EVERGREEN HEDGES. 49 



from each other : first, those intended strictly for shelter 

 or to conceal unsightly objects ; and secondly, the true 

 ornamental hedge. The former requires less care, and is 

 intended mainly for the unfrequented portion of the 

 grounds, and very frequently needs no attention, excepting 

 an occasional clipping of the stronger branches and a head- 

 ing-in of the taller plants. 



What is needed more particularly in a screen or barrier 

 to break the force of storms, is a strong growing, hardy 

 species that is not easily affected by the wind, and such 

 we find in the hardier class of Pines and Spruces ; as the 

 White, Scotch, and Austrian Pines, and Norway Spruce. 



Although we find the common Red Cedar (J. Virgini- 

 ana), Chinese Arbor Yitse (JSiota orient alis), and the 

 common Juniper (Juniperus communis), occasionally rec- 

 ommended for this purpose, we are compelled to discour- 

 age their use owing to their unfortunate habit of dying out 

 near the base, and thus disfiguring the symmetry of the 

 screen as well as opening a passage for the cold winds. 

 This may not be the case throughout the West, and indeed 

 Dr. Warder, in his work on Hedges and Evergreens, 

 maintains the contrary opinion; but in the Eastern States 

 we have frequently noticed this drawback to their culture. 

 The late William Reid, of Elizabeth, K. J., than whom no 

 more skillful hedge-grower could possibly be found, stated 

 to the writer that these plants would never answer the 

 purpose, and that after several years of patient trial he had 

 entirely given them up. The American ArJ^or Vitae 

 ( Thuja occidentalis) affords an excellent protective screen, 

 in a small place ; but on an extensive scale, we prefer the 

 Pines and Spruces. 



The true ornamental hedge, to please the eye by its sym- 

 metrical proportions, and richness of color, should receive 

 a full amount of care and attention, for the neglect of one 

 season will very frequently cause it to become disfigured 

 3 



