360 IRRIGATION FARMING. 



but little Strength. It is well, however, to enclose the 

 lower sections to form a pump-house. This adds 

 greatly to the strength and appearance. 



Such is the popularity of the steel wheel that where- 

 ever it has been introduced it has driven the wooden 

 wheel out of the field. The modern steel tower stands 

 straight, stiff, and supreme. It is twice as strong, 

 weighs only one-third as much, and j resents less than 

 one-sixth the surface of a wooden tower to the sweep 

 of a storm. It will not decay, and when galvanized is 

 proof against rust. Nothing short of a tornado or 

 cyclone can blow it over. The steel wheel is in keep- 

 ing with its tower. The fans being made of steel and 

 bent into curved shapes, produce more power by far 

 than a straight wooden slat. This being the case, 

 smaller wheels may be used than if made of wood, for 

 the same amount of work. The wheel being geared 

 so as to require three revolutions to make one stroke 

 of the pump also increases the power. Back-gearing 

 enables the wheel to run at a natural and a more rapid 

 rate of speed. 



It is well known that more power can be derived 

 from a fast-running wheel of any description than from 

 a slow one. Economy in buying is extravagance in 

 using. In raising a tower it is best to employ some one 

 who has had experience in that line. Have four hun- 

 dred or five hundred feet of rope, double tackle-blocks, 

 besides poles for shores to raise it high enough for the 

 blocks to take hold, and guy-ropes to steady it until 

 fastened to posts. Have the posts set, and if on a steel 

 outfit be sure that they are perfe(5lly level or the mill 

 will not be plumb. Steel towers must be raised with 



