Fig. 943.—Stombaugh guy anchor. It is made of cast iron and can be screwed into the ground like an auger.
Wherever required by the nature of the soil, a "grouting" or foundation of loose stones is formed in the bottom of the hole, and, in marshy or springy ground, a base of concrete and cement is laid, with filling of the same material around the pole, when raised.
Ques. How are the poles transported to the holes?
Ans. They are rolled or carried on hooks similar to those used for carrying blocks of ice, except for a long handle for lifting the load at either side.
Fig. 944.—Method of raising a pole. When the pole has been properly placed, it is seized by several linemen. As soon as the top of the pole is raised high enough to permit the pikes to be thrust into the pole, it is then raised to a vertical position. At about 50° the butt end slides into the hole. The earth is then filled in around the pole and firmly tamped down. Eight or ten poles are about as many as can be set by the average gang in a day.
Ques. How are the poles raised and placed in the holes?
Ans. A piece of timber is inserted in the hole as a slide to prevent crumbling of the earth as the pole is slid into place. The end is raised by hand sufficiently to allow the "dead man," or pole hoist, to be placed beneath, and this is moved along regularly as the pole is lifted with pike poles, until it slides into place through the force of gravity.