134 
THE TELE GRA PH. 
three to four feet, this method suffices ; but for heavier lines 
where it is necessary to sink the posts to a depth of six feet or 
more, the difficulty of loosening the ground at such depth pre¬ 
vents the use of the Spanish ladle. 
Several methods of boring have lately been introduced in 
England, and one of the most generally used apparatus is that 
nvented by Marshall, and represented in tigs. 76 and 77. A 
metal disc is radially divided, so as to form a plate with 
Fig. 77. 
cutting edges ; when this is turned round, the earth passes 
through the opening between the two faces, and is raised from 
time to time by lifting the apparatus out of the hole. The 
handle terminates below the plate in an auger, which to a certain 
degree renders the work easier. The handle is made in several 
hollow pieces, the number of which varies according to the 
depth of the hole. A bar, and a shovel with a long handle, 
form part of the set of implements. The bar is used for 
breaking off any stones in the hole, and for beating in the soil 
round the post when planted. 
This earth-borer appears to have answered admirably in 
certain kinds of ground, in spite of the covert opposition of the 
workmen to its employment. But it can be used only in loose 
ground free from stones. 
