250 Hemlock foT Live Fences. 



the resinous tribe; none whereof are subject to be eat- 

 en by mice, or other vermin, or browsed by cattle, as 

 are deciduous trees and shrubs. Mine are clipped per- 

 pendicularly at the sides, and horizontally on the tops. 

 A small part of one hedge is of cedars; but the appear- 

 ance is gloomy, as if they were scorched; and the 

 branches neither thick or regular, though equal pains 

 are taken Avith it. The hemlock hedges were planted 

 in a single roAv. The stocks are at distances of about 

 one foot from each other; and were set out in the same 

 year Avith very large trees, in a grove or walk near them, 

 of the same species. The clipping has stinted them, but 

 has not lessened their verdure, or vigour. They permit 

 weaving or training, in any way ; being hardy, pliant and 

 tough. They grow quicker than the ced^ir, as I have 

 frequently experienced; and can be raised, with little 

 trouble, from the cones. I have enough to plant a large 

 extent of hedge or fence, growing spontaneously under 

 the old trees. They thrive in the shade far beyond cedar. 

 I never saw any other evergreen hedge equal to one of 

 hemlock. When in blossom, it is the handsomest of 

 all its tribe. The limbs are horizontal ; and grow much 

 longer than those of cedar. Layers will strike root and 

 fill the bottom. 



My young fence looks well; but if I had sooner be- 

 gan to plash, cut and train it, I should ha^e had it much 

 closer, and better in every respect. One part has been 

 sadly ruined by horned cattle ; against Avhom it ought 

 to have been protected. This young fence, I have cut 

 down to five feet high, but it should have been kept 

 much lower; by beginning to cut, plash and form it, 

 after the first year. This Avas partially done, but atten 



