112 LIVE HEDGES. 



that they were very profitable and nutricious to them. 

 See his communication in the last number of the Maine 

 Farmer. The more we see and learn of the value of 

 the several root crops in Maine, the more convinced are 

 we that it is the true pohcy of our farmers to cultivate 

 them extensively ; and we hope that many who never 

 have yet paid particular attention to this business, will 

 begin this year. Manure high, and plant close, and 

 we will insure you a good and a profitable crop. — 

 Maine Farmer. 



LIVE HEDGES. 



We some time since received a letter from a gentle- 

 man in or near Portland, inquiring of us for the best 

 material for a hedge. He wished for the best kind 

 of thorn, and wanted we should direct him where to 

 procure it, if we approved of that kind of fence. 



We think thorns are not the article for a Yankee 

 fence. In the first place, it is difficult to make them 

 grow in our dry climate ; then it is too much labor to 

 keep them well trimmed ; thirdly, the cuttings repay 

 you no part of the expense : that operation is worse 

 than shaving a pig for his wool. 



When rocks are plenty, they are decidedly the best 

 fence ; and when they are near the line of your fence, 

 the first cost of building is less than that of a wooden 

 fence. 



In the absence of rocks, we can make a better fence 

 than thorns will make. Chestnut or cedar rails will 

 last from fifty to seventy-five years in a fence. We 

 know a farmer, Col. Edgell, of Framingham, who has 

 rails in his fences more than seventy-five years old. 

 The great trouble with us is to procure ^05/s that will 

 last a tenth part as long in our dry loams. These will 

 sometimes become so rotten as to break down at the 



