The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California

Fences

IN EASTERN CANADA, at least, no country fence would seem complete without its chattering, dancing, racing, scolding, friendly, inquisitive family of squirrels. Here is a typical summer scene. Papa and Mama black squirrel sitting as bold as brass in front of our very noses. Mama is eating a nut, or washing her face, whilst Papa is swearing, and chittering, and scolding the artist.

HERE we have a log and stone fence of still another kind, being of the zigzag, or snake order, with the rails resting one upon another for stability. At about ten foot intervals two inclined stakes were well planted, with their butts about three feet, or more ap'art. These stakes intersected one another above the third or fourth rail, and supported a topmost rail._ It was mostly constructed of whole logs, or rails, rather than Abraham Lincoln's split rails.

IN THE left-hand drawing we see a well-put-together log and stone fence, with transverse sleepers, but no stakes. A good barrier, but without stakes the topmost member remains vulnerable to that cow with the crinkled horn.

The right hand shows-a rail and stone job, with posts driven deeply and wired together below the top rail. The wire often ended up by sagging or stretching, and then old Will was at loggerheads with Ephraim all over again.

HERE are the once famous Fence Viewers of the olden days in Ontario, Canada. Very British they seem, by the cut of their clothing, their sturdy boots and beaver hats. Important custodians of a goodly portion of the local peace of mind. Their power, as we know, was very considerable indeed. They could, without further ado, force young Zeke to rebuild his whole fence, or any part thereof, dictating of what and how it was to be built, and just precisely when young Zeke must finish it. The particular fence they are examining and discussing does not appear to be exactly pig proof, and it is likely its rebuilding will make for good neighbourliness. Good citizens, and fair, these Fence Viewers of the long ago. At two dollars per day each they did not seem lavishly paid.