54 HEDGES,, WINDBREAKS., SHELTERS, ETC. 



however, to imply that any hedge of any sort will be 

 worth having after a protracted season of shifting 

 for itself. The arbor-vitae grows dense and stout 

 lower branches, and I have left a fine hedge (during 

 a season of illness) untrimmed for one full year. 



Bear in mind that the arbor-vitae is capable of 

 adjusting itself to a wide range of climate, and for 

 growth, hardiness and readiness to take the shears, 

 is also useful. I think it is found over as wide a 

 range of our Northern states as any evergreen that 

 we have. While fond of wet lands, it adapts itself 

 quite as well to dry soils, and I have it successfully 

 growing on knolls, ridges, and along the faces of 

 cliffs. The hemlock, after the spring trimming, 

 sends out a drooping growth which at the tip is 

 almost equal to florescence. It is best suited for low 

 hedges, and the arbor-vitae for taller ones. 



Select as a rule the evergreen that is native to 

 your section. You will best understand its growth, 

 and can secure the soil it desires. Do not think that 

 because the tree is native it is less desirable in culti- 

 vated grounds. The finest ornamental lawns in 

 America, including their hedges, have a preponder- 

 ance of shrubs and trees selected from adjacent wild 

 land. You will find a veritable revelation when 

 once you have set yourself to a study of your vege- 

 table neighbors. You will also find that you can 

 have for the digging some of nature's finest treasures. 



I have not attempted anything like a full list of 

 evergreens suitable for hedges and similar work. 

 Indeed, ve/y few are unsuited to this purpose. 

 Among the best are the following, with golden 

 foliage : 



