This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

88

The road from Hakodate to Sigonope in its general direction bears N. N. W. by N., distance 23 miles.

The road is 36 feet in width and unmetalled; for some distance past Kamida Bridge it runs over a large plain with a very gentle rise towards the hills, the soil a dark loam: much timber has been felled. The trees remaining are beech, birch, silver birch, maple, mulberry, chestnut, &c.

An experimental Farm is situated some 220 feet above sea level and close to the steep slope of the hills, here was growing some fine hemp, also a little corn. The plain is mostly uncultivated.

The road winds upwards through a pass in the hills, attaining at its highest point 970 feet above the sea level. Through a gap in the hills is seen Hakodate bearing almost due south.

Sawala or Komomo Také (Volcano) bears N. N. W. Two fine Lakes embosomed in Forest, are also visible. The largest some 7 miles in length is studded with a few islets well timbered.

The Volcano on its western slope is clothed with forest almost to its summit.

Descending, the road passes the small Lake (570 feet above sea level) and reaches the level of the Valley, at 520 feet above the sea, here there is one small Tea House backed by Forest: this is Sigonope. Temperature at noon on August 8th 1873, 99° in shade, 128° in sun (Fahrt).

Visit to the Volcano of Komomo Take distant from Sigonope 71/2 miles.

For the first two miles travelled along the new road to Mori, then turned sharp to the right through the woods. The trees were young, mostly of 25 to 30 years growth, with occasional gaunt trunks of trees of a much older date; after about 3 miles up hill the woods thin out into small birch clumps.

The ground is covered with pumice, amongst which lie the remains of the previous forest, destroyed by the last great volcanic out-burst. The prostrate trees on this