32 AUSTRALIAN AGRICULTURE. 



about six inches apart, at intervals of from twelve to fifteen 

 feet. Saplings of any diameter not exceeding eight inches 

 are then dropped between the posts, and when built up to 

 the height or about four feet the posts are secured together 

 at the top by wire, hoop, green hide or, in some instances, 

 stringy bark. 



Virginian Snake or Zigzag Fence. When constructed 

 of heavy timber this is a substantial fence. It is made by 

 embedding the butt end of one tree in a notch cut for the 

 purpose in the top end of another, laying them along the 

 ground in zigzag form, so that each log intersects the line 

 at an angle of forty-five degrees. When the logs have 

 been piled up to the desired height, cross-legs and a heavy 

 top-rail are then put on so as to bind the whole. 



" Basket Fence " is found serviceable for those residing 

 in scrubby or brigalow country. It is made by driving 

 five feet six inch stakes in the ground with mauls to a 

 depth of nine to twelve inches, and four feet six inches 

 apart ; saplings from about two inches in diameter are then 

 closely entwined with the stakes to the height of four feet 

 six inches. It can be strengthened by staying firmly at 

 intervals with strong forks, or, if erected in scrub, stumps 

 of saplings can be made available where practicable 

 instead of driven stakes. This fence can be run up rapidly 

 at a cost of about 20 per mile. 



"Brush Fence" is that most commonly erected on 

 sheep runs. Two descriptions are in use ; the first being 

 formed by cutting down trees along the line of fence, laying 

 down the butts, as well as any dead timber that may be 

 lying about, as a foundation, and making it up to the height 

 of four or five feet with the branches obtained from the trees, 

 just cut down. This is the same as the ordinary brush 

 fence used in the construction of sheep yards, and may be 

 erected at as low a rate as 7 in thickly timbered country 

 and 15 in ordinary bush land. The other description of 

 bush fence is formed by cutting down a tree, drawing it 

 by means of a strong team of bullocks on to the line, and 

 chopping off only such branches as come to a height of over 

 seven feet. The next tree is then drawn on and placed so 

 that its branches commence to form part of the fence 



