[Footnote 1: Mr. Oliphant's account of Lord Elgin's expedition (_Narrative of the Earl of Elgin's Mission_, etc., by Lawrence Oliphant, Esq.) is one of the most valuable contributions from Japan. His observations, which at Yedo were more extended and unimpeded than those of any preceding visitor, are recorded in the most lively and charming manner. The history of the embassy of Baron Gros (_Souvenirs d'une Ambassade en Chine et au Japon_, par le Marquis de Moges) is less complete and entertaining, but by no means destitute of interest.] At the present moment, all seems favorable for the development of the long hidden resources of the Empire. But there are still difficulties in the way; for a powerful class of nobles, those who trace their descent from the ancient spiritual dynasty, are strongly opposed to the overthrow of the old system. It is only by constant struggles that the more progressive class can make way against them. The arrival of this embassy, and the recent visit of a Japanese ship to California, are hopeful signs; for these could have been permitted only on the abrogation of the old law of seclusion, proclaimed at the time of the Portuguese expulsion; and such are the peculiar principles of the Japanese government, that, as will hereafter be shown, an important law like this cannot be revoked without a general change of its policy. Within the city of Yedo are now the representatives of three powerful nations, England, France, and the United States; others are seeking admission; and the period when Japan shall mingle freely with the world it has so long affected to contemn can hardly be long deferred. In a future number we shall speak of the present condition of Japan, the forms of government, so far as known, its social state and prospects, and the character of the people, as represented in the embassy which is now receiving the hospitalities of our own government. * * * * * THE VINEYARD-SAINT. She, pacing down the vineyard walks, Put back the branches, one by one, Stripped the dry foliage from the stalks, And gave their bunches to the sun. On fairer hill-sides, looking south, The vines were brown with cankerous rust, The earth was hot with summer drouth, And all the grapes were dim with dust. Yet here some blessed influence rained From kinder skies, the season through; On every bunch the bloom remained, And every leaf was washed in dew. I saw her blue eyes, clear and calm; I saw the aureole of her hair; I heard her chant some unknown psalm, In triumph half, and half in prayer. "Hail, maiden of the vines!" I cried: "Hail, Oread of the purple hill! For vineyard fauns too fair a bride, For me thy cup of welcome fill! "Unlatch the wicket; let me in, And, sharing, make thy toil more dear: No riper vintage holds the bin Than that our feet shall trample here.