PLANTING AND MANURING 
BEForeE planting operations are taken in hand, the beds 
should first be thoroughly prepared, and made ready 
for the reception of the trees. As with everything else 
connected with the management of a garden, a good 
beginning, followed by careful attention and proper 
treatment, generally means a successful result. Although 
the yew is a gross feeding tree, it will thrive fairly 
well in almost any poor soil; but it is advisable only to 
plant in a soil of a nature that will, as far as possible, 
suit the requirements of the various trees it is intended 
to carry. Everything that can be done at this period to 
ensure the future success of the garden should be care- 
fully attended to. 
It must be borne in mind that a Topiary garden when 
completed will in all probability endure for an indefinite 
length of time—perhaps for hundreds of years. Any 
extra labour or expense devoted to the work of initiation 
will, therefore, be fully repaid in the future. 
If the land that has been selected for the garden is 
composed of loam of a rich, mellow nature, all that 1s 
necessary will be to trench the ground two or three 
“spits” deep. If the soil is of a limestone composition 
it will be to the advantage of the yew trees, as these 
seem to grow well and vigorously in a soil of this kind. 
But if, on the other hand, the soil be of a poor, hungry 
nature, it will be advisable to remove it altogether, to 
the depth of two or three feet, replacing it with good 
loam of a more suitable character. 
Nothing will answer this purpose better than the top 
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