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.^ 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. 
