ECSIIC GABSEN-EEhCJi. 



CHAPTER V:i. 



FENCES, WALLS, AND SHELTERS. 



176. The idea of inclosing land is one of the most conclusive proofs of a 

 high state of civilization ; and it is gratifying to find the Times noticing the 

 fact that good fences are becoming common in Ireland, and that '' gates, 

 gate-posts, and fences, are no longer carried off bodily to boil the potato-pot ;" 



it is one of the best proofs of her improved condition. Indeed, the history of 



fencing, fi'om the rude landmarks of ancient times up to the almost perfect 

 fences of the present day, would, to a great extent, be the history of social 

 progress and moral advancement. Even now, the character of districts and 

 countries is pretty correctly photographed by the light which the nature and 

 condition of their fences throw upon them. The social status, tastes, and 

 pecuniary resources of individuals may often be determined in the same man- 

 ner. In this, if in anything, those who judge by the outward appearanca 

 only, may generally judge pretty correctly. Fences are so obtrusively conspi- 

 cuous, that they at once arrest our attention and challenge an opinion. They 

 convey to us our first impi'essions of a domain, and we may thus almost 

 determine at sight the estate of a spendthrift or a property in Chancery^ 

 Fences not only define boundaries and insm*e security, — breaking the force of 

 prevailing winds, and providing the necessary shelter, — they also convey 

 ideas of possession and seclusion, and impart a reputable or disreputable 

 character tx) a property, according to the taste, or the want of it, by which 



