ABSTRACT
The principalities from which Kiushiu gets its name of "Nine Provinces" were all ranged around the coast, mountains forming nearly all of the dividing lines. In the beginning of the Kyoto period, when Michizane was exiled to Dazaifu, all Kiushiu was a half-barbarous country, little influenced by the Chinese civilization that had already transformed the region at the head of the Inland Sea. The defences, hastily raised along the coast of Kiushiu, were mere parapets of earth or loose stones, breast high, and only intended as a shelter for the bowmen. The Japanese expected to fight hand to hand, in single combat, as they had always done. Splendid camphor trees have always been the glory of Kiushiu, and in old times they were carefully guarded; but since property has gone into the hands of many individual owners, the trees are being grievously wasted.
