chap. ri. THE COUNTY OF FIFE, 1^7 



3^, Galloway-dikes are used in several parts 

 of this county, especially where the ground is 

 high and cold, the soil not proper for rearing 

 thorn-hedges, or where sheep are kept, and con- 

 sequently thorns cannot thrive. This fence con- 

 sists of a double dike two feet thick, and twen- 

 ty, or twenty-four inches high, over which is 

 laid a single course of large flat stones, projecting 

 five or six inches on either side, upon which a 

 single dike of big round stones is reared, gra- 

 dually diminishing in size, and terminating in a 

 narrow top, about five feet from the ground. 

 This is esteemed an excellent kind of fence, as 

 it requires fewer stones ; is built at less expence ; 

 stands well, as no creature almost will attempt 

 it ; and if any part of it should give way, it is 

 easily repaired. 



4/, Ditch and hedge is perhaps the most 

 common mode of fencing in this county ; and, 

 as it unites draining, shelter, beauty, cheapness, 

 and the most complete security, seems to ap- 

 proach nearest to perfection. The ditch is made 

 five feet wide at the top, three feet deep, and 

 one, or one and a half foot wide at the bottom. 

 The turf, taken from the place intended for the 

 ditch, is laid along with the green side down, 

 at the distance of eight or ten inches from the 

 edge of the ditch. Upon these the young thorns 

 are laid at the distance of five or six inches from 

 one another pointing towards the ditch, and some 

 of'the finest of the mould laid next them, upon 

 which the rest of the earth taken from the ditch 

 is thrown. And, in order to protect the thorns,- 

 and to form a complete fence at once, sometimes 

 a paling of wood, and sometimes a coping of 



