ry one
which cannot be carried in one hand." The words of R. Maier. Rabbi Jose
said, "shoulder stones, commonly so named, all that can be carried, two,
three, upon the shoulder."

10. He who builds a fence between his own and public property may sink it
down to the rock. "What shall he do with the dust?" "He may heap it up on
the public property, and benefit it." The words of R. Joshua. R. Akiba
said, "as we have no right to injure public property, so we have no right
to benefit it." "What shall he do with the dust?" "He may heap it up in
his own field like manure, and so also when he digs a well, or a cistern,
or a cave."

Chapter IV

1. In olden times they used to say a man may gather wood, stones, and
grass in his own (field), just as he may gather that which is greater out
of his neighbor's field. When transgressors increased, a rule was made
that this one should gather from that one, and that one from this one,
without benefit; and it is unnecessary to say that one could not promise
victuals to those who gathered.

2. A field cleared of thorns may be sown in the close of the Sabbatical
year. If it be tilled or manured by cattle, it must not be sown in the
close of the Sabbatical year. "If a field be twice ploughed?"(53) The
school of Shammai say, "its fruit must not be eaten in the Sabbatical
year." But the school of Hillel say, "it may be eaten." The school of
Shammai say, "they must not eat its fruit on the Sabbatical year, if (the
owner of it have) benefit therefrom." But the school of Hillel say, "men
may eat it whether there be or be not benefit." R. Judah said, "the words
are contrary; that which is permitted by the school of Shammai is
restricted by the school of Hillel."

3. Men may contract for cultivated fields from Gentiles on the Sabbatical
year, but not from Israelites. And they may strengthen the hands of the
Gentiles on the Sabbatical year, but not the hands of Israelites. And in
saluting Gentiles they may ask after their peace for the sake of
peace.(54)

4. "If one thins olive trees?" The school of Shammai say, "only cut them
down," and the school of Hillel say, "one may root them out"; but they
both agree that for smoothing the earth the trees must be cut down. "What
is meant by thinning?" "Removing one or two." "What is meant by smoothing
the earth?" "Removing three trees each by the side of the other." "How is
this understood?" "That one may root them out not only of his own field,