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Wheaten flour similar to the sample produced this year in Satsporo would equal in value the best imported flour.
Hills containing large beds of coal approach within three miles of the left bank of the Ishikari where the Sora-choi or Soratz river flows into the former. The junction is about 91 miles above Shinoro by river, and by land 30 miles distant from Satsporo.
Hills (probably part of the same group) containing large beds of coal are traversed by the Horo-mai or “Ikusa-bets” which flows into the Ishi-kari about thirty miles above Shinoro and on the same side as the Soratz. The gullies in the hills, through which these streams flow, shew sections of coal beds many feet in thickness. The analysis attached, if correct, shows a valuable coal especially as surface coal was used by the analyst. During the floods the coal is washed down into the the Ishikari and can be picked up on any of the shingle banks below the mouth of the Soratz.
Syenite, slate, greenstone, coal, lignite, quartz, sandstone, limestone, schist, scoria, &c., were found amongst the shingle banks of the Ishi-kari. Of woods there are thirty-three kinds that are already known; the oak, walnut, ash and elm, are the most important.
Satsporo (or Saporo), the new capital of Yezo, is situated on the south side of the extensive plain from which it takes its name. The Ishi-kari bears North, distant 8 miles, but distant 12 miles by road and 15 miles by water. The Shinoro and Barato rivers afford water communication with the Ishi-kari, as also does the To-ho-bira.
Laid out on the plan of an American city, the wide streets are placed at right angles to each other, and when lined by the Japanese houses and shops, present a very meagre appearance; while the detached frame houses, painted in discordant colors, which dot another section of the plain, (the official quarter) show little taste on the part of the authorities. On the south side of the town is a large two storied building surmounted by a cupola and flag staff. This is called the Capitol or Government House, it is to cost when completed $100,000.
