TREILLAGE 71 



We should not leave this branch of the subject without 

 allusion to the trellis fences at Versailles. They outline 

 the groves of nut and beech trees in that enchanted, 

 wonderful garden. We find them in two or more patterns, 

 and the battens are wired together. Thus is carried out 

 the idea of " woven with three threads," which we men- 

 tioned was the explanation of the trellis. The beech- 

 hedges are neatly clipped back to the fence, and their 

 leaves show like lace-work against it. 



When trellis-work was all the rage in France, during 

 the eighteenth century, the designs 

 that were wrought for it were con- 

 sidered of primary importance, 

 while the climbing plants trained 

 to it were hardly considered. In 



order to prevent the use of many FIG. 57. 



free-growing climbers, which might 

 hide the beauty of the artist's design, tin flowers and 

 leaves were used. 



We do not wish to see so artificial a revival as this ; 

 but it is the aim of exponents of the new school of garden 

 design to encourage the use of good trellis-work. So 

 long as beautiful trees, flowering shrubs, stately lawns 

 and terraces are valued first in our gardens, we can freely 

 make use of graceful woodwork for our other less striking 

 pictures. No garden is perfect unless it has surprises of 

 all sorts, and it is to hedge in quickly and make surprises 

 and interests that we look to the further use of trellis- 

 work. 



Thus students of garden craft need to be equipped with 

 ideas which can be carried out by their own workmen. 

 They should have tempting little sketch-books full of 

 designs which will apply to gardens large and small so 

 that their patron can select what he likes best. The 

 " gilded reeds " will be for small, dainty elf-gardens, the 

 bolder, taller woodwork frames for the manor-house. 



