Trees Suitable for Hedgerow and Field Planting 113 



the damage it occasions to fences and the surrounding 

 ground. 



The Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus), for exposed situa- 

 tions and poor soils, has few, if any, equals. The roots do 

 not run near the surface, but, like those of the oak, derive 

 sustenance at a considerable distance from it, and this 

 quality, combined with its somewhat upright inclination of 

 growth and hardy nature, renders it well adapted for 

 hedgerow or field planting, where shelter combined with 

 effect is required. 



The Lime (Tilia Europcea), although one of our most 

 ornamental trees, can hardly be recommended as suitable 

 for situations in which the underlying herbage is at stake. 

 For this latter reason alone, however, can it be omitted 

 from our list, and, as it bears pruning well, does not to any 

 great extent impoverish the adjoining ground. It is at 

 all times a pleasing object in the landscape, and it will 

 therefore be seen that the evil done by shade is in a great 

 degree compensated for. 



Amongst coniferous trees, if we except the Larch and 

 Scotch Fir, few are at all suitable for the end in question. 

 The larch is a much-neglected fence and park tree, this 

 being attributable to an erroneous impression that it is of 

 too stiff and cold an appearance, either for standing singly 

 or giving effect to the landscape. Nothing can, however, 

 be farther from the facts, as when placed so that its fine 

 form is seen to advantage, few deciduous trees are more 

 picturesque than the larch, or offer a better contrast to the 

 ordinary run of our forest trees. It also occasions less 

 damage to the undergrowing herbage than most trees, 

 while, at the same time, it enriches the soil to a great extent 

 by the annual shedding of its leaves. 



The Scotch Fir, especially for shelter-giving purposes, 

 has much to recommend it for being extensively planted as 

 stock-shelter in the corners of exposed fields. 



As it usually rises to a great height without branches, 

 it cannot be considered as extremely injurious to its sur- 

 roundings, although the shallow-running roots can hardly 

 be spoken of as non-injurious to the greensward. 



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