THE CANADIAN UUKTlCULTUltlrjT. bo 



FENCES. 



BY REV. K. nUKNET, PRESIDENT F. G. A., HAMILTON. 



" Give US a live fence," said one at our Winter Meeting last week, 



i^ive us a live fence." Another said " Let us have no fences. Let a 



man fence in his OM'n cattle, and not his neighbours' out." " Osage 



makes a good fence," exclaimed a third, while another went strong for 



Old Country Thorn. What shall be done when doctors disagree ? 



The grand question of fencing is beginning to force itself upon the 

 attention of patriots. It has received attention on the other sides of 

 uur lines. The increasing scarcity of fencing timber, the expense 

 connected with fencing, and the improved method of feeding cattle, 

 all combine to give an interest to the subject of fencing, which in 

 other circumstances it would not have had. 



We have only one answer to give to the query, What is the best 

 live fence ? Others may differ from our view, but let us agree to 

 differ, and discuss the matter soberly and earnestly. Eecently we met 

 ith a distinguished fruit grower and fiirmer, and his mind was made 

 up to make use of the Osage Orange, and indeed he had made arrange-. 

 ments for planting. The Old Country Tliorn suited another. In 

 Westminster any one can see for himself what tlie Old Country Thorn 

 can do in the shape of making a good hedge. The Messrs. Macpherson 

 have miles of it. The expense connected with its care is considerable, 

 and strange to say, the outcry is general, it is too rampant a growey. 

 This in our latitude, climate and soil may be said of almost any 

 variety of hedge plant. We despair of getting any one plant wholly- 

 suitable to the varying variety of our longitudinal country. 



Without disparaging the opinions and views of others, Ave are 

 persuaded the Honey Locust tree, (GleditcMa TriacantJia), is more 

 suited for a live fence in the Province of Ontario than any otlier tree 

 : slnub adapted for fencing purposes. Objections to its use for thisi 

 purpose may \>q made. It is too rampant and stately a grower. We 

 admit as regards a fence that this is a strong objection, Perhaps,, 

 however, on second thought, even this may have its advantages. We 

 are seeking trees for shelter, shade and ornament. Two purposes are 

 well served by using the Honey Locust. . Eirst, it is a perfect hedge, 

 and will resist cattle effectually. Second, it makes an agreeable shade, 

 and at the same time no mean wind-break. It requires to be plantec\ 



