48 
SHORT NOTES ON PROFESSIONAL SUBJECTS. 
Men Required. 
Five men are required for driving a well quickly, allowing two men in two 
reliefs for working the monkey, while the fifth (a non-commissioned officer) steadies 
the monkey in its descent, attends to the clamp, and moves it and the pulleys as 
required. Three men could drive a well very well, although requiring more 
time, as the labour of working the monkey is rather severe, unless reliefs are 
provided. 
Two wells were sunk at Chatham on the 22nd of September, and one at Would- 
ham on the following day, each by a different party of men, who consequently 
knew nothing previously of the process; Mr Norton’s agent, Mr Hawkesley, and 
two American gentlemen being present on all three occasions. 
No. 1 Well. 
The first well was driven in soil consisting of clay, gravel, and large stones. 
First pipe, 11 ft. long, was driven in 30 minutes. 
The second length, 9 ft. long, in 39 minutes. 
Water was now tried for and found, but not in sufficient quantities. 
An additional length of pipe 6 ft. long was then attached, and the driving con¬ 
tinued, several hard strata being passed through until a depth of 24 ft. from the 
surface was reached; for the next foot, the driving was easier; and at 25ft. a 
copious supply of water was found, at first very thick, containing gravel and clay, 
but afterwards becoming whiter, leaving a slight deposit of chalk. If the pumping 
had been continued, the well would probably have cleared up. The point of the 
lower tube on being drawn was found uninjured. 
No. 2 Well. 
This was sunk in solid chalk without accident a depth of 17 ft. in 1 hour 
25 minutes. No water was obtained at that depth, and as it was then dark the 
pipes were drawn, the point being slightly turned, but to so small an extent that 
after being filed up for five minutes it was again used for No. 3 well. 
No. 3 Well. 
This well was sunk at Wouldham three miles from Kochester, in the valley of 
the Medway. The well was commenced and the apparatus working within ten 
minutes of arriving on the ground. 
The first 4 ft. was driven in a few minutes through a fine loam, the next 7 ft. 
required 47 minutes to drive, and after this, the strata becoming much harder, the 
progress was.slower, as, one of the screws of the clamp pulley having broken, time 
was lost in procuring one to replace it. 
A total depth of 18 ft. was attained in two hours, and 4 ft. of water found in 
the well on plumbing it. Driving was then continued, and at 22 ft. from the 
surface 8 ft. 6 in. of water was found in the pipe. On the pump being applied, the 
water came up with difficulty, and was thick and discoloured. In half an hour 
the quantity increased, and the water became purer. After pumping three hours, 
but a small quantity of chalk was brought up in solution, and the water was 
drinkable. The supply was at the rate of 10 gallons per minute, and, instead of 
diminishing, appeared to increase. This well was left in the ground. 
