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they will. The inhabitants return to the mountain on the 8th day of the 4th month of each year (May). Still it would be an error to imagine that the place can only be visited at that time. If a malady takes a very aggravated form, the waters may be taken from Shôgatsu (January—February) and even before this. But at that time of the year bathing must only be indulged in by day.
The above rules have been epitomized in the service of bathers.
“Me arai yu.” Special Spring for the Eyes.
‘This spring is to be found behind the “Gozanoyu” where the water issues from a small rock-cleft. The other warm springs of Kusatsu cause a painful smarting of the eyes—probably owing to the presence of sulphate of copper. The water from this source, on the contrary, causes no smarting. Immediate benefit to the sight accrues from its use: (this assertion is actually true). All cases of ophthalmia are positively cured by this water which is truly a gift of the Gods.
Enumeration of prohibitions to be observed while under treatment.
Excess in eating and drinking or in any other form must be avoided, as well as too prolonged a fast; the use of the baths must be temperate and they must not be remained in too long; no bathing from mid-night to sun-rise or during heavy rains or typhoons or severe thunder-storms, and the patient must not shout or sing while in the bath. He must avoid covering himself, on leaving the bath, with warm clothes which cause perspiration. (This observation would appear of questionable wisdom; but it is sanctioned by experience, and I have found myself much the worse for disobeying the rule. Excessive eating or drinking after the bath must also be avoided, as has been said above).
Those who are too fond of wine (saké) are not good subjects for treatment (lit. it is not advantageous, &c.) Yet it is well to banish melancholy and to keep the mind free.
To those who ordinarily digest well nothing is inter-
