SECRETARY'S PORTFOLIO. 387 



True, few sorts of evergreens are suitable for wind-breaks. But if pines and 

 spruces are disposed in an irregular belt or semi-circle, planted somewhat 

 alternate-wise about the northwest corner, the borders, front and rear, might 

 be varied by outposts of choicer specimens. Thus situated, fine evergreens 

 could develop properly and exhibit tiieir charms in their very best array. 



Acrain, in the retired nook that would be left in the ansjle behind tlie wind- 

 break proper, choice evergreens and other phmts of low growtii could be 

 mingled with natural bits of rock-work, and the whole reached from the lawn 

 by obscuring and winding paths. A varied and pleasing effect could in this 

 way be given a wind-break, which otherwise would lose its attraction with 

 the lapse of time. Large evergreens suited for shelter, pines and spruces, 

 seldom retain for many years an appearance that is attractive close at hand. 

 Need I exhort everyone to the practice of combining the useful and the 

 ornamental in lawn-plantin^^ as in other operations? Hardly; everybody must 

 already know the desirability of doing so. But perhaps everybody does not 

 realize in actual practice how exceedingly ornamental a useful thing may 

 be made. S. Parsons. 



HEDGES. 



HOXEY LOCUST FOR HEDGES. 



Some one inquired about honey locust for hedge, some time ago. I never 

 grew a hedge of it but have seen them grown, and know they make a good 

 hedge if properly managed. Here in New York, they are preferred to osage 

 orange, on account of their hardiness. Many object to them because they are 

 hard to grow. The secret of success in hedge growing, of any kind, is care 

 and attention during the first three or four years, and if this is given to honey 

 locust it will make a hedge every time. The plants must be good ones, vig- 

 orous and thrifty, and should be about of same size; at least, put all of same 

 size together, and not plant small and large ones promiscuously. Before 

 setting make the ground along the line, rich and mellow. After setting out, 

 the row must be cultivated and kept clean until the hedge is matured or 

 finished. Let the plants grow the first year, undisturbed, and then cut them 

 down to within three inches of the ground; second year, seven inches from 

 the ground ; third year, twelve inches ; fourth year, eighteen inches ; fifth 

 year, twenty-five inches; sixth \'ear, thirty-three inches; and seventh year, 

 heiojht desired for fence. This takes seven vears, but the fence is s^ood after 

 the fourth year. — Practical Farmer. 



THK JUJUBE TREE FOR A HEDGE. 



W. R. Smith, of the Botanic Gardens in AVashington, is reported as stating 

 that the Zisy2)lius vulgaris, or jujube tree, heads the list of hedge plants. It 



