PLATE XXVI. 



TEA GARDEN, FUKAGAWA. 



The lake-garden at Fukagawa, illustrated in Plates XXIII. and XXIV., occupies 

 the principal area of the grounds to the south and west of the Japanese residence. 

 Connected by corridors with the main block of living and reception rooms is 

 a set of Tea Rooms for the practice of the Tea Ceremonial, designed in the frail 

 and delicate style which characterises such bijou constructions. The front Tea Room 

 looks out upon a little garden illustrated in Plate XXV., remarkable for its natural 

 loveliness. It has in every respect the semblance of a wild mountain dell deeply 

 shaded with maple trees and evergreens, in the centre of which is a rocky bed 

 resembling the parched channel of a valley rivulet. Among the boulders of this water- 

 course is a naturally hollowed stone which serves as a water-basin. To the right 

 and left may be seen stone lanterns partly hidden amidst the foliage. The windows 

 of the Tea Room open on a level with the bottom of this hollow, which is en- 

 closed by hills and banks thickly planted and ornamented with occasional rocks and 

 a miniature stone pagoda. Ascending the slopes, a small upper garden is reached, 

 with winding walks of stepping stones, an enormous natural rock, bush-clad hillocks, 

 and surrounding escarps quaintly faced with stone. This area is divided from the 

 lake-garden by a low rustic fence constructed of wood, bamboo, and broom; it is 

 entered by a tiny gateway picturesquely roofed with thatch. This Tea Garden ex- 

 emplifies to perfection the wild sequestered character which is often given to such 

 garden designs. 



