FENCING. 303 



tioned ; because, in the one, the soil is sup- 

 posed tenacious, and consequently would 

 support the dyke the longer ; whereas, in the 

 other, being of a free, loose, nature, it soon 

 crumbles down, to the ruin of the whole. 



And this, probably, in the above instance, 

 suggested the idea of forming a broader bank 

 and shelf, as it is plainly evident, that by 

 being continued on one slope without a step 

 for cattle, it would be a much better fence. 



Pity the idea of planting a quick-hedge 

 did not occur, since this shelf or scarcement 

 naturally became necessary ! How many 

 good fences might now have been flourish- 

 ing in a certain district lying between the ri- 

 ver Spey and the Murray Frith ! Nor do I 

 know, in many instances, a soil more apt for 

 the purpose. But to return. 



In cases where the soil is a strong, stub- 

 born clay (and in such we cannot expect 

 the quick to flourish) and where stones are 

 not to be found for the purposes of fencing, 

 walls of the above description being built 

 with well dried turfs, and thin, properly tem- 

 pered clay, would stand for many years. 

 They might, however, be greatly improved 



