;6 



Fences and Hedges. 



[may, 



years in the way of training to any particular shape, beyond 

 what is necessary to check the lateral and top growth of those 

 plants which have for some reason grown faster than the rest, so 

 as to bring the hedge to a uniform height and thickness. Annual 

 trimming with shears, which ought to be done in summer, need 

 not be commenced until the hedge is nearly high enough to act 

 as a fence. The holly, being a shade-bearing tree, can be trained 

 into almost any shape, as the bottom growth is not much 

 interfered with by the spreading of the top. Needless to say, 

 it makes a good screen for gardens, orchards, &c, and can be 

 grown to a great height with an unbroken face from top to 

 bottom. The cost is about iod. to is. per yard when 12-in. 

 plants are used. 



The beech (Fagus Sylvaticd) makes a splendid hedge for 

 screening and sheltering, and grows best in a gravelly soil. It 

 stands exposure well. Being a shade-bearing tree, it can be 

 grown where thorn or any other light-demanding plant would 

 not be a success, and trained to a good height without losing its 

 closeness of growth. Owing to it being annually trimmed it 

 retains part of its leaves during the winter, thereby enhancing 

 its value as a shelter. The cost of putting in a beech hedge is 

 from 4d. to 6d. per yard. Beech ought not to be cut over at the 

 time of planting. 



Evergreen Privet makes a nice garden fence, and is easily 

 reared and tended. It can be put in as cuttings, or the cuttings 

 can be allowed to stand two years in a nursery, and then planted 

 out. In a very short time it will grow into a nice neat fence if 

 cut in closely. 



Wire Fence. — This class of fence has been much used of late, 

 owing, no doubt, to its cheapness and durability. Very often, 

 however, wire fences are erected in positions where they 

 are very liable to breakage. The most suitable places are 

 plantations, roadsides, clumps, and pleasure grounds. If a wire 

 fence has to be erected between pastures — a position not suit- 

 able for such a fence — a rail should be run along the top in 

 place of wire. This gives the cattle a better chance of seeing 

 the fence when galloping. The cost of erecting a good wire 

 fence, composed of oak or larch posts, standing 6 ft. apart and 

 using galvanised wire, is iod. to is. per yard. 



