INTRODUCTION 3 



of a quaint stage in the progress of horticulture, and 

 show what a wonderful vitality is possessed by yew, 

 box, and some few other evergreen shrubs. 



This little book, then, is not placed before the public 

 with any fervent hope that it will incite garden lovers 

 to at once sally forth with shears and scissors to attack 

 the nearest yew tree ; nor is it issued with a desire that 

 garden makers may be induced to plant clipped trees 

 extensively. Further, the " Book of Topiary " can 

 hardly be said to "supply a long felt want" in the 

 general sense in which that very hackneyed phrase is 

 used. Why comes it, then ? What are its claims to 

 popular consideration ? It comes to provide an hour's 

 reading upon one of the most distinct and interesting 

 branches of horticulture that the art has ever produced. 

 Its claims to consideration are, chiefly, that in it are 

 gathered together the main incidents that go to make 

 up the history of Topiary, and it presents to readers the 

 cultural experience of one whose opportunities for 

 gaining such experience are unequalled. 



Topiarian history is somewhat difficult to piece 

 together, and, so far as the writer is aware, no attempt 

 has hitherto been made to place such a history before 

 the gardening public. It is, therefore, modestly sug- 

 gested that this work is somewhat unique among books 

 dealing with horticultural subjects, and it is hoped it 

 may be found to deserve a position in every garden 

 library. 



C. H. CURTIS. 



