Field Gales. 
51 
gate, and I have seen the letters W, M, and 0 so used, the last 
in a hoop of iron. This ought not to be so in these days of 
scientific agriculture. The proper way to identify gates is to 
brand them on the back of the heel post, because the lettei'ing 
is there more protected both from mischievous people and from 
weather. Each ought to have the year, a reference number, 
and, if desired, the name of the owner or estate. 
In constructing a field gate, due regard must be had to its 
weight, and to the desirability of keeping this weight as much as 
possible at the heel or hinge end by tapering the longitudinal 
bars, at all events the top bar, towards the head. A heavy gate 
not only puts more strain on the hinge and strut (or diagonal 
spur), but finds a constant enemy in its own weight, banging 
a 
Tig. 16. 
F 
A n, Heel-post. C c, Brace. 
M c, Diagonal Strut. E F, Head-post. 
The weight of this gate with mountings is 140 lb. 
itself to pieces. There is danger also in a too massive top bar 
inclining to snap rather than bend, when say a heavy old Shire 
mare is scratching her tail against it. It would probably be a 
safe rule to lay down that the top bar should always be of oak 
where stock are kept in the field. A light, tough, elastic gate 
will often hang longer thau a heavy one, and such a gate was 
shown to me in Essex some years ago, in excellent condition, 
after thirty years’ service. It was ten feet wide, of red deal 
tarred, and of the same principle of construction as that shown 
in fig. 16. Tarred gates are, however, very unsightly, and the 
best timber to use throughout is oak, provided it is well 
seasoned. Badly-seasoned oak will not only warp and crack, 
but is much heavier. Mr. Parker (of whom I have already 
spoken) says : — 
