On the Nature and Advantages of Inclosures. 169 



SECT. II. On the Nature and Advantages of Inclosures. 



THE benefit to be derived from dividing lands under cul- 

 tivation, into regular fields, has been already explained. 

 (See Chapter II. Sect. 10). It is here proposed to consider, 

 The advantages and disadvantages of having these fields 

 inclosed and fenced : The sorts of inclosures best calculated 

 for different soils and situations ; The principal fences to 

 be recommended ; The effect of hedge-rows ; and, Some 

 miscellaneous particulars connected with the subject of in- 

 closure. 



] . Advantages and Disadvantages of Inclosures. 



Inclosures and fences, when judiciously designed, and 

 properly executed, are attended with the following advan- 

 tages : 



1. The mere inclosure of wastes, lays the foundation of 

 their future fertility. By the shelter thus obtained, and by 

 the plants being protected from poaching, the natural grasses 

 are enabled to make more progress, than if the field had 

 been left open and exposed ; and by the dung of the sheep 

 or cattle pastured thereon, the ground is gradually enrich- 

 ed, and ultimately rendered fit for cropping, when cultiva- 

 tion is afterwards resorted to ( 63 ). 



2. Where lands are wet, the ditches employed in fencing 

 them, both render the inclosure dry, and may supply it with 

 running water, in situations where that article is required. 



3. In cold climates, and more especially in bleak situa- 

 tions, the effects of inclosure, in sheltering the land, and 

 rendering it more productive, are hardly credible to those 

 who have not experienced them ( 64 ). In a mountainous 

 district where that plan was adopted, the climate was ren- 

 dered milder, the soil more productive, the tenantry became 

 more comfortable in their circumstances, and some so af- 

 fluent, that they could purchase the fee-simple of their 

 farms (). 



4. In pasturage, the advantages of inclosures are of the 

 highest importance. The farmer is, in a great degree re- 

 lieved, from the heavy expense of attending his stock ; and 

 the risk of their being injured or stolen, is likewise greatly 

 diminished. He has it also in his power to arrange them, 

 According to their age, condition, and other circumstances. 

 The pasturing stock are not only protected from being 



