42 
Field Gates. 
44 in. If the rails are larch or deal this thickness will allow 
a mortise 1£ in. wide. The head should be 24 in. by 3 in., or 
3 in. by 3 in. ; if the former, its broader side is given to 
strengthen the sides of the mortises. It will also resist the jar 
of the gate, which tends to split the head. Iron rivets through 
the ends of the head are useful to guard against this splitting. 
The size of the top rail need not be the same on a gate for a tillage 
field as for a meadow ; 44 in. by 3 in., tapering to 2J in. by 
34 in., is a good rail in oak or larch. The other rails, if oak, 
should be 4 hi. by 34 in., or ^ in. by 3£ in. ; if larch or deal, 
at least 4 in- more each way ; diagonals and braces should be the 
same size as the intermediate rails. 
Some gate-makers use riveted bolts to clench the parts 
together. It needs some care to form the rivet well, and repair 
is difficult. Not many years ago gate nails were a speciality. 
The “ Steel rose nail ” (fig. 5) is as good as can be desired, and 
ought to be in general use. This nail costs, say, 10s. 6d. per cwt., 
and can be bent, as in fig. 0, without breaking, and be riveted 
to perfection, whilst the head never flies off when driven home 
in the hardest timber. 
Whether gate timbers should be planed and painted, or 
rough from the saw, is a matter of taste and of first cost. 
Planed timber holds moisture less. Where the dual interest 
exists (the landlord supplying timber, either “ in the rough ” or 
sawn, and the tenant doing the labour), or where the painting 
cannot be periodically renewed, these had better not be attempted. 
About the park and home-farm, and the home-covers, where the 
gates are wholly maintained by the proprietor, and frequently 
meet his eye, the gates should be substantial and painted. 
More care is taken of such gates. Such accessories of an estate 
have a moral influence. It may be affirmed that the gate which 
is carefully made of the best timber, and is kept painted, is the 
economical gate. But first cost, and having a staff of workmen, 
and a stock of seasoned timber, to do this branch of estate work 
