EXPERIMENTS WITH HEDGES 



15 



Malus ioeii^'is, var., Beciitel Crab. A .showy and popular ornaniental 

 apple; growth coarse and open, foliage coarse and badly attacked by yellow 

 rust (aecidiuin). Planted 1924. Has been a total failui-e as a hedge plant. 

 As this failure seems to follow from the habit of the plant rather than from 

 lack of adaptation to local conditions, it would appear that the Bechtel crab 

 may be definitely written off the list of hedge plants. Growth is too coarse 

 and the plant does not thicken up under the pruning sheai-s. 



Mlirlca cerifera. Bayberry. A clean and desirable native shrub especial' 

 ly well-known in tlie region along the seacoast where its waxy berries are 

 eagerly sought for decorations and for candle-making. It grows slowly with 

 a twiggy, bristly head bearing shiny very attractive foliage. The soil where 

 this lot is planted is probably too warm and dry, but the plants have lived 

 and thrived, except for their very slow growth. Shearing has not been tried, 

 and seems unpromising; but for a dwarf, unsheared hedge, in regions wliere 

 the species is hardy, particularly in coastal regions, it could be cordially 

 recommended. Its appearance is notably pleasing to the discriminating eye. 

 The habit of slow growth is less marked as the plants get older and become 

 established. Records taken in this experiment show an annual growth of 18 

 to 30 inches in recent years, indicating that some shearing might be given. 

 The hedge after 10 years' growth and without pruning is now 3 feet 6 inches 

 hiiih and looks better with each succeeding vear. 





veimiss:^ 



Mountain-Holly 

 A novelty in the line of hedges, but promising 



?> enxtiKiiitlius iiiui-rdiKitus. Mointaix-jiclly. A hardy naii\e slirub, 

 somewhat rare in nature and rarer still in horticultural use, but excellent for 

 planting nevertheless. Growth moderate, u])right, good foliage, interesting 

 red berries in autunui. Planted 192(), it now gives promise of making a good 

 hedge. It seems to siihmit graciously to the pruning shears. Attractive as a 

 noveltv and thoudit worthv of further trial. 



