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On Hedging aiid Ditching, by William Neill, Delaware 

 County, Pennsylvania, 



Read July 9, 1811. 



16 Mile Stone, Phil. ^ Lan. Turnpike, 



June 8, 1811. 



Sir, 



According to promise I proceed to give you what 

 information I can, respecting a mode of hedging and 

 ditching, which in my opinion is the most complete 

 method yet found out, and if well done the cheapest 

 also, as you receive its benefit from the first day it is 

 made ; whereas in hedges planted on the surface you 

 have long waiting, and as much expense in protecting 

 them, as would complete your hedge and ditch at once: 

 nor will they be ever half so formidable when done ; 

 a country that abounds so much with hogs, requires 

 good fences, and if planted in the last mentioned way, 

 if they succeed ever so well, hogs will always work 

 through under : whereas the ditch and bank make all 

 so dark below that they will rarely attempt it. Many 

 other advantages attend it ; they are easier kept clear of 

 weeds ; the weight of the bank keeps a moisture about 

 the root ; they stand dry seasons better, grow quicker, 

 nor are they half so apt to die, as when planted in the 

 other way. Good ground always produces the best 

 hedge if managed properly : and although I had as poor 

 ground as any man in his senses could wish for, and it 

 was also high and dry, yet by manuring the ground, 

 and attention, I have four successive years planting, 



