THE YOUNG FARMER'S MANUAL. 



81 



with a plow, towards the fence, on each side of it, and throw up 

 the second furrow with a shovel, so as to form a ridge one foot 

 or more in height, leaving it one foot broad on the top, so that 

 the rain will not wash it down too much. Let grass seed be 

 sown on this ridge. By throwing up a ridge the stakes stand 

 more firm, and are less liable to heave by the frost, and cattle do 

 not have so much advantage in endeavoring to get through it, 



FIG. 21. 



A STRAIGHT RAIL FENCE. 



or over it ; and besides, it saves twice as many rails as a man 

 could split while he is casting up a ridge. Blocks of wood or 

 stone many now be placed close to the stakes, on the ridge, for 

 the fence to rest on, or an inch pin, of durable and tough timber, 

 may be put through both stakes for supporting the rails. "When 

 the fence is merely to stop horned cattle and horses, the pin may 

 be one foot above the ridge. Lay the fence two or three rails 

 high, laying between the stakes stones or blocks of wood, at 

 pleasure, and then put in another pin, or put on a wooden cap or 

 a wire. "When a rail is too large, cut it away with the axe so 

 that it will fit tightly between the stakes. Reserve the largest 

 rails for the top, and keep the crooked ones in a panel by them 

 selves. 



93. This is the most economical rail fence that can be built 

 for every kind of stock ; every one likes it, and it possesses all 

 the commendable qualities that any fence can claim ; it occupies 

 but little space, requires but few rails, is strong and substantial, 



