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 if 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, 2 x 3 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, 1 x 4 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 
