CHAPTER VIII.PORTABLE FENCES AND HURDLES.
triangular postsFig. 115.—The Posts.
Fig. 115.—The Posts.
Fig. 115.—The Posts.
3 sets of legsFig. 116.—“Horses” For Making The Fence.
Fig. 116.—“Horses” For Making The Fence.
Fig. 116.—“Horses” For Making The Fence.
Figure 118shows a very strong and secure board fence, composed entirely of ordinary fence boards. The triangular frames, which serve as posts, are each of two pieces of inch boards, crossed and braced as shown infigure 115. The panels,figure 117, are sixteen feet long, each composed of four boards, six inches wide. The space betweenthe lower two boards is two and a half inches, second space three and a half inches. A convenient way of making the panels is to use three horses, like that shown infigure 116, the length of each being equal to the total width of the panel, and the three short upright strips marking the respective spaces between the boards. The top is covered with iron to clinch the nails used in putting the panel together. The boards are laid on these horses, and the upright cross-pieces nailed on. The second board from the top of each panel is notched at both ends, as shown infigure 117. A good way to make the triangular frames alike, is to cut the pieces by a uniform pattern. Then make one frame of the size and form desired, and at each of the three places where they are nailed together, fasten a plate of iron, thick enough to prevent the penetration of a common wrought nail driven against it. Now lay this pattern frame on the floor withthe iron bolts uppermost.
1 fence panelFig. 117.—A Single Panel.
Fig. 117.—A Single Panel.
Fig. 117.—A Single Panel.
2 fence panelsFig. 118.—The Fence In Position.
Fig. 118.—The Fence In Position.
Fig. 118.—The Fence In Position.
Then lay three pieces on this in exactly the right position, drive wrought nails through the two pieces and against the iron plates, which will clinch the nails firmly as fast as they are driven. This will enable the man to nail the frames together quite rapidly. In setting up the fence, each triangular frame supports the ends of two panels. The upper and lower boards of each panel interlock with the frame, as shown infigure 118, making a very strong fence. On open prairie or other wind-swept situations, it may be necessary to stake down some of the frames, to prevent their blowing over. This is quickly done by sharpening pieces of inch boards, twelve inches long, and one inch wide, and driving one beside the foot of the triangle, where it rests on the ground, and putting an eight-penny nail through both.