136 



state, can scarcely be supposed capable 

 of; name!}', standing by, as an uncon- 

 cerned spectator of the ruin of his hedges, 

 and the spoihng of his corn. 



Often, however, while the hedger is 

 racking his invention, to find ways and 

 means to repair the damage made by 

 these very trees, the great command — 

 " Thou shalt not lop or crop," — is for- 

 gotten : their branches are hacked off, 

 for the purpose ; and hence we have 

 protitbera72ces, knots, rottenness, liollouiiess, 

 unnatural brandies, and dead tops. 



It is not said, that it would be desira- 

 ble entirely to discontinue the growing of 

 trees in hedge-rows, even where grain is 

 grown ; for a few may be permitted, under 

 a good system of management, any where. 

 Among grass fields, it is the excess, and 

 abuse, in the practice, which are princi- 

 pally complained of. Certainly, so far as 



