JAPAN
passing the hand he had consulted to his colleague, so that, in sum, the pulse at each of the Shōgun's wrists was felt by six physicians daily, without his face being seen by any of them. Afterwards the chief physician entered with equal humility and examined the august stomach. That routine concluded, the Shōgun devoted his time until midday to whatever amusements and exercises he specially affected, archery, fencing with sword and spear, and equestrianism being usually among the number. Luncheon was served sometimes in the apartments of the Midaidokoro or the "Seniors," sometimes independently, but in either case the menu was not on an extravagant scale. Official duties occupied the greater part of the afternoon. They consisted chiefly in receiving reports from the O-soba Go-yo-toritsugi and perusing documents presented by them. These O-sobe Go-yo-toritsugi—a term which literally means "transmitters of business to the presence," but may be translated "chamberlain"—were among the chief instruments of government in the Tokugawa system, for they alone had direct daily access to his highness, and from their lips he learned how to interpret not only the various documents submitted for his inspection but also the events of the time. The Chamberlains were either nominees of the Premier or persons acceptable to him, and it was essential that they should be bannerets enjoying an annual income of at least five thousand pounds sterling. Perhaps the most ac-
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