MAPLE GARDEN AT TAKINOGAWA.  The photograph represents the famous maple garden of Takinogawa, a place of popular resort in the Fall.  No tree presents such a rich autumnal foliage as the maple which is so admired by the Japanese that there is scarcely a garden of any size in Japan, where two or three species of this tree are not cultivated.  Maple leaves are profusely employed as dress patterns, and are a favorite subject of arts.		MARRIAGE CEREMONY.  There is almost no end of formalties connected with the nuptial alliance in Japan, commencing with the “Miai” or the fist meeting of the prospective bride and bridegroom and the subsequent exchanges of engagement presents.  Here marriage is purely a matter of domestic arrangement and has no legal force at all.  The Nakodo, or middle man, having made preliminary arrangements an auspicious day will be appointed for the marriage ceremony.  On the occasion, as represented in the photograph, the bride and bridegroom drink nine little cups of sake together, in the presence of the Nakodo, that they may drink together the cup of joy or sorrow that may come in course of their lives.  After this, the newly made couple are introduced to their relatives and friends, who have been invited to celebrate the occasion.
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