336 Madura Hedgt Culture 



two heavy furrows from each side to the row, which will protect 

 the roots the first winter. On low, moist ground, the plants must 

 be mulched, or littered two or three inches deep to prevent "hear 

 ingr out " by the frost. 



So soon as the buds swell in the spring, the ridge is to be re 

 moved and the border made level ; then, with a sharp scythe, cut 

 off the row within two inches of the ground, as at A, Fig. 3. 



Carefully replant, if necessary, and cultivate as before, by 

 plowing alternately to and from the hedge row. 



About the last of June, if the early growth has been rapid, it 

 may be cut again to four inches above the first cutting. Some 

 experienced hedge growers omit this secc nd cutting, till the next 

 spring. Be careful to preserve a uniform height at each clipping ; 

 nip or pinch off the coarse shoots, or " leaders," that overstep the 

 main body of the hedge. The treatment for the third, may be the 

 same as that of the second ; but the height is to be increased in 

 the subsequent clipping, as the thickness of the body of the 

 hedge will allow, six, eight, or ten inches, each time. 



The true theory of hedge building is, to check the upward ten- 

 dency, and to promote and encourage the growth of the base, 

 shortening the side branches only sufficient to keep them out of 

 the way in the cultivation. 



In the spring of the fourth year, the clipping should be done 

 with a sloping cut from each side, thus giving it the true and 

 permanent form, which is that of a pja-amid. 



The hedge may now receive its last plowing, which should be 

 light, throwing inward and giving the border a proper grade 

 from the hedge, — harrow the border smooth, and mulch nr litter 

 with rotlen straw, to keep down the weeds. 



After the hedge has grown sufficiently thick and strong to turn 

 all stock, it would be well to seed down the border on each side 

 to white clover, a thick sward of which will prevent its washing, 

 keep out the weeds, and somewhat check the vigor of the hedge, 

 without growing up to interfere with the body of it. At the same 

 time, it will give it a beautiful, lawn-like appearance. 



The finished hedge should be about five feet high, and four feet 

 wide at the base, sloping from each side to the apex. 



It will still require its regular annual shearing, and it will^ be 

 found to be better and easier to shear twice a year, than once — 



