NIKKO, the scat of the mortuary shrines of Iyeyasu, and of Iyemitsu, the founder and the third of the line, respectively, of the Tokugawa family of shoguns (tycoons) who ruled Japan from 1603 to 1868. The wonders of nature and art combine to make it the goal of many thousands of pilgrims annually, and of all foreign tourists who have time to spare. As a holy place, it began to win reputation even in the 8th c., but the present magnificent shrines, masterpieces of Japanese art, date from 1617. Hachi-ishi is the village of hotels at the mountain foot. Nantaizan is the loftiest peak of the range. The lake Chiuzenji and the lofty water-fall of Kifi-furi (tumbling mist) are striking features famous in literature and art. The chief priest of the shrines was always a prince of the imperial blood, and an annual envoy was sent by the mikado to pay honor to the memory or Iyeyasu. Works of art in wood-carving, bronze, granite, and other stone, and gifts from daimios and pilgrims, from Holland, Loo Choo, Corea, etc., make this
one of the historic spots for travelers of every nation.
NIKOLAiEV, a t. of s. Russia, in the government of Kherson, 40 m. n.n.w. of the; town of that name, stands 20 m. above the mouth of the Bug, and at the confluence of• that river with the Ingul. It was founded in 1790, and its situation was found so con venient for ship-building purposes that it soon became the center of naval administra tion of the Black sea. It has broad, straight streets, containing several barracks, a. cathedral, schools for pilots, hospitals, an observatory, and an arsenal. In the first half" of the present century about 10,000 men were employed at Nikolaief in ship-building and other naval operations. Since the opening of the railway system, by which it has con nection with Moscow, etc., the population and trade have greatly increased. Pop. '67, 67,972.