Summer-houses and Arbours

THE larger Japanese gardens are invariably provided with one or more Summer-houses or Arbours, placed on prominent elevated spots, in order that they may afford either a charming view of the garden itself, or of a beautiful outside prospect. These structures vary from the simplest open shed, sheltering a few moveable seats, to elaborate miniature houses with raised and matted floors, doors, and windows. The latter kind merge into the class of buildings specially intended for performing the Tea Ceremonial,� structures to be noticed later under the head of Tea Gardens.