New Field Gate . 
479 
the falling post, a little below the catch, to stop the gate 
from swinging beyond the post : another stop near the 
ground may be useful. 
When gates are hung to open one way only, their 
heels and heads generally rest against the hanging end 
falling posts ; but when they are hung according to this 
design, gates may be made about one foot shorter for the 
same opening, and consequently they must be lighter, 
stronger, and less expensive. 
Of the hanging of Gates. 
When the two hooks in the hanging- post are placed 
in the same perpendicular line, a gate, like a door, will 
rest in any direction in which it may be placed. But, in 
order that a gate may shut itself when thrown open, the 
books are not placed exactly perpendicular; the upper 
hook declining a little towards the falling-post, or a few 
feet beyond it. In whatever direction that hook declines 
the farthest, in the same direction will the gate rest, if un- 
obstructed, and its head cannot then sink any lower. 
Make the head describe half a circle, and it will thus 
have attained its utmost elevation, and will be equal- 
ly inclined to descend either to the right or to the 
left.* 
The following method of fixing the hooks and thim- 
bles, will, I think, be found to answer very well for a 
gate that is intended to open only one way. Supposing 
the face of the hanging-post to be set perpendicular, and 
the upper hook driven in near its inner angle, as is repre- 
sented in the preceding design, and that the lower hook 
must be four feet and a half below it; suspend a plumb- 
line from the upper hook, and at four feet, and a half 
mark the post; then at one inch and a half farther from 
* See Chap. 2, of Mr. Parker’s Essay on the Hanging of Gates ; and 
also the • Agricultural Report for Northumberland^ by Messrs, Bailey and 
Culley, 
