and eighty-one black stones (ishi, as they are termed in Japanese). The object of the game is to obtain possession of the largest portion of the board. This is done by securing such positions as can be most easily defended from the adversary's onslaughts. There are nine spots on the board, called seimoku supposed to represent the chief celestial bodies, while the white and black stones represent day and night, and the number of crosses the three hundred and sixty degrees of latitude, exclusive of the central one, which is called taikyoku, that is, the Primordial Principle of the Universe. There are likewise nine degrees—or classes as we should term them—of proficiency in the game, beginning with number one as the lowest, and ending with number nine as the highest point of excellence attainable.
In playing, if the combatants are equally matched, they take the white stones alternately; if unequal, the weaker always takes the black, and odds are also given by allowing him to occupy several or all of the nine spots or vantage points on the board,—that is, to place stones upon them at the outset. A description of how the game proceeds would be of little utility here, it being so complicated as to make the personal instruction of a teacher indispensable. Very few foreigners have succeeded in getting beyond a rudimentary knowledge of this interesting game. We know only of one, a German named Korschelt, who has taken out a diploma of proficiency.
The easy Japanese game, called Gobang, which was introduced into England some years ago, is played on the Go board and with the go-ishi, or round black and white stones. The object of the game is to be the first is getting five stones in a row in any direction.
Book recommended. O. Korschelt's essay on Das Go-Spiel, published in Parts 21—24 of the "German Asiatic Transactions."
Government. In theory the Mikado—heaven-descended, absolute, infallible—was always the head and fountain of all power. It belonged to him by a right divine, which none ever dreamt of disputing. The single and sufficient rule of life for
