A MOTOR FIRE FLOAT
As a good instance of this particular adaptation of the explosion engine to fire-extinction work, we may quote the apparatus now in attendance on the huge factory of Messrs. Huntley and Palmer, the famous Reading biscuit makers. The factory lies along the banks of the river Kennet, which are joined by bridges so close to the water that a steamer could not pass under them. Messrs. Merryweather accordingly built the motor float, 32 feet long, 9 1 / 2 feet beam, and drawing 27 inches. Two engines, each having four cylinders of a total of 30 h.p., drive two sets of three-cylinder "Hatfield" pumps, which give a continuous feed to the hose. Engines and pumps are mounted on a single bed-plate, and are worked separately, unless it be found advisable to "Siamese" the hoses to feed a single 1 1 / 2 -inch jet, which can be flung to a great height.
One of the most interesting features of the float is the method of propulsion. As its movements are limited to a few hundred yards, the fitting of a screw was considered unnecessary, its place being taken by four jets, two at each end, through which water is forced against the outside water by the extinguishing pumps. These will move the float either forward or astern, steer her, or turn her round.
So here once again petrol has trodden upon the toes of Giant Steam: and very effectively, too.