Hedges : their Formation and Management 185 



way of draining and trenching, to the plants intended to be 

 inserted. 



In all cases we have found it well to have the ground along 

 the line of fence trenched to a depth of 2 ft., and about 

 3 ft. in width, and a quantity of manure incorporated at 

 the same time. If this can be done some months before 

 planting the thorns or other fence plants, so much the better, 

 as it gives time for the loosely upturned soil to get mellowed 



HEDGING TOOLS. 



and sweetened, as also for the manure to get well decom- 

 posed. In all cases it may not be necessary to apply manure, 

 but, where the soil is at all poor, the addition of a quantity 

 of well-rotted manure has a wonderful effect in stimulating 

 the quick into active and strong growth. The vigorous 

 and rapid growth of a hedge, when the soil has been well 

 worked and manured, is remarkable, and in all cases the 

 labour and outlay expended on the fence is amply repaid. 



