240 



Such is the specification of a fence, as shown in the drawing. 

 The terms can be altered at will to suit any class of fence. In post 

 and rail fencing the mortices should be six inches by two, and are 

 made by boring holes with a two-inch auger and taking out what is 

 left with a chisel. The rails should be split, and not less than six 

 inches by three, and any length that may be considered desirable. 

 Where wire-netting is used as a protection against dogs or ground 

 vermin, it should be trenched into the ground at least six inches, 

 being well stapled to the foot of the posts and drawn tight by a 

 plain wire woven through the meshes at the top. The life of wire- 

 netting is lengthened, especially where there is salt in the ground. 

 if that part of it w r hich is under ground is coated with gas tar. 

 This can be easily done by dipping the end of the coil before it is 

 unrolled in a drum of hot tar. Charring the ends of the posts 

 which will be in the ground adds to their durability and protects 

 them from the attacks of white ants. 



When ground vermin only exist, wire netting trenched into 

 the ground six inches, with two top wires, will make an excellent 

 fence. But, where the festive opossum disports himself, fruit- 

 growers will have to take more elaborate measures to prevent the 

 intrusion of this most pestiferous and importunate rodent. In the 

 first place, all overhanging trees should be cleared from around 

 the boundaries. It is advisable to do this in any case, and a little 

 more money spent at the first in thoroughly clearing the line is 

 invariably a judicious investment. ' : 



The accompanying diagram will indicate a fence which it 

 been suggested to me will prove 'possum proof. | 



GROUND 



