XXXVII. 



FENCES AND FENCING. 



THOUGH I have already indicated, incidentally, my 

 decided objections to our prevalent system of Fencing, 

 I deem the subject of such importance that I choose 

 to discuss it directly. Excessive Fencing is peculiarly 

 an American abuse, which urgently cries for reform. 



Solon Robinson says the fence-tax is the heaviest 

 of our farmer's taxes. I add, that it is the most need- 

 less and indefensible. 



Highways we must have, and people must traverse 

 them ; but this gives them no right to trample down 

 or otherwise injure the crops growing on either side. 

 In France, and other parts of Europe, you see grass 

 and grain growing luxuriantly up to the very edge 

 of the beaten tracks, with nothing like a fence be- 

 tween them. Yet those crops are nowise injured or 

 disturbed by wayfarers. Whoever chooses to impel 

 animals along these roads must take care to have 

 them completely under subjection, and must see that 

 they do no harm to whatever grows by the way-side. 



In this country, cattle-driving, except on a small 

 scale, and for short distances, has nearly been super- 



(219) 



