Another kind of enclosure is made with a similar framework filled in with boarding, instead of plastering, thus coming under the head of Wooden Fences. The simplest sort of Wooden Fence consists of square posts and a ground sill with two narrow horizontal strips between the posts, against which the intermediate boarding is nailed. Broad planks are fixed vertically, first on one and then on the other side of the horizontals, and slightly overlapping, in such a way that a space for the passage of air is left between the boards. The whole is covered with a capping, cut into two slopes on the top to carry off the rain. The posts are sometimes continued above the capping, their extremities being crowned with little roofs and ridges of board. The planking of such structures, in some examples, is not carried to the bottom, a space of a foot or more being left open below. Simple Fences of the above kind are not intended to be thoroughly private and secure enclosures, but are merely regarded as light boundaries, only partially screening from publicity. In the construction of some boarded Fences the planks instead of being nailed overlapping on alternate sides of the cross pieces, are kept flush with one another, and the open joints covered by thin strips of wood or bamboo. In addition to the interval left at the bottom, a similar open space is often introduced between the top of the boarding and the capping of the fence, and this space is filled in with narrow bars or lattice-work, or sometimes with slender intersecting diagonals. Through the interstices thus left may be seen the blossom-clad branches of trees, the planting of which in the corners of such enclosures is a favourite device.
