[75] There are three classes of women-servants. Those of the first class make the clothes of the mistress, dress her hair, and keep her apartments in order. Those of the second wait on her at meals, accompany her when she goes abroad, and attend to other domestic duties. Those of the third are employed in cooking and various menial offices. [76] The toko, as already described in Chapter XXXII, is a sort of recess, or open closet, opposite the entrance, considered the most honorable place in the room. The above ceremony might call to mind the _confarratio_ of the ancient Roman marriage. [77] This is a small, square or oblong bag, containing a small image of metal, wood, or stone, supposed to operate as a sort of amulet, something like the medicine-bag of our North American Indians. [78] See Lay’s paper on “Japanese Funeral Rites,” in vol. xix of the Transactions of the Asiatic Society of Japan.—EDR. [79] Better _sekihi_.—EDR. [80] Father Vilela, in a letter written from Sakai, 1562, in the month of August (at which time this festival happens), describes it in a very lively manner. He represents the people as going out two days before, as if to meet their dead relations, spreading a feast to refresh them after their long journey, escorting them to their houses, talking to them as if they were present, and, finally, dismissing them with torches, lest they might stumble in the dark, or miss their way. This, Vilela adds, is a great time for the bonzes, the very poorest offering them some gift for their religious aid on this occasion. [81] Krusenstern, in his narrative of the Russian embassy of Resanoff (as to which see next paragraph of the text), speaks of the last expedition of Stewart as fitted out by some English merchants in Calcutta, and gives to the captain the name of Torey. Very likely he had both names. [82] The whole party consisted of fifteen, but of these only five, and those the most worthless, were willing to return home. The others preferred to remain in Siberia. [83] See also Aston’s paper in vol. i of the “Transactions of the Asiatic Society of Japan.”—EDR. [84] Golownin was informed, during his captivity at Matsumae, that it is part of the duty of the Japanese soldiers to assist in extinguishing fires, for which purpose they are provided with a fireman’s dress of varnished leather. To extinguish a fire is stated to be considered a glorious achievement. But, though fire is almost the only element the Japanese soldiers have to contend with, they do not seem to be very expert at subduing it. [85] The expenses of the visits to Yedo, in 1804, were sixteen thousand six hundred and sixty-six rix dollars. [86] See “A Voyage Round the World,” by Archibald Campbell, a Scotchman, who served as a common sailor on board this ship. Doeff also mentions her arrival. [87] See also Aston’s paper in vol. vii of the Transactions of the Asiatic Society of Japan.—EDR.