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impacted into each other> by driving in thin wedge-stones be-tween them ; and in several parts of Galloway, the samedouble dike is preferred to one that is partly single.

The construction of such fences often answers the doublepurpose of inclosing the land, and clearing away stones thatincumber the surface of the cultivable soil; but it is of theutmost importance to debar the use of round stones, exceptin the upper part of the open work, or of any that are apt tomoulder away; and the contractor ought always to be boundto warrant and uphold the fence for some years, against all.defects in the materials or construction.

The Galloway dike may be called the sheep fence of Scot-land , by way of eminence, and is peculiarly well calculated forthe Highlands, or all mountain pastures, as there is no other soeconomical or more efficient, and the rocky mountains almostevery where afford excellent and durable materials in abun-dance for its construction, either immediately on the surface,in loose blocks, or open crags and rocks, or by means ofquarries. It is impossible to contrive any fence better adapt-ed for the protection of fields and plantations, and for re-straining the native wildness and wandering disposition ofmountain sheep. Instances occur, in the county of Dumfries,of tenants on a lease of nineteen years, having erected fencesof this kind, at their own expence, to the extent of 1000roods in length. The building of this fence is usually abouta third part only of the expence, the rest consisting in thecharges of quarrying the stones, and leading them to thebuilders. It is obvious, therefore, that much attention shouldbe given in procuring the stones as near as possible to theline of fence, and above that line if practicable, that the ma-terials may not have to be carted up hill. If well executed,and of durable materials, the Galloway dike may stand goodfor twenty years, with very little repair. When the wallceases to be straight and solid, it requires to be rebuilt; and,with a moderate supply of additional materials, may be thenrestored to its original state, for less than half of the first ex-