718 



PICTURESQUE STYLE OF FLOWER-GARDENS. 



The longitudinal rails, or principal mem- 

 bers, may be of less size ; while the pieces 

 used for the minor details should be pro- 

 portionably more slender, as less strength 

 is required of them. The chief difficulty in 

 the construction of rustic fences is pro- 



Fig. 1005. 



the elegance of such fences depends on 

 the correctness with which the joints are 

 fitted together ; and to do this in the best 

 manner, mitred joints only should be em- 

 ployed. It is also of much importance, 

 so far as appearance goes, that the bark 

 of the wood be carefully preserved. No 

 doubt rustic fences of peeled wood are 



Fig. 1009. Fig. 1010. 



represented by figs. 1009, 1010, 1011. They 

 may be made portable, and moved about 

 like hurdles, or be stationary and in conti- 



curing proper material ; and this difficulty 

 is increased as we depart from straight 

 lines. When curved lines are used, then 

 dependence must be placed on wood of a 

 flexible nature, such as the willow, hazel, 

 mountain or common ash, &c. Much of 



Fig. 1006. 



often very prettily constructed; but these, 

 till softened down by age, have a very 

 harsh appearance, and few attempts at 

 painting them have been very successful. 

 Those colours which most nearly resemble 

 the natural bark are the best ; and greens 

 and reds are the worst of all. 



The highest grade of rustic fences is 



Fig. 1011. 



nuous pieces as far as the fence extends. 

 They may be barked or unbarked, accord- 

 ing to taste, but should never be painted. 



