FENCES. 235 



ceded roads or bye paths, for the removal of the crops, and 

 carrying on manures, and the necessary passing to and fro 

 in their cultivation* These are important advantages, which 

 it would be well for every community to consider, and secure, 

 to the full extent of their circumstances. The inconveniences 

 of this arrangement are trifling. When cattle or sheep are 

 pastured in Europe, where fences are wanting, they aro 

 placed under the guidance of a shepherd, who with the aid 

 of a well trained dog, will keep a large herd of animals, in 

 perfect subjection within the prescribed limits. In the un- 

 fenced part of the Connecticut valley, (where extensive leg- 

 islative powers reside in the separate towns, which enables 

 each to adopt such regulations as best comport with their 

 own interests,) no animals are permitted to go on to the fields 

 till autumn, and the crops are required to be removed at a 

 designated time, when each occupant is at liberty to turn on 

 to the common premises, a number of cattle proportionate to 

 his standing forage, which is accurately ascertained by a su- 

 pervisory board. A certain number of fences are necessary 

 for such fields as are continued in pasture through the sea- 

 son, but unfortunately, custom in this country has increased 

 them beyond all necessity or reason. It rests with the farmers 

 to abate such as they deem consistent with their interests. 

 The kind of fences should vary according to the controlling 

 circumstances of the farm. In those situations where stone 

 abounds, and especially if it is a nuisance, heavy stone fences, 

 broad, and high are undoubtedly the most proper. Where 

 these are not abundant, an economical fence may be con- 

 structed, by a substantial foundation of stone reaching two or 

 two and a half feet above ground, in which posts are placed 

 at proper distances, with two or three bar holes above the 

 wall, in which an equal number of rails are inserted. Post 

 and rail and post and board fences are common where there 

 is a deficiency of timber. The posts should be placed from 

 two and a half to three feet below the surface in the centre of 

 a large hole and surrounded by fine stone, which should be 

 well pounded down by a heavy-iron shod rammer as they are 

 filled in. The post will not stand as firmly at first as if 

 surrounded by dirt, but it will last much longer. The lower 

 end should be pointed which prevents its heaving with the 

 frost. If the position of the post while in the tree be reversed, 

 or the upper end of the split section of the trunk which is 

 used for a post, be placed in the earth, it will be more dura- 

 ble. Charring or partially burning the part of the post 



