The ground should be thoroughly prepared for a hedge by deep plowing or by digging; the trees should be small, young, of even height and size, and they should be planted carefully in line, according to the directions already given for a single specimen; the ground on each side mulched and kept moist during the first summer.  In the autumn, rake the mulch away and top-dress the soil on both sides for the space of two or three feet outward from the stems with well-decayed manure.  This protects the roots and ensures a vigorous growth the coming season.  Allow no weeds or even grass to encroach on the young hedge until it is strong and established.  For the first year no trimming will be necessary beyond cutting back an occasional branch or top that is growing stronger than the others; and this should be done in early October.  During the second season the plants should grow much more strongly; and now the shears are needed in summer.  Some branches and top shoots will push far beyond the others.  They should be cut back evenly, and in accordance with the shape the hedge is to take.  The pyramidal form appears to me to be the one most in harmony with Nature.  In October, the hedge should receive its final shearing for the year; and if there is an apparent deficiency of vigor, the ground on both sides should receive another top-dressing, after removing the summer mulch.  As the hedge grows older and stronger, the principal shearing will be done in early summer, as this checks growth and causes the close, dense interlacing of branches and formation of foliage wherein the beauty and usefulness of the hedge consist.

CHAPTER II

FRUIT-TREES AND GRASS

It is a happy proof of our civilization that a dwelling-place, a shelter from sun and storm, does not constitute a home.  Even the modest rooms of our mechanics are not furnished with useful articles merely; ornaments and pictures appear quite as indispensable.  Out-of-doors the impulse to beautify is even stronger; and usually the purchaser’s first effort is to make his place attractive by means of trees and shrubs that are more than useful—­they are essential; because the refined tastes of men and women to-day demand them.

In the first chapter I endeavored to satisfy this demand in some degree, and now will ask the reader’s attention to a few practical suggestions in regard to several of the fruits which best supply the family need.  We shall find, however, that while Nature is prodigal in supplying what appeals to the palate and satisfies hunger, she is also like a graceful hostess who decks her banquet with all the beauty that she can possibly bestow upon it.  We can imagine that the luscious fruits of the year might have been produced in a much more prosaic way.  Indeed, we are at a loss to decide which we value the more, the apple-blossoms or the apples which follow.  Nature is not content with bulk, flavor, and nutriment,