LANDSCAPE GARDENING IN JAPAN 
T he convincing artistic effects coupled with a subtle 
Oriental symbolism found in the gardens of the 
Japanese, have made them interesting studies always. 
Japanese paintings by ancient artists enshrine the valor of 
their Samurai ancestors for over two thousand years and 
speak to her sons of to-day of the glorious history of their 
unconquered land, while in their landscape gardening 
ancient traditions and legends are preserved. The lan¬ 
terns, stone or wood, the shrine, the basin and the brook or 
pool, each tells a story, while the relative positions of the 
guardian stone, the cliff' stone, the worshipping, wait¬ 
ing, seat of honor, pedestal and idling stones, which form 
a part of every complete garden, all have a definite place in 
the general scheme. 
Mr. Edmund Buckley in a most comprehensive article on 
this subject tells us that a garden is “planned to accord 
with the sentiments of its owner. It may be the self-denial 
of the monk or the courage of the ancient Samurai. Or, 
again, the garden may suggest by means of natural or his¬ 
torical associations, such sentiments as those of peace, pros¬ 
perity, connubial felicity, and longevity. Many of tbe sub¬ 
jects familiar to us solely as Japanese art motives have also 
an inseparable symbolism in the land of their birth. Thus 
the plum signifies the renewed vigor of old age: the lotus 
signifies purity, perfection and peace: and Mount Fuji 
the serenity of greatness.” It is a most interesting study 
charmingly told and graphically illustrated. 
NEW YORK’S IMPROVED TENEMENTS 
The July number will contain the first of two articles on 
“New York’s Improved Tenements” by John W. Russell. 
The article will describe general tenement house conditions 
in New York City shortly before the Tenement House Act of 
1901, and will he illustrated by views of a tenement bouse 
block at that time, as well as of models of a block of the old 
“dumb bell” or “double decker” type of tenement and of 
the improved type brought into existence by the new law. 
The effect of the latter since January i, 1902, has been 
most beneficial and far-reaching. The recent Exhibit of 
Congestion of Population, which was held in New York, 
illustrated tenement conditions in that city in a striking 
way, and the article emphasizes the points thereby suggested. 
The strict enforcement of the law of 1901 is also discussed 
especially with regard to tenements built under the former 
law, and a summary of results is given. 
JAPANESE GARDENS IN AMERICA 
The construction of typical Japanese gardens in the form 
of ‘ ‘condensed landscapes,” is a comparatively new feature 
in American gardening. While splendidly developed types 
have appeared on various California estates, the gardens of 
the East have reached still greater perfection. Mrs. Phebe 
Westcott Humphreys has given the subject of Japanese 
gardening careful study; being well acquainted with the 
symbolisms of the art of Japanese gardening, and having 
visited and photographed characteristic types both in the 
East and the West, she is considered an authority on the 
subject. She will describe in a series of articles tbe 
American gardens that have most nearly approached Jap¬ 
anese perfection, beginning with one of the first to be 
introduced in the East—the Homer garden of Lansdowne, 
Pa. From this series many valuable lessons may be conned 
for applying the principles of Japanese gardens to American 
conditions; and the working plans of the Oriental craftsmen 
will be fully portrayed. 
“THE HOUSE OF THE SEVEN CHIMNEYS” 
Tbe interesting account of that unique home “ The House 
of the Seven Chimneys” by C. H. Claudy will be continued in 
the July issue. Additional pictures will be published show¬ 
ing further details both inside and out. There are few houses 
which can approach this one in uniqueness of design or in 
the multitude and variety of the quaint and curious ideas 
incorporated in its building. After reading the second part 
of this fascinating account, our readers will feel that the 
house is one with which they have been acquainted for years. 
TYPES OF AUTOMOBILES FOR SUBURBAN USE 
Tbe family that lives in the suburbs is in the best possible 
position to get the most use and enjoyment out of an auto¬ 
mobile with the least expense, provided judgment is exercised 
in the selection of a car. Points to be considered in making 
a choice are touched upon in a practical article by Harry 
Wilkin Perry, illustrated with carefully selected photographs. 
STABLE AND KENNEL 
In Mr. John Gilmer Speed’s Department, “Stable and 
Kennel,” will be found interesting and instructive articles on 
“Rabies in Dogs” by George H. Hart, Pathologist of the 
Bureau of Animal Industry, Department of Agriculture; 
“The Influence of ‘Indian Chief’ and ‘Harrison Chief’ 
blood in harness and saddle horses” by Mr. Speed and 
“ Dachshunds ” and “ French Bulldogs ” also by Mr. Speed. 
These articles will he profusely and beautifully illustrated. 
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