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ward, bound together with bars at the top, 

 and with cross bars over the top. This is 

 not only hare proof and cattle proof, but 

 man proof, wind proof, and frost proof ; and 

 it does not give a greater degree of shelter 

 to the plant than is necessary to one of 

 that size. When the head of the plant 

 emerges from its fence, place a single 

 hexagonal post and rail round it, to 

 keep off horses and cattle, but under 

 which sheep can pass. It is true that 

 these close fences discourage the free 

 growth of the lower side branches ; but it 

 must be recollected that these branches 

 must eventually be taken off, on account 

 of the cattle. This should be done gra- 

 dually. And when the branches are out 

 of the reach of sheep, the inner fence 

 may be removed, and the stem bushed. 

 The side branches above the inner fence 

 must also be taken off by degrees. But 

 the plant should not be shrived up to 

 " the browsing line^^ till it is three times 



