This conclusion is justified by observing how few have succeeded with
hedges, and many have allowed them to be ruined by neglect.
The evergreens which have been employed have been exclusively for
ornamental screens, and not for farm barriers. The Norway spruce may be
placed at the head on account of its rigid growth, hardiness, and the
freedom with which it may be cut back, it will bear more shade than many
other evergreens, and hence the interior of the screen is green with
foliage. The cutting back should be done with a knife, and not with
shears. Next to the Norway spruce is the hemlock, which excels the
former in its livelier green in winter, while it is unsurpassed for
retaining interior foliage. It will bear cutting back to an almost
unlimited extent in spring before growth commences. But it is not so
stiff as the Norway spruce as a barrier. The American arbor-vitae, though
much used, becomes destitute of foliage inside, and is browned by
winter.
By the introduction of barbed wire an important change is likely to take
place in planting hedges. Barbed wire makes a cheaper fence for its
efficiency than any other material.
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