690 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE. 
OSAGE ORANGE. 
L. B. C., MIssouURI, 
T write to ask if you can tell me of a way to destroy the osage orange hedge 
fence. This is becoming unpopular among the best farmers on account of the cost 
of trimming, making it hog-proof, and its taking the substance of the ground for 
such a wide space each side of it. Cutting it, letting it dry, and then burning will 
not do, as it will sprout again from the old roots. 
Answer.—The best method of destroying the hedge is to cut the tops of the plants 
so that the remaining stock and roots can be grubbed out, and the more effectually | 
these are removed the less trouble will result with suckers; but when these do ap- 
pear they should be hoed out as other weeds are destroyed. Plowing the ground 
deeply for several feet of each side of the original hedge line will break and bring 
to the surface some of the roots, every fragment of which should be removed. It 
will not be practicable to get rid of every piece of root at once, but if timely at- 
tention is given to the removal of such growths as may appear, the whole will 
eventually be eradicated. 
Respectfully submitted. . 
; WILLIAM SAUNDERS, 
Superintendent of Gardens and Grounds, Horticulturist, ete, 
Hon. Norman J. COLMAN, 
Conumissioner, 
