290 THE PRACTICAL PLANTER. 



vided there be one, should be scoured out, 

 and dressed up in all respects as described 

 in the preceding Section ; and, if the fence 

 is properly attended to, in regard to pruning 

 or clipping, as also there directed, it may last 

 for many succeeding years. 



%dly. CUTTING. OVER OLD HEDGES is a 

 much less expensive mode of renewing or 

 reclaiming them, than the above ; and in 

 most cases, is more commendable ; whether 

 considered in the light of producing brush- 

 wood for fuel, dead-hedging, &c. or in that 

 of affording the opportunity of more effec- 

 tually training and shaping it afterwards for 

 a durable fence. 



The manner of cutting must be regulated 

 by circumstances according to the age, the 

 strength, the closeness of the hedge ; and 

 whether planted in a single, or in double 

 rows. . 



If the hedge in question be pretty vigo- 

 rous, and branching towards the bottom ; 

 and if the stems stand regularly and closely 

 together, although the top be ragged and 

 straggling, it may be brought into due sub- 

 jection, without being cut down to the 



