Excerpt from The Rural Efficiency Guide, Vol. 2: Engineering Book
Indiana farmer recently remarked that his son, just home from school, was doing the same work with a tractor that formerly required three men and eleven horses to do. And this was done at less expense. What does this mean? He was able to release three men and eleven horses to be used for further production elsewhere and also to increase his own production with the same effort. This is a distinct addition to the wealth of society; that is, there will be more food, more shelter and more enjoyment for Everyone. The rapid growth in the use of machinery, concrete and the more durable materials has improved the method of living until the poorest citizen lives in a palace compared with conditions of only a century ago.
All this wonderful change in the things about us requires educational advancement to prepare those who are past the school age and to assist those who are in school to take advantage of them. The writer has in these pages that follow endeavored to give the reader the latest and most practical ideas and how they may be applied. Works of this kind now on the market have been excellent in their day, but new ideas and methods require new treatment.
This work is written for the owner or operator of the farm who has always progressed as opportunity offered. Progress is the leading thought. In every subject are new and advanced ideas, with special treatment, designed for the immediate use of the most modern farm.
The author has covered a broad list of subjects, each of them of vital interest to the farmer. These are handled in a way distinctly useful. High sounding and theoretical phrases are omitted. The work is intended to be a working guide to the busy man who has little time to theorize, but must and will get things done.
In the chapter on Engines, Automobiles and Tractors will be found the result of experience with and the teaching of this subject for many years. The theory of the Gasoline Engine is presented in a simple, concise manner that any school boy of twelve years can understand. The treatise on fuels is brief, but complete. Power rating and testing of engines is a unique feature. The Trouble Chapter is a departure from the ordinary method. The troubles are listed and described first. The owner will have no use for this chapter until the trouble arises. The Upkeep Chapter should be mastered at once, and the Trouble Chapter will not become necessary.
Automobiles are no longer a luxury, but a necessity. The chapter on Care is given first place, since proper study of the chapter will make the auto a profit instead of a loss. The farmer may become his own repair man and save the excessive fees charged by the average garage. Auto Hints are money savers to the sensible owner. Each is presented in a simple, usable style.
One of the seven wonders is surely concrete. This magic powder changes sand and gravel hills into mansions of art and usefulness. Now over a hundred cement mills pour out their millions of barrels daily. This tremendous output is indicative of the general application it so richly deserves.
Although cement and concrete are as common now as timber was a few years ago, yet the science of making good concrete is in its infancy. Every day new ideas and discoveries are being brought to light. The writer is in touch constantly with the most recent practice in cement and concrete manufacture. The chapter on Materials for Concrete takes up each aggregate in detail. The origin and value of each material is plainly stated. The care and storing of these materials is taken up and suggestions made that will be easy for the farmer to fill. This chapter should be read with care, as it is the foundation of good concrete manufacture. The chapters on Concrete and Concrete Construction take up the mixing, coloring, cost and construction in an extensive manner. The whole work is profusely illustrated, s. Это и многое другое вы найдете в книге The Rural Efficiency Guide, Vol. 2