Sketches from the interior of Japan, by our special artist: Mountain Pass in Fizen, Takiwa, 1861. We...soon left the muddy streets of Nagasaki behind us and emerged into the country, and began ascending a mountain pass which was wellnigh perpendicular, with steps up it. The hills were wooded, and here and there was a bit of cultivated ground. Fine views were caught every now and then as we looked down from our elevated positions. At intervals were roadside inns, with a trellis of westernia, or whatever the plant is called, across the road, to shade the travellers as they sit and drink their tea. The summit was reached, and we contemplated with delight the beautiful valley at our feet. Our coolies and horses were perpetually casting off their worn-out straw shoes, and the road was strewed with them. From "Illustrated London News", 1861.