INTRODUCTION 3 
of a quaint stage in the progress of horticulture, and 
show what a wonderful vitality is possessed by yew, 
box, and some few other evergreen shrubs. 
This little book, then, is not placed before the public 
with any fervent hope that it will incite garden lovers 
to at once sally forth with shears and scissors to attack 
the nearest yew tree; nor is it issued with a desire that 
garden makers may be induced to plant clipped trees 
extensively. Further, the ‘‘Book of Topiary” can 
hardly be said to ‘‘supply a long felt want” in the 
general sense in which that very hackneyed phrase is 
used. Why comes it, then? What are its claims to 
popular consideration? It comes to provide an hour’s 
reading upon one of the most distinct and interesting 
branches of horticulture that the art has ever produced. 
Its claims to consideration are, chiefly, that in it are 
gathered together the main incidents that go to make 
up the history of Topiary, and it presents to readers the 
cultural experience of one whose opportunities for 
gaining such experience are unequalled. 
Topiarian history is somewhat difficult to piece 
together, and, so far as the writer is aware, no attempt 
has hitherto been made to place such a history before 
the gardening public. It is, therefore, modestly sug- 
gested that this work is somewhat unique among books 
dealing with horticultural subjects, and it is hoped it 
may be found to deserve a position in every garden 
library. 
C. H. CURTIS. 
