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deep and rapid stream running between high banks, which is fed from various sources, notably from the northern slopes of Asamayama, and from Yokozasayama (the latter to the N. E. of Asamayama.)
This stream flows from Kazawanoyu, the source of the warm springs, runs from west to east, passes to Kawazanoyu, also the source of warm springs, and receives at Naganohara the torrent produced by the warm waters of Kusatsu. On the left bank of the torrent the waters of Yomonoya and Sawatari are to be found, at the foot of Yakushigatake, and on the right bank Ikao, sources sufficiently celebrated, near to Mount Kompirayama.
After a somewhat disagreeable walk of 3 ri Kusatsu is reached. On leaving Naganohara the road overlooks the torrent which it commands from a considerable elevation. This portion of the road is not without difficulty for horses which are either restive or not sure-footed. In the almost vertical sides of the rocks which flank the path a natural recess has been availed of to rear a temple of singular picturesqueness. The remainder of the road presents slopes of much difficulty of ascent and descent, but in no sense dangerous.
III.
Kusatsu.
Kusatsu is at this moment (1873) a village consisting of a hundred or so of houses built round the numerous springs of warm water which gush from the soil, it may be said, at every step. These springs are nearly all concentrated in a kind of tank so commanded by the hills, that from the village itself none of the interesting scenery of the neighbourhood can be seen. But as you ascend the surrounding slopes to the south east, the remarkable summit of Asamayama comes into view, the foot of which is only 6 ri distant, and towards the east and north east, a chain of wood-clad mountains, which, without possessing the imposing character of the Alps or Pyrenees, are not wanting in a certain grandeur and present considerable attractions to pedestrians. The vegetation, more sparse and less rich than that of the lower plains, is still respect-
