In all cases we have found it well to have the ground along the line of fence trenched to a depth of 2 ft., and about 3 ft. in width, and a quantity of manure incorporated at the same time. If this can be done some months before planting the thorns or other fence plants, so much the better, as it gives time for the loosely upturned soil to get mellowed and sweetened, as also for the manure to get well decomposed. In all cases it may not be necessary to apply manure, but, where the soil is at all poor, the addition of a quantity of well-rotted manure has a wonderful effect in stimulating the quick into active and strong growth. The vigorous and rapid growth of a hedge, when the soil has been well worked and manured, is remarkable, and in all cases the labour and outlay expended on the fence is amply repaid. [Illustration: HEDGING TOOLS] It is well to plant rather above than below the general ground level, so that in trenching the soil a slight mound should be raised along the intended line of fence, which will not only materially assist in keeping the plants from excessive moisture, but aid in the cleaning and general management of the hedge. Where superfluous moisture is present in the soil the hedge-and-ditch system is to be recommended, which consists in digging out a ditch parallel with the line on which it is intended to place the fence. It should be 3 ft. deep, 5 ft. wide at top, and 1 ft. at bottom, and the soil removed in so doing is thrown upon that side where the hedge is to be planted, thus forming a mound, or rather ridge, on which the plants are to be placed. In wet soils such a ditch is indispensable, but, under ordinary circumstances, it is to be condemned, and for the simple reasons that it is expensive and rather against than in favour of the free growth of the fence. =Thorn or Quick.=—The best time to plant the whitethorn is just after the fall of the leaf in autumn; but the operation is usually extended from that time until early spring, though in the latter case perhaps with less satisfactory results. In selecting the plants a great amount of care is necessary, as also in the lifting and after-planting. Four-year-old plants are best suited for hedge-formation, and they should be stout of growth and well rooted. The size of the plants is of more importance than the age, and those with stems as thick as one’s finger are to be preferred to others of greater height, but lank and small of stem. Frequent transplanting while in the nursery border should have been paid attention to, as then the roots are bushy and fibrous and well suited for planting out permanently. Great damage is frequently done to thorn plants by careless lifting, and, worse still, by bundling the plants in lots ready for the planter. This should never be tolerated, as it is quite evident that when tied up in bundles and covered over with soil, the plants in the centre of each bundle get dust-dry and fall a prey to the searching winds of spring.