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Papworth, John Buonarotti, 1775-1847. / Hints on ornamental gardening : consisting of a series of designs for garden buildings, useful and decorative gates, fences, railroads, &c. : accompanied by observations on the principles and theory of rural improvement, interspersed with occasional remarks on rural architecture
(1823)

Garden railing,   p. 109


Page 109


GARDEN RAILING.
PLATE XXVII.
GARDEN RAILING.
FOR the purposes of separation, or of protection, an orna-
mental fence is sometimes required in flower gardens; and they
impart considerable finish when tastefully designed: but usually
they are very far from meriting distinction on that account.
As varieties of design the annexed plate is introduced, some
of which have been executed, and being bronzed, and in part
gilt, have proved both decorative and useful. They are designed
to be chiefly executed in iron, and the lighter parts, of strong
copper wire.
Although these designs are suitable to the flower garden, they
are not so as fences against cattle, or to separate lawn from
pasture, or the latter from the shrubberies. Here the simplest
are most proper-formed by four or five strong horizontal bars,
finished by a chain at top, supported at equal distances by
efficient standards; this is perhaps the least obtrusive to the sight,
and the mind is satisfied of its powers of protection, against the
inroads of the cattle that may occupy the pastures.
In small grounds and where no other animals than sheep are
fed, the lighter sort of fence composed of wire nettings, are suf-
ficient for the purpose; and they may be rendered nearly invisible
to a distant observer by color.
109


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