18 MASS. EXPERIMENT STATION JULI.ETIN 27'2 



in tliis c'xi)criiiiciit. The older ])lantiiiii- after ](> years is a tliiek, siiiooili, liand- 

 soiiie liedfic !■ feet liigli and i feet itroacl. In snniniers of drought tlie foliage 

 has yellowed somewhat and thinned out peree])til)ly, yet at all times this hedge 

 has been the admiration of visitors. Uegidar and earefid ])rnning is required, 

 jireferably t\\ice each summer. On suitable soil with reasonable attention the 

 white ]iine may be confidently jilanted for hedges and primed to any moder- 

 ate dimensions, from a lieight of t feet up as far as a ladder and })runing 

 shears will reach. 



The second lot, ])lantcd in lS)"i(), is merely repeating the history of the 

 first planting. 



These fine hedges are surpassingly beautiful when loaded with fresh snow. 



Rharniiu.f cafharfica, CojfMox Buckttioux. A strong hardy shrub for- 

 merly a fa\()rite hedge plant in New England but lately almost forgotten. 

 Strong upright growth, foliage dark green, fresh and clean, not subject to 

 disease or insect attack. Two lots have been used in the present experiment. 

 The first lot were poor plants, old and overgrown, and were planted too far 

 apart (3 feet). After several years of failure they were cut to the ground 

 (spring of 1929) and are now giving promise of better behavior. The second 

 lot, planted 2 feet apart and heavily cut back (1926) have done well though 

 they ha\e not }et shaped into a permanently satisfactory hedge. Experience 

 here would indicate that the common buckthorn is suitable for faii'ly large, 

 hea\y hedges. (• to Id feet high and of nearly ecpial width. 



Rhus ttiphiiia laciiiiata, Shrkdded Sujiac A curious horticultural form 

 of the native staghorn sumac having very much dissected foliage which gives 

 a surprisingly interesting and decorative effect. The j)lant grows very vigor- 

 ously, upright or sprawling, suckering. It was included in the experimental 

 plantings of 192() with tlic expectation that it w ould prove the most refractory 

 plant that could be chosen for hedge making — an expectation fully justified in 

 experience. It is absolutely and altogether unsuited to any sort of hedge use. 



Rose, F. J. Grootexdorst. In habit of growth this resembles the parent, 

 Rosa riKiosd. It is hardy, very thorny, strong and upright, with coarse, 

 glossy foliage. The bright red flowers, however, are borne on loose trusses 

 throughout the summer and are fairly good. Like jR. ru(josa this seems 

 adapted to the seashore, but will thrive in any garden with even moderately 

 good soil. It does not lend itself to shearing, but will make an excellent divi- 

 sion line with a mininmm of care. The old .stems should be cut out annually 

 down to the ground. Young shoots will make a growth of 2i/,-4' feet. 



Rose, Lord Jefferv. This is a form of the native Rosa palustris {Carolina) 

 of cleaner, stronger growth than the type, less inclined to sucker, and with 

 better lilooms. On the dry soil of this garden it thrives and makes a delight- 

 ful border, but does not suit well with the priming shears. For a somewhat 

 informal border it may be cordially recommended. 



The type, Rosa palustris, has also been tried but proves to be unpleasant- 

 ly weedy. 



Rosa rnultifiora. Jai-anese Rose. A strong sprawling hardy shrub with 

 attractive flowers and fruits. Planted 1921, removed 1921. Proved to be too 

 wayward for any form of hedge. 



Salix caprea, Goat Willow. This is one of tlie many varieties known as 

 a "pus.sy willow" and is desirable for spring forcing. If cut to the ground 

 early each spring (February) it makes a growth of 5-6 feet and forms a 

 u'ood garden border. Even in this capacity it has many superiors. 



