FENCES. 



285 



abounds, especially* in the uncleared parts of it, where the 

 zig-zag or worm fence is. by far the most economical. The 

 timber is an incumbrance and therefore costs nothing ; and 

 the rails can be cut and split for 50 to 75 cents per 100, and 

 the hauling and placing is still less. With good rails, well 

 laid up from the ground on stones or durable blocks, and pro- 

 perly crossed at the ends and locked at the top, these fences 

 are firm and durable. 



Staking the corners by projecting rails gives an unsightly 

 appearance at all times, and is particularly objectionable for 

 plowing, as it considerably increases the waste ground. 

 The same object is obtained by locking the fence when com- 

 pleted, with a long rail on each side, one end resting on the 

 ground and the other laid into the angle, in a line with the 

 fence. More symmetry and neatness is secured, and a trifling 

 amount of timber saved, by putting two small upright stakes, 

 one on each side of the angle, and securing them by a white 

 oak plank, six inches wide by eighteen inches long, with 

 holes to slip over the posts, after most or all of the rails 

 have been laid. Any additional ones laid over this, keep 

 the yokes or caps in their place, and the whole is thus firmly 

 bound together. Besides the timber designated for posts, 

 rails may be made from any kind of oak, black walnut, black 

 and white ash, elm and hickory. 



Turf and clay fences have been tried in this country 

 without success. The frosts and rains are so severe as to 

 break and crumble them down continually. Cattle tread 

 upon and gore them ; and against swine and sheep they 

 scarcely offer any resistance. 



Wire fences have been tried successfully. They are 

 made with a greater or less number of wires and of sizes 



varying from No. 6 to No. 12, according to the style 

 of building and the purposes to be answered. If wanted 

 for the larger animals, the wires should be stronger, and 



