I905-] 



Fences and Hedges. 



75 



thorns are to be retained for layering and acting as living stakes. 

 The next illustration (Fig. 4) shows a hedge which is now strong 

 enough to act as a fence, and from which the guard fence is 

 being removed. 



The famous yew hedge in the Raby Castle gardens is shown 

 in Fig. 5. It is of great age and size, and was evidently planted 

 either for the purpose of giving shelter or acting as a screen. 



The holly {Ilex aquifoliuni) is a good hedge plant, and would 

 have taken the place of the thorn where the soil was suitable 



T 



Fig. 5. — Yew Hedge, Raby Castle. 



were it not for its slowness of growth and its liability to be 

 eaten by rabbits. It has good resisting power, and, besides 

 being evergreen, gives shelter all the year. The soil in which 

 this plant grows best is a sandy loam. It should be planted in 

 May or September, using twice transplanted roots ; these should 

 have as much soil as possible adhering to them, and be lifted 

 and planted the same day. Should the roots become dry, 

 watering at the time of planting is necessary. A bed should 

 be prepared somewhat similar to the one advocated for the 

 thorn, and if the soil is thin it would be an advantage to give 

 a mulching of manure. Little attention is required for some 



