No notice of the gardens [in Japan] would be complete without mention of the dwarfed trees, upon which horticultural sorcery [sic] has been carried to its extreme limits.  Professor Morse mentions seeing a blackened, distorted, and apparently dead stick, which quickly sent out long, delicate, drooping twigs soon to be covered with a wealth of beautiful rosy plum blossoms; also a pine tree not 2 feet in height, and with a flattened top 20 feet [sic] in circumference.  Siebold, in 1826, saw a full-grown oak which could be covered with the hand, lime trees in full bloom, yet not more that 3 inches high, and bamboos and pines of even smaller size.  On the other hand, the gardener prides himself on the enormous dimensions to which he can increase his flowers by careful selection, the variation he can effect in their leaves and petals, and the freaks of nature he can bring about.  These are the result of long-continued hereditary skill, this occupation usually passing from father to son.  [From Banreki, Figure] No. 104 shows a gentleman (distinguishable by his sword) pruning a pine tree.  It will be noted how daintily he handles his scissors: a delicacy of touch is one of the traits of the race, as it is of other Orientals, and has much to do with their deftness in dealing with the frailest and minutest metal-work, carving, or embroidery.
      Since the last edition of this book was published, these dwarf trees have been largely introduced into England, sales by auction being frequently held of imported specimens [sic].  The writer's experience of attempting to acclimate them to a London house has not been encouraging.  The dwarf cedars (Thuja [Chamaecyparis] obtusa), it is true, have lived now for more than a year, after passing most of the winter, at some cost, in a florist's conservatory, but the poor things have never looked happy, and a tree which excites commiseration rather than pleasure is not a fitting companion of the home.  For those, however, whose temperaments are otherwise disposed the following cultural instructions may be of use to the owner, and of service to the tree.
      DWARF CEDAR (Thuja [Chamaecyparis] obtusa). -- Quite hardy if proper care is taken; best kept out of doors the whole year round, but can be kept in a cool conservatory during the winter months without harm.  Will live in a well-ventilated London house during the summer months, but with freedom from gas.  Should be sent into the country for the winter.  Leaves should be syringed night and morning in hot weather, and in spring and summer water should be given two or three times a day, until it runs through the base of the pot.  In winter, much less water is required.  If the tree is plunged in the open air in ashes or fibre for the winter, the ball should be thoroughly moistened before plunging, and the tree would not then require to be watered till taken out in the spring.  Once in three years trees should be taken out of their pots, and the ball pruned back by 1 inch all round with a sharp knife, the tree should then be replaced in the same pot with fresh earth (Surrey loam) mixed with about one teaspoonful of bonemeal to every gallon of loam.
      DWARF LARCH (Larix). -- Perfectly hardy and will live all the year round in the open air.  Can also be used as table plants, but should not be kept permanently in a London house.
      FAN PALM (Chamaerops). -- Will live out of door all the year round in a sheltered spot.  Will also do well in a London house if the leaves are kept clean by being sponged with water.
      DOUBLE CHERRY (Prunus pseudo-cerasus). -- Should be kept in full sunshine all the summer, and the pots plunged in ashes on the south side of a wall during the winter.  Should be pinched back in the same way as in done in the case of fruit trees.
      PIGMY BAMBOOS. -- In late autumn, pigmy bamboos should be cut down to within an inch of the ground; fresh green shoots will then spring up in the spring, and the bamboo will thus keep its dwarf character. 1

1      Bonsai Journal, ABS, Vol. 2, No. 3, Fall 1968, pp. 3-4 and b&w cover illustration.  Foreword by Mary P. Case.  Submitted by Edward Watzik; The National Union Catalog, Vol. 259, pp. 527-528.