A steam-engine could exert as much power by the consumption of 6d. worth of coal as could be given by 20s. of horse-power, or by 70s. worth of men's power.
"Ideas lead to theory, theory leads to practice, then follows the result, which sometimes proves of essential service to the public."
"It is my opinion that every part of agriculture might be performed by steam. Carrying manure for the land, ploughing, harrowing, sowing, reaping, thrashing, and grinding; and all by the same machine, however large the estate."
"Two men would manage an engine capable of performing the work of 100 horses."
Such a use of the steam-engine, judiciously managed, "would double the population of this kingdom, and make our markets the cheapest in the world; because England is the country best supplied with coal and iron for steam-engines, and the land now growing food for horses would be available for man."
Its cost would be 500l., and its power sufficient to propel the largest subsoil ploughs and tormentors; and had the Board of Agriculture supplied such a sum of money as is now ordinarily given by a farmer for a steam-plough, we should have had in 1812 ploughing, harrowing, sowing, reaping, &c., by steam. Years before, the same kind of engine had been made to work pumps, wind coal from shafts, drive rolling mills, tilt hammers, and steamboats, and convey material from place to place; and why should not his promise to the farmer be also made good with his increased knowledge derived from eight years of active experience? Receiving small encouragement in England, he applied to sugar-cane planters to give his engines a trial in the West Indies.
[Rough draft.]
"Sir Charles Hawkins, Bart.,
"Camborne, 1st May, 1812.
"Sir,—I have your favour of the 27th April, respecting a steam-engine for your friend for the West Indies, of the power of ten mules employed at one time. This power we calculate equal to forty mules every twenty-four hours, as six hours' hard labour is sufficient for one mule for one day.