CONSTRUCTION OF WALLS AND FENCES. 113 



that it is impossible in the compass of this work to give 

 more than a general idea as to arrangements. 



The height of the walls should be from eight feet to fifteen 

 feet, according to circumstances. In most cases the south 

 wall may be lower, to admit more sunshine into the gar- 

 den ; and in the case of large gardens one or more cross 

 walls may also be introduced. As to their construction, 

 they should be built without any piers. Architects have 

 generally a great fancy for piers, and in many instances 

 insist upon having them; but walls can be built without 

 piers, and they are always a great difficulty and nuisance 

 to the gardener. They frequently interfere with the ar- 

 rangement of the trees when planting, and in training 

 they are a great trouble, and often cause much damage 

 to the trees. Another matter of importance in construc- 

 tion is to provide a good permanent coping of tiles or 

 stone, projecting at least six inches from the face of the 

 wall. These should in all cases be provided independently 

 of any further coping for the protection of the trees at 

 the time of flowering. 



Removable Glass Copings are very useful for peaches, 

 nectarines, and apricots. These are only required for a 

 few weeks in the spring, at the time of blossoming and 

 setting the fruit, and should be removed when no longer 

 required. Fixed glass copings are very objectionable, as 

 they keep off all rain, encourage red spider and other 

 vermin, and necessitate constant syringing. There are 

 several manufacturing firms who make light iron frame- 

 work to carry the sashes, these being so constructed as to 

 allow of their easy removal. 



In all cases it is a great saving of labour to wire the 

 walls or fences. These should be placed in lines not 

 exceeding nine inches apart. Galvanized hold-fasts, 



I 



