HEDGES 



from the outer harbor. So remarkably does it with- 

 stand time, climate, and the onslaught of insects, that 

 in summer it remains in almost perfect condition, 

 with apparently no loss of leaves. The value of such 

 a hedge, from the standpoint of both beauty and senti- 

 ment, is inestimable. 



The osage orange, Toxylon pomiferum, has long 

 been regarded as a valuable plant with which to form 

 hedges, especially those that are desired for naturalistic 

 rather than formal effects. Its best use, perhaps, is 

 to traverse large areas where something in the nature 

 of a hedge wall is required, or a low, dense wind-break, 

 for which it is suitable on account of its free branching 

 habit. The osage orange is partial to sunlight, though 

 it is also tolerant of shade; and its great hardiness 

 enables it to adapt itself to various soils and climatic 

 conditions. 



Barberry was used for many early American 

 hedges. The employment of the native variety, Ber- 

 beris vulgaris purpurea, however, has now given place 

 almost entirely to the Japanese relative, B. Thunbergii. 

 This form does not grow within a foot so high as the 

 native, and is thought by many to be best of all plants 

 to form a low, bushy hedge. The gay, autumn color 

 of its leaves is a decided attraction, enhanced greatly 

 by sprays of multitudinous, bright, red berries, which 

 would last well into the winter did not the birds find 

 them so satisfying to the appetite. I have seen this 

 barberry used not only for low hedges about an estate, 

 the front lawn of which lost its outer boundary in the 

 sea, but also to outline paths in the garden and to fill 



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