X. THE MAPLE. 



AS we have already stated, the Japanese word liana is 

 L\. much more comprehensive in meaning than the Eng- 

 lish word "flower," and includes also grasses and leaves. It 

 is for that reason, therefore, that the maple, with its beauti- 

 ful leaves, may be treated under our general heading. 



It is, however, an open question whether the maple 

 should be treated this month or next. In Japanese cal- 

 endars generally, the chrysanthemum is put down for the 

 ninth month (o. c.), or November. But, as the Emperor's 

 birthday comes on November 3, and the chrysanthemum 

 is an imperial badge, we have reserved that flower for 

 next month. Moreover, it is during the month of October, 

 according to the Hand Book of Japan, that the famous 

 maples of Nikko and Tatta should be visited. 



The maple is also given the name of "poison-dispelling 

 plant," because "there is an idea that the maple absorbs 

 all poison and infection from the air." Mr. Conder also 

 informs us that "this is one of the most important flower- 

 less trees, the branches of which are used as 'flowers' in 

 Japanese compositions." It is appropriate to use it in 

 combination with the chrysanthemum (white or yellow) ; 

 and a painting of a stag requires maples in association 

 with it. 



But if we may believe Miss Scidmore, the maple has 

 also its more practical use; for "the coquette sends her 

 'lover a leaf or branch of maple to signify that, like it, his 



