Wire Fences. 131 



this letter, a subject which I have little doubt will, as soon 

 as known, be fully appreciated in your quarter of the world. 

 My next communication will possibly be a more interesting, 

 though certainly not a more useful, one. 

 I am. dear sir. 



Yours, most sincerely, 



Robert Arthue. 

 Edinburgh, January 29, 1846. 



It is with great pleasure that we lay before our readers the 

 first of a series of communications from our correspondent in 

 Edinburgh, which speaks for itself in regard to the ability 

 and judgment of the writer. Our friends will, with us, 

 thank Mr. Arthur for his Scottish generosity, in responding 

 to our request, though unknown to him only through an 

 introductory letter kindly given us by a friend in London, 

 who has also promised us his assistance in telling us of the 

 horticultural improvements in the neighborhood of the me- 

 tropolis; but, from his numerous avocations, want of time 

 has so far prevented him from fulfilling his kind otfer. We 

 exceedingly regretted, at the time of our visit, that we did 

 not have the pleasure of seeing Mr. Arthur, and the more 

 deeply now that we see the hearty interest he takes in the 

 advancement and improvement of horticulture in this coun- 

 try. It is true, indeed, that we sought his acquaintance from 

 the liberal feeling with which our friend assured us he 

 viewed every thing American, and is no less gratifying to us, 

 than just to his countrymen, to record the obligations which 

 we feel due to Mr. Arthur, for the generous spirit displayed 

 in his communication. He need not fear that he will not 

 have the indulgence of every reader ; and his articles will 

 be read with increased attention, after the frank and open- 

 hearted manner in which he comes before us. 



The subject upon which he has touched, is one of great 

 interest. In this country, even, where wood is so very cheap, 

 wire fences may be introduced, taking into consideration 

 durability, much cheaper than wood. Two shillings sterling 

 or forty four cents per running yard, is less than the most 

 ordinary fence can be constructed for, The duty will add 

 something to the expense ; but when their ornamental char- 



