128 Hedges and Screens. 



to the time and manner of planting, and after-treatment, as we find 

 with respect to hedges. Perhaps every one of those that have been 

 confidently recommended might be entitled to preference in some 

 particular localities, and it is certain that none have a general adapt- 

 ation to all parts of the country. 



51. It is therefore necessary to well consider the conditions of a 

 given locality, as to its soil and climate, before making considerable 

 investments in any one kind, until its fitness has been proved. In 

 doubtful cases, and in a new-settled region, it would be well to ex- 

 periment in a small way with several kinds, and if they fail, the 

 loss will not be much ; while if they succeed, the result may lead 

 to a wide-spread benefit. 



513. We will first present a list of the species that have been 

 successfully used for hedges and screens, and afterwards state some 

 of the principles that apply in their planting and management : 



Coniferous evergreens : Chiefly the spruces, cedars, and junipers, 

 viz. : 



Norway spruce (Picea exceJsa). 



Black and white spruces (P. nigra and P. alba). 



Hemlock (Tsuga Canadensis). 



White cedar (Thuja occidentalis) . 



Chinese cedar (Thuja orientalis). 



California white cedar (Libocedrm decurrens). 



Red cedar (Juniperus Vlrginiana). 



Common juniper (Juniperus communis). 



514. These are chiefly useful for screens, and should all of them 

 be started in nurseries. They should be set in spring, upon ground 

 previously well prepared, and with the slightest possible exposure of 

 the roots to the air, and they should be well watered. In a dry 

 climate, they should have some protection on the south side, and it 

 might be well to provide a shelter by planting some quick-growing 

 trees parallel with the line of the proposed screen, two or three years 

 previous, to be taken away when no longer needed. 



515. An evergreen screen can be best made to thicken up by pinch- 

 ing or clipping off the ends of the branches. The terminal shoots 

 should be allowed to grow to the height of the proposed screen with- 

 out disturbance, and then it may be checked. For an effectual 

 screen there should be two parallel rows of trees, in which case most 

 of the branches will strike out, on each side, towards the light. 



