148 FARMER'S ASSISTANT. 



by Mr. Quincy, of Massachusetts, which is, first, to culti- 

 vate the ground, intended for bearing the hedge, with pota- 

 toes; having it properly manured, and kept clear of weeds; 

 as this, or some similar preparative, is calculated to form a 

 bed of the most promising nature for the future growth of 

 the thorn, when set out ; and also, for forming a sward of 

 grass on each side of the hedge, when such should be formed. 



The sward should not approach the young trees too 

 closely at first; but a small strip, in which the trees stand, 

 should be kept clear of grass and weeds, in order to accel- 

 erate the growth of the trees; and, where this part lies 

 much exposed to be washed by heavy rains, it should be 

 covered with small stones, or otherwise, until such tirm as 

 the sward may immediately surround the young gro- th. 

 without its thereby receiving essential injury. 



The advantage to be derived from keeping young trees 3 

 of this or any other description, free from grass and weeds, 

 about the roots, is to enable them to start with more vigor 

 at first; for, after their advance in growth has become 

 more established, by the wider extension of the roots, their 

 future growth will not be so much impeded by the incum- 

 brances of weeds or grass, which at first may prove so 

 troublesome. 



When the plants of thorn are about two feet high, they 

 should be s,et out in a single row, on the bank, or on the 

 surface, as the case may be, at the distance ot about eight 

 inches apart, and beded in good mould, 



Mr Miller directs that, before transplanting, they should 

 be cut off at the height of about eight inches from the 

 ground ; and that, after having had a years growth, they 

 should be headed down, similar to the manner directed By 

 Mr Forsyth. 



See FRUIT-TREES. 



Which operation will produce a stronger and thicker 

 growth. A sufficient number of sprouts from this growth 

 are to be trained up; and when they get to about the height 

 of six or seven feet, or less where they grow on a bank, 

 the tops are to be cut down to an uniform height, and the 

 trees to be trimed, and then plashed. 



Before these operations, we will say the young trees ex* 

 hibit an appearance something like the following : 



