60 THE BOOK OF GARDEN FURNITURE 



woodland, on the distant view of which the interest of so 

 many places depends. The most beautiful fence for the 

 English landscape is the old-fashioned post and rail, made 

 of good oak. It is both strong and durable, and carries 

 that air of solidity and worth which we look for in vain 

 in the cheap-looking iron erection, which is completely 

 out of harmony with its surroundings. Unfortunately, 

 in these days of agricultural depression, artistic effect must 

 perforce give way to economy and efficiency, but it is sad 

 that our gardens should so often be marred, not made, 

 by their surroundings of open country. 



In gardens of considerable size, which are surrounded 

 by a park, the owners have a far greater choice in the 

 styles of fencing they may adopt than those who have to 

 secure privacy, owing to the immediate proximity of 

 their neighbours. In the former case, the fence will 

 necessarily be somewhat inconspicuous, so that the distant 

 view will not be interfered with in any way. A light 

 form of terrace balustrading would look well, if the garden 

 already contained similar features ; if not, a low stone wall, 

 with pillars at intervals, would be appropriate, especially 

 when covered with climbing plants. Some designers 

 would no doubt prefer to use the sunk or ha-ha fence, 

 but I rarely see an example of this which appears satis- 

 factory. The garden bounded by it always has an 

 unfinished appearance, the eye has nothing to restrain it, 

 but wanders aimlessly round, and the lawns and flowers are 

 lost amid the broad surroundings of the landscape beyond. 

 Besides, at a distance, the contrast in the appearance of 

 the grass on either side of the fence looks unreasonable, 

 and there is a general air of insecurity and lack of con- 

 centrating interest, which would soon disappear were a 

 low visible fence erected as a well-marked boundary. 



The best style of fencing for small gardens is that in 

 split oak, of which there are a great variety of styles and 

 methods of building. The simplest is entirely without 



