Page:Japanese Gardens (Taylor).djvu/14

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JAPANESE GARDENS

disposal allowed it, I do not present a complicated crib on the theme, which some one who has never seen a Japanese garden, nor even sniffed the strange, not over-sweet, odour of Japan at all, could do. I promise to intrude with the hideous technicalities, that only bristle for the subject on paper, as little as may be for a grasp of the ideas that are the foundation of the art. If, with the sympathy which I feel for all forms of Japanese art, and for this gentle one in particular, I can convey to others anything of the peace and restful charm, the delicate and fine delight, that a well-arranged Japanese garden can give (and they always are well-arranged, from the best to the poorest); if I can help the traveller to a little more understanding, which also means a greater pleasure, in them, or assist memory in recalling them; or, last to name, but first in reality, if I can add even a little to an appreciation of Mr. Tyndale's lovely garden studies, I shall be content.

I regret very much that I have not been able to retain the seasonal sequence of the illustrations. I have had to compromise by placing the pictures as nearly as possible in the order of the flowering time when they were painted, and where this was not possible with-