On Fences. 
203 
to do so completely ; for what use is there, for instance, in care- 
fully enriching a bed for the plants if they are afterwards to be 
abandoned to the care of some slovenly person who has no idea of 
good order, and who allows the weeds to rise and choke them as 
they may? It often happens, too, even after a fence has been 
brought to maturity, that it is allowed for several years together to 
grow out on either side irregularly until it becomes so open that 
when trimmed it is almost useless as a shelter. The first tree 
which claims our attention is 
The Hawthorn — Cratcegus Oxyacantha. 
11. Of all the trees and shrubs suited to the climate of Britain, 
none has been found so eligible for hedge fences as the common 
whitethorn. It is true that in mountainous and exposed situa- 
tions, where a combination of circumstances operate against vege- 
tation, it refuses to grow with that vigour which characterizes it 
throughout the plains and cultivated uplands of England. Its 
province, however, might be easily extended beyond its present 
limits by using as its forerunner lines or strips of Scotch pine 
(Pinus sylvestris) planted on each side of the site intended for the 
hawthorn hedge, but not too near to rob the part to be sheltered 
of its nourishment (39). The hawthorn, when properly treated, is 
a very fast grower, and, under the most of circumstances, is consi- 
dered very ornamental. As a fence, it is smooth, stubborn, and 
long-lived. It is easily reared ; and in this respect, at least, it has 
the advantage over either the holly, crab, or sloe. As is well 
known, it is a deciduous tree, shedding its leaves in winter, and 
therefore better suited to protect crops than to shelter cattle, 
though in this last respect it is by no means to be rejected ; for 
though it is not equal to the beech in warmth, it has a decided 
advantage over that tree, as a fence, in becoming an impenetrable 
barrier to all sorts of cattle. It should not be intermixed with 
other sorts of trees, for though growing tolerably well with the 
holly and beech in some soils, the treatment in an essential point, 
viz., trimming, which is insisted upon in its proper place, is not 
applicable to all. 
12. Soil and situation. — The soil it delights in most is a hazelly 
loam, or, if not too retentive of water, a good clay bottom. At 
the same time, it will grow well on sand, if free from iron, and on 
almost every other description of land except chalk and pure gra- 
vel. Even on these, artificial means will enable it to grow freely. 
By displacing the gravel and chalk, and filling up the trench to 
the depth of three feet with loam, I have found that such subsoils 
will not hinder it from reaching to the height of five feet in six 
years. On wet soil it is soon covered with lichen^ a sure indication 
that it is not in a thriving state. 
