General Instructions. 



ground. Go over them in June, and cut ofF all tlieir shoots 

 close to the stem, except the two strongest of each plant ; 

 and, the ground must be poor indeed, if these do not, dur- 

 ing the summer, get to be three feet high at the least. L#et 

 them go on another year. These shoots will then be five 

 feet high. Then, in winter, take one of the shoots of each 

 |)lant, and plash it close to the bottom ; that is to say, bend 

 it down longwise the hedge, and give it a cut on the upper 

 Fide about two inches from the stem ; cut off the top of it 

 so as to leave the remainder about a foot and a half long ; 

 bend it down to the ground, making it lie as close as possi- 

 ble to the stems of the neighbouring plant ; and fasten it 

 to the ground with two yegs. When you have done this 

 all the way along, there will be one plash for every interval 

 between the stems of the plants. You must, of course, 

 lay the plashes with their points all one way. When this 

 is done, cut down the upright shoots to within four inches 

 of the bottom. Tiie next October, that is to say, at the 

 end of the fourtli summer, you will have a complete, efficient 

 and beautiful fence. It will want topping and side-pruning 

 in order to keep it of uniform height, and to prevent 

 the top and sides from injuring the bottom shoots, by drip 

 and shade. It is, of course, understood, that the hedge 

 has been kept quite clear of grass and weeds all these four 

 summers. 



37. Never was there a greater mistake than to suppose 

 that you get a cheap hedge by using low-priced plants, or, 

 that you get a close hedge by using numerous plants. As to 

 the former, a yard of broad-cloth may be cheap at thirty 

 shillings, while a yard of the fabric of the Cotton Lords may 

 be dear at one single penny. Besides, so few plants in 

 number, are wanted, according to my plan, that even the 

 frst cost may be less than that occasioned by the common 



