silks.  Broad lacquered hats were here and there substituted for helmets; or both were dispensed with, and the temples of the combatants bound with linen cloth, which is their usual headdress in action.  Presently a signal was given, on which the opposing lines commenced simultaneously to ‘mark line double.’  At a second signal they faced into Indian file, and the marshals, placing themselves at their head, led them off at a swinging trot, the whole party flinging up their heels like boys playing at ‘follow my leader,’ until startling guttural shouts from the marshals caused the glittering lines to halt and face each other.  The horsemen, who had hitherto taken no part in the pageant, were now stationed in rear of the centre of the respective lines, and added greatly to the effect by their crested helmets, their richly gilt armour, and the heraldic banners, which were attached to the back of the cuirass and floated about two feet over their heads.  As soon as the horsemen were stationed the exciting part of the sham-fight began, by the lines being wheeled backwards and forwards in wings from the centre, and into zigzag formations from central points, with a slow ‘stamp-and-go’ march, the spears being flourished with each motion and pointed high and low, and right and left, as in our bayonet exercise.  The marshals regulated the movements of their respective lines with great accuracy, the one being retired directly the other advanced, so that the relative distance was never altered.  After a time both parties suddenly assumed a sitting posture and exchanged howls of defiance, which grew fiercer and fiercer, until a simultaneous rush, as if to engage, finished the performance from which the representatives of barbaric warfare retired amid the hearty cheers of the representatives of the bayonet and rifle.

[Illustration:  A Daimio Retainer. (Native Drawing.)]

Though most of the Daimios have enormous revenues, and are surrounded by men devotedly attached to them, the policy of the country so trammels their actions with formalities and espionage as to keep them in considerable subjection to the Tycoon; nor is even the privacy of their houses respected, for their families are retained in Yeddo, as hostages for their good behaviour, while they are absent in their principalities.  As an occasional relaxation from the cares attendant on their high position, they avail themselves of a privilege called ‘naiboen,’ which enables them to share incognito in the pleasures and amusements of their countrymen.  Those drawings and coloured representations of scenes connected with the higher classes which so largely engross the attention of Japanese artists, generally depict naiboen intrigues and adventures:  these convey, however, a very exaggerated idea of the manner in which the Daimios conduct themselves on these occasions.

[Illustration:  Coolies carrying Norimon. (From Native Drawing.)]