184 SYLVA BOOK i 



this is finish'd, you must guard both the top of your 

 bank, and outmost verge of your ditch, with a 

 sufficient dry-hedge, interwoven from stake to stake 

 into the earth (which commonly they do on the 

 bank) to secure your quick from the spoil of cattle. 

 And then being careful to repair such as decay, or do 

 not spring, by supplying the dead, and trimming the 

 rest; you shall after three years growth sprinkle some 

 timber-trees amongst them ; such as oak, beech, ash, 

 maple, fruit, or the like ; which being drawn young 

 out of your nurseries, may be very easily inserted. 



I am not in the mean time ignorant of what is said 

 against the scattering these masts and keys among 

 our fences ; which grown to over-top the subnascent 

 hedge, may prejudice it with their shade and drip: 

 But this might be prevented by planting hollies (proof 

 against these impediments) in the line or trench, 

 where you would raise standards, as far as they usu- 

 ally spread in many years, and which, if placed at 

 good distances, how close soever to the stem, would 

 (besides their stout defence) prove a wondrous decor- 

 ation, to large and ample enclosures: But to resume 

 our former work ; that which we affirm'd to require 

 the greatest dexterity, is, the artificial plashing of our 

 hedge, when it is now arrived to a six, or seven years 

 head ; though some stay till the tenth, or longer. 

 In February therefore, or October, with a very sharp 

 hand-bill, cut away all superfluous sprays and straglers, 

 which may hinder your progress, and are useless. 

 Then, searching out the principal stems, with a keen 

 and light hatchet, cut them slant-wise close to the 

 ground, hardly three quarters through, or rather, so 

 far only, as till you can make them comply handsome- 

 ly, which is your best direction, (lest you rift the 



