100 FARMER'S ASSISTANT. 



When the Farmer is conscious, that he cannot even sleep 

 in peace, on account of the danger of his cattle destroying 

 the truits of his labors, he cannot be said to enjoy that 

 tranquslhy which ought to be the reward of the sweat of 

 his brow Rather, therefore, let him make his fences 

 wha; might be generally deemed more than sufficiently 

 high and strong, than too low and weak. This, if it be an 

 error, is erring on the safe side; on the side which secures 

 the fruits of his labors, and promotes his tranquility and 

 happiness. 



Log-fences are often made on new-cleared lands, where 

 rail-timber does not sufficiently abound, and these the 

 Farmer will of course make of the most durable logs which 

 his new cleared land affords. White-pine log-fences are 

 very good, and will last twenty years without any essential 

 repairing. Clear white- pine timber may, however, be split 

 into rails, which are very durable. All kinds of wood will 

 last much longer in rails, when the bark is peeled off. 



What are called worm- fences are made with most ease, 

 but require more timber than some other kinds. If, there- 

 fore, timber be scarce, post and- rail fences, set in a bank, 

 made of the earth of two small ditches thrown up together, 

 ought to be prefered, where good durable posts can be had. 

 If the posts are too small to have holes made through them, 

 the rails may be flated at the ends and fastened to the posts 

 with spikes, or with wooden pins well secured. 



Post-and-rail fences, without these ditches on each side, 

 are very good where the soil is dry, and the same may be 

 observed of board fences; but, where the soil is wet, the 

 posts will be thrown out by the frosts. In all cases, the 

 posu ought to be set at least two feet in the ground. 

 Red-cedar is best for posts. Locust, chesnut, butternut, 

 and black-walnut are also good. Good oak will also last 

 pretty well. Burning the ends of the posts which go into 

 the ground, so as to make them black, will make them last 

 longer. 



A method of making a fence from two shallow ditches, 

 by laying up the contents of each in a bank between the*m, 

 is in successful operation in Dutchess county, in this State, 

 and isvwell adapted for lands lying moderately level, and 

 free from stones. It is made to answer without any addi- 

 tion to the top of the bank; but, we believe, the addition we 

 shall describe would generally be found most advisable. 



We propose, for instance, to raise the bank three and a 

 quarter feet high from the bottoms of the ditches; and, for 

 ihis purpose, the ground is to be marked out as follows. A 

 strip, say 18 Jnches wide, is first to be marked with a line, 

 to be left as a foundation on which the bank is to be raised, 



