166 



YARDS AND YARDING 



are divided into small flocks, as in small-unit systems, a large num- 

 ber of gates are necessary. In each of these cases, they must be 

 used frequently for watering and feeding, and should be located in 

 the natural or shortest path of the attendant, so that he can do 

 the work with the fewest steps. Where gates are to be placed in the 

 fences, the gate posts should be firmly braced as shown in figure 111. 

 Construction of Gates. In the construction of gates, durability 

 should be of first consideration. They are constantly subject to 

 a large amount of wear, and the more permanently they are made 

 the less repair will be necessary. For large gates, 2x3 inch hem- 



FIG. 111. Ways of bracing gate posts. A, By using next post in line, similar to corner 

 bracing; B, by overhead wire, especially useful with narrow gates. 



lock or yellow pine, or other material of equal grade, should be 

 used. All joints should be mitered and bolted together with wash- 

 ered bolts. Corner braces should be used, and the whole gate 

 braced diagonally with round iron. For small gates between com- 

 munity pens, 1x4 inch boards can be used, lapping them at the 

 corners, and providing a diagonal brace running from the bottom 

 of the gate on the hinged side to the top of the gate on the free 

 side. This brace board prevents the gate from sagging and adds 

 greatly to its rigidity. Figure 112 shows a number of types of 

 construction. 



Gates should be large enough to allow an attendant to pass 

 through with a load in each hand, and to pass a wheelbarrow 

 through when desired; four feet may be about the right width for 



