Loochow Islands

Loochow Islands are a group of thirty-seven isles, extending from Kynshu, in Japan, almost to Formosa; and containing 1,863 square miles. The chief islands of the group are Oshima and Okinawa, the former of which has a good harbour. China lays claim to the islands, though the inhabitants in general characteristics are of Japanese type, with some peculiar customs of their own. The products of the islands are sugar, sago palm, oranges, and a small breed of ponies, and the staple food of the natives, pork, fish, and sweet potatoes.