The Fences in the Parks and Pleasure-Grounds of the West of Scotland are in many cases very offensive to the eye, from a variety of causes, but chiefly from having been treated as objects to be looked at, rather than as temporary barriers; in short, from being considered as the end, instead of being only the means. We do not speak of permanent fences, such as the outer boundaries of parks, but of those formed round young plantations in their interior, to protect the trees till they are large enough to be no longer in danger from cattle. The fence is, in all such cases, obviously a temporary expedient, and should never, therefore, exhibit the appearance of having had much labour bestowed upon it. It should not be of a kind very conspicuous to the eye, or even seemingly very impenetrable as a barrier, or of a very durable material. There are other principles which enter into the consideration of the subject of fences, such as their outline, and the influence upon the fence of the manner of treating the trees enclosed by it.
