These charming dwarfed trees are entirely a product of the patience and skill of Japanese gardeners.  The dwarfing of these is kept a secret by them and has as yet never been found out [sic] or imitated to such a marvelous degree by any other nation.  While there are dwarf fruit-trees grown in Europe, especially in Germany and Holland, no such tiny specimens have ever been produced there.   The trees which are used for dwarfing by the Japanese embrace all varieties of conifers, such as pines, cedars, cryptomerias, junipers; many evergreens, such as ilex, Citrus trifoliata, etc.; some flowering plants like azaleas, maples; also some fruit trees, such as oranges and plums, which blossom and bear the most tiny fruits to perfection.
 

A JAPANESE DWARF TREE.	IT IMITATES A PINE OF A CLIFF BY THE SEA.

       It is claimed for some specimens of cedars that they are over five hundred years old.  These very ancient trees are handed down from father to son in some families, regarded as priceless heirlooms.  It is to be regretted that so many of these beautiful dwarfed trees are lost through ignorance of the attention they require.  The danger lies in overcare more than in neglect.  Too many people imagine that these pretty foreigners need especial attention and coddling, when, on the contrary, a great deal of fresh air, a reasonable amount of water, and not too much warmth are the chief requirements.  They are all hardy, and too much warmth in overheated rooms is sure to kill them [sic].
 

THIS MAKES ONE THINK OF HUGE LEDGES AND BOULDERS WITH OVERHANGING FERNS.	HERE OLD AGE LINGERS IN MINIATURE.

       These dwarf trees are especially pretty for dinner-table decorations, parlor ornaments, on verandas, etc.  Some of the larger and costly specimens make unique effects on spacious lawns, on terrace sweeps or balustrades.  I have known many a sick-room cheered by the loving care of one of these dainty little trees.
       They make their growth in the spring months, growing a tiny bit, the conifers such as cedars making a small lighter green growth at the edges of each leaflet, the pines growing a set of new ends to each cone, and the deciduous trees growing a new set of lovely foliage.  The azaleas cover themselves with a royal mantle of gorgeously colored bloom.
       Another and delightful showing of this art in Japan are whole miniature gardens laid out with small bridges, tiny rocks, waterfalls, mountains, and lakes.  Of these only very poor specimens have been shown in this country. 1 

1      Berger, H.H.  "Japanese Dwarf Trees," St. Nicholas, a magazine for boys and girls, Vol. XXXVII, December, 1909, pp. 168-169.  In the section "Nature and Science For Young Folks."