The handling of the batteries is an exceedingly important
consideration. Many devices have been invented to render this easy and
cheap. I have witnessed the changing of batteries in a car, one set
being taken out and a charged set replaced by four men in the short
space of three minutes. This is accomplished by electrical elevators,
which move the batteries opposite the car, and upon the platforms of
which the discharged elements are again charged.

The general conclusions which the year's experience and progress have
afforded us an opportunity to make may be summarized as follows:

Storage battery cars are as yet applicable only to those roads which
are practically level; where the direct system cannot be used, and
where cable traction cannot be used; and applicable to those roads
only at about the same cost as horse traction.

I feel justified in making this statement in view of the guarantees
which some of the more prominent manufacturers of batteries are
willing to enter into, and which practically insure the customer
against loss due to the deterioration of plates: leaving the question
of the responsibility of the company the only one for him to look
into.

* * * * *




ON THE ELIMINATION OF SULPHUR FROM PIG IRON.[1]