36 THE FARMER'S AIYJ> 



obtained cheaply, and within a reasonable distance, they 

 are undoubtedly the best, and ultimately the cheapest, 

 material out of which a fence can be constructed. Next 

 to stones, a fence of cedar posts and hemlock boards is to 

 be preferred, because it is durable, neat in appearance, 

 occupies but little ground, and is easily kept free from 

 weeds. But where stones, or posts and boards cannot be 

 easily obtained, and where chestnut and oak rails are 

 abundant, and the land cheap, a worm-fence made of 

 these is quite durable, and perhaps next to be preferred. 

 Nothing but imperious necessity will cause us to build a 

 worm-fence of bass-wood rails ; we believe that ultimately 

 they are the most expensive materials commonly used for 

 fencing. We have not noticed hedges, for we believe it 

 is not yet satisfactorily settled, whether a material has 

 been found which is suitable and durable in this latitude ; 

 and if such material had been found, we doubt whether 

 it would be extensively used, on account of the frequent 

 alteration of lines and divisions of farms in this country. 

 But of whatever materials the fence is made, or however 

 constructed, passes should be left for the team and wagon 

 from the highway to each field, and from each field to the 

 one adjoining ; so that in no case shall it be necessary to 

 do more than to open the gate, or take out the bars, in 

 passing from one field to another. 



THIRDLY The proper improvement of the soil, including 

 draining, manuring, etc. 



When a due proportion of the farm is cleared of wood, 

 and suitably divided and fenced into fields, the first inquiry 

 should be, are all of these fields in a condition suitable 

 for tillage? If, upon examination, any field or part of 

 a field is found not to possess the requisite degree of dry- 

 ness to render it suitable for tillage crops of any kind, let 



