82 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. 



back severely to encourage this condition of growth. It is 

 not often possible to obtain hemlocks and spruces in proper 

 condition for a perfect hedge, they not having been cut 

 down while small, and they cannot be so severely pruned as 

 can the deciduous trees; but the honey-locust, Japanese 

 qaince, buckthorn, privet, etc., can and should be cut down 

 to within six inches of the ground at planting, even if of 

 large size, and be kept low until sufficient strong lateral 

 branches are developed to insure a close and healthy growth 

 near to the ground. This may seem like severe treatment, 

 but, as all trees or shrubs when planted closely tend to grow 

 only at the top, in no other way can a perfect hedge be 

 made that will grow a long time without becoming broken 

 and irregular from dying of the branches. After the 

 necessary lateral growth has been obtained the top should 

 be cut a little higher each year until the proper height has 

 been reached. The point at which to cut and the results 

 of this pruning is illustrated in Figs. 42 and 43, the dotted 



Fio. 42. . FIG. 43. 



'FiG. 42. ILLUSTRATES CUTTING BACK OF A HEDGE. 

 FIG. 43. ILLUSTRATES RESULTS OF CUTTING A HEDGE. 



line a showing the point of first pruning. The effect of 

 this pruning is shown in the three trees at the right ; the 

 line a' showing the second pruning. 



