New' Field Gate . 
475 
darcl to regulate their process by, yet it must be acknow- 
ledged that the universal standard of specific gravity is 
by far tlie best; for, by its currency all over Europe, it 
enables a person to know what relation their practice 
may bear to that of otheris in the same pursuit ; and it 
would, by the universal adoption of it, prevent the many 
differences which exist among mercantile men, espe- 
cially those who deal in, or pay duty on, spirituous li- 
quors. 
Indeed the wide held which opens, on considering the 
importance of paying attention to the specific gravity of 
bodies, convinces us that we are yet in infancy on the 
subject. 
No. 91 . 
Description of an improved Gate for Fields . By Mr . 
Charles Waistell.* 
(With an engraving.) 
DEAR sir— The various methods used in bracing 
common gates for fields, prove that not one of them is 
greatly superior to the rest; for, if it was, that method 
would have been generally adopted. Most gates are 
loaded with superfluous timber in some of their parts, and 
are constructed upon such bad principles, that they are 
frequently broken by their own weight, aided by the con- 
cussion of the head against the falling-post; and this, 
long before any part of the wood has begun to decay. 
I have for some time given this subject considerable at- 
tention, being impressed with the idea, that if common 
* Nicholson, vol. 11, p. 23. Communicated in a letter to Charles Taylor* 
Esquire, Secretary of the Society of Arts, who returned their thanks for the 
same. 
