The next officer below the Oodai jin is the Dai na goon. There are ten of them. They act with the Sanko in the Dai jo gwang office. They seem to be the mouthpieces to and from the board, and in consultation with the board. They are generally Koongays. But some of the highest Daimios are competent for the office, Owarri, Kishiu, and Mito. The Chiu (or middle) na goon--ten officers of much lower rank than the last--never deliberate with the board, but are consulted after or before. They are generally Koongays. The Sangi (Ts’an i), also called Sei sho and Gisso (I tsau), is a very important office--eight officers. They are of high rank (above the last), and are chosen for their talent for the office. This seems to be to report upon the proceedings and conclusions of the other officers of the board; to watch and also advise, and sometimes to act as judges. They are both civil and military. If a man has shown himself qualified for this office he may rise to it, though not originally of high rank. The Sho (or lesser) nagoon are much below the above officers in rank. They are said to help the memories of the principal officers, to put seals to deeds, and carry communications to other boards: they are both military and civil. Gayki or Kwanmu--five officers who act as secretaries to one of the three officers of the Dai jo ngwang. Divided into great and small, Dai and Sho, gayki; the head man is called Kioo ku mu. The duties consist in writing out the patents and titles conferred by the Mikado. In cases of dispute between high officers, they seem to write out a statement of the case on both sides for the decision of the board. They look after any newly-introduced business, such as introduction of foreigners to the country. Ben-gwang, seven officers, all Koongay--a higher office than the preceding. Two head men, left and right, Sa and Oo dai ben. This is a very responsible office; all the business of the board passes through the hands of the officers. They superintend and set apart to each of the minor offices their business. Sa chiu ben and Oo chiu ben, two men. Sa sho ben and Oo sho ben, two men. These are subordinates in the office, but men of rank. Gonno ben. This is an honorific title, giving high rank, but having no business or duties to perform. The Ben-gwang officers are always in their handsome official dress, and are at once recognizable on the street. Shi, eight men. Their business is to act as bookkeepers or registrars of the transactions of the board; they take charge of the books, and are referred to for information of past transactions. Sa and Oo dai shi, four men. Si sho, twenty men, attendants of the three high officers. Kwa jo, four men, attendants of the Ben-gwang. Though low, the office is an important one. HATCH SHIO, THE EIGHT BOARDS The eight boards under the Dai jo gwang are: