CHAPTER SIX 

 WINDBREAKS AND HEDGES 



1 HERE is no one subject more important in every 

 case of establishing a country home than planting 

 of windbreaks. We can greatly modify climate, 

 and, what is more important, can break the force 

 of windstorms by such provisions as I shall de- 

 scribe. It is not always possible to secure a home 

 under a western protected slope; and even when it 

 is possible, the wind will sometimes inflict injury. 

 A strong growth of arbor-vitse or hemlock, or of 

 some deciduous tree of close growth, like beech or 

 linden, is sometimes a necessity, and always an ad- 

 vantage. This subject has not yet received any- 

 thing like enough consideration among farmers 

 and residents in the country. Nature always at- 

 tends to it promptly. Along fence lines, or where- 

 ever she pleases to work, she starts a growth of bird- 

 sown trees and shrubs — abundantly of wild cherry 

 and mountain ash. To them the wind adds its 



