Ol' Hedge

        

       Most hedge rows were planted when? Before the turn of the last century? During the WPA? They were an essential part of early farming practices. I do not suppose any of the existing trees are that old, but I may be wrong. Some were here before we moved into the area 30+ years ago. The trees grow old, die and the wood just gets more hard and more dense the longer it stands. It was a warm winter day with me just in a frayed jacket. I was not able to see any sign of life in this ol' fella, peeled of its bark, hard and dark. Where it stood at the south end of the ancient row it leaned as if it were trying to escape from the row across the fence into the creek below.