CHAPTER SIX 
WINDBREAKS AND HEDGES 
Tiere is no one subject more important in every 
case of establishing a country home than planting 
of windbreaks. We can greatly modify climate, 
and, what is more important, can break the force 
of windstorms by such provisions as I shall de- 
scribe. It is not always possible to secure a home 
under a western protected slope; and even when it 
is possible, the wind will sometimes inflict injury. 
A strong growth of arbor-vitze or hemlock, or of 
some deciduous tree of close growth, like beech or 
linden, is sometimes a necessity, and always an ad- 
vantage. This subject has not yet received any- 
thing like enough consideration among farmers 
and residents in the country. Nature always at- 
tends to it promptly. Along fence lines, or where- 
ever she pleases to work, she starts a growth of bird- 
sown trees and shrubs — abundantly of wild cherry 
and mountain ash. To them the wind adds its 
