166 TANKS AND WELLS OF NEW SOUTH WALES, 
report to the Department explain, from my point of view, the 
relative advantages of steam and animal power under varying 
conditions :— 
“This plant consists of two 16 h.p. traction engines, with 
horizontal winding drums for working a double, three-furrow 
balance plough and an earth scoop. There is also an 8 h-p. traction 
engine for drawing water and firewood, and for assisting the 
main plant when travelling from one site to another. The cost of 
this on the station was about £5,000. 
“The advantages claimed for this machine are ”— 
“1. That it is independent of the seasons, and able to work 
under conditions that would prohibit the use of bullocks or 
“2. That it is much quicker and more economical than animal 
ower. 
“3. That it is easily transported from one locality to another, and 
through country where bullocks would die for want of water 
“ In practice I think it will be found that these advantages are 
not fully realized, and that there are very important modifying 
influences to be considered, 
“1. Though it can work under conditions that would prohibit 
the use of bullocks or horses, it is not fully independent of the 
Seasons, Inasmuch as it consumes about 1,800 gallons of water pet 
diem, which is equivalent to what would be consumed by a 
120 bullocks. Herbage or grass is of course not needed, and 80 
od 
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& 
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5 
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at the same price, though even on this score there is not @ 
my but aot 
a Sees st 
