As already observed, there was no substantial change in the general plan of the garden that prevailed from the eighth down to the fourteenth century. A comprehensive idea of it may be obtained from what is described in "Sakuteiki" (Notes on Garden making), which was probably published in the thirteenth century, being considered our oldest book on the subject now existing. Such a garden was the type known as Shinden type conforming to the symmetrical architecture of the same style. It had a large pond with a cascade, a stream, an island, groups of stones and trees so placed as to be enjoyed from the house. The book describes in detail all its phases, laying out principles of how to be natural, many of which are still upheld to the present day.
