WE think this subject may be classed among those which can properly, and profitably, be discussed in the Horticulturist. While entertaining these views, we have been anxious to see some one give his experience, together with such practical directions for the proper cultivation and training of the Osage Orange as would enable those who are desirous of giving it a trial, an opportunity of doing so. Many have been deterred from entering upon its cultivation, from witnessing the many failures among those who have planted it, and who, after having started, did not understand the after management, so requisite to success. Many very liberal-minded gentlemen have condemned it, merely from witnessing the miserable apologies for hedges to be seen all over the country, wherever it has been introduced. It is to present to such persons, and all others who desire to give it an impartial trial, a few concise and practical directions for its cultivation, that we have been induced to write an article on the subject. It may be proper to remark, before proceeding farther, that we have found it to be perfectly hardy. We have seen it endure 30 degrees below zero, which, we think, will justify us in declaring it hardy enough for all practical purposes.

It does get killed back more or less according to the severity of the weather every winter, and sometimes gets killed outright during the first winter after planting; but in the proper place, we will give such directions for protecting the hedge, as will effectually prevent its occurrence.

When the plants can be bought at reasonable rates, we would recommend purchasing them, rather than undertake to raise plants; for it is attended with a great deal of trouble, and often results in failure. For those, however, who are desirous of raising their own plants, we will state two methods of preparing the seed. One is to mix the seed with light, moist soil or sand. We think the latter preferable. Expose it to the frost, that it may be thoroughly frozen, in the same manner that many other kinds of seed are prepared, to secure vegetation. The other is to thoroughly moisten the seed with warm water, and keep il moist Place in a tolerably warm room; not too warm, for too much heat causes fermentation. This latter must be carefully guarded against* It is to be avoided in two ways. One by not giving them too much heat, and keeping the temperature as even as possible. The other, by not placing in too large a bulk. The seed should also be frequently stirred during this process. From one or more causes, the seed will not be likely to vegetate evenly. Watch it closely, and assort as often as is deemed necessary. If not convenient to plant them, place in a cooler situation. We think it better to have the soil prepared, that it may be planted immediately.

The soil must be in proper condition as to warmth, that the seed may not rot after planting. This is a prolific source of failure with the inexperienced planter. Prepare the soil as you would for different kinds of garden seeds; which means to prepare it well. Plant in drills, eighteen or twenty inches apart, and not too thick in the drills. Cultivate well during the summer to insure a healthy and vigorous growth. After the frost has killed the foliage, or rather after vegetation has ceased, the plants can be carefully taken up, and heeled in, in such a position that they will not be exposed to the direct rays of the sun during winter. It will be better to cover them with loose litter of some kind. Almost any thing, excepting fresh horse manure.

The soil, for the reception of the plants in the hedge row, should also receive a preliminary prepartion in the fall. Plow deep and thoroughly, and it will repay tenfold the amount of labor expended. A space of ground, not less than six feet in width, should be devoted to the cultivation of the hedge. In the spring, as soon as is convenient to commence operations, plow the ground thoroughly, but not quite so deep as the previous plowing. Give it a good harrowing to pulverize the soil well, and it will be ready for the reception of the plants. Prepare the plants by cutting off all mutilated roots, and cutting off the tops to within two or three inches of the root, or rather that portion that was near the surface of the ground, during the previous summer's growth. This will be readily identified by the yellowish color of the bark. Have the hedge-row perfectly straight. It will be more satisfactory to yourself, besides adding an inexpressible charm to the appearance of a place, that no care, no matter how assiduously applied, can bestow, if the work has been bunglingly done at the beginning.

We wish to call attention particularly to this point of the subject, because it will not only cause vexation, if not attended to at the proper time, and subject your work to the ridicule of the incredulous, who always have an " I told you so" at their tongue's end to apply, whenever from any cause, (no matter how unavoidable on your part,) that a failure may take place, that did not meet with their special approbation.

The planting will next require your attention. There are three ways that this can be accomplished. First by setting a line, and planting with a dibble. The second by throwing the soil from the line with a spade, to a sufficient depth to admit the roots of the longest plants. Place the top of the plants against the line, and then fill in the dirt, and make it compact by trampling it with the foot This is rather surer, but is not quite so expeditious as the former. The last is more expeditious than either. A good steel mold-board plow, and steady team, with a good driver, are the requisites to success. Follow in a direct line of the stakes, throwing out the soil to a sufficient depth; place the plants in their proper position; throw in the soil with shovel or spade; press compactly with the foot, and level off that it may present a neat appearance, and the work is done. I should have mentioned before that the plants should be about six inches apart, or one hundred plants to every three rods of ground.

[In many sections of our country hedges have an importance beyond their mere beauty. For a useful hedge, the Osage Orange is one of the best we have. May we not hope that "Out West" will continue the subject, and give our readers his mode of after treatment, which is quite as important as planting, especially while the hedge is in process of formation. - Ed].