Plants should in all cases, where it is possible, be lifted and replanted within the week, but, much better still—and this is readily effected where a home nursery is on the estate—on the same or the following day. In planting, stretch a line along the centre of the prepared ground, and close to the line take out a perpendicular trench with the spade of sufficient size to allow of the roots of the plants being spread out to their full extent. From 6 in. to 8 in. will be found a convenient distance apart to place the thorns, and they should not be planted deeper than they stood whilst in the nursery border, which will readily be seen by the mark on the stems. A small quantity of fine soil should now be placed next the roots, and this firmly trodden, the remainder of the soil being added afterwards. Dibbling the plants is sometimes recommended, but, in our own opinion, it is a dangerous practice and to be avoided, the roots necessarily being thus confined to small space and placed in an unnatural position. Planting in single line is in most cases preferable to inserting in double line, as it is by the former method that the strongest and most durable fences have been formed. Some planters cut back the young thorns to within 2 in. of the ground, and the practice, although not readily reconciled with physiological principles, is to be recommended. It is unquestionable that headed-back thorns shoot out with greater vigour, and become thicker, than such as have been left untouched, but the fact that they are then greedily devoured by ground game has somewhat caused the practice to fall into disuse, at least where game is abundant and the cost of fencing cannot be entertained. The =Beech=, as a hedge-plant, must not be despised, being a rapid grower on most soils, and soon forming a very valuable fence. In rich soils it retains a great proportion of its leaves during winter, and is, therefore, an excellent shelter-plant. It, however, lacks the rigidity of the thorn, and for that reason is not very suitable for planting where farm stock have access. It may be planted in a manner similar to that recommended for the thorn, only the individual plants should stand farther apart. The =Hornbeam= makes a good live fence, and will grow readily in any fairly good soil and not too exposed ground. It may be treated similarly to the beech. =Privet=—both the common and oval-leaved—have been largely used, either alone or with other plants, in the formation of hedges, for which they are peculiarly suitable. They, however, want stiffness, so as to be able to cope with farm stock, and for this reason are principally used in ornamental garden subdivisions. =Gorse or Furze.=—Strikingly beautiful as well as useful hedges may be formed of gorse. It is well adapted for planting on light dry or sandy soils, or on the top of a dyke or sunk fence.