448 



SCIENCE OF AGRICULTURE. 



Part II. 



286S. For gates of an ornamental kind, Parker says, he docs not know a better latch 

 than the crooked lever (Jig. 401.) now in common use. 



2863. Gales arc of (liferent kinds [Jigs. 402. and 403. ), according to the particular 

 custom of the district; but the principal sorts made use of are the swing-gate, the 

 folding-gate, the slip-bar gate, and the wicket and turn-about gate. 



401 



S. 



403 



2864. The improved swing-gate of the northern counties is well adapted for 

 agricultural purposes. There is a projection on the fore-part of the hanging-style, 

 which rises nine inches, and on which the lower end of the diagonal bar, passing up- 

 wards, rests; there is also a diagonal bar through which the three middle horizontal 

 bars pass. It is found to be a very strong and durable gate. 



2865. In Parker s improved swing-gate, the diagonal bar rising from the low er part 

 of the heel of the gate meets the middle of the rail, and the two upright bars are placed 

 at proper distances between the middle and the head of the gate : these cross-bars must, 

 he thinks, assist very much in keeping the gate together; but what is most to be guarded 

 against is, its sinking at the head, and to prevent which, this gate (he says) is well 

 contrived. 



2866. The tressel-bar gate (Jig. 404.) 

 consists of two bars, one hung by a few 

 links to each gate-post, and in the middle 

 of the opening, where the bars meet, they 

 are supported by two legs like a tressel, 

 and may be padlocked, or fastened by a 

 pin and a few links, <&c. In the prome- 

 nade at Florence such gates are made use- 

 of to close the larger carriage openings. 



2867. The slip-bar gate is, perhaps, the most durable of any, especially where the 

 gate-posts are of stone, with proper openings left for the reception of the bars. The 

 only objection that can possibly be made to the slip-bar gate is, the trouble of opening 

 and shutting ; which, when servants or others are passing through it, in a hurry, 

 occasions its being frequently left open. In other respects, it is preferable to every 

 other description of gate, both in the original cost, and greater durability. It is to be 

 noticed, however, that upon the verge of a farm or estate, especially wliere it is bounded 

 by a high road, the slip-bar gate will not answer, as it does not admit of being locked, 

 or secured in the same way as other gates ; but in the interior of a farm or estate, it 

 will be found the cheapest sort of gate. 



2868. The chained slip-bar gate, though more expensive, is not liable to the same ob- 

 jections as the last. Here the bars are connected by a chain down the middle of the 

 gate, and, therefore, if one bar is padlocked to the post, none of them can be moved till 

 that one is unlocked. 



2869. The turn about, or wicket-gate, is only used in cases where there is a necessity 

 for leaving an entry for the people employed to pass backwards and forwards. Tliis 

 purpose they answer very well, and at the same time keep the field completely enclosed, 

 as they require no trouble to shut them in the time of passing. 



2870. Stt/les are contrivances for man to pass over or through fences, without the risk 

 of even permitting the larger quadrupeds to accompany or follow him. There are many 

 forms perfectly well known every where ; as by steps over a wall ; by a zig-zag passage, 

 formed by stakes, through a hedge or paling ; a turning-bar or turnstyle, &c. 



2871. I'he style of falling bars (Jig. 405.) is chiefly used in pleasure-grounds, or be- 



405 



