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 
tin: 
-~ 
te. 
