SAND.

An engineer wants a sufficient amount of "sand," but he don't want it in
the road. However, you will find it there and it is the meanest road
you will have to travel. A bad sand road requires considerable sleight
of hand on the part of the engineer if he wishes to pull much of a load
through it. You will find it to your advantage to keep your engine as
straight as possible, as you are not so liable to start one wheel to
slipping any sooner than the other. Never attempt to "wiggle" through a
sand bar, and don't try to hurry through; be satisfied with going slow,
just so you are going. An engine will stand a certain speed through
sand, and the moment you attempt to increase that speed, you break its
footing, and then you are gone. In a case of this kind, a few bundles
of hay is about the best thing you can use under your drivers in order
to get started again. But don't loose your temper; it won't help the
sand any.

Now no doubt the reader wonders why I have said nothing about compound
engines. Well in the first place, it is not necessary to assist you in
your work, and if you can handle the single cylinder engine, you can
handle the compound.

The question as to the advantage of a compound engine is, or would be an
interesting one if we cared to discuss it.

The compound traction engine has come into use within the past few
years, and I am inclined to think more for sort of a novelty or talking
point rather than to produce a better engine. There is no question but
that there is a great advantage in the compound engine, for stationary