GENERAL ECONOMY OF THE FARM. 285 



Heavy stones of suitable size should be reserved for this use. 

 But even with good materials, a good foundation, and a broad 

 base, a stone wall will not be permanent, unless the stones are 

 properly placed so as to constitute a bond, and prevent their 

 falling piecemeal. The construction of a wall of stone or 

 brick demands an observance of the same professional rules of 

 structure, whether it be intended for fence or a dwelling. The 

 breaking of joints, both lengthwise and across, which we de- 

 nominate the bond, constitutes the main strength of the struc- 

 ture. There are three modes of constructing stone fences in 

 common use. 1. Where the material is abundant, and where 

 the whole structure is to be of stone such should be five feet 

 high, two feet broad at bottom, and one foot at top, which will 

 allow a flare of one inch to the foot on each surface. 2. Where 

 the materials of the fence are to be part stone and part wood, 

 which is sometimes termed half wall fence in constructing this, 

 posts are first set in the line at proper distances, the wall is 

 then built two and a half or three feet high, and boards nailed 

 to the posts above the required height, or two rails added, 

 holes for which should be made in the posts previous to their 

 being put down. The posts serve to steady and preserve the 

 wall; and they should be of durable materials, as cedar, locust, 

 &c., as their situation subjects them to rapid decay. Another 

 mode is to insert three foot posts into pieces of stout plank or 

 blocks of wood, to be worked into the wall one and a half or 

 two feet above the surface of the ground, and to close the wall 

 over them, and then add boards or rails as before. 3. Wall 

 with riders. This is built of any convenient height, of stones; 

 poles or rails are then laid lengthwise upon the top; stakes to 

 cross are inserted, which keep the poles in place, and sup- 

 port other poles or rails placed on them, which completes the 

 structure. 



III. LIVE FENCES OR HEDGES. 



FOR many years past, great efforts have been made to intro- 

 duce live hedges or fences, in place of those of timber and 

 stone. Partial success has, in some instances, for awhile, flat- 

 tered the hopes of the persevering experimenter; but in gene- 

 ral, the efforts have resulted in failure. The introduction of 

 the English thorn, has long been a favourite object with many 

 gentlemen,* and we cannot conceive why, with proper man- 



* Mr. CALEB KIRK, of Delaware, was one of the most zealous advocates of 



