It rained all yesterday. In the afternoon we managed to get over to a covered-in place within the Palace grounds to see a combat of swords and spears. Two at a time appeared on the platform; the swords were of bamboo. The practice was interesting enough; heavy blows and thrusts were exchanged. An umpire decided when the fatal blow or thrust had been delivered. The head was protected by helmet and steel masks. Armour on the left side, as far down as the waist. After bowing to the audience, the combatants saluted one another: on the same principle, I suppose, as our antagonists in the prize-ring shake hands before punching one another’s heads. When the supposed fatal blow was given, the vanquished walked off, while the victor uncovered his head and “kow towed” to H.R.H. The combats with long spears were conducted on same principle. The men were selected from the Japanese guard. The Minister said that had he educated the warriors of different Daimios they would be sure to fight it out afterwards to the death if different chiefs’ followers met. Risk came up in steam launch to arrange a revised route for _Galatea_, she being three weeks behind time. Having duly considered the whole, and what Kellett might have had to say had he not been pitched on his head before leaving England, which delayed his arrival, we were of opinion that I should give up the San Francisco route, accompany the Prince to Peking, meet my successor at Hong Kong or Singapore, and telegraph to the Board accordingly. The forenoon continued rainy. After luncheon a man of Mitford’s came with curios--apparently a bundle of rubbish; there were, however, two swords, which Mitford pronounced to be excellent because the owner had names written, which he pronounced to be certificates of their manufacture by an extinct artist. The Prince paid some £80, and to my mind there is no proof that he was not taken in, and Mitford too. [Sidenote: Yedo.] We rode, a largish party, to see the tombs of the Tycoons, situated in the midst of a well-wooded garden or park. The most beautiful temples and elaborate carvings of any I have seen. We were allowed to inspect everything, being in company of His Royal Highness. On reaching home we found mats before the door and preparations for jugglers: wonderfully clever; and here, as in other parts of the world, there was music, such as it is, with the usual buffoon or clown. To-morrow we are to have a procession and the Prince’s visit to the Mikado, which we look forward to as rather a bore. [Sidenote: Sept. 4.] One of the Japanese princes, Parkes, and Adams joined the dinner last night. After that we had conjurors; the pretty butterfly trick was beautifully performed. Yesterday Aitkin missed a small ivory-handled clasp-knife from my dressing-table, and this morning my gold watch, which I have had for forty years, and which I had given to my dear boy, has disappeared--I think while I was taking my bath. [Sidenote: Sept. 5.]