"Abraham Lincoln in his his day was affectionately known as 'the rail spliter,' because of his prowess at this very tricky job.  Even in those times, snake rail fences meandered up hill and down dale.  They turned awkward corners adroitly, dodging boulders and huge trees.  Because of their sharp angles and interlocking joints they were strong and solid.  But against this, in harvest time they served the harvesters wonderfully well as eating and resting places in the hot weather."

~Harry Symons, Fences, The Ryerson Press, Toronto, 1958.