Concrete Fence-Posts

For the sake of economy the smallest amount of metal consistent with the desired strength must be used; and this requirement makes it necessary to place the reinforcement near the surface, where its strength is utilized to the greatest advantage, with only enough concrete on the outside to form a protective covering. A reinforcing member in each corner of the post is probably the most efficient arrangement.

The Mixture.

The concrete should be mixed with Portland cement in about the proportion broken stone or gravel under one-half inch being used.

How to Preserve Gate-Posts.

A sagging gate-post, rotted at the ground line, gives the whole place an unkept and rough look; and yet gate-posts do rot, and have a habit of getting out of line. The remedy is a very simple one, and very inexpensive as well. First brace the post in such a way as to prevent its falling. Then ex cavate around it, to a depth below the frost line. Pull the post into the proper position, and re nail your braces. Fill the hole with concrete, to a point six inches above the ground, and your post will remain constantly in position. It will also last for years. When it has to be renewed, the old post can easily be pulled out, and a new one slipped into the hole in the concrete.

The materials needed for these repairs are: 1 Bag of Portland cement.

3 Cubic feet of gritty, clean sand.

6 Cubic feet of gravel, of a small size.

The cement can be obtained from a dealer in the nearest town. The sand and gravel can be

obtained from your farm. A wheelbarrow holds about one and three-quarters to two cubic feet.

After excavating around the post, and bracing in position, drive stakes, and place against them rough boards, allowing the boards to come six inches above the ground line. This makes a box or form around the post, into which the concrete is placed.

Nail several small boards together, and have them so that they can be shoveled from easily.

Place the sand on these boards, and smooth it into about a 3-inch layer. Dump the bag of ce ment on the sand, and mix the same together thoroughly while dry. Smooth out this mixture, and shovel the gravel on top. This gravel should be thoroughly wet first. Then shovel the whole mixture from one pile to another, adding water enough to make a soft mass, turning over at least three times. Shovel the whole directly in side the box, and tamp with a 3-inch by 4-inch piece of lumber. When filled, take a trowel and smooth off the top, leaving the whole mass slightly higher against the sides of the post than at the edges.

After two days, remove the braces and the forms, and fill with earth around the concrete, up to the ground level.

It will take one man about half a day to do all the work. The materials, except the cement, will cost nothing. The cement will cost not over fifty cents a bag. Following these instructions will give altogether a very cheap and lasting job.