Ch. XLIII,] 



ON STILES. 



54c; 



practically scientific instructions regarding the general subject of gates, of 

 which no country carpenter ought to be ignorant. 



Many farms are intersected by public footpaths, whicli are often a great 

 annoyance to llie fanner. We have always noticed that the more perfectly 

 these footpaths are made, when they cross arable fields or pastures, the 

 least damage is sustained ; for if they be not both smooth and dry the pas- 

 sengers are sure to stray. In crossing fences, substantial stiles, well framed 

 together, are indispensable. Those usually formed of strong bars about 

 three feet wide, fixed in upright posts, with a step nailed crosswise to 

 stumps on each side, and raised half way up the frame, are as convenient 

 as any other. Cage-wickets — that is, a little gate traversing between two 

 shutting-posts, having an angular space beyond these inclosed with paling, 

 are convenient for women or infirm passengers, and particularly so, as 

 tbey can never be left open. They are more convenient than fixed stiles 

 on anotlier account; by lifting the little gate off the hooks occasionally a 

 passage is made for a flock of sheep, a single horse, or any other animal, 

 when required : they are, however, attended with considerable expense. 



When a footpath passes through a folded field, an easy passage is formed 

 by placing three hurdles in the form of a cage-gate ; that is, a movable one 

 traversing between the heads of two others, set to form an acute anwle. 

 This prevents passengers breaking or displacing hurdles by climbing over 

 them, 



STONE-WALLS. 



Although quicks, and live fences of every description, are undoubtedly 

 the most ornamental boundaries for the land, yet stone-walls, though not so 

 agreeable to the eye, are by many considered as more advantageous to the 

 farmer ; both as affording a more secure protection against the encroach- 

 ment of cattle, as well as a better shelter for them when confined within the 

 field, and occupying less ground. They are, therefore, very generally in use 

 in many parts of the north of England and Scotland, and almost universal 

 throughout all Ireland, Both kinds of fence have, indeed, certain advan- 

 tages : the former, though perhaps more expensive until brought to perfec- 

 tion, yet then acquires strength with its growth, and will last for ages, while 

 the latter demands constant repair ; and, in a stormy country, it is a mis- 

 taken idea to suppose that even if they be built as high as six or seven feet, 

 they afford more shelter to any other cattle than those crouchi;jg under 

 their lee, for it has been justly observed, that " currents of wine/ passing 

 over the top of stone-walls receive a percussion, and generate blasfs of air, 

 in whirling motion, on the side of the wall ; whereas these currents, in 



VOL. II. 2 N 



