and arrangements were provided for raising and
keeping them open by a long lever key attached to their axes
of revolution, but, to our great surprise, at the first gush
from the pumps these valves, weighing nearly 1,500 pounds,
were lifted into their recessed chambers, giving an
unobstructed opening to the flow, and they floated on its
surface unsupported, save by the swiftly flowing water,
without a movement, while the pump was in operation.

"The steam-actuated valves in the suction and discharge pipes
worked very well, and the water cushion gave a slow, uniform
motion, and without shock, either in opening or closing them.

"The engines worked noiselessly, without shock or labor. At
no time during the trial was the throttle valve open more
than three-eighths of an inch.

"The indicator cards taken at various intervals gave 796
horse power, and the revolutions did not exceed 160 at any
time, though it was estimated that 900 horse power and 210
revolutions would be necessary to attain the requisite
delivery. So that there is a large reserve of power available
at any time.

"The erection of this massive machinery has been admirably
done. The parts, as sent from the shops of the contractor,
have matched in all cases without interference here; and,
when lowered into place, its final adjustment was then made
without the use of chisel or file, and has never been touched
since.

"The joints of the steam and water connections were perfect,
and the method of concentrating all valves, waste pipes, and
important movements at the post of the engineer in charge
gives him complete control of the whole system of each engine
and pump without leaving his place, and reduces to a minimum
the necessary attendance. All the parts are strong and of
excellent design and workmanship; simple, and without
ornamentation.

"Looking down upon them from a level of the pump house
gallery, they are impressive and massive in their simplicity.

"The government is well worth of congratulation in possessing
the largest pumping machinery of this type and of the
greatest capacity in the world, and the contractors have
reason to be proud of their work."--_Proc. Eng. Club._

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THE PART THAT ELECTRICITY PLAYS