OLD-FASHIONED TOPIARY EFFECTS 
59 
ers and retreats of Yew or other evergreens, thus secur- 
ing the exclusiveness and privacy still so dear to many 
English people. But there now being available trees 
and shrubs from different countries, supplying diverse 
form and size, it is no longer necessary to carve trees 
into various shapes to fit appropriate positions as of old; 
this modern topiary work, being more rational, is often 
very attractive when well placed in conjunction with suitable 
architecture and in formal plots, giving handsome dividing 
lines and shelters and a strong background for floral color. 
many examples from the 
hands of the "vegetable sculp- 
tor” are still to be seen in 
some of the old English gar- 
dens where they are cherished, 
not on account of their 
beauty, but for traditional 
associations and the interest 
and curiosity they inspire. 
Modernized topiary work 
still remains a feature of the 
pleasure grounds on many 
British estates, a trace of the 
Tudor aspect being retained 
in the rectangular inclosures 
walled with ornamental 
hedges, the alcoves for statu- 
ary or seats, the "pleached’’ 
(tree-arched) walks, the bow- 
