XII. 

 HEDGES. 



LIPPED hedges with straight and formal out- 

 lines are sometimes desirable for protection 

 against wind and dust, and injury from dogs 

 and other animals running about. A hedge, 

 although formal in appearance, can be made 

 a very useful as well as ornamental object. Of course, 

 when straight lines are used in a garden, they must be 

 exactly straight and uniform from beginning to end. The 

 contrast between these smooth-cut rows of vegetation and 

 the free and graceful shrubs and trees within is rather 

 pleasing than otherwise, and if a small place is isolated it 

 looks forlorn without such an enclosure. When an entire 

 street is planted upon a uniform plan a hedge is out of 

 place, because the effect is there one united whole, and as 

 such, ornamental. But even here the back of the lot may 

 be enclosed without disturbing the general character of the 

 lawns and the street. In bleak and windy positions, espe- 

 cially far north, a screen planting becomes indispensable in 

 addition to the hedge. 



Hedges may be planted either on flat ground, when the 



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