Untitled

HARVESTING THE RICE. 261
CHAPTER X.
HARVESTING THE RICE.
" When the benevolent Inari (God of Rice) smiles upon the husbandmen, the
'
farmer's son says to his companion, Shobei, I am soon going to have a new kimono
(coat).' "
ONE morning in October, Professor Jewett sat in the
veranda of his home, watching a sakana-uri (fish-
seller) who was offering his wares to a Japanese lady living
near them.
The man was dressed in coarse, blue cotton clothes, with
the inevitable pipe and tobacco pouch slung at his girdle, and
carried a shallow tub filled with various kinds offish, the qual-
ities of which he explained in a loud voice.
The approach to all Japanese houses is provided with step-
that rise like islands out of an
ping-stones or blocks of wood,
ocean of mud or a desert of dust.
"No doubt those are exceedingly fresh," said the lady,
"
but my husband now only eats meat. Since his return from
foreign countries, he will not look at fish. I find beef a very
good thing for my complexion."
The dealer regarded her impudently and replied,
"
Beef
is all very well for wrestlers. Ladies do not want to have red
faces. I will take my fish where they will be appreciated."
her father. "Mrs.
"Is he not saucy?" said Sallie, joining
Hana has a right to eat what she pleases. Have you seen the
boys?"
" Here they come," answered the Professor.