CHAPTER II 



THE FEED WATER 



r ^HE feed water demands the constant watchfulness 

 of the engineer. It is his first and most important 

 duty to know that there is sufficient water in the 

 boiler at all times. If he relaxes his attention to it for even 

 a short interval, disastrous results are likely to follow. A 

 modern traction engine is usually fitted with two separate 

 and independent means of feeding water to the boiler. 

 By this arrangement, if the boiler feeder in use be disabled 

 at any time, the other may be put to work without delay. 

 These feeders should receive close attention and each be 

 in condition to work at a moment's notice. If either 

 fails to work properly at any time, it should be repaired 

 immediately. It is essential to use the cleanest water 

 obtainable, as dirty water always causes trouble. It is a 

 good plan to strain the water as it passes into the mounted 

 tank, by placing a cotton grain sack in the hole so that it 

 extends to the bottom of the tank. For this purpose a 

 cheap sack of coarse open texture is the best. The mouth 

 of the bag can be turned over the rim around the hole and 

 tied with a string or strap, but a better way is to have a 

 hoop that just fits over the bag. It is important to see 



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