AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING 279 



to dip the posts (or the part that is to go into the ground) 

 in a vat of hot creosote. The creosote soaks into the wood 

 and keeps them from rotting. 



Cement Posts. — Cement is now used for making posts, 

 by mixing it with sand and water, then tamping it into 

 molds of the proper shape. Such posts are very serviceable 

 and get better the longer they stand. The only way in 

 which they are injured is by breaking them. To prevent 

 this, strips of wire are usually put inside of the posts as the 

 mortar is being put into the molds. Cement posts are not 

 in general use, as few persons have learned to make them. 

 The first cost of cement posts is higher than for wooden 

 posts. They are heavy to handle and some Uttle difficulty 



Figure 124. — A well-braced corner post that will always remain perpendicular and 



hold the wire tight. 



is found in fastening the wire to them; but, considering 

 their durability, they are not expensive and will probably 

 be used to a great extent as their value becomes better known. 



Steel posts are now used to some extent and will prob- 

 ably be used more than at present as timber becomes scarce 

 and as more permanent fences are built. 



Investment in Fences. — Fencing is done entirely for Kve 

 stock, hence the cost should be charged against them. 

 Fencing intelligently done offers a good investment, but 

 sometimes fences are built when they should not be. Unless 



