LINE CONSTRUCTION 
133 
so that the overthrowing strain on the post, shall take place 
against that part of the ground that has not been disturbed. 
As it is desirable to disturb the soil as little as possible, 
various instruments have been invented for getting the earth 
out of the holes. For several years back, the Spaniards have 
used the implement represented in fig. 75, and known as the 
c 
Fig. 75. Fig. 76. 
Spanish ladle . It has a a metallic disc, with a cutting edge, 
and a rim c for retaining the earth, and is provided with a 
handle 5. A long bar is first used to loosen the ground, then 
the ladle is thrust down with a turning motion, so as to pene¬ 
trate into the soil, and is withdrawn filled. These operations 
are repeated until the requsite depth has been reached. For 
light lines, when the posts need not be sunk more than from 
