132 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE FARM. 



the place of the usual eye, and fit on the hooks driven into the hang- 

 ing post. A strap of half round iron 1 inch by |- inch is bent round 

 the back at the top and passes diagonally on each side of the gate to 

 the bottom of the head ; where it is secured by an iron clip. These 

 braces are secured on both sides the gate by flat iron staples driven 

 in where they cross the wood. This is called the Elvaston Improved 

 Field Gate. Made by estate workmen, the prime cost is 1 5s. It is 

 both light and strong ; and, as far as appearance goes, equal if not 

 superior to any other. 



D. Specification of Field Pond (CHAP. VI. pp. 88-92). 

 To be half circular. For 20 acres, the width in front should be 

 30 feet, and 15 feet across. Commencing the excavation, proceed 

 by descending one vertical to three horizontal. The sides to be cut 

 perpendicular : leaving notches at every 2 feet to key the concrete. 

 The bottom to be covered with a layer of hydraulic lime concrete 

 18 inches deep; the sides to be lined with 2 feet of the same 

 material to the level of the surface ; a second coating 4 inches thick 

 of fine concrete to be spread over the bottom and smoothed over 

 with the trowel. A stone curb, 18 inches deep and 16 inches thick, 

 must be laid the whole length of the front, the top of which shall 

 only project 3 inches above the surface of the ground, forming on 

 the inside an abutment for the concrete. A strong fence shall be 

 placed round the back and sides, to prevent an accident to stock ; 

 such fence not to be less than 4 feet from the face of the cutting, 

 trees suited to the locality shall be planted round the pond and 

 securely guarded. 



E. Specification of Farm Buildings (CHAP. VII., pp. 

 93-117). The following is extracted from a minute of the Land 

 Commissioners for England, having reference to the erection of 

 buildings in England, the cost of which may be charged by an 

 annuity for a term of years on the estate. 



"All buildings must be erected in a substantial and durable 

 manner, and no weather-boarded buildings can be sanctioned, except 

 barns under special circumstances. An efficient supply of water 

 must be provided for all buildings, and the source from which it is 

 to be derived must be fully described. 



" Three bed-rooms are to be provided in each labourer's cottage ; 

 where, however, many are to be built, a proportion with two bed- 



