English: VIEW FROM THE FRENCH BLUFF.

In the early days of the occupation of Yokohama, the existence of such restraints as a broad Creek, the bridges of which were jealously watched—guard-houses on every commanding height, and the presence of strong bodies of troops, shewed a decided inclination on the part of the Japanese to renew the same exclusive policy and the same offensive espionage in the case of foreigners of other nationalities, notwithstanding the exchange of more liberal treaties, as had for so many years been pursued towards the Dutch at Decima, in the harbour of Nagasaki.

To the French is the credit due of having in 1863 first advanced across the canal and of having established themselves on the height overlooking the town and bay of Yokohama. Since then the hill has been neatly laid out with graveled walks and ornamental beds of flowers, and extensive Barracks and Coal Sheds have been erected at its base.