FORMATION OF A TOPIARY GARDEN 43 
thing of this description is altogether out of keeping 
with the general features of a Topiary garden. There 
may be a slight objection to box edging on account of 
the difficulty of getting it to grow well in certain soils. 
Generally speaking, I have never had the slightest 
difficulty in getting it to flourish and remain in a healthy 
condition, provided it gets proper treatment. I have 
some boxwood at Levens which has not been relaid for 
nearly, if not quite, a hundred years; and yet it is ina 
strong, healthy state. 
When the portion of the garden intended to be 
devoted to Topiary gardening has been laid out, attention 
should be given to the other portion of the grounds; 
and, as none of the old formal gardens were considered 
to be complete without a bowling-green and hedges of 
yew, horn-beam, or holly, a bowling-green should be 
made and then enclosed by one or another of these 
species of hedge. 
Any additional space not required for lawns or 
terraces should be made into fruit and vegetable 
quarters. If it can be found convenient to have the 
vegetable garden separate from the other, so much the 
better ; as any space not absolutely required may then 
be utilised for fruit trees only. Old apple trees, with 
their gnarled stems and branches, with here and there a 
branch of mistletoe hanging among them, are picturesque 
objects enough among any surroundings. 
In the grounds, as well as in the garden, grass walks 
should predominate between the hedges, and in the 
quarters devoted to fruit trees and vegetables. Indeed, 
wherever a path or walk is necessary, it should be 
grassed, if possible. 
