286 THE PRACTICAL PLANTER. 



have been anxious to bring our fence to a 

 pitch of perfection. Having accomplished 

 it, we are now solicitous to preserve it so. 



First, keep it clear of all noxious weeds 

 or plants, as bramble, broom, whins, &c. 

 which might encumber, or occasion gaps in 

 its sides. Secondly, trim up the heads or 

 branches of trees, which, by lying over, 

 bearing upon, or shading, might injure the 

 top. Thirdly, at each cutting, which should 

 be twice a year, in the fall, and at Mid- 

 summer, cut close in with the intention of 

 keeping it within bounds ; whether in re- 

 spect to the height, or to keeping the sides 

 or wings from spreading too far outward, and 

 shooting beyond the face of the ditch. And, 

 fourthly, when this cannot be accomplished 

 by the shears alone, use the hook and bill, 

 to reduce the stronger upward parts into due 

 bounds ; performing this gently, and on one 

 side at a time ; because, by cutting both sides 

 at once, and much to the quick, would occa- 

 sion just what we wish to suppress, namely, 

 an over-abundance of growth. 



Hedges thus treated will last for ages; 

 and, provided they are never suffered to run 



