WHEAT IN WESTERN CANADA 139 



the washing machirie, the grindstone, and the fanning 

 mill for cleaning grain intended for seed. Larger engines 

 are employed for chopping roots and grinding grain for 

 feed, for cutting wood, and for running the threshing ma- 

 chine. 



The tractor, which is essentially a gasolene or kerosene 

 locomotive, is now beginning to replace the horse in thej 

 work of plowing and of transporting heavy loads of grain 

 to the elevators, etc. It is also used, where it is available, 

 instead of the stationary gasolene or kerosene engine, to 

 drive the larger threshing machines. 



One of the most recently perfected conveniences is the 

 isolated farm lighting plant which has already been in- 

 stalled on many large farms. The gasolene or kerosene 

 engine and the electric generator may be combined in one 

 fixture or be separate so that the engine is movable. The 

 electricity produced in the generator is usually conducted 

 to storage batteries, and these can be sufficiently charged 

 in a few hours to serve the lighting system for a week. 

 The current may also be taken directly from the generator 

 and be employed either for giving light or, through the 

 medium of a motor, for driving the various machines in 

 the home. The electric lighting system is used for illum- 

 inating not merely the farm house but also the barns, the 

 stables, the yards, and even the chicken houses, with a 

 consequent falling into disuse of the time-honored but 

 troublesome coal-oil lamp and lantern, and a correspond- 

 ing diminution in the risk of fire. 



Sanitation has been improved by the proper installa- 

 tion of mangers, stalls, and floors in horse and cattle 

 stables. Owing to this change, the work of tending live- 

 stock has become much more pleasant and healthful than 

 it was. Many farms are now equipped with an aseptic 

 tank and a running-water system which give conveniences 



