1847.] Hydravlics for Farmers. 309 



the pipes are filled and ready for operation, The starting is done 

 by drawing the plug up and thrusting it out of the pipe pretty 

 quickly. This acts by removing the pressure of the atmosphere 

 for a moment from the column of water in the short leg; conse- 

 quently the spring throws the main valve open, afnd the plug im- 

 mediately passing out of the pipe, allows the machine to com- 

 mence its operation. 



The advantages which this syphon apparatus is claimed to pos- 

 sess over the ordinary hydraulic ram, are, that it can be applied 

 in many situations, where, from the tbrm of the location, the ram 

 could not be used, as, for instance, where the source of supply is a 

 well, or where, as is often the case in mills and factories, a pipe 

 may be passed dow^n into a place, to obtain the requisite fall, in 

 which, from want of room, the ordinary water-ram could not be 

 placed; that it is more commodiously situated than the water-ram 

 for repair or regulation, inasmuch as it stands high and dry above, 

 instead of below, the head of water which operates it; and that, 

 when water is required to be raised to a considerable heioht, the 

 elevation of the working parts of the apparatus upon the summit 

 of a syphon, divides the load to be lifted, relieving the strain upon 

 the air-vessel, and making the valves less violent in their action, 

 and consequently more durable. 



For operating this machine, not less than five feet fall should 

 be obtained, below the level of the supply, and more than twenty 

 is not desirable. The fall may be obtained within the distance of 

 twenty rods, or twenty feet indifferently, and the pipes may be 

 laid to any angle, to accommodate circumstances. 



The sizes of the syphon pipes required for elevating water for 

 domestic purposes, are ordinarily between five-eights and one and 

 a quarter inches in diameter, according to the amount to be ele- 

 vated, the height to be overcome, the quantity of supply, &c. 

 Machines between the sizes of five-eighths and one and a quarter 

 inch syphon pipes, can be be furnished, and ordinarily set up (ex- 

 clusive of pipe), at prices ranging between fifteen and thirty dol- 

 lars. The expense for pipe will of course depend on the quantity 

 and size required. 



Sython Ram. 



The following is a description of a Syphon Ram, constructed 

 by H. H. Strawbridge, of New Orleans. Though the principle 

 is quite against our laws of natural philosophy, still facts would 

 seem to contradict theory. It is contended by scientific writers, 

 that the same power might be obtained by making the driving 

 pipe of the same length as the syphon when straightened, and 

 placing the ram further from the head. The question naturally 

 arises, whether there is not less friction in perpendicular than in 



Vol. v., No. 14. 22 



