When I Was a Child (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1913 edition. Excerpt: ... missionaries have some heading such as " Principal of the College," or "M.A.," etc. etc., and now Mr. V. feels so depressed that his name should be printed without any title." I was frightfully amused. Iinuma said to me, "Don't give such wicked smile You see, it is the human nature that every one wants some title, and even Americans, who claim themselves most democratic in the world, would like some title, after all " chapter xiii I was the lover of nature hen I was a boy, perhaps the picnic was my favourite treat, but I was frightfully disappointed with the way the missionaries had picnic. They would take us the boys to some country and there they started to play tennis, football or baseball. If they wanted to do these games, the school ground was much better. The Japanese country is full of poetic atmosphere and there are many legends. How pity to ignore all these and play such wild games I began to have my own picnics quite alone, with a few poetry books in my hand. Such places like Ryusenji, Yagoto or Yadagawa were my most favourite places. Especially in spring or autumn the promenade round these places was very fascinating. In Japan spring is full of brightness and romance, while autumn is solemn and in solitude. I loved both. I absented from the school lessons--sometimes three days in a week. For me it was far better sermon to chase after butterflies, listen to the birds singing, or to pick up the wild flowers than to attend to those dried-up and very sleepy preachings at the Sunday-school. Now let me write about my impressions upon the Nature. What a great difference has taken place in me since then It must be remembered that I was not a professional artist at that time. I was always a friend to the Nature. If I went out to the...