On Hedging. es 35 
en) 
be carefully kept from them until they are out of dan- 
ger. 
A better than either of these can be executed when, 
the field enclosed, is incommoded with stones. 
Having the hedge-course ploughed and harrowed 
level in the spring of the fourth or fifth year, the stones 
are to be gathered from the land, and the largest ones 
first laid along side of the hedge; having marked a 
space in width, proportioned to the quantity that can 
be had, or is capable of containing as many of them as 
are deemed sufhcient; they are to be laid somewhat 
regular, so as to form a sort of loose pavement or dia- 
gonal wall with its upright face about fourteen inches 
high, bearing against the stems of the plants. The in- 
terstices among the large stones may be filled up with 
the smaller, so as to close every opening against the 
Srowth of weeds or perennial plants. 
This will not only be an excellent barri¢ade against 
swine, but will also tend to enrich the soil and promote 
the growth of the hedge ; but it must not be attempted 
before the stems of the plants at the surface of the 
ground, have acquired the size of a stout walking cane, 
as the stones will harbour field mice, and other animals 
that would gnaw the roots of small plants but will not 
trouble such as are of the size mentioned. 
Where stones cannot be obtained, another method 
may be taken to close the bottom ofa hedge. Aftera 
course of flat rails, similar to those that are used in post 
and railing, are fixed along the inside, with their faces 
bearing against the hedge and rais¢d a few inches from 
the surface—held in their places by small stakes or 
wit. 
