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In this district there is not sufficient soil at present formed over the last layer of pumice to permit of its being profitably tilled. It does well enough for growing timber, and in that way makes soil in the most rapid manner.
From Sigonope to Mori distance 912 miles.
The new road leads through young forest and is formed almost entirely of small pumice. The drains are revetted with hurdle work.
The road rounds the Volcano of Komomo Také on its western side, and there are some steep gradients upon it. Gaunt charred trunks of trees of great size shew high above the young woods and their roots are embedded in the layer of soil that lies beneath the pumice bed, conclusive proof that they are remnants of a forest that was destroyed by the eruption which is said to have occurred some twenty-five years ago.
As Volcano Bay is approached the forest dwindles into oak scrub and pasture; many ponies were grazing here.
The road terminates at Mori pier, a large wooden structure, which is projected into the Bay at right angles to the beach, it is at present in an unfinished state, some 350 feet only having been completed.
From Mori to Shin Mororan, where the road to Satsporo recommences, distance 25 miles, is done by steam or sailing ferry boats.
Mori is a straggling village; there are several tea houses with fair accommodation and seemingly a fair amount of business doing. Long strings of pack ponies, Jaden and unladen, were seen in most parts of the main street.
At sunset the view of the Volcano of Komomo Také from the main street of Mori is very fine.
From Mori to Yuropŭ, distance some 2112 miles by bridle path, mostly along the bench; low bluffs fringe the shore, wooded hills at back, passed two or three villages and fishing stations. Also saw a petroleum pit with about three-quarters of an inch of oil in it.
Urapú is an Aino village of some fifty houses, there is also a good Japanese Tea House with a very pretty gar-
