THE IRRIGATION AGE. 



143 



curing all the desirable features of such plants as here- 

 tofore enumerated, and at the same time eliminating 

 the objectionable points proposed against a single large 

 pumping plant at the head of a ditch; in conjunction 

 with these a centrally located electrical power plant, 

 through which the farmer would receive the benefits 

 of efficiency of control and economy of production which 

 such a power plant should give. 



Fig. 32. Discharge of about 450 gallons per minute through a six-inch 

 pipe from pump of J. Stoney Porcher, El Paso, Tex. 



Another suggested plan is to maintain along tin- 

 line of a ditch, at suitable distances apart, pumping 

 plants of sufficient capacity to supply the land to be 

 watered from each, such plants to be operated by a 

 central electrical power plant; and there would seem 

 to be nothing to prevent a successful working of this 

 plan. 



COST OF A PUMPING PLANT. 



Under a system of co-operation a pumping plant 

 should not cost each farmer more than $350 to $400. 

 This figure includes the two items of well and pump. 

 If, however, an individual pumping plant is to be in- 

 stalled, to the items of say $200 for the well and $200 

 for one of the pumps, giving the best results in the test, 

 the cost of an engine must be added. This will be 

 found the most expensive item. Engines, both steam 

 and oil combustion, vary considerably in 

 price, and, therefore, it is impossible to give 

 definite figures on the cost. An engine large 

 enough to furnish power for pumping 1,000 

 gallons per minute would probably cost from 

 $900 to $1,500, depending upon the make. 

 It is probably safe to say that for supplying 

 water for large areas an individual pumping 

 plant would cost not far from $10 for each 

 acre of land irrigated. 



bars to become bare, as cold air will rush in and cool 

 the heating surface. The thickness of the fire will de- 

 pend on the draft ; if the draft is strong the fire should 

 be heavier than if it is weak. When burning wood main- 

 tain a bed of live coals about three inches deep, with 

 plenty of wood on top to maintain this thickness. In 

 order to clean the fire push the upper part of the fire 

 to the back of the grate, remove the ashes and cinders, 



Fig. 31. A Gould's Endless Chain Bucket Pump used by Mann Bros., of 

 Albuquerque, for Irrigating. 



then pull the fire forward and draw the ashes and 

 cinders of the back over the fire into the ashpit, distrib- 

 ute the fire evenly over grate and add new fuel. If 

 burning soft coal break the fire up occasionally with 

 a bar, as it has a tendency to crust on top. Do not 

 allow the ashpit to become full of ashes, as there is 



CARE OF BOILERS, ENGINES AND PUMPS. 



By J. S. MacGregor. Assistant in the Department of 

 Mechanical Enginee'iing. 



The following general statements on the 

 care and operation of boilers, engines and 

 pumps are intended for laymen, and if care- 

 fully adhered to will add to the life, safety 

 and economy of pumping plants. 



Before firing see that there is a moderate supply 

 of water in the boiler. The fire should then be raised 

 gradually, so that the metal in the shell may expand 

 evenly. Next regulate the feed pump, or injector, to 

 supply water as steam is used. Keep the wood or coal 

 spread evenly over the grate, and do not allow the grate 



Discharge of about 500 jrallons per minute through a six-inch pipe from pump 

 of E. J. Hadlock, El Paso, Tex. 



danger of burning out the grate bars in such case. 



When working with fire or firing, do so as quickly 

 as possible, for cold air rushing in not only cools the 

 boiler, but also causes uneven contraction in it, and 

 uneven contraction and expansion of the shell and tubes 

 of a steam boiler do it great injury. Leakage and cases 

 of rupture are often caused by forced heating and cool- 



