[10] The seven Gods of Wealth: Concerning the origin of these popular deities, see "The Religions of Japan," p. 218.
[11] The jin-riki-sha, man-power-carriage, invented in Japan in 1871, is now used all over the East.
[12] Beautiful handwriting was considered one of the most admirable of accomplishments in old Japan.
[13] A Echigo: the province on the west coast, now famous for its petroleum wells.
[14] A story much like that of "The Parsley Queen" is told in the province of Echizen.
[15] Yamato is the old classic centre of ancient life and history.
[16] Prince Shotoku Taishi, a great patron of Buddhism, who, though a layman, is canonized (see "The Religions of Japan," p. 180).
[17] An independent gentleman, a ronin or "wave man," one who had left the service of his feudal lord and was independent,—sometimes a gentleman and a scholar, oftener a ruffian or vagabond.
[18] Buddhism, on account of the doctrine of the transmigration of souls, forbids the taking of life.
[19] There are very few storks in Japan, but white heron are quite common.