THE FLOWER ART OF JAPAN 



diameter are highly esteemed, as they form 

 a more perfect representation of tree trunks. 

 As large branches of pine, maple, and all 

 the fruit trees are very desirable yet diffi- 

 cult to cut and troublesome to bring into 

 the correct balance without spoiling the 

 leaves or flowers growing upon them, the 

 use of dead wood previously gathered will 

 overcome such difficulties. Use a large 

 piece of pine, cherry, plum, etc., of a good 

 shape for each principal of the group you 

 desire to make. 



These branches may be moss-covered 

 to indicate age, and of irregular shape. 

 Also branches broken at the ends, not in 

 a clean-cut, even way, but as though twisted 

 off by a high wind. Put small flowering 

 twigs about these old branches as though 

 they were new shoots springing out of a 

 dead tree, for example a large gnarled plum 

 with delicate new blossoms shooting forth 

 apparently from the old tree. Many such 

 arrangements will be seen. Vines are very 

 lovely used with such old wood. 



