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AMERICAN AGRICULTURE. 



placed higher ; if for the lesser, they may- be of smaller 

 wires, run nearer together and closer to the ground. 



Fig. 62 shows one of the plain fences, secured by iron or 

 wooden posts, as may be preferred. Fig. 63 is a wire fence, 

 more elegant in design, but much more expensive. In this, 

 the upright wires are secured by longitudinal iron bars. It 

 is equally efficient with the former, and much more orna- 

 mental, and is a pretty appendage about the pleasure grounds. 

 The wire may be prepared against rust from the elements, 

 by galvanizing, or they may be painted after being put up. 



FIG. 63. 



Where wood abounds, rails may perhaps, make the most 

 economical fences. But where there is a deficiency, wire is 

 undoubtedly the cheapest. They possess, also, the further 

 advantage of much greater durability ; and the facility for 

 removal, at little trouble or expense whenever required. 



Tl-c hurdle or light moveable fence is variously formed 

 of cordage, wire or wicker work, in short panels, and 

 firmly set in the ground by sharpened stakes at the end of 

 each panel, and these are fastened together. This is a con- 

 venient addition to farms where heavy green crops of 

 clover, lucern, peas or turneps are required to be fed off in 

 successive lots, by sheep, swine or cattle. 



The sunken fence or wall is by far the most agreeable to 

 good taste, and it is perfectly efficient. It consists of a ver- 

 tical excavation on one side, about five feet in depth, against 

 which a wall is built to the surface of the ground. The 

 opposite side is inclined at such an angle as will preserve 

 the sod against sliding, from the effects of frost or rain, and 

 is then turfed over. A farm thus divided, presents no 

 obstruction to the view, while it is everywhere properly 

 walled in, besides affording good ditches for the drainage of 

 water. These sunken fences are sometimes raised a couple 

 of feet above the ground, which increases the protection, and 

 at a less cost than deepening and widening the ditch. 



Good fences, at all times kept in perfect repair', are the 

 cheapest. Most of the unruly animals are taught their 



