JAPAN
not even be purchased without the owner's consent; trees or bamboos might not be arbitrarily cut, arable lands trespassed upon, or questions raised about the proprietorship of quarries. Nikko being a district far remote from any industrial centre, and even Yedo itself being unable to supply the great number of experts required for such a magnificent work as the mausoleum, skilled artists and artisans were invited from all parts of the Empire. They were desired to repair to Yedo, accompanied by their wives and children, and large wooden edifices, specially constructed, gave them accommodation in the Shōgun's capital until they could be sent forward to the scene of their labour. There was no compulsion. Proclamations announced that to be engaged in this sacred work was a perennial honour, and doubtless the artists and artisans of the era frankly accepted that view. They were not obliged to travel on foot from Yedo to Nikko (eighty miles); one horse was provided for every two persons. Their wages, fixed at full market rates, were paid every second month; they had a holiday every seventh day, and fifteen days were granted annually for a visit to their native place. Only the inhabitants of the districts contiguous to the highroad had any cause of complaint, for although their taxes were lightened in consideration of their keeping the road in good repair, they had to furnish horses and carriers at fixed prices, under penalty of sending twenty pairs of
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