286 Farmers* Miscellany. [Oct., 



thief, he could feel that after due time, he would have th^ 

 means furnished of paying his expenses, and the loss of property 

 as in any other case of damage, it would greatly aid in an ef- 

 fectual and persevering pursuit, especially if means could be 

 furnished in case of their want by individuals. We think then, 

 if a thief when he enters upon his first punishment understood that 

 his first business was to pay up for the injury done to the party, 

 it would do him more good than hanging him; it would effect what 

 we want, that is, not the punishment of the individual, but to deter 

 stealing. We know, however, the imbecility of law, the perver- 

 sity of the heart, and the great diflEiculty of providing for the 

 administration of the law, and the want of human success in 

 overcoming and subduing the latter. Still we know that ex- 

 cess of punishment or provision for it in the law is injurious, 

 we know that many of the crimes committed upon society are 

 due to the customs prevailing and sanctioned by society; and 

 so long as this is the case, let society keep on the side of jus- 

 tice, avoiding the appearance of cruelty or severity in all cases. 

 When wealth and outward show, as it is in this country, is a 

 passport to society, when misfortune, which deprives one of 

 this passport, without regard to merit or integrity, is so com- 

 mon, we can hardly expect the community to be rid of thieves 

 and dishonest persons. 



FENCING. 



We have rarely given advice about fencing. The truth is we 

 have lived where stone and rails are plenty, and have not expe- 

 rienced the evils arising from scarcity of materials. We are sa- 

 tisfied that the kind of fence which is best and most profitable 

 must be determined by circumstances. Stone fence in one case 

 is the cheapest and best; in another, chesnut or ash rails; in an- 

 other, board fence; and in another still, a ditch and hedge, or 

 wire fence. If an ornamental fence is wanting, other questions 



