FARM FENCES. 561 



Fences furnish a place for weeds to grow and ripen their seed, which are scattered by 

 the wind over the land; they also are a safe harbor for mice, rats, and other pests. 



Unnecessary fences on a farm, are, therefore, not only a useless expense, and an obstruc 

 tion to cultivation, but a disfigurement to the landscape, and a harbor for weeds and vermin; 

 and if the amount of unproductive labor which they incur were reduced, great benefit would 

 be derived, since by so doing, the productiveness of the farm would be practically increased, 

 without any increased outlay in labor, money, or draft upon the fertility of the soil. In some 

 parts of New England, the old division and highway fences have been removed, which has 

 greatly increased the general attractiveness of such farms, as well as the towns in which they 

 are located. The owners have by this means improved the general appearance of their 

 farms, and reduced the expense of maintaining them. 



In almost every State in New England there are examples of such improvements, which 

 are gradually extending. Among the many places made especially attractive by this means 

 might be mentioned Cheneyville, in South Manchester, Conn.; also, Amherst, Mass., and 

 vicinity. Very few fences are also seen in some of the river valleys, where the annual inun 

 dations would sweep them away. 



To what extent farm fences are essential will depend somewhat upon different 



conditions and circumstances. The crops must, of course, be protected. This protection may 

 be furnished by fencing the farm animals in, appropriating a certain portion of the farm to 

 this purpose, or by enclosing the cultivated fields by fences, and thus fencing them out. Where 

 the law requires every owner of farm-stock to keep his animals on his own land, or to be 

 responsible for all damage done by them, highway fences will not be necessary, since the 

 owners, being made liable for such damage, will be careful to keep them confined to their 

 own premises. The fences required in such sections, therefore, are those that will keep each 

 owner s animals confined on his own premises, and not such as shall fence out those of his 

 neighbors; consequently, pasture fences, and fences about some of the farm buildings, will 

 be all the permanent ones that are essential. Where soiling is commonly practiced, even 

 pasture fences could be dispensed with. 



In those sections where the statute law and custom require a highway and division 

 fence, a boundary fence will be essential, but the law and custom may be changed, and if 

 farmers use their influence in securing the enactment and enforcement of stringent laws in 

 respect to restraining stock, this may be accomplished, and highway fences be rendered 

 unnecessary. 



Farm animals that are not under the direct charge of a keeper, who is responsible for 

 the injury they may do, should never be tolerated in the highway. Such toleration would be 

 detrimental to the best agricultural interests of the country. If certain portions of the farm, 

 aside from the common pastures, are desired to be used as pasturage at any time, such as 

 mowing-lands for a season in the fall, movable fences may be used, similar to the hurdle 

 fences, so extensively employed in England. As a general rule, the permanent fences nec 

 essary, except where boundary and division fences are required, will be those for the pas 

 ture, and around farm buildings, such as barns and sheds. A temporary fence can occasion, 

 ally be used when necessary, which will secure the convenience of a permanent one without 

 its disadvantages, and for this purpose a movable fence, as previously recommended, is the 

 most desirable. 



In England and other portions of Europe, when cattle and sheep are pastured where 

 there are no fences, a shepherd is employed to take charge of them, who, with the assistance 

 of a well-trained dog, will keep large flocks and herds under perfect control, and as strictly 

 confined to prescribed limits as though there were fences for this purpose. This practice of 

 employing shepherds is based upon the principle that it is less expensive to take care of the 

 herds than to keep up the fences. 



