1753. Hedge-shears (figs. 392. and 393.) are composed of two blades, acting in unison by means of a pivot, upon which they turn, on the principle of a lever of the second kind. They were formerly much used in gardening, for hedges, fanciful figures, bowers, and even fruit-shrubs, which were then shorn or trimmed into globes, cones, pyramids, &c. by shears. At present the taste is different. Shears, however, are still wanted for hedges of privet and yew; but where the twigs or shoots are stronger, as in the holly, thorn, and beech, the hedgebill or pruning-shears are preferable, as producing wounds more easily cicatrised, and as not thickening the outer surface of the hedge; which should always be avoided, as it often occasions the interior shoots to rot for want of air, especially in thorn and other deciduous hedges.
