
FOREST AND STREAM. 
85 

Woodland, Lawn and Garden. 
HEDGES AND THEIR USES. 
No. V.—Tue Rep Cepar, (Juniperus Virginiand). 


’ “___Strength may wield the ponderous spade, 
May turn the clodand wheel the compost mouwld— 
But elegance. chie? grace the garden shows, 
And most attractive is the fair result 
Of thought, the creatttre of a polished mind.” 
CowPER. 
Years ago, the hedge question was considered among the 
impracticals of the time, something much to be desired, 
and was then in the years 1835 to 1840, but little known 
practically, in this country. True, some tolerably good 
specimens of hedges could be found, but they were of 
not much account otherwise than giving a clue or speci- 
men of what might be accomplished in the making of the 
hedge row in later years. : 
When the subject of the evergreen hedge was brought 
to the attention of our farmers, particularly in the west- 
ern country, for the first time, they encountered their dis- 
belief if not direct opposition from those who should 
have been the very first to have encouraged and readily 
engaged in the planting of hedges, ‘in this new thing” 
entirely. One extensive land owner who was possessed 
of one of the finest grazing farms in the West, said 
‘“we did not know anything about what we were writing 
about, and if we ever had good tree hedges, we should have 
to go to the English gardener to produce them.” We were 
led to a very close study of the whole subject of hedges; 
and much that is valuable in our after acquired knowledge, 
we frankly confess, was ina great measure owing to this 
severe rebuff from our old Pennsylvania farmer, with his 
strong predilection for everything European. 
In our investigation of the hedge question at this period, 
we learned «from conversation with men of the first intelli- 
gence, and consultations with the most practical English 
authors, that the idea of any other hedge than the English 
‘hawthorn, at that time could scarcely be tolerated. Arbor 
vite now so freely used, was not known as a hedge plant, 
scarcely at all. Even many attempts to make a good 
hawthorn hedge proved unsuccessful. This want of success 
in those early days, we think to have been owing more to 
neglect and the slovenly treatment accorded to the plant‘ 
than any inherent quality or defect of the thorn plant; 
subsequent judicious treatment, having proved it to be 
easy of cultivation, and a good reliable hedge plant. 
The cultivation then bestowed upon the hedge, was 
next to no cultivation at all; left almost entirely to itself 
after planting, no wonder the hedge row, once so trim and 
neat, became the ‘awful scraggly” and irregular, un- 
‘sightly row of bushes of all heights; without order or 
beauty; an eyesore, an offence to every attribute of the 
beautiful. 
An English hawthorn in those days even, was not con- 
sidered as the pride of the village, the odoriferous sweet blos- 
soming, neatly trimmed avenue of beauty that it became 
in after years, and of which we shall speak in its due place 
in our papers on hedges. * 
We make these brief remarks upon the hawthorn, as an 
early, and one of the first hedge plants usedin the towns of 
which we speak, before the days of our evergreens, a con- 
tinuation to the use of the different kinds of which we 
now return, 
As shelter from the regular cold currents of our winter 
months has become of so much importance to the hus- 
bandman, the agriculturist, florist, and ornamental gar- 
dener, we naturally look about for the plants best adapted 
for this purpose. There are, as we have already shown, 
several plants well adapted for this purpose, but the cheap- 
est to use, to any extent, is common red cedar. (Juniperus 
Virginiana.) This well known plant is easily grown from 
the seed, which are produced abundantly, and if properly 
planted will be large enough for planting out in the hedge 
row in two years from the planting. By the third or 
fourth year being a hardy compact plant, it will by this 
time present quite a firm barrier, as well as a shelter hedge. 
This plant bears the ‘‘shears” or clipping remaikably 
well;as well as any one of the evergreen hedge plants we 
have used. Its tendency being of an uniform upright 
growth, we have seen it growing remarkably well, with 
but little or no attention at all. It will under any ordinary 
circumstances make a compact evergreen wall of protec- 
tion, sending out its evergreen branches even from the 
very ground. Any one who has carefully noticed the 
upright, hardy tendency of this red cedar plant, will have 
observed it to be a remarkably clean and compact growing 
tree inits natural woods and forests. It should be more 
extensively used than it has been, for it is a long liver, and 
one of the best plants that can be used for an outside fence, 
where cheapness and durability are the chief questions 
under consideration. The red cedar is found in many por- 
tions of our country, and it readily springs up from the 
berry even in the most arid and unpromising situations. 
The birds plant a great many trees, and of this cedar 
berry, they are truly the great planters. We have seen acres 
of this beautiful tree at all heights and sizes runniug up | 
like a perfect cone, green, and beautiful to behold, and al- 
ways commanding our especial attention. From Maine, 
throughout Massachusetts, all along the Hudson, and on 
Long Island, may be seen this hardy plant growing pro- 
fusely, and scattered over a vast extent of field and past- 

“There are now in the United States many miles of this, kind of hedge, 
and they have stood the climate well, particularly in Ohio, Indiana, and 
Mlinois. 


ure land, as though inviting every thrifty well informed 
yeoman to make at least one experiment in the cultivation 
of this valuable adjunct of civilization. 
Every one has seen or heard of what in some portions of 
Long Island, are called ‘‘lop fences,” made originally in 
this manner: It being desirable to apportion off a certain 
portion of the lands, either for pasturage, clearing, or 
tillage, a row of small trees of white and red oak, some- 
times the ‘‘scrub oak,” was pressed into service and made 
to do duty as live posts for our line fences. Then the op- 
erator with his axe commenced to trim along the side of 
his future fence, the short undergrowth of shrubs, whortle- 
bushes, and undergrowth of plants, reserving the small 
trees of white oak, which were at this stage about the size 
of hoop poles, for his ‘‘lop fence.” These latter were 
then by a slight blow of the axe on one side partially sev- 
ered, andthe top of the sapling bent over about two feet 
from the ground and tied down in a longitudinal manner, 
with withes to keep them in position. Aided by a 
few stakes as further support, the primitive outline of the 
‘lop fence” was initiated. This ‘“‘lop fence” in after 
years being the resort of birds of various kinds, who de- 
posited the seeds of the numerous kinds of trees upon 
which they fed, planted the same along the line of the 
fence,} a large portion of their favorite feeding ground 
being the red cedar groves and cherry trees of Long 
Island. Soon our fence became the resting place of the 
feathered planters, who deposited the seed with a liberal 
bill the whole length of the ‘‘lop fence ” line. 
Having used to a considerable extent the red cedar, and 
from careful observation of the growth of this hedge 
plant in different sections, of our country, we have no 
hesitation in saying that as a protection, nothing in the 
nature of an enclosing, strong, permanent hedge, is found 
superior to the red cedar hedge when rightly planted. Mr. 
reynard or rabbit, cannot get through this impenetrable, 
smoothly trimmed green; the field mouse can scarcely find 
a shelter within it; nor will ox, cow, or horses get through 
it. Hens and turkeys, those pests, often, of the farm-yard, 
try it once or twice, and leave it after a few vain attempts 
to penetrate it, as something they cannot understand. 
For a winter screen, this kind of hedge is the stne qua 
non, you can make it compact as you please by sowing the 
seeds thickly along the row, and then thinning to a desired 
distance apart. As they grow very straight you have only 
to keep your eye upon them to have a perfect straight 
evergreen, true hedge. The element of shelter from the 
wind is soon obtained from this hedge, and who does not 
know from experience, how comfortable he feels, on a cold, 
raw November day, to seek the sunny side of just such a 
sereen. 
And then again the long undulating line of beauty to be 
found in sucha. well kept hedge is charming. Imagine 
such a hedge as this upon an uneven surface of landscape, 
as it rises and falls with hill and vale, in easy natural curves, 
“Nature assuming a mors lovely face, 
Borrowing a beauty f.... the works of grace.” 
Really there is grace and beauty in the sturdy old hedge, 
as well as plant power of resistance to the elements, or the 
encroachments of bird and beast. “Then when we add the 
ornamental elements of beauty and attractiveness, always 
found in variety areund us, we feel a new love of the 
beautiful within us, if not a desire to make all men appre- 
ciate in some higher degree than before, the loveliness of 
this glorious world that God has called into existence for 
the pleasure of man. 
OLLIPOD QUILL. 

+We merely introduce the natural ‘ bird fence,” or ‘‘lop fence * in this 
place as an illustration of the hardy, tenacious character of the red cedar 
as ahedge plant. Many very interesting and highly instructive facts, 
relating to this kind of fence, and all particulars relating to the same, 
together with curious and amusing incidents connected with it, 
will make the subject of a separate paper, upon “lop fences” and their 
use in a future number of ForEsT AND STREAM. 
Che Zlagazines. 
PERSIAN MANNERS. 
ete 
The natives of Persia do not recline on cushions, in the 
luxurious manner of the Turks; but in an erect posture, 
on thick felt called a nwmud. They have seldom, if ever, 
fires in their apartments, even in the coldest season, and in 
order to keep warm, fold themselves in a fur pelisse or a 
barounee, which is a handsome robe of crimson cloth, lined 
with shawls or velvet. Like other Oriental nations they 
rise with the sun, and having dressed and said their prayers 
take a cup of coffee, or perhaps a pipe. They then enter 
upon the business of the day, if they have any; and, if not, 
smoke and converse until about eleven o’clock, at which 
time they usually have breakfast, and then retirc into the 
harem. There they remain until about three o’clock; when 
they retire to the hall, see company, and finish their busi- 
ness; for with these people the most important affairs are 
discussed and transacted in public. Between nine and 
ten the dinner, or the principal meal, is served up. This 
chiefly consists of pil/aws, and of mutton and fowl, dressed 
in various ways, of which, however, they eat but moder 
ately. Wine they never taste before company, although in 
private they are the most notorious drunkards, and inva- 
riably drink before they eat. They are passionately foud 
»f tobacco, which they smoke almost incessantly from the 
1oment they rise until it is time for them to retire to rest; it 
-onstitutes, indeed, the principal source of amusement to a 
man of fortune; and were it not for his calcan, I am at a 
loss to imagine how he would spend his time. In this re- 
spect, indeed, there seems to be something peculiarly in- 
consistent in the character of the Persians. When without 
an inducement to exertion, he resigns himself entirely to 
luxury and ease; and the same person, who with his ca/- 
can in his mouth, would appear to pass the day in a sort of 
stupor, when roused into action and mounted upon his 

horse, will ride for days and nights without intermission. 
Hunting and hawking, as well as various gymnastic exer- 
cises, are favorite amusements of the Persians. By these 
means their bodies become hardened and active, and as 
they are taught to ride from their youth, they manage their 
horses with great boldness and address. They frequently 
use the warm bath, but seldom change their linen. They 
are as bold and daring horsemen as I have seen, and delight 
in showing off their dexterity, One of their great amuse- 
ments is shooting from horseback, and they show wonder- 
ful skill in thus bringing down ground game at full gallop. 
This is most remarkable, as they have no idea of shooting 
ata bird on the wing: indeed never attempt it, but wait 
until they can get a shot on the ground. They are exces- 
sively fond of horses, and, although unsparing of their 
powers in the field. take much care of them in the stable, 
where, strange to say, a pig is often kept for their protec- 
tion, on the supposition that should an evil spirit pass the 
threshold it will take up its quarters in the soul of a beast 
so loathsome to the nostrils of a true son of the Prophet, 
andleave the horse unmolested. Much faith is likewise 
laid in the efficacy of charms, and the favorite animal of 
the stable has generally a turquoise, which is held to bring 
luck, strung to his tail. Oats and liay being almost un- 
known, the horses are fed on barley and chopped straw, 
and a course of green fodder in the spring. 
—<> + 
LE ROI S’AMUSE. 
————e 

That his sacred majesty of Persia must be somewhat of 
a wag is evidenced by the following account of one or two 
illustrations of his love of practical joking. The Shah had 
invited some Europeans to breakfast and display their skill 
in skating at one of his country palaces. ‘‘ His Majesty, 
surrounded by his court and some of his ministers, stately 
long-bearded gentlemen, in flowing robes and tall hats, 
took much interest in it, and highly applauded the per- 
formances of the two English engineers in his service. After 
a time, however, his interest flagged, and urged no doubt 
by the espiéglerie inherent in the character of all Persians, 
he expressed a wish tosee his courtiers try their feet on 
theice. . . . . The dignitaries of the court cast de- 
precating looks at their sovereign when his wish was made 
known them. But the more reluctance they showed, the 
more the idea seemed to tickle his majesty, and the more he 
insisted: so the skates were attached to their feet, and they 
were carried on the ice. I refrain from attempting a des- 
cription of the scene that ensued; its counterpart might 
perhaps be imagined by conceiving several Lord Chancel- 
lors in their state robes taking their first skating lesson on 
Virginia Water. ’ ‘ 
The other incident occurred not long after. 
The Shah took such a fancy to a portable inda-rubber 
boat, that its owner, one of our officers, who had got it 
from England with a view to explore some of our rivers, 
begged, and of course obtained, permission to present it to 
him. It was at once transported to the palace, and, when 
inflated, my friend had the honor of paddling royalty about 
on one of the tanks. The amusement pleased his majesty, 
and hetook to paddling himself; the courtiers followed suit 
and eventually the King caused a throne to be erected near 
the bank, in order that he might be at his ease to watch their 
progress in their new accomplishment. It was probably too 
slow to afford him satisfaction, for one day he announced 
that he should like to sée how many persons his boat was 
capable of carrying. Three could sit comfortably init, but 
there was room-for a dozen, and accordingly a dozen A. D. 
C.’s and chamberlains, in their handsome shaw] dresses and 
gold brocades, stepped in. Meanwhile, some one in the 
royal confidence had secretly opened the valves. The boat 
was shoved off toward the middle of the tank, and as the 
air escaped, gradually sank lower and lower, and finally 
dsiappeared with its gorgeous unsuspecting freight in the 
water. In amoment there was nothing visible on the sur- 
face of the tank but lamb’s-wool hats and linen scull caps; 
fora moment, too, there was silence. Then a dozen shaven 
heads were seen wagging their tufts and sidelocks, and a 
dozen mouths and noses were heard puffing, blowing and 
snorting as the owners struggled slowly to the side. The 
Shah laughed long and loudly, and was so much pleased 
with the success of the stratgem, that when his victims 
emerged, all dripping and crestfallen, before him, he 
deigned to inquire, what news of the fish? Persians can 
take a joke as it is meant; and though no doubt the court- 
iers wished the boat and the donor a speedy descent to the 
warmer climate, I dare say they all afterward joined in 
their sovereign’s laughter.—Mouwnsey’s Persia. 
et 
THE FLIGHT OF THE EAGLE.—It is some fourteen or fif- 
teen years since I first watched an eagle through a telescope 
Not to go back too far, as I must trust to memory, I was 
two or three years ago, on the summit of a long-backed 
solitary hill, 500 or 600 feet high, in the Coimbatore plains 
of Southern India. There was a light breeze blowing, and 
I saw an eagle stemming it, on the leeward side of 
the hill, which was steep. Sometimes he was within (say) 
fifty yards, and having a good glass at hand, I rested it on 
a stone heap, and watched him. It was freqnently possi- 
ble to see him thus, stationary in a motionless field of view, 
at an apparent distance of ten or twelve feet. Not a feather 
quivered: the head was turned from side to side as he scru- 
tinized the hill-side; occasionally a foot was brought up to 
the beak: the roll of the eye was perceptible: but otherwise 
he was at rest to all appearance. They may have been 
quivering, but they looked as steady as those of a stuffed 
specimen. And here I may observe, that for this appear- 
ance to be compatible with an unperceived vibration, the 
position of rest must have existed alternately with succes- 
sive excursions, and the time occupied by the latter must 
have been insignificant as compared with the duration of 
rest. I find it impossible to accept this explantion, even as a 
first step, and need rot inquire how it would produce the 
supporting effects. The tail, I should mention, was not at 
rest. It was frequently feeling, as it were, the passing 
breeze. 
It is to be understood that in the course of the frequent 
changes of general position, I had the bird under examina- 
ticn from different directions—not always of course so 
favorably.—J. Herschel, in Nature. 
--——>—__—— 
—Storm signals are raised on the citadel at Halifax, when 
notice is given by the Dominion Meteorological Bureau, 
—Isn’t the sea-serpent likely to prove a boa? 
—Was the can-can co-existent with the do-do! 
