CHAPTER VII 



Boundaries 



A BOUNDARY is "a visible mark indicating the limit" — 

 those are the exact words — hence there can be no greater 

 anomaly than an "invisible boundary." And happily 

 we are outgrowing the affectation that led us, a decade or so ago, 

 to such violation of good sense as the total elimination of hedges, 

 fences and all other "visible" evidences of limits. 



It must have been affectation pure and simple, for there is 

 absolutely nothing in human experience or human instinct 

 which prompts such action. Rather indeed, do these urge an 

 opposite course. A little bit of the earth with a fence around it 

 is the honest demand of human nature, common to all but the 

 anarchists. These want the fences down to be sure — or they say 

 they do — but is it so others may walk in, or because they them- 

 selves wish to walk out? 



The sacrifice of boundaries in suburban communities has 

 usually been made, I think, under a doubly mistaken idea. 

 There is an impression, widely prevailing, that an effect of spa- 

 ciousness is thus gained. And there is a feeling, widely cherished, 

 that this particular effect is the great desideratum, to which all 

 else should be willingly sacrificed. 



As a matter of fact spaciousness is of small consequence, 

 alone and by itself. When it results naturally from conditions 



(73) 



