A CHEAP WELL FOR CAMPERS 



327 



campers, lessens the trials of flies and mosquitoes, and adds 

 but little to the expense. 



A cheap well for campers. A two-inch galvanized iron pipe 

 with a strong, pointed end containing small perforations is driven 

 into the ground with a sledge ham- 

 mer. After it has penetrated for a 

 few feet, another length is added 

 and the whole is driven down. This 

 is repeated until water is reached. 

 A cheap pump is then attached to 

 the upper end of the drill pipe and 

 serves to raise the water. During 

 the drilling, some soil particles get 

 into the pipe through the perfora- 

 tions and cloud the water at first; 

 but after the pipe has once been 

 cleaned by the upward-moving 

 water, the supply remains clear. 

 The flow from such a well is natur- 

 ally small; first, because water is 

 not abundant near the surface of 

 the earth, and, second, because 

 cheap pumps are poorly constructed 

 and cannot raise a large amount. 

 But the supply is usually sufficient 

 for the needs of simple camp life, and many a small farm uses 

 such a well, not only for household purposes, but for watering 

 the cattle in winter (Fig. 197). 



If the cheapness of such pumps were known, their use would 

 be more general for temporary purposes. The cost of material 

 need not exceed $5 for a lo-foot well, and the driving of the 

 pipe could be made as much a part of the camping as the pitch- 

 ing of the tent itself. If the camping site is abandoned at the 



FIG. 197. A driven well. 



