THE RAISING AND MANAGEMENT OF THORN HEDGES. 171 



middle with a circular saw, first fix with staples the strongest of 

 these to the wires, bark side out, at an angle of 45° and about 

 9 or 10 inches apart, then fix the smallest of the thinnings on top 

 of the first lot with nails, sloping them in the opposite direction. 

 This makes a very neat rustic fence, and looks very well in 

 pleasure-grounds or by a roadside. The tops can be cut level 

 when finished by stringing a line at the required level. 



Another good plantation fence can be made with the new 

 split-chestnut fencing, woven with wire, which is manufactured 

 by several firms. It is sent out in bundles of about 5 yards in 

 length, and is very suitable for mending gaps in hedges, being 

 easy to fix. A machine for making the above fencing should be 

 on every large estate, and might effect a great saving by utilising 

 large quantities of small wood which would otherwise simply go 

 to waste ; besides, it would find employment for estate workmen 

 in wet weather. 



As a proof that thorn hedges can be made successful under 

 proper management, the writer knows of a small estate in the 

 south of Scotland where most of the hedges were re-planted about 

 thirty years ago. Several small woods were also planted, with 

 young hedges around them. These hedges have been carefully 

 attended to, and at thirty years after planting make a splendid 

 fence which looks like lasting as long again if not longer without 

 any special treatment. They are close together without a hole 

 in them, are kept well slashed and are really beautiful to look 

 at. In these thirty years, I should say, three fences of posts and 

 rails of the kind mostly used in that district would have been 

 required. 



In conclusion, I am of the firm belief that when it is once 

 established and properly looked after, other conditions such as 

 soil being suitable, nothing can beat a thorn hedge as a fence 

 either for arable land or plantations. 



