Several kinds of wire and iron fences are used in France to make temporary enclosures for exhibition purposes. Two forms are illustrated herewith. [Figure 131] is made of plain iron wire with cast or wrought iron posts. Each post has a plate on its lower end, which is set eighteen inches below the surface of the ground, and the earth filled in compactly about it. The front of the engraving shows the holes in section, with the plates. The top strand is a wire rope made by twisting several strands together. The fence seen at [figure 132] is made of narrow strips of sheet iron attached to iron posts driven into the ground. The gate, like that of the other form, is provided with small wheels, which run on a track. The two fences may be modified by using wooden posts sharpened at the lower end, and driven into the ground, then fastening to them with suitable staples strips of rather broad hoop-iron at the top, with plain wire below.
CHAPTER IX.
FENCES FOR STREAMS AND GULLIES.
FLOOD FENCES.
Fig. 133.—Strong Flood-gate.
Fig. 134.—A Cheaper Flood-gate.
In a situation where a line of fence crosses a stream or a gully liable to be flooded, it is necessary to make special provision for it. A fence extending down near the surface and sufficiently rigid to withstand the current, would arrest the driftwood and other objects floated down on the flood, and soon become a dam. The right kind of a fence must therefore yield to the force of the flood, and renew its position, or be easily replaced after it has subsided. [Figure 133] is a very effectual flood-gate for a running stream. The posts, B, B, are firmly set on the bank, and a stick of timber, A, mortised on the top of them. The three uprights, C, C, C, are hinged to the cross-timber, and the boards, F, fastened in place by ten-penny steel fence nails. The gate easily swings with the current, D. [Figure 134] shows a form which operates in a similar manner like the other. It consists of two stout posts, five feet high, bearing a heavy cross-bar, rounded at each end, and fitted into sockets, in which the bar with gate attached can swing. The construction of the gate is easily seen from the engraving.
Fig. 135.—Fence For A Forest Stream.