218 Memoir of Tom Smith, 



rounded by nearly all the trees in the village ; 

 consequently the birds hardly allowed a single 

 bunch of currants or any other fruit to ripen. 

 To keep off these marauders he has devised 

 the following plan, which is not only effectual 

 in saving the fruit from being devoured, but 

 also allows him to have it in perfect condition 

 much longer than his neighbours; the cur- 

 rants, for instance, generally remain nearly till 

 Christmas. He built a wall ten feet high, 

 with southern aspect, against which cherry- 

 trees are trained. At the foot of the wall are 

 strawberries. Then come, trained on wire, 

 gooseberries, currants, and raspberries in rows, 

 with narrow paths between. Iron rods j)laced 

 here and there serve to support a sloping roof, 

 front, and sides of galvanised iron wire netting, 

 three quarters of an inch mesh ; and the whole 

 is secured with a door and lock and key. The 

 ^^ safe," as it may be termed, is 60 feet by 10 

 feet; and the cost of the whole was under 10^. 

 Two inventions by Mr. Smith, which must 



