50 THE BOOK OF - EVERGREENS. 



* 



to such a degree as to require several years to rectify the 

 damage caused by the remissness. 



After determining the location for the hedge, the ground 

 should be plowed or dug deeply, about four feet (or even 

 more) in width, and the plants set along the centre of 

 the pulverized strip. The proper distance apart for the 

 plants will be determined in a great measure by their size 

 and the species used. We prefer the height from 12 to 15 

 inches for Ai'bor Vita?, Hemlock, and other plants of me- 

 dium, and slender growth. In large screens, this distance 

 must be modified, and the plants set three, four, and even 

 a greater number of feet apart, according to the required 

 density of the screen. 



Nothing further is needed during the first season than 



dJ C7 



to trim off the tops of the larger plants, or an occasional 

 side shoot, that projects out further than the main portion 

 of the hedge. Always bear in mind that the ground must 

 be kept scrupulously clear of weeds, and be frequently 

 stirred. Mice very often attack a neglected hedge, but 

 very seldom a clean, well cultivated one. In stirring the 

 soil, the hoe or cultivator should not run so deeply as 

 to destroy the numerous small rootlets with which the 

 Comferae are so abundantly furnished. We usually scat- 

 ter a slight dressing of well-rotted manure over the sur- 

 face of the soil during the winter, and thus at the same 

 time protect the roots and furnish nutriment for the ensu- 

 ing season's growth. 



The second year the plants ought to make a reasonable 

 growth, and a clipping during the summer will be requir- 

 ed in addition to the regular autumnal shearing. If in- 

 clined to grow strongly, a frequent trimming will be ben- 

 eficial, as it should always be the aim of the cultivator to 

 produce an impenetrable mass of foliage, especially at the 

 base of the hedge. The requisite shape should also be 

 given as soon as circumstances will permit. 



We prefer the curvilinear form for many reasons, the 





