On Hedging. 15 
drought, that might happen, if the soil was naturally 
inclining to dry, more especially where the face of the 
bank might be fronting either the meridian or the three 
‘o’clock sun. A great deal more might be said as to the 
ditching method not being generally adapted for the 
United States: but those who have any doubts concern- 
ing the matter, and are desirous of being satisfied 
whether the way of plain hedging, or that of hedge and 
ditch is preferable, can have it determined by experi- 
ment, and after trying both they can judge for them- 
selves which is the best. ! 
In a rich, flat, humid soil, not very susceptible of in- 
jury to the plants from dry weather, or damage tothe ditch 
by heavy rains or severe frosts, it is probable that the 
hedge and ditch method of fencing may be suitable. ‘The 
nature of such soils renders ditching much easier, when 
free of roots, than in a strong heavy clay, ora soil inter- 
spersed with stones, made up of bedded flints, or render- 
ed almost impervious underneath by layers of cemented 
gravel. In such flat, soft grounds, independent of the 
notion of hedging, a large deep ditch will often be wanted 
to drain the land, and therefore this expense cannot with 
propriety be made an objection against the hedge and 
ditch mode of forming live fences. Whenever hedging 
comes into general repute, it is reasonable to expect 
there will be sufficient ingenuity found among the hus- 
bandmen in the various parts of the country, to dis- 
cover what methods are best adapted for their several 
local situations and circumstances, and also, what other 
aids can be introduced into practice, will naturally from 
time to time become manifest to the attentive observer. 
