not require any stays when the line of fence is straight; for since the wires pull in opposite directions, the posts are kept perfectly erect and steady.

Fig. 186 shows still another form, called the iron ratchet strainingpillar. That shown in the figure forms the extreme end of a wire fence with wooden uprights; but they can be had to strain both ways in the centre of a fence, in the same manner as those already

Fig. 186.

mentioned. Their construction is quite simple, the ratchets being attached to the post by plates bolted on each side, and they can be tightened up or slackened by the key at any time. They are

batted into stone, and have a strong iron stay when the strainer is at the end of a fence or at an angle. That shown in the figure being at the end of a fence, and straining only from one side, has a stay which is also batted into stone in the usual way. This kind of straining-pillar can also be had with self-fixing bases, which obviate the necessity of any stones whatever.

Barb-Fences.-Under this branch of wire-fencing mention may most conveniently be made of the barb-wire fence which has been in

Fig. 187.

a

troduced into this country from America, and which, though extremely mischievous and dangerous in a hunting country, is yet unequalled for efficacy and cheapness as a fence; for although the barb-wire itself is dearer than ordinary wire, yet a smaller number of strands is requisite to exclude animals, whose skin is lacerated in a painful manner by the barbs. It is rather peculiar in its construction when compared with our commonly used wire-fences. Fig. 187 will give

Fig. 188.

an idea of this kind of fence. It can either be erected on wooden or iron straining-posts, with wooden intermediates; the strainingposts being the same as those used for a common fence with iron strainers and wooden intermediates, as already described.

This fencing material is made of steel, and is composed of two strands, with two or four barbs projecting at right angles every few inches, as shown in Fig. 188. Three lines of this barbed strand are usually found sufficient for a fence of ordinary height, as cattle will

VOL. II.

E

not attempt to get through after once coming in contact with the barbs. A strand wire of this kind might be used as a top-wire in an ordinary wire-fence with effect, or with a second line in the middle of the fence. The wire is supplied in "spools" of about 400 yards in length, and can be fixed with the ordinary staples.

When putting up barb-wire on wooden posts, the following general directions may be followed:

1. The main posts should be 50 ft. from the corner posts and from each other, and should be firmly bedded in the ground.

2. Mark on each post where each line of fencing is to cross it. 3. Firmly fasten the first end of a spool of fencing to the first corner post at the highest mark thereon, then proceed to carry the spool the entire length of the proposed fence, allowing the wire to unwind as the spool proceeds.

4. Before cutting this line from the spool, raise it to its proper

place on each main post and to the next corner post, stapling loosely to each post.

5. Draw the line from the starting-point to the first main post as straight as convenient with the hands; then at the said main post apply the "strainer," and strain rigidly to place. While the line is thus under strain, staple firmly to each intermediate post as well as to the main post. Repeat from the first main post to the next, and so on until the next corner post is reached.

The instruments used in straining are the lever-strainer for short lengths and the winding strainer for longer lengths.

189, 190, and 191.)

(See Figs.

An ingenious method of joining barbed wire is exhibited in the

a. The Splicer. b. Pincers and Splicer in action. c. The Joint when completed. pincers and splicer of Messrs Bayliss, Jones, & Bayliss, Wolverhampton (see Fig. 192). The figure illustrates the method of making a joint with the pincers and splicer. The ends of wire are untwisted, and after removal of the barbs, laid side by side for 8 to 10 in., then gripped firmly by the pincers, held in the left hand, and with the splicer the loose ends of the wire are wound round the main wire in the manner shown above. The grip of the pincers is obtained by an eccentric, and therefore no strain is thrown on the wrist.

Various standards are in use for supporting the barb-wire. One of the simplest of these is the method of Messrs A. & J. Main & Co., Glasgow, shown in Fig. 193.

III.-Wire Fences erected upon Iron Straining - Pillars with Iron Standards. Reference must now be made to the putting up of

Fig. 193.

wire-fences upon iron posts or uprights. iron posts or uprights. As so much detail has been given relative to the erection of the other two classes of wire-fences already referred to, it will not be necessary to enter into minutiæ about the erecting of iron fences, seeing that they are put up upon the same principle as the others. It will be sufficient merely to note the chief peculiarities of this class as compared with the others, mentioning at the same time the most approved kinds of fences now erected.

to yield afterwards by the iron, for allowing the wires standards, b, are 1 in. by

Fig. 194 represents a 4-ft. wire-fence upon iron uprights, having 7 horizontal wires. The straining-pillars are generally of wrought-iron, and are placed about 100 yards apart in the line of fence, with stays for the ends of the fence; but they may also be made of cast-iron. The strainingpost, a, is sunk and batted well into a large stone, which may either be undressed (as in Fig. 194) or dressed square (as in Fig. 195). The stay, d, is also well sunk and batted into a large stone; and in putting in these stones, they should be firmly bedded into the ground, so as not strain of the wire. The stay is of double to pass through between each piece. The of an inch; they are placed at 6 ft. apart,

Fig. 194.

T. NISBET SC

and also sunk into stones of about 12 in. cube. will resist the heaviest stock.

This class of fence

It is not absolutely necessary that the description of wire-fences