June, 1932] Electricity on New England Farms 9 



Moreover, this particular farm was visited by two unusual and costly 

 rampages of nature. In August, 1926, a small tornado demolished a 

 jarge storage building on the place, felled large trees across roads, and 

 generally paralyzed power, communication and travel lines in the vic- 

 inity for close to 48 hours. The repairs on the farm amounted to about 

 $1,000. Yet, a slight depression in the August peak of th^ 1926 load 

 curve (Fig. 2) is the only visible evidence of the effect on the elec- 

 tric current consumption. 



Likewise in November, 1927, this farm, which lies on the banks of 

 the Merrimack River, was isolated for hours and badly torn up by the 

 flood which caused such wide-spread damage in New England that 

 year. Cellars storing a large crop of potatoes were flooded, equipment 

 was damaged by immersion and rust, deep channels made about the 

 drives and buildings, silos were nearly undermined, small buildings were 

 moved and the land generally covered with debris. The damage required 

 at least another $1,000 to repair. The only indication of this serious 

 upset in the electric consumption, is in the November and December 

 sections of the 1927 curve, but since the load falls off normally at this 

 time any reaction from the calamity is difficult to flnd. 



Not only do these experiences indicate a solid character of load, but 

 they point to a use of current for work operations that are little af- 

 fected by even extreme conditions. 



Equipment Difficulties. 



Some difficulty was experienced with a leaky valve in the house re- 

 frigerator which was corrected. 



Tests of silo filling with a 71/2 h. p. motor failed for lack of an en- 

 silage cutter designed for motor use. 



The original hay hoist was unsatisfactory but was replaced with 

 another which is in continual use. 



The water heater installation was incorrect, and unsatisfactory re- 

 sults were obtained. 



Additional Uses Developed. 



In 1927 a start was made in a side line of poultry with a flock of 500 

 chicks. This has been developed until in 1930, 2,500 laying hens were 

 carried and 10,000 baby chicks and broilers handled. 



This additional enterprise required the construction of a two-story 

 brooder house and the use of several other small out-buildings. $200 

 was invested in wiring to operate about 30 additional lights, three of 

 which burn all night in the range yards as theft protection. 



Adequate shop equipment has developed slowly and now consists 

 of a table saw and tool grinder. 



Stock clippers have been found of decided advantage in producing 

 clean milk by keeping the cows' flanks and udders closely cropped, 

 thereby reducing the dirt which usually accumulates in longer hair. 



