HEDGE TRIMMING.
The Committee on Agriculture reported on the bill [H. R. 514] requiring owners of osage orange and hedge fence to trim the same, recommending its passage.
The report was concurred in, and the bill was read the second time.
Mr. THOMPSON said: I doubt the propriety of passing this bill. We have a great many hedge fences, which the people let grow as high as fifteen and twenty feet, to protect their grain, and I think we would be tresspassing upon the people by requiring them to to cut them down to eight feet. I think the bill is wrong.
Mr. FANCHER--In my section of the State, where we have prairies, the people put out these hedge fences along the road. In many places they are from fifteen to twenty feet high, so that the road is nearly filled with hedge, making it almost impenetrable, especially with a load of hay. Besides it is very bad in hot weather, as it obstructs the air in its motion. It is no benefit to the farmer. It shadows much of his ground, which tends to make it unfit for cultivation.
Mr. CARR was in favor of the bill, because fences beyond the specified height (eight feet0 in the bill is injurious to the farmer and beneficial to nobody.
The bill was ordered engrossed.
