52 DWELLINGS, OUTBUILDINGS, 



tion a few of the forms generally used. First, and most common 

 of all fences claiming to be ornamental, is the plain picket fence, 

 made of strips set vertically the whole height of the fence, and from 

 one and a half inches square to one inch by three. All picket 

 fences shut out a view of the ground behind them until one is 

 nearly opposite the pickets, as completely as a tight board fence of 

 the same height. An old and ornamental form of picket fence is 

 that composed of three horizontal rails, with two equal spaces be- 

 tween ; one set of pickets being short, and terminated in points 

 above the middle rail, while every other one rises through the top 

 rail in the same way. This gives double the space between the 

 pickets on the upper half of the fence, where a transparent fence 

 is most indispensable. It is the best, and also one of the most 

 expensive of the old forms of wooden fences, and the only kind of 

 picket fencing that should be tolerated for enclosing ornamented 

 grounds. 



Fences formed of horizontal rather than vertical pieces are 

 preferable ; and the openings between the bars should be as wide 

 as insurance against animals will permit. A substitute for the old- 

 style of picket fences, now much used, is composed of boards 

 sawed so that their openings form ornamental designs. These 

 are adopted from German designs for cheap balconies and veranda 

 guards, for which purposes they are well adapted and beautiful ; 

 but for front fences they are even more objectionable than pickets, 

 because they bar more completely the view of what is behind. To 

 unite strength, beauty, and "transparency," is the object to be 

 gained. What wooden fences will best do this, we must leave to 

 the reader's ingenuity and good sense to decide. Those who build 

 most expensively do not necessarily secure the most tasteful places, 

 and in fencing there is much opportunity to let thought balance 

 money. Some very pretty rod-iron fences are now made, both 

 vertical and horizontal, which are much cheaper than woven wire 

 or cast-iron ; but both of the latter being always at hand or ready 

 made for those who have the means to use them, will probably con- 

 tinue to increase in use. The tasteful forms ;n which iron fences 

 are generally made, together with their indestructible character, 

 will continue to make them more and more desirable. Were it not 



