268 THE PRAQTICAL PLANTER. 



It is observable, that, in this species of 

 fence, the young quicks rise much faster, 

 comparatively) in all soils and situations what- 

 ever, than in those without top-dykes. I ac- 

 count for it thus : The roots are bedded in 

 the good surface mould only ; by the pressure 

 of the wall or dyke, the banking is consoli- 

 dated, and the moisture determined to the 

 roots of the plants ; and the wall not only 

 acts as a screen or defence against the wind, 

 but reflects the rays of the sun upon the 

 plants, greatly improving the immediate cli^ 

 mate. 



As, in many cases, the cutting down, 

 plashing, repairing, and otherwise reclaim- 

 ing of old hedges, becomes a matter of pru- 

 dence, whether for the sake of the live-fence, 

 for that of the brushwood to form dead 

 hedges, or for fuel in places destitute of a 

 supply of that article ; I allot a Section for 

 the purpose, in which I will endeavour to 

 set forth the most simple methods. 



For conveniency of situations, where, 

 from the nature of the sub-strata, it may be 

 found impracticable to make ditches; anc{ 



