FENCING. 271 



portion to their stems, than larger ones. In 

 the choice of quicksets respect should be 

 had to the roots, not the tops of the plants. 

 Being nursed, the season previous to removal 

 for hedging, in rich mellow earth ; and being 

 allowed sufficiency of room, kept clear of 

 weeds, &c.; is the best mode of preparation 

 whatever. 



But there is a double advantage in using 

 young plants as above. They are cheaper 

 they are fitter for exposed situations than 

 older ones; not because their tops are less 

 bushy, which, since they are to be cut over 

 about half their lengths before being planted, 

 is immaterial, but because they have better 

 proportioned roots to the size or strength of 

 the stems, and, of course, are better fitted to 

 seek pasturage for their common sustenance. 

 As above hinted, the stems of the plants 

 should be cut over about half their length, 

 or generally about six inches above the 

 ground-mark. This may be performed by 

 the hedge shears, or by gathering a handful 

 evenly, laying them on a block, &c. and 

 chopping them off with a hatchet. They 

 should be carefully raised, and every the 



