452 TRANSACTIONS OF ROYAL SCOTTISH ARBORICTJLTURAL SOCIETY. 



barbed wires — the two barbs forming the topmost lines. If these 

 are kept thoroughly strained, neither cattle nor horses will ever 

 attempt to break through them. This will effect an enormous 

 saving in material and labour as compared with the old custom 

 of invariably placing the stobs 6 feet apart, while the result will 

 be equally satisfactory. If sheep have to be reckoned with, then 

 add another line of plain wire, and, between the stobs, fix two 

 wooden droppers to prevent the wires from yielding when pres- 

 sure is brought to bear against them. Even with the addition of 

 droppers, this style of fence is cheap in comparison with that 

 usually erected, for droppers can be bought for ljd. each, while 

 stobs cost 6d. 



Another method of fencing, on a much too elaborate scale as 

 regards the number of stobs used, is often seen. This is where 

 one or two wires have to be erected above a wall or dry stone 

 dyke. To place stobs, in a case of this kind, 6 feet apart is 

 not only wasteful extravagance, but it is also most unsightly. 

 In many instances, where dykes run fairly straight, 15 yards is 

 not too great a distance at which to place the stobs, especially 

 if barbed wire is used ; and in no case should they be nearer 

 than 8 yards, except at curves, where closer stobbing is 

 unavoidable. 



Other instances could be enumerated where a large reduction 

 in material could be made without in the least degree destroying 

 the effectiveness of the fence ; but for our present purpose enough 

 has been stated to prove that, in some instances at least, a con- 

 siderable saving in money might be effected by using the minimum 

 number of stobs and wires actually required for a given line of 

 fence. 



My experience is that the most economical wire to use is 

 No. 8 galvanised steel wire, with four-point barbs fixed 3 inches 

 apart. 



Gates. 



With regard to the question of gates, I am convinced that here 

 too a considerable saving in material can with safety be effected. 

 In most cases the gates used are much too heavy. This not only 

 occasions a waste of material but is a constant source of trouble 

 and expense in connection with the hanging of them. Unless 

 the posts to which the gates are hung, and the necessary mount- 



