Practical Considerations 147 



or for surrounding plantation^ in a part grazed by sheep or 

 cattle. A wire fence is the Hghtest, strongest, neatest, and 

 best for a decided fixture, and may be adapted nicely to any 

 sort of curves. Galvanized wire, of which it is sometimes 

 made, is liable to become corroded, especially by the action 

 of sea air. The supports of a wire fence should always be 

 bedded in stone or cement. If this kind of fence be used for 

 a straight Hne — across the foot of a lawn, for instance — 

 where no extra stays will be needed, it is extremely light and 

 quiet looking. The greater the number of curves, and the 

 more sudden these are, the more expensive will be the fence 

 on account of the increased number of stays; but under any 

 circumstances it will be the cheapest kind of fence, taking 

 everything into account, and considering its durability. 



A common wire fence can be three feet six inches or four 

 feet high, and have six horizontal wires, which will exclude 

 lambs. These last easily get through the ordinary fences, 

 and may do great mischief in a garden or plantation. The 

 fence should be placed at least six feet from any plants in a 

 garden or a group, that cattle may not easily browse them, 

 or sheep crop oE all the ends of their lower shoots. 



In certain parts of a place disagreeable objects, as rubbish 

 or yards, require to be excluded and walls would perhaps be 

 objectionable or too expensive, while hedges would either be 

 too long in growing, or the situation is so shaded that no 

 hedge could ever thrive in it. For such positions, the rustic 

 close fence, fig. 44, composed of larch poles with the bark on 

 and intended to be' partially covered with ivy and other 

 climbers, is quiet and harmonizes well with any shrubs or 

 trees that may be in the neighborhood, and creates at once 

 a complete screen. It may be six or eight feet high, or even 

 higher if necessary. 



To protect single trees planted in a field, a low circular, 



