Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1833-1861, 1857-08-14
FARMER.

e
WHAT OF THE Usage ORANGE2
In response 70 inquiries, we prom
iced in our June number to give spe-
cial attention to this plant during our
Western travels. We have done so,
and after seeing the plant in almost
every stage Of growth, in variety of
situations, climate, &C., IN seven or
eight different States, and after con-
versing with great number who hare
tried il, or are now doing so, we con-
fs1s to being more unsettled than ev.
er In regard to the general adaptable
ity Of the Usage Orange for hedging.
In short, we have not yet that faith in
itwhich would lead as to be ut the
expense Of planting out five hundred
rods oft, in any place or under any
circumstance where there was any
other resort whatever for fencing
We expect this statement will call
forth strong protests, for we have Wis
tied few localities where the plant
now promises to succeed, and we
doubt not it viii sometime be sue
cessful, but we certainly speak within
due limits, when we say that so far
the failures have far exceeded the cas-
es Of success. 1t would greatly ex-
coed our limits to note particularly
the several examinations we have
made, and we can only speak in gen.
eral terms.
Out Of AZ hedges we examined, %
were badly injured by frost, either
last winter or the winter before Z
werc considerably injured, and 4
slightly SO. OF the 10 apparently
uninjured, were sheltered by hill
sides, groves, or by snow banks pro-
duced by adjacent fences We heard
Of several others uninjured. but did
not see them
We met but three persons who had
tried them, and who were not inter
ested in the sale of plants OF to sus-
tain reputation for past statements,
who were ready to give them their
present hearty endorsement. A gen.
tleman in the Great Miami Valley,
Western Ohio showed us very
good hedge on the east side Of a hll
and sheltered By It, He seemed to have
confidence in the plant, and stated
that number Of farmers in the vi,
entity were putting out new plots.
Another, in Western New York,
has a young hedge which has escaped
freezing, and he is confident that the
plant will flourish there Another
in Central Illinois, has hedge now
three years old from the setting which
though little nipped by frost is send
ing out new shoots, and the owner il
40 confident Of success that he is pre-
pairing to plant out two miles.
A large land-holder, near Knox
vile, ILL.,, informed us that he intend
ed to plant several miles, but since
the results of last winters frosts have
been developed, he has given up al
idea of trying this hedge plant, anc
be is now looking around for q sub
stitute.
An intelligent farmer in Kendall
county, ILL.,, who has been watching
this plant since its first introduction
and who has made long journey
of observation to settle the question
for himself, said to us: 81 have com,
to the conclusion that the Usage Or
ange will answer for hedge, so lonl
as You have good rail fence on on
side and board fence on the other.
Others, in Ohio, Indiana and Illinois
expressed similar opinions. Man,
think there is no doubt but goo'
hedge may be produced with tn
Usage Orange II Il is carefully attend
ed TO for fec gears. But here is on
great difficulty. 4 cH
The experimental planting hun
dred miles along the Illinois Centru
Railroad, heralded so loudly som
two years since, was commenced, bu
Is given up entirely, we believe, an
the portion planted is proving fail
ure, "for want of care" il is said.
We have thus expressed our pres
ent opinion Of this plant, with yer,
few of the practical reasons therefor
Just such ahedging plant as the Osag
Orange has boon represented to be
is greatly needed and so great Is Oh
want that we will still cling to tn
hope that in many localities il wi
flourish. The almost constant car
required will in any case be an objec
ton, but not fatal one we trust, owe
millions Of acres almost or quite de
void of fencing materials.
We shall be glad to hear from on
readers OF this topic We want facts
however-not opinions, unless sue
opinions are exceedingly well fort
fed by facts. Let US endeavor to az
certain under precisely what circum
stances ofsoil, latitude, climate, expo
sure or protection, the Usage Orang
sctu grow, or rather has grown to su
fcient height and thickness TO form
safe and reliable hedge. Let us kno
what expense, including OUTLAWS
time as well as money, is required I
bring the hedge to useful condition
and also how much care is annual
needed thereafter.
In the meantime, while we came
at present advise any one to cnts
largely into the use Of this plant, "
think il desirable that experiment
should be continued Half doze
years or less will settle tho question
Almost any one can readily put o,
border Of ten, twenty or thirty rot
in length; and himself e is adap
edness TO his circumsta. -. and /
caiity. This might be done in diffe
ent places. Farmers Clubs or Assoc
atoms. Such experiments would I
ofeven more interest and value
community, than the best conduc
ed exhibitions, though neither shoul
be neglected.