32 THE HOME ACRE. 



The ground should be thoroughly prepared for 

 a hedge by deep ploughing or by digging; the 

 trees should be small, young, of even height and 

 size, and they should be planted carefully in line, 

 according to the directions already given for a 

 single specimen ; the ground on each side mulched 

 and kept moist during the first summer. In the 

 autumn, rake the mulch away and top-dress the 

 soil on both sides for the space of two or three 

 feet outward from the stems with well-decayed 

 manure. This protects the roots and insures a 

 vigorous growth the coming season. Allow no 

 weeds or even grass to encroach on the young 

 hedge until it is strong and established. For the 

 first year no trimming will be necessary beyond 

 cutting back an occasional branch or top that is 

 growing stronger than the others ; and this should 

 be done in early October. During the second 

 season the plants should grow much more strongly ; 

 and now the shears are needed in summer. Some 

 branches and top shoots will push far beyond the 

 others. They should be cut back evenly, and in 

 accordance with the shape the hedge is to take. 

 The pyramidal form appears to me to be the one 

 most in harmony with Nature. In October, the 

 hedge should receive its final shearing for the year ; 

 and if there is an apparent deficiency of vigor, 

 the ground on both sides should receive another 



