between the top and bottom rails as shown, leaving a 2-inch space between the corner upright and this piece. Next, space 4 inches from this bar to the swinging bar, drop the bar in place between the rails, and with a brace and -inch bit bore a hole through the center of the 5-inch rail and 4-inch bar and insert one of the 3-inch bolts. Space again 4 inches from the bar and nail in the next bar. Proceed in this way with the remaining stanchions, then nail the two pieces of 1 by 8 inch by 6 foot to the back of the two end uprights, as shown. a way that when the swinging bar is in closed position this block will drop in place and hold the bar. NOTE TO TEACHER.-This exercise will fit into instruction in either dairying or beef raising. Boys who feed calves at home will be especially interested in these stanchions. EXERCISE XXII. FARM GATE. In figure 41 is shown a very good type of farm gate. The constructing of such a gate is not especially difficult and makes a very good exercise in farm mechanics for farm boys. For a gate 12 feet long the material required is: 1 piece 1 by 4 inches by 14 feet. 7 pieces 1 by 4 inches by 12 feet. (White pine or other dressed lumber.) 1 pair bolt and eye gate hinges with bolts. 3 pounds 8-penny common nails or 5 pounds by 2 inch bolts. From the piece of 1 by 4 inches by 14 feet cut two pieces of 4 feet 2 inches long. Space the boards as shown in the illustration, placing the two upright pieces 12 feet apart from outside to outside. First, nail six of the 1 by 4 inch by 12 foot boards to the strips. Next, nail the remaining 1 by 4 inch by 12 foot piece as a diagonal brace. Be sure to have this brace run to the bottom hinge end of the gate. From what is left of the 1 by 4 inch by 14 foot piece cut the two short braces as shown, and nail the diagonal and short braces to each board. Bolts may be used instead of nails to fasten the boards together. They are a better construction, but somewhat more expensive. To adjust the hinges, bore a hole through the gate post, insert the bolt member of the hinge, and fasten it to the post by screwing a nut on the opposite side of the post. Having fastened the bolt to the post, place the eye member of the hinge on the bolt and determine how much space is required between post and gate. This is usually about 3 inches. Allow 1 inch more for play between the gate and the opposite post if the gate is to swing clear, both ways, between posts. Thus, for a 12-foot gate the posts should be 12 feet 4 inches apart. Screw the eye members in place, and the gate is ready to hang. 10 or 12 ft. FIG. 41.-Farm gate. EXERCISE XXIII. ROPE WORK. The whipping and crowning of rope and the tying of various knots and hitches provide practical work for pupils in the seventh and eighth grades. Rope-tying contests will add interest to a Fridayafternoon program. Bulletins issued by the extension service of the agricultural colleges of some States have described and illustrated this rope work thoroughly. In other States, where these bulletins are not available, teachers will find the manual of the Boy Scouts of America very helpful. The boy scout is required to learn to tie knots and is examined as to his proficiency in this in much the same way as might be done at school. EXERCISE XXIV. CONCRETE WORK. Concrete work, such as the making of posts, floors, and sidewalks, is a type of farm mechanics that appeals to farm boys. In many cases teachers can have the boys build a fence or a sidewalk for the school grounds. Usually the shovels, trowels, and other tools necessary will be brought from home by some of the pupils. Many boys who have practice in concrete work at school will continue the work at home. Instructions for working this exercise are found in three Farmers' Bulletins, and these should be requested from the United States Department of Agriculture and the directions followed. No. 461 gives instructions for mixing and placing concrete; No. 403 tells how to make concrete fence posts; and No. 481 tells how to lay a concrete feeding floor. A sidewalk is laid in a similar manner. EXERCISE XXV. THE PAINTING OF WOODWORK. Some of the articles made in the exercise will need to be painted. For information regarding the mixing and handling of paint, see Farmers' Bulletin 474. Write to the United States Department of Agriculture for a copy of this bulletin and follow the directions given. ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE PROCURED FROM GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE WASHINGTON, D. C. ᎪᎢ 10 CENTS PER COPY Δ |