286 GENERAL ECONOMY OF THE FARM. 



agement, they would not attain the same degree of perfection 

 and usefulness in the southern states as in England. They are 

 not adapted to upland regions. In the choice of plants for a 

 hedge, the influence of soil and climate should be particularly 

 considered, as upon these and right management, more than 

 any thing else, will depend the success or failure. We should, 

 therefore, rely more upon native than foreign plants. 



That we have a variety of plants, in almost every section of 

 our country, well adapted to all the purposes of hedging, no 

 doubt can be entertained. Years ago, when a few individuals, 

 bursting the shackles of prejudice, set themselves earnestly to 

 work to improve and advance the agriculture of the country 

 generally, this was one of the first subjects that claimed their 

 attention. Numerous experiments were made in Pennsylvania, 

 Delaware, Maryland, and more especially in Virginia. Fences 

 of native as well as of foreign plants were set out; and, so far 

 as we have been able to gain information, the advantage, as 

 regards durability and use, was in favour of the native plant, 

 portions of which are now standing. 



The question which will naturally arise in the mind of the 

 reader, taking the statement to be correct, will be, "why is it 

 that these fences do not abound over the whole country I 

 never saw one?" The answer is simple it is to be found in 

 the character and spirit of our countrymen. Almost every 

 thing of importance that has been accomplished in this great 

 country, has been on the "high-pressure principle." The early 

 advocates of agricultural improvements, among whom we find 

 a WASHINGTON, a JEFFERSON, a PETERS, a LIVINGSTON, a 

 PICKERING, a LINCOLN, a TAYLOR, a GARNETT,* a COOPER, a 

 BORDLEY, a LORAIN, a WORTH, and many other illustrious 

 men, were not sustained by the great mass of the people for 

 whose benefit, and not their own, they laboured. In this case, 

 those farmers, we presume, who were induced, or, perhaps, 

 persuaded by its friends to turn their attention to this subject, 

 did not expect too great, but too IMMEDIATE RESULTS. This 

 is the rock on which thousands fail. Lacking persevering pa- 

 tience, they become lukewarm in an enterprise lose their 

 interest, after which, total neglect, if not absolute disgust, 

 ensues. 



Among the variety of native plants, the red cedar was the 



this system of fencing. He laboured long and diligently, and was, we believe, 

 more successful than any other gentleman, in raising live hedges of the Eng- 

 lish thorn. The country is greatly indebted to him for his persevering and 

 praiseworthy efforts. 



* Mr. GARNETT is still opposed, as he has ever been, to the introduction of 

 live hedges. His zeal in the cause of agriculture has increased with his years. 

 His efforts indicate all the vigour of youth. 



