HEDGE

A living wnll formed of woody plants, sown or planted in a line, and cut or clipped in such a manner as to form a compact ma of any degree of width and height that may be required for the purpose of shelter, separation, or defence. The fences most generally used in agriculture are made of the white thorn (Gratapus oxy acantha, Lin.), because it has spiny branches, and forms a strong defence against cattle. Fences for the purposes of shelter and separation are chiefly used in gardening, and for the most part are formed of evergreen shrubs, such as the holly, yew, box, or sub-evergreens, such ns the privet; of flower ing shrub's, such as the Cydonia japonica; or of deciduoui [s. 562]