FENCES AND HEDGES 227 



insect pests may be dismissed by the practical 

 man, who will avail himself of the fact to 

 search out the intruders and destroy them. 

 The best dwarf form is Buxus sempervirens 

 var. suffruticosa. It should be planted in April 

 or May. A narrow, clean-cut trench of tri- 

 angular section should be got out, and the box 

 plants inserted in a close line, the soil being 

 drawn up against them with a board held in 

 the right hand, whilst the left forearm holds 

 the plants in line. 



Box edging should not be allowed to grow 

 to a greater height than six inches, and the 

 clipping should be done with 

 care so as to preserve the 

 height uniform, and to main- 

 tain a clean hne, whether it Fig. 64. - Planting box 

 is straight or curved. The ^'^^^^^ 

 best time for clipping is at the end of 

 May or during the first week in June. 



The best shape in cross-section is square- 

 topped with battered or vertical sides, though 

 if it pleases the eye of the gardener the top 

 angles may be rounded. 



Ivy Edgings — These have a bold, handsome 

 appearance, but are not suitable for gardens 



I 



