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hedge maj' be grown by using any number of plasnts 

 from 16 to 50 per rod, a long series of experiments 

 in hedging, m which the plants have been set from 

 four to sixteen inches apart, have convinced me 

 that about eight inches apart, or twenty-five plants 

 to the rod, is the desired distance at which to set 

 them, in order tO' insure the best and most reliable 

 fence. 



Tramplantinff. — An even, perfect stand, and uni- 

 formity of growth, in a beaut ful straight line, are 

 the things most essential to success. When the 

 plants are taken to the field, they should be distri- 

 buted first along the line about 100 in a place, and 

 "heeled in " until wanted ; and never left exposed 

 to the sun or frost. Proeui e a strong cord, say from 

 ten to fifteen rods long, marked plainly with red 

 yarn, eight inches, or the distance you want your 

 plants apart. There are two methods of setting. 

 One is, to be set with the hedge-spade (the blade 

 of which is longer and narrower than the commor» 

 spade,) in which you thrust in your spade its full 

 length, slanting. You then raise the handle slightly, 

 letting a boy push the plant down at least three 

 inches deef er than it stood in the nursery, tramping 

 the dirt firnily to the plants with your foot. If the 

 ground is wet, omit the tramping, ^s it will cause the 

 ^jround to bake. The other method of setting is 

 that known as "setting in the furrow." In either 

 mode the line should be carefully staked ; but twice 

 the number of stakes are required in the latter. In 

 opening the furrow, use a strong, steady team and 

 good plough, in the hands of an experienced plough- 

 man. Any slight crook may be straightened with 

 the spade. After the furrow is opened and line 

 stretched, take a bundle of assorted plants, and 

 placing thera against the lani> side, fill in a little 

 dirt with a hoe, pressing it to the roots, and when 

 the plants are all in, fill up the furrow with a plow. 

 But be careful not to disturb the plants with the 

 singletree, nor allow the hoi'seto misplace them with 

 his feet. The roots of a sound, healthy plant, when 

 cut, presents a white, briorht appearance; those of 

 a yellow, dingy cast, between the bark and wood, 

 should be rejected as doijbtffl. A good heavy 

 coat of mulching applied immediately after the 

 plants are set, will be of great advantage in keeping 

 back the weeds — preventing injury by the drought, 

 and furnishing protection to the hedge the first 

 1 winter. 



I Re-setting. — If you fail in getting a perfect stand 

 the first season, procui'e enough extra strong 

 plants the second season, and fill up all gaps as 

 soon as the buds begin to swell. Re-setting after 

 the second season is of Utile use. 



Cultwation. — If well mulched, the hedge will 

 require but little further attention the first year, 

 otherwise it should be kept clean and free from all 

 weeds and grass, and covered up with a furrow from 

 each side, before the ground freezes — a two-horse 

 plow being used. In the spring uncover, and cul- 

 tivate as you would a row of corn, which cultivation 

 should be repeated every season till the hedge is 

 five or six j^ears old. Manure should be used in all 

 places in the hedge-row where the soil is too thin 

 to give a good yield of corn, under good treatment. 



Traming the Hedge. — It has been demonstrated 

 beyond a doubt, that this clipping and shortening- 

 in process from its infancy, (that was so universally 

 recommended a few years ago,) is not the proper 

 way to treat a hedge. Most hedges so treated have 

 the appearance, when not in foliage, of standing on 

 stilts, and make but poor barriers against hogs or 

 sheep. Many farmers seem quite indifferent on 

 this point, however, as hogs are not allowed the 

 liberty of the streets ; yet, would there not be much 

 grain saved after the wheat or corn is harvested, by 

 pasturing the stubble or stalk-field with hogs? 

 Hog- proof fences are necessary to keep hogs IN, if 

 not OUT. All the trimming that is required while 

 the hedge is young, is an occasional clipping of the 

 overgrown shoots, which should be done late in 

 June, in order to check them, so as to obtain uni- 

 formity of growth. 



Flashmg.— This should be done until the hedge 

 is five or six years old, when it will be from ten to 

 twelve feet high, and the plants from one and a half 

 to two inches in diameter at the base. A firm, solid 

 foundation must be had, if you expect a substantial, 

 lasting fence ; and if plashed while the plants are 

 little more than switches, this will not be had. 

 Before plashing, which may be done in mild weather 

 in winter or early spring — before the sap starts — 

 trim in the sides of the hedge with a hedge-slasher 

 or corn-knife, to two feet in width. With a light, 

 sharp hatchet, cut the plant about half off at the 

 collar, or at the yellow bark. Be careful to cut low. 

 Begin at one end, pressing back the plants as you 

 cut them, leaving about every fifth or sixth plant. 

 Cut it off three or four feet high; weave others 

 down in them, pressing down so that they will not 

 raise up. Be careful not to hack or cut the plants 

 any deeper than necessary to prevent them from 

 raising up. When through, gather and burn all 

 brush, unless it is needed to patch up old fences, 

 for which it answers an excellent purpose. A hedge 

 thus treated, will throw up numerous shoots from 

 the stump and along the trunk, which, with the 

 part laid down, will make a perfect net-work of 



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