FENCING. 25 



STONE DYKES 



are probably the best plantation fences, and where 

 the stones can be conveniently got, are the most 

 permanent and cheapest material. 



In some districts where large surface boulders 

 abound, a rickle dyke, from its construction, is both 

 strong and substantial, and in certain places answers 

 well. In erecting a rickle dyke, a row of the largest 

 stones are laid close together forming the foundation ; 

 upon these a second row is laid, observing always that 

 they are made perfectly secure by levelling or pinning 

 with small stones ; a third row, and sometimes even a 

 fourth, is required to raise the dyke to the required 

 height, which, for ordinary purposes, is usually about 

 4 feet. The building of a rickle dyke is neither 

 difficult nor expensive, and usually costs, exclusive of 

 laying down the stones, 3Jd. to 4Jd. per yard. 



The most common of stone dykes, however, is what 

 is termed a double dyke, as distinguished from a single 

 or rickle dyke. A fence of this kind, in very general 

 use for surrounding plantations, is constructed accord- 

 ing to the following dimensions and specifications : 



First. The line on which the dyke is to be built 

 must be properly levelled and all loose earth removed 

 from it, so as to secure a firm foundation. 



Second. The foundation to be laid with large flat- 

 bedded stones, which foundation must not be less than 

 28 inches wide at base. 



Third. The setting off of building upon the same 

 foundation to be 24 inches, leaving a scarcement of 

 2 inches upon each side. 



Fourth. At 24 inches in height the dyke to have a 



