growing at the Whim, in Peeblesshire. 



253 



cayed close to the uppermost arbo- 

 rescent branch ; no doubt, in con- 

 sequence of their not being able 

 to turn upright : notwithstanding, 

 however, the extremities of both 

 have a tendency towards the up- 

 right position. 



The spruce fir is capable of 

 being dressed with the shears, in 

 the manner of holly and yew, and 

 made to assume various forms. 

 This was practised, several years 

 ago, on a piece of hedge at the 

 Whim (as represented in fig. 91., 

 to a scale of 1 in. to 12 ft.). This 

 hedge is rather a curious object, 

 as far as topiary work is concerned ; 

 but, independently altogether of its 

 fanciful shape, it makes a most im- 

 penetrable fence, to all appearance — ^^^^^ 

 resembling yew, but of a paler and more agreeable 

 Such spruce fir hedges are, I believe, not uncommon near 



green. 

 Berne, 



and in some other parts of Switzerland. The spruce fir hedge 

 at the Whim was formed, fourteen years ago, with plants 10 ft. 

 high, put in 3 ft. apart; and, with the exception of three left to 

 shoot up for the purpose of being clipped into ornaments, the 

 whole were cut down to 5 ft., and afterwards dressed to the shape 

 represented in^^. 91. The hedge was first cut on Jan. 25., 

 the year after planting ; and, as the plants were found to have 



