342 Clipping and Reducing the Size of Hedges. 
The roots of the common ash extend further than those of most 
other trees. I have taken one up which measured in length 95 
feet.* Besides the injury caused by the roots, when planted 
thickly in the hedges, they prevent in a great measure the free 
access of air to the enclosures surrounded by them, and though, 
perhaps, vegetation in the grass fields, when sheltered by them, 
may commence earlier in the spring, yet grass when shaded from 
the sun is always of an inferior quality. 
As far as regards their appearance, which is of so much consi- 
deration to many landowners, they are generally stunted and not 
unfrequently distorted, and, being planted at regular distances, 
are excessively formal, and, I think, with the careful hand of the 
landlord, their numbers might be considerably reduced to the im- 
provement of the landscape and the great advantage of the tenant. 
A few fine trees scattered in pastures look well, and will answer 
as well there as anywhere else as a shade for cattle in summer. 
The question as to the benefit (if any) derived by the landlord, 
from timber being grown in the hedges for repairs, and various 
other purposes connected with farming, is foreign to the subject of 
this paper ; and there are various spots and corners on most farms, 
which, from their position, are inconvenient to cultivate, and which 
are frequently seen lying waste, well adapted for planting with 
trees, by which the landlord would, at any rate, derive much be- 
nefit (as the timber raised would be much better in quality and 
quicker in growth), and which, as far as appearance is concerned, 
would be much more ornamental than when trees are planted in 
hedgerows. 
There are few tenants, at least in my neighbourhood, who would 
not more willingly give up small pieces of land for planting with- 
out having any allowance made in their rents than have trees in 
their hedges. 
Admitting, as I freely do, a strong predilection for living fences 
on farms, I am far from contending or expecting that a quickset 
hedge, without a ditch, or upon a floor bank, as it is in some places 
termed, should, or ever will, under all circumstances, be the fejice 
universally adopted throughout a country varying in resources, and 
in which very opposite and long-rooted habits and usages prevail, 
but I am nevertheless of opinion, that wherever the living fence is 
preferred, the landlord and tenant will equally find their advan- 
tage in clipped thorn hedges, such as I have endeavoured to de- 
scribe, and in the rearing and maintaining of which, I am not 
without a hope that the foregoing hints may be found useful. 
* This root I caused to be laid by the turnpike side for public inspec- 
tion, with the words " Ash 95 I'eet" painted upon it. 
South J{uncl07i, Doumham Marhci. 
