106 PLANTING AND CARE OF HEi:)GES. 



bat in regions where it is not liable to this accident it is unquestionably 

 the best hedge-plant we have. 



The Honey-locust {Gleditschia triacanthos) has heen strongly recom- 

 mended as a hedge-plant in Iowa, where the Osage orange is found un- 

 certain. Its thorns are effectual defense against farm-stock, and when 

 cut back and trained in broad-based pyramidal form it soon takes on a 

 dwarfed habit, and when once fully established, is said to require but 

 little care. It has been found to do well on high grounds as well as low, 

 and has passed through severe winters unharmed. 



The Scarlet thorn {Cratccgus coccinea) is hardy, and forms an ef- 

 fectual hedge. It is a native of cold regions, and would thrive in any 

 of the ^Northern States where the soil was favorable and the climate not 

 too dry. 



The Hemlock {Abies Canadensis), when closely planted on stiff, moist 

 soils, and carefully trimmed, forms an excellent hedge in those sections 

 of the country where the climate favors the growth of this tree. The 

 best time for transplanting is after the buds have broken for a new 

 growth, or just as the plant is about to put forth its energies for the 

 season. 



The American Arbor-vit^ {Thvja occidentalis), Eed Cedar [Ju- 

 niperus Virgimana), and other conifers in great varietj', have been found 

 admirably adapted to hedge-planting, for ornament and use, and many 

 of these are elsewhere more fully mentioned in this report. 



Willow hedges. — In Northern Iowa, where the Osage orange is too 

 tender for the climate, the white willow has been found to answer an 

 excellent purpose as well for a hedge to stop cattle as for a wind-break. 

 Mr. Thomas VVardall, of Mitchell County, gives the following advice in 

 the cultivation of this tree :^ 



Let every Northern farmer plant out a -willow prove with good large cuttings in 

 early spring. Plant four feet apart both ways, and cultivate well for two or three 

 years, and a largo growth will be secured. When live years old, trim out all but one 

 Ijtant to each hill, ca t off stakes five and one-half feet long from these trimmings, 

 sharpen these stakes and drive them eighteen inches deep iu a well-prepared fence- 

 row. When the soil is soft iu the spring the driving can be done without bruisiug the 

 bark. Let the stakes be driven closely — not more than six inches apart ; nail a stay- 

 lath near the top — a three-inch barn-batteu ar swers the purpose A^ell. Mulch heavily, 

 or cultivate well and often. In two years a fence may be made that may be depended 

 on to turn stock, but which will have the one fault of not being beautiful. 



The willow as cultivated by Mr. W. would not bear plashing or even 

 weaving, but the tops aftbrded a constant supply of indifferent fuel. 



Col. John Scott, of Story County, in Central Iowa, reported in 1876* 

 that many miles of willow hedge were planted in that county, and that 

 more than one hundred miles would be found a complete barrier against 

 stock. Many miles had been set iu a random, aimless way, and were 

 worthless as a fence, although somewhat profitable as fuel and shelter. 



He gives his method for successful planting as follows : 



1. The row should be made mellow and deep, and the better the condition as to rich- 

 ness, freedom from weeds, and good tilth the better. If iu good condition for corn, it 

 will do for the willow. 



2. The cuttings should be made before the buds swell in the spring; they should be 

 packed iu moist cjrth to keep them from drying out; they should be from the upright, 

 rather than the lateral growth, as being more thrifty ; and may be from six inches to 

 six feet in length, and from one-half to four inches iu diameter. 



3. Ir, is best that they be assorted before planting, so that those of about the same 

 size may be planted together. 



4. They should be set in a straight lino and only one row planted, and should be ten 

 or twelve inches apart. The cuttings are often set too closely. They should have room 



' Report of Iowa Horticultural Society, 1875,-p. 148. 

 2 /i., 1376, p. 148. 



