Rensselaer Union, Volume 2, Number 25, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 March 1870 — Preservation of Fence-Posts ! [ARTICLE]

Preservation of Fence-Posts !

Any kind of timber, when employed for fence-posts, will be more than twice as durable if allowed to become thoroughly seasoned before being set in the ground. The durability of seasoned posts may be promoted, so as to make them last an age, by the application of a heavy coat of coaltar to; the portion buried in the earth, and a few inches above the surface of the ground. Borne farmers set the ground-end tn hot tar, and let it boil’ fifteen minute*. When cool, cover with coal-tar, thickened with, ground slate or ground brick. The boiling stiffens the albumen and causes the pores to absorb tar. The coating prevents the action of moigturp. But this treatment es green post* would do very little good, and, perhaps, mischief. A boiling m lime-water is also beneficialTimber that is first water-logged and then well dried, lasts well; because the water soaks out the acid that hastens the decay. Others contend that the better way is to season the post well before setting it; and when the post-hole is filled within ten inches of the surface of the ground, to apply a heavy coat of tar and fill up with earth.

As fence-posts always decay first neat the surface of the ground, it is only necessary to protect the post a few inches above the surface, and about-a, foot below it. The timber begins to 'decay, usually, on the surface of the posts. Therefore, if the surface can be protected by some antiseptic material, posts will last a lifetime. Many kinds of timber will not last .five years if set in the ground while green.— Manufacturer and Builder?