MANAGEMENT OF OLD TREES 55 



at the top, these should have a line stretched length- 

 ways along the ground, another along the base of the 

 battlements, and another along the top of the battle- 

 ments ; and whatever size and width the battlements 

 are, say, for instance, two feet high and two feet in width 

 between them, a stick cut exactly two feet in length 

 or a two-foot rule should be used to measure the exact 

 height and distance between the battlements ; and if 

 those precautions are taken, any person with a fair 

 knowledge of the art of clipping can hardly with ordinary 

 care and attention get wrong ; as, after all, the work of 

 clipping Topiary trees is not so difficult as might be 

 expected. 



There are several points that should always be 

 remembered. Symmetry and shape are necessary to make 

 a good tree ; and this may be said to be the first and 

 most important factor in the work. Another point is to 

 take particular care that the shears do not cut off more 

 than is necessary. By that I mean, never to allow the 

 shears to cut deep enough into the tree to make a 

 hole. Another very important point to aim at is to give 

 the tree as smooth and even an appearance as possible 

 after the work is finished. I am perfectly aware that, 

 in a large collection of yews or other clipped trees, there 

 are always some that it is impossible to clip properly, on 

 account of weak growth, or some other cause. For 

 instance, trees that are growing in a part of the 

 garden where they are fully exposed to wind and storm 

 are almost certain to get into an unhealthy condition. 

 The growth becomes weak and stunted, or perhaps the 

 branches get worked out of place, or even die out 

 altogether. In the case of trees of that description, no 

 matter how much tying is done or how carefully they 

 are clipped, they can never be made to have the same 

 appearance as those that are full of young growth and 

 are in a healthy and vigorous state. 



