
ity of the eastern division of the gulf known as Awomori Bay, and from its position will undoubtedly increase in importance as communication is opened out with the interior and the country becomes more peopled. Indeed it should be the port of supply and export for a large district, but the present imperfect means of transport by pack animals tends to throw most of the trade to the very inferior port Hachinohe. There is a fine situation for a town between a portion of the present one and the bay shore.
Though the direct distance from Nohitsze to Awamori is but 15 geographical miles, the road between these two places is forced by a mass of mountains to make a considerable detour, which increases the distance to 11 ri. By sea the distance is still much greater, as a long promontory stretches to the northward forming the two divisions of the gulf. Leaving Nohitsze the road follows the sea shore for a few miles to a cove known as Shiranai. Thence it strikes inland through the town of Ko-minato and crosses the intervening distance westward to Awomori Bay proper, and then turning southerly follows the rocky and picturesque shore to a small place called Nonai, where highlands cease, and a level rice cultivated plain and low shore extend to Awomori.
It being very cold with snow and sleet driven by a N.-West gale, I made the greater part of this my last day on foot. Hitherto I had walked as little as possible except on dry ground, as I had only one pair of thin boots, and had been unable at any place I passed through to purchase any suitable to the rough travelling. My two Japanese companions, unaccustomed to a northern climate, were nearly frozen, and looked most miserable. They did not reach the end of their journey till long after I was comfortably lodged in the house of an old acquaintance in Awomori.
A description of this place is unnecessary ay it has been visited by many foreigners. There I found Mr. George Superintendent of the Telegraph Department, who had lately arrived for the purpose of laying out the route for a line to connect Hakodadi with the south, and Captain
