ADVANTAGES OF STEAM POWER FOR CANE MILLS. 



SI 



This fact has been repeatedly shown by comparative results, 

 carefully noted by different persons. Amongst others, I 

 will instance the returns obtained by M. Dapuis from 44 

 mills in Guadaloupe. 



Water power averaged 61*8 per cent., animal power 

 58*5 per cent., steam power 60*9 per cent., wind power 

 56*4 per cent. These results were obtained from the best 

 constructed mills of that island, and do not represent the 

 inferior windmills, the return from which, M. Daubree 

 .states, does not exceed 50 per cent. 



Water power exists only in some few favoured localities, 

 and is almost unknown in the smaller islands; and 

 although it is at once economical, powerful, and easily 

 regulated, the supply is often irregular, and, in seasons of 

 drought, cut off either totally or partially, and for that 

 reason is liable to one of the same objections as wind 

 power, viz., that it cannot always be made available. 



Of animal power I shall not speak, as no one is likely to 

 defend such a rude and barbarous process, and which can 

 never be rendered so economical as steam. 



The steam engine is far superior to any other motive 

 power in economy, force, regularity of action, independence 

 of all local influences which affect other motions, the per- 

 fect control under which it can be maintained, the ease 

 with which it can be directed, and its readiness of adapta- 

 tion to any purpose for which it may be required, the 

 waste steam also being useful for many purposes in the 

 manufactory, where elevated temperatures are necessary. 



