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From Takasaki a footpath winds across rice fields, and after passing Kameyama, follows the left bank of a small tributary of the Tonegawa as far as Sannokura. The ascent then begins to make itself felt: we are entering into the mountainous region.
At one place it is only possible for a jinrikisha to pass, and this with difficulty, while the ground is broken and uneven. It is preferable to travel on foot, on horseback, or in a kago. The temperature is sensibly lowered, the nights are already cooler. On issuing from the village an old ruined temple may he observed surrounded by venerable and very remarkable trees, the situation presenting some beauty. From Sannokura to Oto the road rises continually, and walking becomes more difficult. The views are picturesque and varied. Fresh springs of an excellent quality gush from the mountain. The vegetation, always rich, changes its aspect, and varieties of the oak, walnut and chestnut are observed.
On arriving at Oto the traveller enters another basin, the waters of which springing from the north of Asamayama, flow from west to east, and empty themselves into a main current which passes to the west of the mount Mitsunesan, and flowing from north to south, discharges itself upon the left bank into the Tonegawa. There is nothing remarkable about Oto but its very picturesque position, and traces which would seem to indicate that the spot had been formerly a consecrated one. Frequent cultivations of hemp (asa) are met with from Oto to Sukao and further on. The Japanese enclose it in long boxes of rectangular form, wherein it is packed in bundles placed vertically.
Beyond Kameyama the transport of goods is performed on the backs of men, horses or oxen. The country is stocked with mares; entire horses are in general excluded. In the same manner more cows than bulls are to be seen. The pack-horses are quiet, coarse and capable of supporting great fatigue. The shape of the back which resembles that of the mule enables them to carry enormous loads. The weight of the
