FENCES AND HEDGES 



223 



well-grown hedge, provided no wall is available. 

 Hedges, however, occupy more width than 

 fences, and we must allow for this in our plan- 

 ning. Also there must be allowance for lateral 

 growth beyond the width to which we intend 

 to train the hedge, because we cannot trim 

 at frequent intervals. Also something addi- 

 tional should be allowed to keep the flowers 

 outside the radius of the roots of the hedge 

 plants. 



As wind-screens hedges are superior to fences 

 because they allow air to filter through, and 

 thus reduce the velocity of that which passes 

 over them. 



Of hedge plants commonly in use nothing 

 beats privet. When properly cared for it is 

 very effective as a screen, and it grows rapidly. 

 Moreover, it thrives in almost every kind of 

 soil, and is happy alike in shade or sunshine, 

 and does not suffer from cold or rough 

 winds. 



Thorn is of less rapid growth but makes 

 a thoroughly business-like hedge, and, ow- 

 ing to its spines, cattle rarely attempt to 

 break through it. If well trained from the 

 first so as to make the bottom full and close. 



