Madura or Osage Orange. 633 
nine years old, and has so much root in proportion to the top, that 
the annual growth of the top to be trimmed off' every winter, is 
from three to seven feet in length, and some of the limbs three- 
quarters of an inch in diameter. This can be done by no other 
means than by the use of a pair of long-handled pruning shears; 
the wood is very hard, and the top very dense, and thickly set 
with thorns about one and a half inches in length, that are about 
as sharp and inflexible as a steel needle. 
This immense amount of brush can only be removed after it is 
pruned olf, by means of a fork, which renders the work very te- 
dious. The amount of labor required every year in pruning and 
removing the brush, is fully equal to that of laying a new zigzag 
rail fence, or even a post and rail, where the soil is free to dig. 
On one side of the fence above alluded to, I have this year had a 
field of rye, and on the other, sowed maize, followed by turnips, 
and the injurious effects of the hedge have been very considerable 
on all, but particularly on the turnips, causing an entire failure to 
the distance often or twelve feet from the hedge. 
The teams dread to approach them as they would a fire; and 
they occupy more land than any other fence with which I am fa- 
miliar. They appear to grow well in this vicinity, but they will 
not make a fence against sheep or swine unless they are kept 
headed down for several years at least, to cause a dense growth 
near the ground ; hence when it is desired to have them consti- 
tute an effectual fence, the pruning process is indispensable. 
The fine plausible stories of some who have large Madura 
nurseries to dispose of, are truly very strong encouragement for 
many who have the means, and are impelled by that very com- 
mendable spirit, a determination to keep pace w'ith the improve- 
ment of the day, to purchase largely, and remove even better 
fences, and substitute the Madura hedges. To such as are inex- 
perienced in the matter, I would only ask them one question: — 
Did you ever hear of the Multicaulis speculation ? Beware ! of 
the thorns ! ! ! 
The ^laclura may be used in the absence of other fencing ma- 
terial, on the prairies, and as a division fence between large es- 
tates, where land is cheap, perhaps, with advantage and economy; 
but as a division fence on an ordinary farm, it is by no means 
desirable. 
A Madura hedge, when in full foliage, is very beautiful to be- 
hold, and to a certain extent may be said to be appropriate in 
ornamental grounds, where it can have the care of an experienced 
gardener or horticulturist ; but if neglected, it soon becomes an 
unsightly nuisance. W. 
Mount Airy Agricultural Institute, Nov. 11, 184S. 
