But what about the unusual white posts?  As it turns out, one source found during the investigation provided a perfect explanation.  In an 1801 version of an essay on hanging and fastening gates and wickets, Thomas Parker recommends that white posts be used for green painted fences found along roads.  His recommendation is based on the fact that at night fences painted dark green were very difficult to see and on dark nights horses and carriages could accidently crash into, or even through, them.  By painting the posts white, the fence line would be visible enough at night to avoid accidents while still receding into the landscape during the day.