Laying off with a Chain. 99 
middle of the chain and stretch it out reasonably tight. The wire forms a 
letter V, at the focus of which stick a stake. The point is indicated with 
precision by the joint in the middle of the chain. Then take the ring off 
the first stake and put it over the third stake, leaving the one on the second 
stake where it is. Tighten the chain again, and another point is fixed. 
Thus continue all the base line, shifting the rings alternately, turning over 
the chain as one turns a pair of draughtman’s compasses in his hand when 
spacing off a line. The second row of stakes being set, set the third row, 
and so on through the ground. 
The suggestions given in this chapter should indicate ways 
enough to lay off orchard and vineyard ground to answer all 
needs, though there are other good ways not mentioned. It is 
hoped that the instructions will not be regarded as too explicit. 
They are intended for the guidance of the inexperienced planter, 
and will naturally seem laden with detail to those who have 
become familiar with the operations by repeated practise. 
