54 DWELLINGS, OUTBUILDINGS, 



fences of this kind. The sod fence may be made altogether on 

 top of the natural surface, but as its height would be greater, it 

 might be too serious an obstruction to views of the grounds. Low- 

 ering the ground on both sides will generally give the earth and sod 

 required for such a fence, and make the needful height for pro- 

 tection against animals without barring a view of the grounds. If 

 jumping animals are to be guarded against, it may be well to insert 

 posts at regular distances for bars across their tops, as shown in the 



F;c. ii. 



same cut, and to use vertical pickets, say a foot or more long, through 

 the bars. A picket line is more of a terror to animals than a hori- 

 zontal fence of the same height, and the pickets may be so small and 

 wide apart as not to intercept views upon the lawn within. Where 

 cattle are not allowed in the street, a single bar or rail, running 

 from post to post, within three or four inches of the top of the sod, 

 with ornamental iron points screwed to the top, will make a 

 pleasing enclosure. There is a great variety of such castings to 

 choose from. Some of the narrower patterns of woven-wire fencing 

 would have an admirable effect on low sod fences. The reader's 

 ingenuity will doubtless suggest various ways of improving these 

 hints concerning sod fencing ; but it must be borne in mind that 

 fences of this character are unsuited to the use of those who do 

 not feel disposed to give them the constant care which is re- 

 quired to keep a lawn in order ; and in those semi-civilized 

 towns where hogs are allowed at large, they are of course im- 

 practicable. Where it is desired to have the sod fence suffi- 

 ciently high to be a good protection against cattle, without any 

 posts or bars above them, it is best to make the additional height 

 by larger and deeper excavations on each side, or on the side on 

 which the height is most needed. A straight slope like that at b, 



