COST OF FENCING IN NOETH CENTRAL STATES. 27 



few of the more common types in use. Points to be borne in mind 

 when setting wooden end or corner posts are: First, the posts used 

 should be large enough to give sufficient strength. Second, they 

 should be set deep enough not to heave by the action of frost. 

 Wooden end or corner posts should be put into the ground to the depth 

 of 4| feet, and the brace post should be set 4 feet deep. Third, the 

 brace post should not be set so close to the end post as to require the 

 placing of the brace at an abrupt incline, for this tends to force the 

 end post out of the ground (it is generally considered that 10 feet 

 apart is about the right distance). This arrangement would require 

 a brace 12 feet long, and it is usually inserted in a mortise on the 

 brace post 12 inches from the ground line. The brace should be large 

 enough to remain perfectly rigid. 



The manufacturers of steel posts issue instructions regarding the 

 placement of their end and corner posts. These posts are set in con- 

 crete, and if properly placed are very solid. 



Concrete end and corner posts are made in various styles and 

 shapes. It is essential that they be made of a good grade of concrete 

 and thoroughly reinforced. They may be reinforced Avith scrap iron, 

 such as wagon tires, axles, etc., and the reinforcement should be 

 placed so that the strain caused from the pull of the fence will bear 

 against it. These posts should be allowed time to season thoroughly 

 before the fence is attached to them. 



End, corner, and line posts should be placed so that the ground 

 will have time to settle and harden around them before the fence is 

 strung. It is more essential that the end and corner posts be placed 

 sometime previous to the stringing of the wire. The best time of the 

 year to set posts is in the spring after the frost is out and when the 

 ground is soft. It will thoroughly settle soon after the frost leaves 

 and will leave the posts solid. The wire can then be strung when- 

 ever there is time for this work. Whether the posts are set or driven 

 they should be kept in a straight line with the ends of the fence. If 

 there is a curve in the fence the posts may be set so as to make a 

 slight angle, and the post at the apex of the angle should be thor- 

 oughly braced in both directions. When steel posts are used they 

 may follow the line of the curve, but in such a case they should be 

 set in concrete and be anchored against the direction of the pull on 

 the fence by using a brace set in concrete, or by the use of a deadman. 

 When the fence is being built over a hilly country, or where there 

 are depressions in the fence row, the posts that are placed in the 

 depressions should be anchored down so that the upward pull of the 

 fence will not tend to draw them out of the ground. This may be 

 implished by spiking 2 by 4 crosspieces on the bottoms of the 

 .'Nil posts before settling them in the ground. If steel posts are 

 used they may be set in concrete. 



The distance apart Line posts should be set depends on the location 

 of the fence and the number and kinds of stock to be turned. The 



