A Cheap and Substantial Straining-Post 



By D. SYM SCOTT, Fohes-ter, Ballinacourte, Tipperary, Ireland. 



I AU strongly in favour of wire fencing. I believe a well-erected wire 

 fence will last upwards of twenty years without incurring much 

 expense for repairs. But the difficulty is in getting them properly 

 put up, the universal error is the want of being strained sufficiently 

 to render tliem stock-proof. This error is mainly owing to the 

 straining-post, wood or iron, not being securely fixed. As good fences 

 are of paramount importance to field and forest, we should all assist 

 and help each other in making known the best and cheapest methods 

 of erecting really durable fences, I have already described how I fix 

 wooden posts, and will now refer to iron ones. For a neat and 

 substantial straining-pillar I prefer a solid iron bar, 1^ in. square, 

 3 ft. 9 in. above the ground. This is fixed into a boulder set on edge, 



i. e., the longest way, with heavy end down, as shown in the figure 

 The wires are only twisted round the tying-post, not through holes in" 

 it in the usual way, and winders are by a simple contrivance attached 

 to the straining-post. Besides doing away with the necessity for 

 drilling holes in the straining-posts, the wires can be put on at any 

 gauge or distance apart. The rollers are attached to the post with two 

 plates bolted on each side. Any foundry will cast the rollers at a 

 trifling cost per 100, and the neighbouring blacksmith can do all the 

 rest. The lockfast is held in position by its end being placed in 

 slight indenture made in the post with a cold chisel. The stay is 

 bolted through the post at the top, and should always have a separate 

 stone from the post. Some prefer a bent stay, but a straight one will 

 look quite as well, and resist a heavier strain. All corners should be 

 tying-posts. I have used this sort of strainer for the past sixteen 

 years, and have found it most efficient, 



