34 THE BOOK OF TOPIARY 



steadily developed, securing options on these and 

 purchasing all that were well advanced. As already 

 hinted, the Dutch " Boomkmeckers," or nurserymen who 

 cultivate clipped trees as a special business, are by no 

 means a numerous class, they chiefly reside in the 

 Boskoop district. 



Churches of box and peacocks of yew are not 

 imported without the expenditure of a good deal of 

 time and money, and obviously there is some risk in 

 removing large examples. One big tree that for sixty 

 years had been the chief ornament of a Dutch black- 

 smith's garden was only purchased after a whole day 

 spent in persuasion and the consumption of much 

 Schiedam, and after the purchase was made another 

 week was spent in lifting and packing and removing the 

 tree to the London steamer. 



There is a great variety of form in the Dutch clipped 

 trees, but spires surmounted with birds seem to be 

 among the most common and are as easy to produce 

 as most. For these, and for the peacocks and the spiral 

 or serpentine columns, yew is almost invariably used. 

 Tables, with tops either circular, oval or square, 

 may be had in box or yew, and the leg of the 

 table may be plain or ornamented according to taste. 

 The arm-chairs in box have quite a comfortable and 

 inviting appearance. Sitting hens, geese, and ducks are 

 common designs, and to protect the verdant poultry one 

 may obtain equally verdant dogs, with or without 

 kennels, but though the mastiff may be of quite 

 ferocious mien he can be warranted not to bite ; more- 

 over he will require very little in the way of food and 

 the noise he makes will disturb no one. 



Churches are quite common designs among topiarists, 

 but it is interesting to notice that seldom is there a 

 doorway provided, and obviously if there is no congrega- 

 tion there will be no collection taken. The churchyard 



