THE OSAGE ORANGE AS A HEDGE PLANT. 



style of art ; but the modest gardens of suburban amateurs may possess the orna- 

 mental objects and rural buildings, as spirited in design and as well proportioned as 

 the more expensive and ornate villa. 



We present an original design which may be varied in the construction where 

 expense is an object; the turned posts, for instance, might be supplied by cedar in 

 the rough state ; the sawed ornaments around the top may be made by machinery, 

 and the whole filling in, if necessary, may be composed of lath neatly colored. 



To a gentleman fond of handling tools, rustic work offers a field of amusement in 

 the winter months, and he may easily form himself into a master builder; with a 

 little exercise of ingenuity, and a good model, efi'ects may be produced that will 

 prove highly ornamental. 



i'he present structure is well adapted for running vines. 



THE O-SAGE ORANGE AS A HEDGE PLANT. 



BY JOHN GAGE, GAGE'S LAKES, ILLINOIS. 



J. J. Smith. — Dear Sir : I have just received the Horticulturist. In the August 

 number, page 34:6, are some remarks about the Osage Orange so much at variance 

 with my experience here, in Northern Illinois, lat. 42° 20' north, that I deem it 

 important to notice it. 



This great western prairie country, from here to the Rocky Mountains, has not 

 one-fourth timber enough on it to fence it; and it is a matter of vast importance for 

 people to know that there is a plant thoroughly tested that will make a good and 

 cheap hedge. 



You say, "This plant" (the Osage Orange,) "has some very good qualities for 

 the purpose," (of a hedge) "but it requires great attention — more it has often been 

 found than the generality of busy farmers can afibrd to give it; if neglected, it runs 

 wild, loses its lower branches, which at the best must be interlaced after the first 

 cuttings, or they will adiiiit the smaller animals. Another disadvantage is that it is 

 a greedy feeder, extends its roots far and wide, and exhausts the crop of its proper 

 food to some distance in the field. * * * Qur own opinion is, that in a vast 

 portion of cases the Osage Orange, witliout great attention, will prove a disappoint- 

 ment." 



You want the Horticulturist to do as much good and as little harm as possible, 

 and so do I. A good hedge plant xocll and generalhj used, would be worth millions 

 to this vast prairie country, but it is worth nothing until it is used, and it will require 



long time to bring even the best plant into general use ; therefore, those who have 

 public ear should be careful how they throw obstructions in the way of so im. 



