The work describes an innovative water wheel system designed to operate in a river, created by a laborer named John Cross. This system captures the river's current to power pumps that keep nearby quarries dry, a task typically accomplished by steam power elsewhere. The wheels are a source of intrigue for travelers who observe them in action, yet cannot easily discern the machinery they drive. The quarries yield valuable building stone and materials for kilns, conveniently located near railway depots for transport. The narrative emphasizes the efficiency of the water-driven system, highlighting its role in facilitating the extraction of lime and stone from the quarries, showcasing a blend of ingenuity and practicality in harnessing natural resources for industrial purposes. The work reflects on the intersection of nature and technology, illustrating how local innovations can transform traditional methods of resource management.
By James McIntyre · First published 1975 · Genre: Poetry, Historical Fiction, Nature Writing