" The iris blues tlie land in June 

 When suzumuchis are in tune. 

 In each pondlet lotus blows, 

 Filling pools with fragrant snows. 



" November skies are dull and grey. 



'Tis then the Kiku holds her sway. 



Perfect, golden, pink or rose, 



Almost every shade that grows. 



May be gathered in Japan, 

 Flowery land of Kiku-San." 



The place which a bouquet should 

 occupy in a room is also important, 

 and it is usually put before the kake- 

 mono, or painting which ornaments 

 every well-furnished room in a Japan- 

 ese house. There should always be 

 harmony between the picture and the 

 bouquet. Thus, before every painting 

 by the famous artist To-em-mei, who 

 loved chrysanthemums, should be 

 placed a vase of these flowers. Neither 

 is it good taste to stand too near 

 a vase of flowers. Three feet is a 

 respectful distance from which to ad- 

 mire it. Approbation should be ex- 

 pressed in a low voice, simply and 

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