170 



THE FARMERS' HANDBOOK. 



An easy and simple way of running or threading wire through split posts 

 is to place the coil on a reel made on the capstan principle ; this allows the 

 wire to run off freely, and prevents it getting entangled, &c The w.rr is 

 then nulled through the holes from one strainer post to the next, and strained 

 ud ti»ht It can, however, he fastened anywhere between the posts with a 

 patent strainer, which can also be made to work at a post. Another way is to 

 bore riffht through the strainer posts and pull up either with rollers or lorks. 



Strainer posts are the mainstay of a wire fence and should be of the 

 best timber piocurable, with a diameter of not less than 12 inches Ihose 

 used at angles should be mortised to receive stays or struts. The strainers 

 should be let into the ground at least 3 feet and be very thoroughly rammed. 

 All posts should have the bark taken off before being put into the ground. 



