1) Cutting back a hedge.
A deed of c.1712 records agreements made between William Swain and Samuel Hemingway about a hedge between their lands. It was decided that Hemingway was to be responsible for its maintenance and there was reference to the ditches, gates, herbage etc. A similar deed in the same sequence goes beyond the matters usually touched on: Now for priviledge & better conveniency of clipping and ordering the outside of the said fence … for better Ornament or advantage It is agreed that John Hird have liberty to clip and Lay or otherwise order that parte of the said fence. The use of ‘ornament’ is of interest since it makes clear that the appearance of the hedge mattered.