100 



VERMONT AGRICULTURAL REPORT. 



TWO METHODS OF MAKING WATER TIGHT JOINTS. 



J^ig- 4 



Figures 4 and 5. 



To secure a water tight joint in the troughs, I suggest one 

 of the methods shown in figures 4 and 5. The best but more ex- 

 pensive method is by gaining the pieces together as shown in 

 figure 4. If no mill is accessible with suitable machinery for do- 

 ing the work, the method shown in figure 5 is recommended. The 

 stock having been cut to the exact dimensions required to build 

 the troughs, the edges are to be grooved by depressing the wood 

 instead of having it cut out. A tool can be made for this purpose 

 out of a peice of heavy sheet iron, yd to 3-16 of an inch thick and 

 6 inches long, then rounding one edge with a file. To depress 

 the groove, drive the round edge of the grooving tool into the 

 central line of the edges about }i inch deep. Having made all the 

 grooves, put the trough together, inserting into the grooves, a 

 string of round wicking, dipped in lead paint. The wicking can 

 be dispensed with by getting out the stock about }i inch wider 

 and then groove as above. Plane off the grooved edge 1-8 inch 

 making it flush with the depressed portion. If there are any 

 leaky joints, the depressed groove will swell and stop them. 

 The method of jointing the supply trough and hatching troughs 

 is the same. The specifications contemplate a pair of troughs 



