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the quick, as that will not only caufe the quick 

 to grow better, but will likewife fnub cr check 

 the grafs roots, and prevent the weeds fronn 

 getting up and injuring the growth of the 

 hedge. Jf the ditch be drefled out, it will add 

 to the goodnefs of the fence; and fhould the 

 ditch be wanted for a drain, it will pay well 

 for the expence. 



The firil thing neceflary towards plafhing a 

 hedge is to furnifh yourfelf with a good hedg- 

 ing-bill, which an expert worknnan will always 

 keep in the higheft order ; for the ncatnefs of 

 the hedge depends in a great meafure on the 

 fharpnefs of the tool. Cut down the old flubs 

 within two or three inches of the ground, or fo 

 low as that the next time the hedge is plafhed 

 the drefling up the ditch may cover the flump, 

 and that the part laid down, which is called the 

 layer, fliould have as little conne6lion with the 

 old flump as pofllble, certainly not more than 

 fufficient to convey the fap, and afford ade- 

 quate nourifliment to the plafli or layer; for 

 which purpofe a good workman will at a ftroke 

 cut it almofl: through. By this means the 

 flump will foon throw out frefli wood for a 



young 



