JAPANESE BELLS.  THE large temple bells of Japan have their clappers outside, in the form of a huge round beam of wood which is suspended horizontally behind the bell from a wooden frame, and when a certain impetus is attained by swinging the beam in rhythmical motion by means of a cord, it strikes the bell with force sufficient to prolong the vibrations for many minutes.  No sound can be imagined more beautiful or more appropriate, than the long swelling boom of a huge temple bell when heard reverberating through the grove of pinetrees which is always adjacent, for the sound is so completely and harmoniously in touch with the surroundings; and when, as is often the case, companies of pilgrims are seen resting in picturesque groups about the steps of the bell-tower, with pure white cotton robes, large straw hats, and pilgrim's staff, they form, with the red lacquered buildings of the temple, and the dark sombre hue of the pine groves, a most artistic coup d'oeil.
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