Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1891-11-05
A HEDGE FENCE.

A hedge fence was what Nancy Mott
called it; but to the uninitiated it seemed
only possible wind-break of tall, thick
set, glossy-eaycd Usage oranges.
But ut any rate, it had been set out
for hedge fence, and it had in reality
more than fulfilled the intent and purpose
of its owner, Nancy Mott.
When old Obcd Mott died twenty years
before, the farm was divided into two
equal parts from the back fence to the
highway in front; and young Obed and
Nancy, the only children, took possession
of their respective portions.
Obed chose the half facing the cross
road; and he had also the wood-lot us am
offset to the old house und outbuildings
on the main pike, which portion fell to
Nancy.
He built house, and then brought
home II wife. But Nancy kept the even
tenor of her spinster life in the old
home
Obed continued to "work the place" as
he had done for years, carrying on Nan
cy's portion on shares. He kept up her
fences, looked after her stock, and took
care of things generally.
Nothing happened to make this other
wise than satisfactory until, some years
later, Nancy's COW broke through the
front part of the line fence, and totally
destroyed Obed's garden. The COW was
an umulv creature, and had caused
damage before ; but this was the last
feather. Obed's wife felt righteously
vexed. The garden had been a fine one.
Somethin's always gettin' in," Obed
complained to Nancy that day. "You'vc
got to get rid of that snoopin' critter,
Nancy, or else somethin's got to go up
atween us that's hoss high, bull strong
an pig proof.
Fences amt immortal, no moren
folks" she retorted, stung by what
seemed sign of wanting interest in her
and her possessions. Yes, it's time
somethin' went up that won't tumble
down if you p int your finger at it."
Unfortunately, the next thing Obed
did was to mention the matter of new
fence at an evil moment, when an advice
giving relative of his wife was present.
"Obed, if you have your eye open for
futur troubles, you'll take each one O.
you half o that air line fence, an be
holden fer il" was this relatives pro
phctic advice.
Prophetic it surely was, for if Obcd
had had can eye out for futur' troubles -
he could not have done surer thing to
bring them than to take this advice,
which he did.
He went TO Nancy. "You can take
front Or back, airy one" he said as he
concluded his suggestion with regard tc
division of tho fence, having weakly
propped it up by quoting his authority
and reasons for the step.
"Ill take the front half" said Nancy
sharply, with a spasmodic tightening o
her lips.
The next week the old fence wa
cleared away. during Obed's absenc
from home. When he came back an un
known workman was plowing dee
furrow right ON the line.
"Women don't know nothin'," wa
Obcds disgusted exclamation, as he frs
noted the proceeding from back win
dow. 'I'll have 10 go an see bou
it."
He drew on his boots and went, an
was met by Nancy.
"What air you thinkin' bout, Nancy?
he began.
Bout the fence" she replied coolly
"Well, that amt the way to build
fence"
'Taint? I'd like to know how els,
you'd start hedge fence!"
"A hedge fence? You don't mean tC
say that you're goin' to set out II hedg,
fcncc!"
That's Just what I'm goin' to do. In
roiu' ia buih sompthin' thnt'll he hos
high, pig proof and bull strong" sh
answered with emphasis.
Obed wont away speechless but sooi
returned with his wife.
"lt'll be just a breedin' -plnce fo
snakes" said Obed's wife.
81 aint afraid of emf
"it'Il take oceans o money TO keep
loolin anyhow, after it's growed, Obe
argued.
II aint got nothin else to lay it ou
OH" Nancy returned.
"But a picket fence wouldv
ben so much nicer" Obeds wife la
monted.
"You can put picket fence Ion
your half, or stump fence or a caterpi
lar rail fence" Nancy snapped. "Ihi
is my half now"
"I3ut you might "a consulted somebod
bout it, seems to me-" said Obed.
al don't consult others bout famil
matters" she answered, with dry signif
canoe.