FARM FENCES. 



571 



spool proceeds. Draw the line from the starting-point to the proposed post as straight as 

 possible with the hands, and then apply a stretcher and strain it tightly to its place. &quot;While 

 the line is thus under strain staple it firmly to each intermediate post between the point of 

 starting and the stretcher. Repeat from this point and so on. It is a good plan to brace 



the corner posts each 

 way with joists bev 

 eled to fit the post at 

 the place of contact, 

 and firmly spiked as 

 high on the post as 

 the upper line of fenc 

 ing, running from 

 this point at an angle 

 of 45 into the ground 

 below frost, and kept 

 in place at the bottom 

 by a flat stone or 

 other substantial ma 

 terial. The posts on 

 each side of a gate or 

 pair of bars should 

 be of the same size as 

 the corner posts, and 

 be braced in the same 

 way. It is important 



that the wire be strained rigidly in place when being put up ; in fact, thero is little danger of 

 straining it too tightly, as it is very strong, and being composed of two strands twisted 

 together, it readily adjusts itself to different temperatures. 



The arguments in favor of the barbed wire fence are its strength, durability, the ease 

 with which it may be erected, its cheapness, and the complete protection it affords from all 

 intrusion. It requires fewer posts than any other fence, as the posts can be placed at quite a 

 distance apart; it is easily kept in repair, and cannot be destroyed by fire. It is also valuable 

 where snow-drifts are an incumbrance, since it forms no barrier to the strong winter winds; 

 the snow cannot accumulate into drifts, as it does where fences that offer obstructions are used. 

 The principal argument against the use of the barbed wire fence is that animals are 

 sometimes injured by it, and it has for this reason been termed by some &quot;a cruel fence.&quot; &quot;We 

 think this objection could readily be met and entirely obviated by placing a narrow board or 

 pole above the top wire from post to post, which will render the fence easily seen by the 

 animals, and thus prevent all such accidents. &quot;Whatever the kind of fence used, when 

 designed to be of a permanent character, it should always be made of good material and be 

 substantially built. It is cheaper in the end to build a good fence that will require but few 

 repairs in a long time, than a poor one that requires a constant rebuilding by way of repairs. 

 When posts are used, the timber selected should be of the most durable kind, and well set. 

 For a post-and-board fence, heavy nails should always be employed, and enough of them put 

 in to render the work strong and substantial. 



