INTERNAL FENCES. 129 



proach. We shall take up these two classes of fences in 

 succession. 



Boundary Fence. — The outline and position of thi^ 

 fence depend on those of the park itself, and seldom 

 call for much attention except where it thrusts itself 

 obtrusively on the eye, a circumstance to be guarded 

 against or ameliorated when possible. The fence itself 

 is often a wall built of stone, or if that material is scarce, 

 of bricks ; and it may be from six and a half feet to 

 nine feet in height. On flat surfaces fences of this alti- 

 tude shut out much of the surrounding countiy ; and in 

 such cases, when it is desirable to extend the ^'iew to the 

 adjacent portion of the estate, instead of the wall may 

 be substituted a sunk fence with the fosse or trench on 

 the outside. ^Miere timber is abundant, wooden fences 

 are occasionally employed ; but unless of moderate ex- 

 tent, their want of durability renders them less desirable 

 than those formed of more permanent materials. A 

 close tall pale of split oak, however, is very seniceable, 

 and will last for upwards of thirty years. Hedges 

 seldom prove efficient boundaries ; when, however, com- 

 bined with walls, and well trained and kept, they may 

 suffice for parks in thinly-populated districts. The walls 

 may be two or three feet high, with a low bank of earth 

 behind, on wliich to plant the hedge. 



Internal Fences. — The proper aiTangement of the 

 divisional fences in the interior of the park is a matter 

 of considerable difficulty, and one in which there are 

 perhaps more failures than in almost any other. The 

 common error is the application of the principles of ordi- 

 nary farm fencing to the ornamental grounds. In purely 

 agricultural districts the di\dsions are arranged so as to 



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