112 KING SOLOMON AND KING DAVID. 



US, when we get into years, become reconciled, however 

 reluctantly, to similar views : even as — 



King Solomon and King David led very naughty lives, 

 With their hundreds of concubines, and very numerous wives ; 

 But when these ancient worthies failed to profit by their charms- 

 King Solomon wrote the Proverbs, and King David wrote the 



Psalms. 



**Wire, ware wire."— The Old Black's Leap. 



When land was enclosed or sub-divided years ago, it 

 was the custom for the landowner to supply the materials 

 in the shape of posts, rails and quick-set ; and for the 

 tenant to find the labour in planting on a bank, and 

 erecting the posts and rails on either side. In a few years 

 a handsome permanent hedge would grow up, impervious 

 to cattle, sheep, or horses, affording admirable shelter for 

 stock as a breakwind against the wintry blast. 



By the time the timber had served its purpose of 

 protecting the blackthorn, and perished, the strong double- 

 hedgerow — the pride and glory of Leicestershire — had 

 attained maturity, and required a good horse and bold rider 

 to negotiate. 



Although the presence of the hedge-row timber adds so 

 much to the peculiar charm of the English landscape, there 

 can be no doubt that the damage done to the hedge on 

 either side was one of the principal reasons of that insidious 

 danger to sportsmen— wire — being brought into use. 



At what date wire was first introduced for the purpose 

 of protection or strengthening of fences, I am unable to say 

 positively, although I observe Mr. Davenport writes of it as 

 being practically non-existent in the sixties ; if so, its advent 

 was not far off, as I had good reason to remember, ten 



