FENCING. 277 



tween it and the brink of the ditch, of scram- 

 bling over, before the hedge grow up, so as 

 to obstruct them. 



With respect to the materials of which 

 the dyke or wall is constructed, it may be 

 a matter of choice it may be ruled by ne- 

 cessity. Flat, or square stones, are the best 

 materials; as they lie solid, if of any consi- 

 derable size. Bricks may, however, be equi- 

 valent, but are generally more costly ; and 

 now, on account of the high duty, cannot 

 reasonably be expected to be used for this 

 purpose. Next are, a collection of land 

 stones, pebbles, &c. of the size of the foot or 

 so, for the bottom part ; and larger irregular 

 shaped blocks, ef the size of the head or so, 

 for finishing with at top. But it is best, in 

 all cases, to finish with a single stone, that 

 reaches in breadth from side to side ; as such 

 bind better, and lie more solid. 



I have even known top-dykes to be built 

 with lime or mortar throughout ; but, as the 

 value of this material in the farm is now 

 so well understood, it seems extravagant. 

 In any case (and where it is necessary to 

 use small stones, pebbles, &c. it will appear 



