DRIVEN MACHINES 123 



store up sufficient electricity to run the cream-separa- 

 tor for a week. Electric power is the only power that 

 is steady enough to get all of the cream. 



Eefrigeration is a profitable way to use electric pow- 

 er. There are small automatic refrigerator machines 

 that maintain low temperatures to preserve food prod- 

 ucts. This branch of the work may be made profitable. 

 Laundry work on the farm was principally hand labor 

 until the small power washers and wringers were in- 

 vented. Now a small electric motor takes the blue out 

 of Monday, and the women wear smiles. Electric flat- 

 irons afford the greatest comfort on Tuesday. The 

 proper heat is maintained continually until the last 

 piece is ironed. Cooking by electricity is another great 

 success. Some women buy separate cooking utensils, 

 such as toasters, chafing dishes and coffee percolators. 

 Others invest in a regular electric cooking range at a 

 cost of fifty dollars and feel that the money was well 

 spent. It takes about 100 K.W.H. per month in hot 

 weather to cook by electricity for a family of four. In 

 winter, when heat is more of a luxury, the coal or wood 

 range will save half of the electric current. Dishwash- 

 ing by electricity is another labor-saver three times a 

 day. Vacuum cleaners run by electricity take the dust 

 and microbes out of floor rugs with less hand labor 

 than pushing a carpet sweeper. Incubators are better 

 heated by electricity than any other way. Brooders 

 come under the same class. Sewing-machines were op- 

 erated by electricity in sweatshops years ago because 

 it paid. Farm women are now enjoying the same privi- 

 lege. 



Electric lighting on the farm is the most spectacular, 

 if not the most interesting result of electric generation 

 in the country. This feature of the subject was some- 



