"This seven years was a great objection, because of the unhealthy state of the country while draining. The water is about 18 inches every year, to be lifted on an average 10 feet high. I have been furnished with correct calculations and drawings from this company.
"They expected to have drained 40,000 acres in seven years, at a cost of 700,000l., which, when drained, would have sold at 50l. per acre, about two millions.
"I find, from the statement given me, of 18 inches of water to be lifted 10 feet high, it would require about one bushel of coal to lift the water from one acre of ground for one year, and that a 63-inch cylinder double would perform the work of 40,000 acres, when working with high steam and condensing, at an expense of less than 3000l. per year. Engines in boats would cut and make the embankments and canals, without the help of men. I proposed six cylinders of 60 inches diameter, double power, which would drain the water in one year; and also four others for cutting the canals and making embankments. The expense would not exceed 100,000l. and one year, instead of 700,000l. and seven years. Above 60,000 acres more are to be drained.
"It was also proposed by Government to cut open the river Rhine to 1000 yards wide and 6 feet deep for 50 or 60 miles in length; they supposed it would cost them ten millions sterling. I proposed to make iron ships of 1000 tons burthen, with an engine in each, which would load them, propel, and also empty them for about 1d. per ton. Each ton will be about a square yard, and the cutting the river Rhine 1000 yards wide, 6 feet deep, 50 or 60 miles in length, will not cost one and a half million, and be accomplished in a short time. I further proposed that all this rubbish be carried into the sea of the Zuyder Zee, which would make dry, by embanking with the rubbish, nearly 1,000,000 acres of good land, capable of paying ten times the sum of cutting open the river Rhine.
"All this would add 100 per cent. more to the surface of Holland, and at this time it is much wanted, because their settlements abroad are free almost of the mother-country, and they have too many inhabitants for the land at present. I made them plans for carrying the whole into effect, and have closed my agreement with them.
"In a few days I shall go to Cornwall, and promised to return again to Holland within a month. I saw Mr. Hall and the engineer of the Dock Company to-day. They are satisfied that the plan for working the cranes is a good one. I am to see them again on Monday next; after which I shall return home, where I hope to see you, to consult you on the best plan for constructing the machines for lifting the water, cutting the canals, and making the dykes.
"I remain, Sir,
"Your very obedient servant,
"Richard. Trevithick.
In this mere outline of a life it is impossible to go fully into the merit of Trevithick's plans for doubling the land surface of Holland. A drainage company was formed in London with a board of directors, some of whom thought that a new kind of engine should be invented and patented as a means of excluding others from carrying on similar but competing operations. Trevithick, always ready to invent new things, though never forgetting his experience with old things, instinctively returned to the Dolcoath engines, and recommended them as suitable for the pumping work; but finally a new design was determined on, and Harvey and Co., of Hayle, received orders for the construction, with the greatest possible dispatch, of a pumping engine for Holland.
This happening shortly after the writer had been taken from the Bodmin school, he was desired to help in the erection of this engine, and after working-hours made a drawing of its original form.
Plate XV. a, iron barge; b, wood frame supporting pump; c, open-top steam-cylinder 3 feet diameter, 8-feet stroke; d, piston guide-wheel; e, connecting rod; f, fly-wheel; g, cranked axle working air-pump bucket; h, connecting rod for air-pump bucket; i, air-pump; j, condenser; k, steam and exhaust nozzles; l, eccentrics working steam and exhaust valves; m, steam-pipe; n, cylindrical boiler, with internal fire-tube; o, external brick flues; p, chimney; q, feed-pump; r, feed-pipe; s, cup or rag-wheel; t, rag-chain, with iron balls; u, pump-barrel, 3 feet diameter; v, wheel guiding balls into bottom of pump-barrel; w, launder.