WINDMILLS AND PUMPS. 359 



in this connedlion is to elevate the tower sufficiently 

 high to place the lower curve of the wheel at least ten 

 feet above all obstrudlions, such as trees, buildings, 

 hills, etc. , that the mill may have a free current of air 

 from all diredlions. Mistakes are often made in plac- 

 ing mills too low, so that the wheel is below the ridge 

 of barns or tops of trees near by. This not only pre- 

 vents the mill from receiving the full force of the wind, 

 but subje(5ls it to varying currents that tend to toss the 

 mill about from one point to another and prevent it 

 from doing the work properly — and in strong winds 

 the effect is sometimes damaging. It is better economy 

 to ere(5l a mill too high than too low, as frequently the 

 upper current of air is moving sufficiently to run a 

 mill while it would not run in the lower current. 

 Again, the upper current is more steady at all times, 

 and will run a mill at more uniform speed, with less 

 strain, and with greater satisfadlion to all concerned — 

 a little extra material for the tower in the start should 

 not be taken into consideration if it is to effect the work- 

 ings and safety of the mill for years to come. The 

 most important point of a windmill tower is the anchor- 

 age. Probably the best way is to dig holes four feet 

 deep, and fill them with stone laid in water- lime or 

 cement; in this is embedded, to serve as an anchorage, 

 a two-inch bar of iron, with one end flattened and 

 holes punched in it for the tower-bolts. If it is not 

 convenient, posts may be used with pieces spiked across 

 the bottom for anchors ; this is the method generally 

 employed. Wooden towers should be well painted 

 every five years. It is not well to enclose a tower with 

 siding. It offers a greater grasp for the wind and adds 



