24 HEDGES., WINDBREAKS, SHELTERS, Etc. 



and helps it to absorb nitrogen. The soil under a 

 mulch of coal ashes will be found to be friable and 

 rich. I have seen the most barren ground made into 

 a rich garden with nothing but coal ashes forked in 

 in considerable quantity. I use it about young apple 

 trees to prevent the borer from working ; it is equally 

 good about all other trees that are occasionally 

 attacked by boring insects. You will make no mis- 

 take in using anthracite coal ash about your hedge 

 row. You may place it on very heavily, and you 

 will find the result will be beneficial in all ways. It 

 will at least have checked the working of mice, and 

 in almost all cases have prevented it. 



SECTION II PLANTING DECIDUOUS HEDGES. 



(1) Size of Plants. Whatever the material, 1 

 prefer two-year-olds or sometimes three-year-olds 

 to yearlings. Such plants, to make rapid and satis- 

 factory growth, should be stocky to begin with, and 

 then cut sharply back. However, when long lines 

 are to be run, one-year-old plants will be generally 

 planted, and will probably be satisfactory. 



(2) Running Lines. When drives are to be 

 bordered, curves are frequently necessary. In this 

 case great care is needed at the outset, for if a mis- 

 take is made it is going to show worse and worse as 

 long as your hedge exists. My plan is to set small 

 stakes over the lines to be followed, and then to 

 go over these again and again, until I am quite 

 sure that my curves are where they should 

 be, to accommodate drives and to satisfy the 

 eye. At this point be sure that you do not 



