MARCH. 



129 



every year afterwards, may be kept at this size for a number 

 of years. 



For cutting, light hedge knives and garden shears are gen- 

 erally used. Those accustomed to the use of hedge knives 

 will cut more than with shears ; and for farm hedges, where 

 extensively used, the knife is undoubtedly the best ; the 

 shears, however, when neatness is an object, is preferable. 

 I have generally used a line in cutting the top straight, 

 which gives the true centre of the hedge, and, I think, ex- 

 pedites the work ; although not in general use, yet I think it 

 saves time as well as neatness, particularly with those that 

 are not practised hands. 



Evergreen hedges require the same preparation of the 

 ground and treatment as for deciduous, except cutting back 

 the young plants, which ought never to be done, as they 

 seldom break well again, if cut down. When planting they 

 ought always to be set deep enough, so that the branches 

 are resting on the ground, and, when the plants are not all 

 of a height, use a line, and take otY the points level, which 

 will give it a neat appearance. 



We need scarcely call the attention of our readers to any- 

 thing Mr. Reid communicates, for he is so well known as 

 one of our most extensive and energetic nurserymen, thor- 

 oughly skilled in his profession, that what he says may be 

 relied upon. He has, growing on his place, specimens of all 

 the different hedge plants he enumerates, arid all who wish 

 to see how well they are adapted to such a purpose can sat- 

 isfy themselves by visiting his grounds. His directions in 

 regard to planting are detailed, and leave nothing to add ; 

 so that the most inexperienced can scarcely fail of success. 

 Advice from such a source will be duly prized by all who 

 know with what practical knowledge Mr. Reid speaks. 



We have been fearful that the Osage Orange would not 

 succeed in our New England climate as a hedge plant. J. 

 P. Gushing, Esq., of Watertown, tried it some years ago, 

 and the severe winters continually opened gaps in it until it 

 became too unsightly to retain. Perhaps, however, the loca- 



VOL. XXII. NO. III. 17 



