48 CONSTRUCTION AND MANAGEMENT OF SMALL GASWORKS. 



purifiers. With efficient washing, it is possible to dispense 

 with the use of lime, if that material is costly or there is 

 difficulty over the disposal of the spent, without, at the 

 same time, having to use a regular proportion of cannel to 

 keep up the illuminating power. 



Crude ammoniacal liquor may be diluted with water till 

 the strength is reduced to about 3 ozs., and applied direct 

 as a liquid manure. This means adding 4 or 5 gallons of 

 water to i of liquor. I have known it to be used in this 

 way both for grass and for roots. Once a farmer was 

 induced to try it on half a field, the other half being left 

 untouched, and the half so treated gave a heavier and 

 better crop than the other. The difference in texture and 

 colour was quite noticeable. My attention was directed to 

 this matter by a table quoted by Mr. Newbigging ("Gas 

 Manager's Handbook "), giving the results from ten different 

 kinds of manures, ammoniacal liquor amongst the number. 

 The latter was used in the proportion of 100 gallons to 

 20 perches of land, and the result was an easy first, both as 

 to quantity and quality of product. 



Another reason why liquid purification is apt to be 

 neglected in the small works is the special difficulties in 

 connection with its application. The tower scrubber, 

 which is a common feature in gasworks, large or small, 

 cannot be worked to advantage if it is dependent upon 

 hand pumping, which is admittedly erratic and unreliable. 

 I have seen a hand pump in the retort house and a flushing 

 cistern on the top of the scrubber, and the stoker was sup- 

 posed to work the pump after every charge ; but, amid other 

 calls on his time, it is apt to be forgotten. If it is practicable 

 to provide an overhead tank that will contain six or twelve 

 hours' supply, this can be filled up once or twice a day, and 

 something like regular action ensured. Unless this can be 



