CHAPTER VII 



HEDGES 



THE many beautiful hedges that are seen in 

 America to-day, instead of the various fences 

 which, until comparatively a few years ago, 

 held a strong place here, are a sign of an increased 

 love of nature and a knowledge of her available 

 material. Whether planted for the virtue of ever- 

 greenness or for the ability to produce flowers, the 

 hedge is now recognized as a living thing of interest 

 and beauty. 



The hedges of England have been as much admired 

 as the ivy covering the battlements of her castles; 

 and although some Englishmen have praised America 

 because the homes of her people are not enclosed by 

 hedges, but on the contrary face the open, it is most 

 assuredly true that the aspect of England would suffer 

 greatly by the removal of her hedges. 



In seashore towns, not far from large cities, where 

 the order of detached houses prevails, the hedge should 

 be especially encouraged. In such places little enough 

 of nature is allowed to remain; for houses set closely 

 together along the street, pavements, and other restric- 

 tions almost put an end to the real benefits of the 

 country. The more greenness, then, that can be kept 

 near the houses, the greater their attraction. At 



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