DECORATION OF HOME GROUNDS 97 



REMOVAL OF WALLS AND FENCES. 



A great transformation has taken place along our 

 roadsides and in front of our dwellings in the past 

 quarter of a century, resulting from the removal of 

 stone walls and fences. At best these are artificial ob- 

 jects and sooner or later will become unsightly. They 

 are unnecessary in most cases and are expensive to 

 build and keep in repair. They are more or less a har- 

 bor for weeds, mice, and vermin, and the space occu- 

 pied by them can be more easily and satisfactorily 

 cared for if the fences are removed. In some cases they 

 are a necessity for the protection of orchards and fruit 

 plantations, but often a conspicuous fence acts only as 

 an incentive for malicious persons to cause trouble. If 

 a fence is needed one of wire will be more protective 

 and inconspicuous, and when painted green becomes 

 ornamental. Fences are of course needed about land 

 pastured by cattle and horses, but each owner of cattle, 

 horses, dogs, etc., is expected to keep his stock at home 

 or within the limits of the street, and is liable for any 

 damage they may do while driven along the highway. 



