Hedges : their Formation and Management 189 



these species of rose have come greatly into favour for 

 garden subdivisions, for which they are peculiarly suitable. 

 They make charming hedges, are of easy growth, and stand 

 pruning with impunity. Of course, where they are wanted 

 to flower great care in pruning is necessary. 



Laurel. Both the common and Colchic laurels make 

 fairly good hedges, but they are apt to get gappy by portions 

 dying out. This can, however, easily be remedied by filling 

 up with others instead. They bear trimming well. 



Aucuba japonica forms a useful and ornamental hedge, 

 stands pruning well, and lasts for a long time. 



Berberis Darwinii and B. stenophylla are both highly 

 ornamental hedge shrubs, and when not pruned too severely 

 flower with great freedom. Shortening the long shoots with 

 a pocket knife is best. 



Cleaning and Pruning.- An annual cleaning of the 

 ground alongside hedges must never be neglected, as weeds 

 rob the soil of its nourishment, choke the young plants, and 

 to a great extent prevent the free access of rain to the roots 

 of the hedge plants. The common hoe is, for this purpose, 

 to be recommended, and any weeds that cannot be got at 

 around the stems must be removed by the hand. Ivy, elder 

 and honeysuckle should all be treated as weeds, for they are 

 highly injurious to hedges, be these young or old. 



Very little, if any, pruning or switching should be done 

 till the third year after the fence has been formed, and then 

 only the longer twigs cut back, so as to get by degrees a 

 general uniformity of shape. The switching-knife is alone 

 to be recommended for pruning fences, shears never making 

 a clean cut, and pressing and loosening the bark at the point 

 where amputation took place. A well-sharpened switching- 

 knife in the hands of a dexterous hedger turns out beautiful 

 and commendable work. 



Unless it be an annual cleaning and trimming, a well- 

 formed hedge should require but little attention for many 

 years. Should it, however, when old, begin to show signs 

 of distress and become gappy, a top-dressing of rich farm- 

 yard manure will go a great way towards throwing fresh 

 energy into the plants. This should be applied in winter, 



