Dictionary of Tools and Lnplcvicnts 



277 



The figure hardly needs explanation. I use 

 the wooden side frames, of the form represen- 

 ted, because they are very strong, and their 

 toes would dig into the ground, and prevent 

 recession from the blows of the axe. The 

 axis of the Battering Axe above is long enough 



Barking Iron. 



to allow the side frames to be approached or 

 withdrawn respectively, to suit any sized tree : 

 a diagonal stay-bar, dropped upon a pin for 

 the purpose prevents all from falling sidewise. 



The blade is made like a large socket, or like 

 the spades called in Ireland "fecks," and 

 spiked to the wood. Four men can work at 

 the one represented, and raise or lower the 

 edge of the axe as required, those nearest the 

 tree guiding it." 



BARK SCALER, or BARKING IRON. 

 — This is used for scraping off the dry scales 

 and moss and lichens from the stems and 

 branches of fruit trees, which, if not removed, 

 serve as a refuge for a multitude of trouble- 

 some insects. Its common form is shewn in 

 fig. 16, with a blade of about \)^ inches 

 deep by 7 inches long. — Sometimes two 



Fig. 17. Barking I 



handles are attached, one 

 the blade, as in fig. 17. 



at each end of 



