The Conquest of the Desert 



" We use siphons to convey water from one 

 height to another, across low ground, or from 

 one island to another. These siphons are made 

 of galvanised steel, sent out in sections from 

 England. Each section is 4 feet long, and has 

 a diameter of from 24 inches to 37 inches. 

 They are then riveted on the spot. Our 

 longest siphon is over 500 yards, and carries 

 water from the north furrow." 



" Do you intend to generate power ? " 



" Oh yes ; we are already busy with several 

 schemes. I forgot to mention that we have 

 built two small waterfalls — one in the north 

 canal, with a drop of 22 feet, and the other in 

 the south canal, with a drop of 18 feet. With 

 these falls we shall be able to generate electric 

 power. We propose to light the settlement, 

 drive a flour mill, and run workshops and 

 factories in connection with our industrial 

 school. The machinery has been purchased 

 from the Swiss firm of Strelien, of Zurich, and 

 will be erected by a competent engineer." 



" Tell me about your crops." 



'■' Well, as you see, we have magnificent soil. 

 It is pure river silt, in some places 40 feet deep. 

 I daresay you will consider it the richest soil 

 in South Africa. We grow mealies, wheat, 



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