On the same day is issued a proclamation summoning the nobles of high and lower degree to Yedo. It goes on to say, “The Emperor is grateful for the fatigues and expenses of various natures which men have endured since last spring for their country’s sake. But the summoning of this assembly is connected with matters of the highest importance to the country. Therefore let every man receive the Imperial will and obey it with as little pomp and useless expense as possible.” Rules for the division of duties. Rules for the offices of the Council and Government—(an excerpt or two from these may be of interest). Office hours are from 10 a.m. till 2 p.m. except when stress of work delays the closing hour.... In all discussions the office of the Jingi (Gods of Heaven and Earth—Shintō) will take precedence. Other departments will follow in due order and without confusion ... at twelve o’clock officers will retire for their midday meal. Private conversation and gossiping is forbidden. High prices having been paid for condemned and worthless vessels, a regulation is issued forbidding the purchase of ships and men-of-war directly from foreigners without previous survey and permission of authorities of the open ports. (8.) 19th day. Dancing before the Emperor. (9.) 20th day. Priests and officials of the Shintō shrines summoned to court to congratulate the Emperor and pay their respects. Arrangements for lectures to be delivered before the Emperor on Japanese and Chinese subjects. Announcement of conclusion of treaties with Sweden and Norway, two countries ruled by one king, and Spain. (10.) 22nd day. The Empress Mother will take up her abode in a new residence on the 11th of next month at ten in the morning. Sentences on the men connected with the murder of the two sailors of H.M.S. _Icarus_. (11.) Proclamation to various clans dealing with requests for permission to become Inkiyō, and petitions affecting the succession to estates and the adoption of children. NOTE.—Adoption is considered as in all respects the same as right of birth. A gentleman once told me that he had an unbroken pedigree of a thousand years—“With adoption at various times?” I asked. “Certainly,” was the answer. He was amazed when I told him that in my country there were such pedigrees without adoption. Memorial of Chōshiu, Satsuma, Hizen and Tosa resigning their fiefs (translation given above). (12.) 25th day. List of persons to whom the oath of allegiance has been administered. Order for visit of congratulation to the Emperor, Empress and Empress Mother on the occasion of her removal to her new Palace. Persons in mourning to attend for the purpose on the following day. 30th day. The Prince of Chōshiu has heard that the Emperor is about to send an envoy to his country and begs to decline the honour. Answer.—“This petition has been taken cognizance of by the Emperor, who has urgent reasons for issuing the orders in question, which will not be revoked.”