A CHAPTER ON HEDGES. 361 



fenced with them, and nurserymen could scarcely supply the de- 

 mand for young plants. Now we learn that whole farms have lost 

 their hedges by the borer, which in some places attacked them so 

 suddenly, perforating and girdling the stems near the ground, that 

 in two seasons, sometimes indeed in one, the hedge would be half 

 killed. Of course the planting of thorn hedges is almost abandoned 

 there, and we are assured by growers of the plant in those States, 

 who frequently sold hundreds of thousands, that there is now no de- 

 mand whatever for them.* 



We do not doubt that there are many sections of the country 

 where good hawthorn hedges of the best native species, may be 

 grown. In some places this fatal foe to it may never appear 

 though it follows closely in the steps of every careless orchardist. 

 In gardens where insects are closely watched, it is not very difficult 

 to prevent their ravages upon the thorn plants. But what we mean 

 now to point out as distinctly as possible, is this that no species 

 of hawthorn, or Cratcegus, is likely ever to become a hedge plant 

 of general use and value to farmers in America. 



What we want in a hedge plant for this country is, vigor, hardi- 

 ness, longevity, and a sap and bark either offensive, or offering no 

 temptations to any destructive insects. Are there such plants? 

 We think we may now, after the matter has been pretty thoroughly 

 tested, answer yes; and name the BUCKTHORN, and the OSAGE 

 ORANGE ; the former for the northern, and the latter for the south- 

 ern portions of our country. These plants are both natives. As 

 they may not be familiar to many of our readers, we shall, before 

 entering upon the planting of hedges, briefly describe them, and 

 give correct sketches of their leaves and growth, so that they may 

 be identified by any person. 



* We recall to mind an instance on the Hudson, where three years ago 

 we saw a very beautiful hedge of the Newcastle thorn almost as handsome 

 in its glossy foliage as holly itself. During the past summer we again be- 

 held it, nearly destroyed by the insidious attacks of the borer. 



