VI 



THE HOLLIES AS HEDGE PLANTS 



ALTHOUGH several species of Ilex 

 would be of value for the formation 

 of hedges, the "Common Holly" is 

 so easily obtained, so eminently fitted 

 for the purpose, and so generally esteemed in all 

 countries where it thrives, that it has been 

 unnecessary to try other sorts which it is difficult 

 to procure in suitable quantities. In America, 

 I. opaca, which is to America what I. Aquifolium 

 is to Britain and southern European countries, is 

 used in much the same way as the " Common 

 Holly" is here, and is said to form excellent 

 hedges. 



The usefulness of the Holly for forming hedges 

 has been appreciated for a very long period, and 

 quite three centuries ago we find that it was 

 requisitioned for the purpose in British gardens. 

 Even much longer ago than that we find evidences 

 of hedges having been formed of the Holly. In 

 1838 a correspondent to the Floricultural 

 Cabinet, p. 198, in writing about Hollies says, 

 " Columella seems to have recommended the 



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