64 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



hold a supply that, iu case of fire, w(3uld answer until the steam pumps could 

 be set working. By opening the proper valves and closing the connection to 

 the tank, pumping can be done directly into the lines of pipe. It was not 

 expected that this system would be completed before 1884. At date of this 

 report the following has been done: Tlie underground pipe has been all laid, 

 and, except the suction pipe, has been tested. 



This work was done under my immediate oversight, by day laborers, by 

 students, and by our engineer, Mr. Hawes. Although the wet weather made 

 the excavation very costly, probably increasing the cost by $100 at least, over 

 what it would have been in good weather, it was still kept within the estimate 

 for that item. The hydrants have been set, and with our hose water can be 

 thrown on the barns, piggery, botanical laboratory, chemical laboratory, Col- 

 lege Hall, y/ells Hall, Williams Hall, and museum and library, in most cases 

 from two hydrants. The hydrants, excepting one at Wells Hall, one at cattle 

 barn, one at museum and library, are on short line of four-inch pipe connect- 

 ing with six-inch pipe. The steam pump has been set, the foundation being 

 made of concrete; it has not, however^ had all the connections marie to it. 

 The large tank was erected in the tower of Williams Hall by the Lansing Iron 

 Works for $435. It is made of C. H. No. 1 boiler plate iron, one-quarter inch 

 thick. 



The iron beams and iron work supporting the tank was erected by our- 

 selves, and altogether formed the most difficult portion of the whole job. The 

 beams, 16 feet long and weighing 900 pounds each, had to be raised outside the 

 tower, swung out over a projecting roof, and finally slid through a window 

 into position. It was however accomplished without an accident. 



A small hose cart and 300 feet of 2| inch hose has been purchased of H. D, 

 Edwards & Co., Detroit. 



The details of the construction will be given more in full after the works 

 are completed. The works are constructed in such a way that hereafter they 

 can be extended at any time with little expense. 



Brick Makinci. 



Because of the high price and bad color of brick made in the yards near 

 Lansing, it was decided by the Building Committee, to make the bricks to be 

 used in the boiler house and Professor's residence. This work was put in my 

 charge. From the commencement until September 15 Mr. Henry Palmer, a 

 former student, acted as foreman of the yard. After that date the brick were 

 made on contract by Mr. W. H. Megiveron at the rate of $4.50 per M. 



The number of brick made were nearly 400,000, the actual cost per M. 

 averaged, as near as can be estimated, $5.50. The brick are of uniform red 

 color and are in every way first-class. Much poorer brick, partly white and 

 partly red, could not have been purchased less than 87.00 per M. The bricks 

 would have been made fully §1.00 per M. less had the season of 1883 been 

 favorable. The first season's work on a new yard includes a great deal in the 

 way of permanent improvement that is lost if the yard is used only one 

 season, and consistent with the above statement, offers have been made the 

 College to make brick for the season of 1884 at a very low rate. The value 

 of the tools on hand is $50.00, the lumber $75.00. The latter will be turned 

 over to the Horticultural Department. The especial brick-making tools will 

 be sold when opportunity offers unless the Board order otherwise. 



