526 My. WaiStell's Field Gate.[April

rally adopted. gates are TYoaded with Superfluous tim- ber in Some of their paris, and are constructed upon Such bad Principles, that they are frequently broken by their own weight, aided by the concussion 6f the head against the fall= ing post; and this, Jong before any part of the wood has be- gun to'decay. I have for S0we time given this Sübject consiz derable attention, being impressed with the idea, that if common gates could be constructed with less timber, and upon better principles, the Saving of timber only would be of national Importance; for we have many millions of gates to uphold in Britain, and their numbers are annually increas- ing. The result of my labours has been the plan which ac- companies this letter. Gates made according to it, possess Sreat Strength, are very light, and of easy and Simple con- Struction. Although vniformity of appearance be not essen- tia] in a common gate, yet itis worth having when it can be Obtained, as in this gate, without additional expence.

My gate is made with Short, and consequently less valuable oak or ash timber, than those of the commonest construcz tion; its Strength is much greater than any other gate made with a like quantity of timber, there being at four distant Points between the head and the heel, two bars and a brace CrosSIng each other; and I doubt not that it will be found Pproportionably more durable; it is, besides, very easy to con- Struct, and requires less labour than most other common Sates. Twenty-nine years ago I designed plans for ornamen= tal gates, with Semi-vval and semi-circular braces, and had ihem executed; the plans were Sent to my friends in various distant parts of this kingdom, as also to Ireland; and I have the pleasure to observe, that they are become almost the only ornamental gate in many parts of England. The plans of them I never published, although they were prepared for en- graving fifteen years ago; and 1 Should be as indifferent about Iny prezent design, of a common field gate, if I did not con- Ceive that its publication would materially benefit the public; the introduction of this form being, I conceive, of some na- tional importance, as timber has been lately greatly enhanced In price, and is rapidly on the advance.

This gate was designed for the approach to a country resi- dence; but for common purposes, the wicket on one hand, and the 5hort length of rails 0n the other, may be omitted. 4 Shall thank you, if you will have the goodness to lay my plan before your respectable Society, of which I have, jor many years, bad the honour to be a member. And should this plan be approved of, I may probably furnish Some designs for park gates on an improved construction.

1 am, dear Sir, your very hamble Servant, March 22, 1805. CHARLES WAISTELL, Mr. Cy ARLES TAYLOR,