After the country was thus formed the divine pair created eight millions of earthly gods or Kami, and the ten thousand different things on the earth. Vegetation sprung up over all the land, which was, however, still covered with mist. So Izanagi created with his breath the two gods, male and female, of the wind. All these islands are the children of Izanagi and Izanami, and when first born were small and feeble, but gradually grew larger and larger, attaining their present size like human beings, which are at first tiny infants. As the gradual separation of the land and sea went on, foreign countries were formed by the congealing of the foam of the sea. The god of fire was then born of Izanami, his mother. This god often became very angry at any one who used unclean fire. Izanami then created by herself the gods of metals, of clay, and of fresh water. This latter god was commanded always to keep the god of fire quiet, and put him out when he began to do mischief. Izanagi and Izanami though married but a short time, began to quarrel. Izanami being very angry went down to the lower world of darkness and disappeared. In the dark world under the earth Izanami stayed a long time, and after wearisome waiting, Izanagi went after her. In the darkness of the under-world he was horrified at what he saw, and leaving his consort below he tried to save himself and make his escape to the earth again. [Illustration: THE GOD CREATED FROM IZANAGI’S STAFF.] In his struggles several gods were created, one of them coming out of his staff. When he got up to daylight, he secured a large rock to close up the hole in the earth. Turning this rock into a god, he commanded him to watch the place. He then rushed into the sea, and continued washing for a long time to purify himself. In blowing out from his lungs the polluted air inhaled in the under-world, the two evil gods sprang forth from his breath. As these would commit great harm and wickedness, Izanagi created two other gods to correct their evil. But when he had washed his eyes and could see clearly again, there sprang out two precious and lovely beings; one from his left eye being a rare and glistening maiden, whom he afterward named Amaterasu, or “The Heaven Illuminating Spirit.” From his right eye appeared Susa-no O, the “Ruler of the Moon.” Being now pure again, and having these lovely children, Izanagi rejoiced and said, “I have begotten child upon child, and at the end of my begetting, I have begotten me two jewel-children.” Now the brightness of the person of the maiden Amaterasu was beautiful, and shone through Heaven and earth. Izanagi, well pleased, said: “Though my children are many, none of them is like this wonder-child. She must not be kept in this region.” So taking off the necklace of precious stones from his neck and rattling it, he gave it to her, saying, “Rule thou over the High Plain of Heaven.” At that time the distance between Heaven and earth was not very great, and he