On Fences. 
205 
should be invariably borne in mind, and I repeat it now, because 
it has become common to proceed with a ditch under all circum- 
stances. If posts and rails can be had, it is very plain that there 
can be no propriety in forming a ditch where tliere is no super- 
fluous moisture to draw off. And again, if formed only for a 
fence to the hedge, there can be no necessity for keeping it open 
for an indefinite time after the hedge heis arrived at maturity. In 
wet soils, as already observed, such a ditch is indispensable ; but 
wherever the soil is favourable, it is rather a hindrance to the growth 
of the hedge, which it must of course limit to draw its nourish- 
ment from one side only, as well as drain off a part of the moisture 
from its already contracted resources. It follows, therefore, that at 
the end of three or four years, when the hedge will require no fur- 
ther protection, the ditch should be filled, and the land brought 
into cultivation. I have already described the usual way of form- 
ing a hedge and ditch ; but the plan is susceptible of a great im- 
provement, which is as follows : — Suppose a plane surfiace : after 
the preparation of the soil, described elsewhere, insert the plants 
in an upright position with the roots inclining to the field side : at 
twelve inches behind the line thus formed by the plants, com- 
mences the side of the ditch, the mould from which should be 
thrown over the line of plants, in order to form a bank lo protect 
the fence on the inner, or field side. At this rate, you have a ditch 
on the outer, and a bank of earth on the inner side, which latter, 
if topped with small branches or brushwood, will form a protection 
lo the hedge as long as necessary. One of the common plans is 
to insert the thorns on the brink of the ditch, which is often washed 
in w ith rain ; and again, the plants are not unfrequently placed 
on the top of the mound, instead of the surface, level with the ad- 
joining land. It is moreover to be observed that the ridge or bank 
on the inner side nuist not be put close upon the roots, for access 
to air is indispensable to the proper performance of their functions. 
This is no doubt the reason why hedges buried under a high 
mound of earth succeed so indifferently. The accompanying 
sketch will perhaps give a better idea of what is meant. No. i 
represents the plane surface of the ground ; 2, the bank of earth 
raised as a protection on one side to the hedge; 3, the hedge itself; 
and 4, the ditch as a protection on the other side of the newly 
2 
