should be made at one end, taking out sufficient soil with a spade 
to make a hole which will accommodate the roots of the plant 
without crowding. The soil for filling around the roots of the 
first plant can be taken from the space to be occupied by the 
second plant, and so on to the end ot the line. It is essential that 
the soil around the roots be thoroughly firmed by ramming, or by 
treading. 
The depth to plant is dependent upon the character of the 
plants used. Privet may be planted three inches deeper than the 
plants were when in the nursery, but in the majority of cases, es- 
pecially in the case of evergreens, they should not be placed 
deeper than the soil line which marks the depth to which they 
were planted in the nursery. 
No hard and fast rule can be laid down as to the distance to 
be allowed between the plants. Privet is generally planted one 
foot apart, the Japanese Barberry nine inches to one foot, and 
evergreens one foot to tour feet, according to size. 
The time of planting is dependent upon whether evergreen or 
deciduous plants are to be used. Evergreens may be planted in 
August or September, also in May and June. Planting of decidu- 
ous kinds may commence at the end of September and continue 
until the ground becomes frozen. Spring planting may commence 
as soon as the soil is in a workable condition and continue until 
growth commences. 
Immediately after planting, most deciduous kinds should be 
pruned back severely in order to promote the formation of a 
bushy hedge with foliage down to the ground. It is a mistake to 
allow a hedge to increase in height too rapidly, as this tends to 
prevent it acquiring the solidity and bushiness that is desirable. 
The amount of shearing required depends largely upon the 
taste of the individual. Many of the plants mentioned in the fol- 
lowing list need little or no shearing, while, on the other hand, 
privet may have a weekly clipping if a very trim hedge is desired. 
It is usual, however, to shear privet about three times during 
the year. 
It is feasible to clip hedges into various geometrical shapes, 
but it is desirable to decide upon a form that is somewhat pyram- 
idal, as this lessens danger of breakage by reason of snow in 
winter. 
Of all the plants that are used for hedges in this country the 
most common is the California Privet {Ligustrum ovalifolivm) . 
This result has been achieved by its cheapness, hardiness, free- 
dom from insect and fungous pests, and its amenability to con- 
stant shearing makes it valuable when a formal shaped hedge is 
