WIRE FENCES. Post and wire fences are prob ably more extensively used than are any other kind, especially in regions where timber is scarce. The single wire does not resist changes of temperature, and is not as strong as the twisted wire. Firmly twisted steel wire, with barbs at short intervals, is the kind most widely used. The barb-wire fence takes up little space, is not destroyed by fire, is easily repaired, and is read ily adapted to inequalities of surface. It may also be so constructed as to form an effective barrier to stock and trespassers of all kinds. The principal objection urged against it is its lia bility to injure stock. For this reason it is bet ter suited to large areas than to small inclosures in which animals are likely to be more or less crowded. Various means have been proposed for overcoming this danger, but with only par tial success. Two-strand twisted wire, with two-pointed and four-pointed barbs, are used, as well as flat and twisted, barbed and unbarbed, flat steel straps. The barbs should be just long enough to repel infringing animals, with out inflicting serious injury. Various imple
ments have been devised which greatly facil itate the construction of wire fences. It is generally considered that two strands of barb wire, 22 inches apart, the lower 22 inches from the ground, will turn horses, cattle, and young stock, and one strand is sometimes used as a temporary barrier for the larger stock. A fence of three strands. 12. 23, and 42 inches from the ground, is more effective than a two-strand fence. Four-strand fences. with the strands 5, 12, 22, and 48 inches from the ground, are com monly used, with or without a baseboard close to the ground. Five strands, it is claimed, will turn dogs, pigs, poultry, and other small ani mals. With embankments, fewer strands are required for an effective fence. it is common to use posts 8 feet apart. as in board fences, but fewer posts are frequently made to serve. The corner posts should be securely braced. in order that the wires may be tightly stretched.