The New International Encyclopædia/Hedge

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HEDGE (AS. hecg, hege, OHG. hecga, hegga, Ger. Hecke, hedge; connected with AS. hege, Eng. hay, and AS. hēawan, Eng. hew). A fence formed generally of growing shrubs or trees and cultivated either for defense or ornament. Hedges are much used in England, Italy, and in other countries where wood for fences is scarce. For many situations, they are particularly adapted, owing to the protection which they afford from high winds. The height to which they are permitted to grow should be accommodated to the requirements of the locality. Hedges in Great Britain are generally formed of hawthorn (q.v.). Beech hedges are very common around gardens and pleasure grounds, and a hedge of beech and hawthorn mixed is connnon in many places. Holly makes an excellent ornamental hedge, much in use for gardens and pleasure grounds. Ornamental hedges are sometimes formed of yew, hornbeam, lime, and other trees. In the United States, osage orange (Maclura aurantiaca) and honey-locust (Gleditschia triacanthos) are considered the best hedges for fence purposes. For ornamental hedges California privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium) , Norway spruce (Picea excelsa), American arbor-vitæ (Thuja occidentalis), common hemlock (Tsuga Canadensis), Japan quince (Cydonia japonica), Deutzia scabra, and some spireas and viburnums are used.