GARDEN DESIGN IN THE NETHERLANDS 



189 



stage. The wings were of hedges closely trimmed and formed backgrounds 

 to a series of leaden statues. The back of the stage was a permanent 

 architectural composition. These theatres were often constructed of 

 treillage, but naturally, none so made are now in existence. An ephemeral 

 element such as treillage is particularly suited for a garden theatre. 



The hedges were invariably of hornbeam, which seems to thrive well 

 in the light, sandy soil of Holland ; they were kept well trimmed and occa- 



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SOETENDAEL ON THE VECHT. 



sionally cut into fanciful forms. Sometimes the fruit gardens were sur- 

 rounded by brick walls, their plan consisting of a series of concave and convex 

 curves for the better protection of the fruit. The Dutch may be said to have 

 introduced the hot-house, and early examples of such buildings with their 

 heating arrangements are still to be met with. 



A Haarlem country seat is thus described in 1748 in a letter. The 

 writer, after expatiating on the number of villas round the town, says : " I 

 walked to Madame Redelyk's country seat, situated quite close to the mooring 



