Japanese Landscape Gardening 
TREES. 
Before giving a full account of the vegetation in Japanese 
gardens one must mention that a particularly noteworthy tree is 
always found among several others of less importance. No. i, 
termed “Principal Tree” (. Shojin-boku ), is a pine or an oak 
well grown, accompanied by other trees with thick foliage. 
No. 2, called “Perfection Tree” (. Keiyo-boku ), is only second 
in importance to No. i. Its trunk, branches, and foliage are 
objects of particular interest. No. 3, called “ Iree of Solitude 
(, Sekizen-boku ), may be either single or grouped, but must 
always have thick foliage. It is intended to give shade and to 
impart a very secluded aspect to the garden. No. 4, called 
“Cascade Circuit” ( takigakoi ), consists of a number of low 
trees or even bushes, dhey are planted around the waterfall in 
such a manner as to shelter the cascade from too much bold 
exposure to the eyes. No. 5 > having the name of Setting 
Sun” ( Sekiyo-boku ), is planted in the background of the garden. 
The tree is planted to turn westward, and is intended to screen 
the garden from the rays of the setting sun. I he tree best 
adapted for the purpose is generally maple, or, if this cannot 
be obtained, at least another red foliage tree should be pro¬ 
cured that would produce a striking effect under the evening 
sunshine. They are sometimes replaced by the cherry and 
plum tree. No. 6 is called the “Perspective Pine” (. Mikosi - 
matsu); it is designed to give an effect of extended distance 
and naturally is placed behind a garden or in a place partly 
concealed. No. 7 goes by the name of the “Outstretching 
Pine” ( Nag ash i-matsu) , suggesting branches overhanging a 
stream or a lake. This is generally a single evergreen tiee 
in the foreground with branches outstretching over a stream. 
Other accessories are : A, a well, with a weeping willow , 
B, a lantern, just close to the tree No. 2—the light from the 
lantern is thrown over the water; C, the back-gate of the gar¬ 
den ; D, a bridge leading from the mainland to the lake islet; 
E, small passway on a plank; F, an arched stone bridge with 
moulded stone parapet; G, a water basin with a sink and a 
pool ; H, a stone lantern behind the water-basin. The step¬ 
ping-stones in the foreground guide the steps of a stroller 
from the garden to the veranda, while the entire ground is 
covered with well-prepared earth. 
140 
