SITUATION AND SOIL 53 



upon local conditions. A fence often seems a needless ex- 

 pense, and in some neighborhoods it certainly is. Its being 

 regarded as a necessity would, certainly under ordinary con- 

 ditions, imply a lack of strong neighborly feeling. Still in 

 some sections, where there is much idling on the part of stran- 

 gers, or where animals run loose, or again where the garden 

 adjoins a lively playground, it is clear that a fence .may prove 

 true economy. 



On the other hand, one of the best examples of neighborly 

 cooperation that has ever been observed by the writer was 

 seen (of all places in the world !) in New York City. The gar- 

 den was a vacant-lot experiment. 1 Two young fellows in their 

 teens took complete charge, and sold the fresh vegetables 

 to neighbors who came to buy. Glancing at what was but 

 an apology for a board fence, the visitor led up to the sub- 

 ject of trespassing, prepared for tales of woe. The dialogue 

 went as follows : 



" But are n't you bothered by meddlers, not to say thieves ? " 



" Oh, no." 



" But this fence of yours can't do you much good." 



" Well, you see, so many like to come in that I took it 

 down in some places myself so that folks could get in easier." 

 Is it any wonder that this garden was a success ? 



And yet if a fence is required for protection, then by all 

 means put up one that will really protect. A fence five or 

 even six feet tall, as for a tennis court, is not likely to be too 

 high. In that case the wire netting should be strong, firm, 

 and of fine mesh so that animals cannot sneak through. Of 

 course it must not shut out sunshine or a view of all the in- 

 teresting happenings within. Where no such fence is needed, 

 the garden can be prettily inclosed by a flowering hedge or 

 by a low wall covered with vines. 



1 Started by Bolton Hall. 



