The straining-posts are placed in the ground at 150 yards apart, with an additional strong post at every angle or curve that occurs in the line of fence. The intermediate posts are pointed and driven into the ground along the line of fence at 6 ft. apart. In order to make a fence proof against the inroads of sheep and cattle not less than six wires should be erected, and galvanized strand wire is preferable. The total height of the fence need not exceed 3 ft. 6 in., and the top wires should be placed farther apart than those lower down. In tightening the wires a straining machine is usually employed, but brackets for the same purpose are preferable, these being attached to the straining-posts. They are of particular value, as the wire can be tightened or slackened at will. The posts should be rounded on the top or sawn with a slant, so that the rain may run off. =Draining the Ground.=—Efficient drainage must be considered as one of the most important operations in the formation of a plantation. Every portion of the ground may not, probably, require to be drained, but where it is at all surcharged with moisture the removal of such will be a step in the right direction if the future welfare of the trees is a point of first importance. In commencing draining the position of the main outlet must first be determined, and in doing so every fall of the ground should be taken advantage of. It is quite impossible to lay down rules as to the number, sizes, and distances apart of the various drains, these being points that can only be satisfactorily settled on the spot, and when the nature of the soil, lie of the ground, and amount of rainfall to be carried off are determined. In most cases, however, the main drains should be from 2 ft. 6 in. to fully 3 ft. wide at the top or surface, from 10 in. to 12 in. wide at the bottom, and about 3 ft. deep. The minor drains may be less in proportion to the mains, and are usually 2 ft. deep, 2½ ft. wide at top, and the width of the draining spade at bottom. According to the nature of the ground so will the distances at which the drains should be cut vary, but in most cases from 15 ft. to 30 ft., sometimes even less, and sometimes considerably more. The minor drains should never run at right angles to the main, but at about 45°, which will prevent the mouths becoming choked up when there is a rush of water in the main. The soil removed from the drains should be evenly spread out over the ground-surface. [Illustration: TOOLS USED IN DRAINING]