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

Fences

THIS is an excellent example of a sturdy, well-built log fence. The bottom log is the thickest, whilst the others diminish in size to a narrow topmost member. The logs are supported by transverse sleepers, and the fence is held firmly together by well-driven upright stakes, and bored caps. Such a fence made good neighbours.

In comparison to the above, the fence in the lower picture shows many faults, and was probably a trouble maker. The upper logs will allow the cattle to squeeze their heads through. The logs are too varying in size. There are no proper transverse sleepers. And the stakes are badly driven, and wired shakily together at the top.

THIS fence occurred in low, swampy ground, and the logs were from fifty to sixty feet long, and of white cedar indigenous to Ontario, Canada. Boggy, moist land is a great favourite of the white cedar. It grows quickly and in profusion on the low land on many southern Ontario farms. Usually the log is straight and slim. Kept off the ground it is of very long life. A hundred years is not considered unusual.

OCCASIONALLY the fence logs were grooved or notched for the sleepers, as illustrated here, thus making a snugger and tighter fit, and bringing the logs desirably closer together. Also it clearly shows the hole for the stake bored through the end of the log. Incidentally, as a specimen of craftsmanship the drawing, like almost the entire collection by Dr. Jefferys, leaves little to be desired.