FLOWERING AND OTHER HEDGES 313 



be clipped at almost any time, but for the first year 

 or two should be cut hard back before growth begins 

 in the spring. Neglect of this leads to a hedge that 

 is leafy at the top but bare at the bottom. In this 

 note the use of Privet is not wholly condemned, but 

 it must be understood its use is not recommended. 

 We have never seen a Privet hedge that ever looked 

 respectable for any length of time. We have not 

 a Privet hedge in the garden, and hope to be always 

 free from such an affliction. 



LAURELS. Any of the various forms of the Common 

 and Portugal Laurels with the types are suitable for 

 what may be called second-rate hedges, the best 

 being the Pyramid Portugal, which is a smaller- 

 leaved and more upright-growing kind than any of 

 the others. With the exception of the last-named, 

 all the Laurels make hedges rather wide for their 

 height, and all require much attention to keep them 

 in proper shape. All should be clipped in June, 

 after the first growth is made ; they will then make 

 another short growth, which will keep the hedge 

 in good condition until the following year. The 

 Pyramid Portugal has leaves about half the size of 

 those of the type and quickly makes a hedge. It 

 is rather more expensive than the commoner Laurels, 

 but it moves well, and does not become bare at the 

 bottom. 



OSMANTHUS ILICIFOLIUS. This plant has not 

 been much used for hedges, but it makes a very good 

 one if carefully looked after during the first year or 

 two. It somewhat resembles the Common Holly, 



