130 THE WAKEHOUSING OF GEAIN". 



floors. When it is taken out of the building, it is sent 

 down to the lowest or sunk floor, where it is w^eighed. The 

 system is in many respects simple, there being no band con- 

 veyers. However, the grain has to be raised to a gi^eater 

 height on that account, and double the number of elevators 

 have to be provided than would be required were bands 

 used. 



Another peculiarity about the Millwall Docks is the sys- 

 tem of jetties in the dock. A large proportion of the grain 

 goes from the dock in barges to warehouses situated up the 

 river, and these jetties are used for that class of traffic. A 

 vessel is brought alongside the jetty, on which are placed 

 two or three cranes and several high bins similar to those 

 already described, and the grain is lifted, weighed, and 

 landed in the barges in a similar manner. 



Priestman grab buckets are also used instead of the tubs. 

 Kaising grain in that way, when it can be worked to ad- 

 vantage, only costs about one-half of what it costs by the 

 latter system ; but in a great many cases it cannot be 

 applied to full advantage. Grain often comes in small 

 " parcels," and hand-filling has therefore to be resorted to. 



Close to the Millwall Docks, but on the other side of 

 the river, are the Surrey Commercial Docks, where there 

 are several large granaries. The one last erected is about 

 260 feet long by about 100 feet wide. There are three 

 elevators, one being situated close to each end of the build- 

 ing, and one in the middle. In front, between the building 

 and the quay, are two lines of rails. On the front line are 

 placed 30 cwt. hydraulic cranes, and on the back line, one 

 fixed and two movable hoppers or bins. The cranes are 

 fitted with Priestman grab buckets, and raise the grain 

 from the hold and deposit it in the hoppers, where it is 

 weighed in quantities of about two tons at a time, and it is 



