"The author, George A. Martin, knows his subject, not only fence building but the farm and its requirements. He knows the stock: the unconfinable pig, the dexterous cow. He knows his materials, especially wood. I count twenty-one species of tree in the text, each especially suited for a particular application. He knows the value of work well done, done to last, and he aims to give value himself, in authorship as in the building of simple necessary structures."
from the Foreword by Castle Freeman

It is authoritatively stated that the building and maintenance of the farm fences in the United States have cost more than the construction of the farm buildings. Be this as it may, wide large numbers of works have been written upon rural architecture we believe this is the first publication specially devoted to Fences, Gates and Bridges. It aims to be a practical work, showing the "evolution" of the fence from the road barrier of logs, brush or sods to the latest improved forms of barbed mire. The numerous illustrations are mainly representations of fences, gates, etc., in actual use. The...

First published over a century ago, this practical guide shows how to add traditional fences, gates, and bridges to your house, farm, or garden. Learn how to construct portable fences and hurdles, fences for streams and gullies, wickets, stiles, and other barriers and railings. More than 300 illustrations accompany straightforward instructions for installing stone, sod, board, picket, and other types of fences as well as hedges, posts, wooden and iron gates, and similar enclosures. In addition to its value as a manual, this volume is also a fine armchair book for enthusiasts of nostalgic...