On Thu, 19 Oct 2000, W. Scott Smith wrote:

> >In one of the descriptions, Bremo was said to have a "ha-ha" wall around
> >the main plantation house.
> >
> >What is a ha-ha wall?
>
> It is a barrier between gardens, pleasure grounds, or other personal spaces

One of the major characteristics is that the barrier be invisible from a
more or less horizontal level; the "ha!" being the expression of surprise
when the not very observant stroller falls down into it.  Thus it is a
ditch or trench with a steep enough side on the human side to dissuade the
livestock from climbing up that way to get out again.  Similarly, the
livestock side can be sharply sunken relative to the human side.  There
should be no visible fence.

Mario Rups
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