HEDGES. 107 



HEDGES. 



NORFOLK. 



Report of the Committee. 



The desire to combine the pleasing with the useful, to sur- 

 round one's self with objects which are agreeable to the eye and 

 gratifying to a refined taste, naturally springs up and strengthens 

 in the breast as man advances in intellectual culture. A perfect- 

 ly plain edifice may answer the bare wants of nature, may keep 

 out wind and rain; but if a little architectural beauty can be 

 secured, or a little ornament be added, without a sacrifice of 

 convenience, something is gained in point of rational enjoyment. 

 So in the disposition and management of grounds ; grace, pro- 

 portion, harmony, and variety of beautiful forms, secured by 

 the introduction of clumps of well-chosen trees and shrubs, 

 and in other ways, are deserving of attention, not only as fur- 

 nishing an innocent pleasure, but as tending to refine and ele- 

 vate the mind and feelings. The arrangements of a farm, even, 

 should give evidence of a regard to something beyond and 

 above the mere coarser wants of existence. 



A well-set and well-kept hedge combines, in an eminent de- 

 dree, the two elements of utility and beauty. To an American, 

 the green hedges of Old England constitute one of the most 

 pleasing features in the landscape of that country, so fresh and 

 beautiful. Your committee rejoice to believe that there is a 

 growing appreciation of their advantages, and an increased 

 attention to their culture, among ourselves. 



The abundance and cheapness of materials suitable for walls 

 and fences, with other considerations, will long prevent our 

 farms from exhibiting the tasteful appearance of those of the 

 her country, which have enjoyed the benefits of centuries 

 of culture and improvement. Still we have ornamental grounds, 

 and wealth will seek more and more to diffuse itself over the 

 surface of our soil in creations of beauty as well as of utility. 

 The taste for rural occupations and enjoyment of the pleasant 

 airs of the country will lead to improvements both attractive 

 to the eye and dear to the affections. There is no reason why 



