DRY-FARMING CONGRESS, WICHITA, 1914 



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repairs for the few wearing parts. Nature has very kindly provided the 

 source of driving energy. The winds of our arid and semiarid plains are 

 known for their great force and persistency. On these treeless prairies 

 the wind's force blows and drifts the soil, rapidly dissipates the natural 

 precipitation, and greatly adds to the discomforts of the settler in his 

 home. It is undoubtedly considered a natural drawback to the country, 

 but if advantage is taken of this same wind to drive the windmill to 

 pump water, trees can be grown to protect the f arm buildings from these 

 unwelcome winds, gardens can be grown to insure a wholesome food supply, 

 and a good lawn about the farmhouse will beautify the premises and offer 

 relief to the eye. 



The average windmill complete in place with pump does not ordinarily 

 cost much in excess of $200. In making this investment, however, the 

 settler should not lose sight of the fact that the machinery must perform 

 important work. There seems to be a general impression that a windmill 

 is a staple article which can be bought and sold like sugar, salt, and flour. 

 In reality a windmill is an engine the same as a locomotive, and its ability 

 to do work depends upon its fitness for the labor it is expected to do. 

 Wind velocities have a great variation, often varying from several miles 

 per hour to 25 miles per hour, within a few minutes. It is apparent then, 

 that the windmill must be able to adjust itself to these varying conditions, 

 and yet be fitted to operate most economically in such velocities as are most 

 prevalent for that particular locality. In the Great Plains Area there are 

 no doubt more hours when the wind varies from six to twelve miles per 

 hour than when the wind varies from twelve to eighteen miles per hour. 

 The wind engine, therefore, should be selected to do its most efficient work 

 in velocities varying from six to twelve miles per hour. Although no gen- 

 eral rule can be given f or the selection of a windmill it is evident that 

 it is a piece of machinery which must be well fitted for its work if the* 

 best results are desired. Depth of well, size of pump, and quantity of 

 water desired are also determining factors which control the selection of 

 the proper windmill. 



Two general types of windmill are now in common use; namely, the 

 direct stroke and the geared mills. Direct stroke mills are used more 

 extensively in shallow water localities, while the geared mills seem best 

 adapted to the deep well areas. 



To be a friend the windmill must be treated as a friend. All efficient 

 machinery requires some care and attention. The windmill is surely no 

 exception. The bolts holding the various parts together must be kept well 

 tightened and in place. It is now considered good practice to tighten 

 every nut before the windmill is put to use and afterward rivet the bolt 

 heads with a riveting hammer to prevent the nuts from working off under 

 any circumstances. A majority of the breakdowns in windmills are due 

 to loose bolts and the subsequent falling apart of the working pieces, 



If it were possible f or windmills to be subject to disease, this malady 

 no doubt would be classified as rheumatism. Still, creaking joints, caused 



