of draining the corn if the germinating case is used as a steeping
cistern also. Their chief object is, however to admit of ready
circulation of the air by the means presently to be described. Large
channels, A a, serve as drains for moisture and to convey the air to or
from the growing corn. Between each case is a passage, D, enabling the
maltster to have free access to the corn at all points.

[Illustration: FIG. 6.--ECHANGEUR TRANSVERSE SECTION.]

With the exception of the driving shaft, E, all the machinery is in
duplicate, so that the possibility is remote of any breakdown that would
seriously affect the working of the house. This is necessary, as should
the fans, L N, be stopped for twenty-four hours the corn germinating
at a depth exceeding 30 inches would heat and impair its vitality. The
boilers, T, and engines, S, are of the common type of 20 horse power
nominal. The fans, L N, are the Farcot patent, illustrated a short time
since in our pages. The lower floors of the kilns are provided with
the Schlemmer patent mechanical turners. The turners, Fig. 4, in the
germinating cases are Saladin's patent.

[Illustration: FIG. 7.--ECHANGEUR, SECTIONAL PLAN.]

The germination of the grain is effected by means of cool moist air
provided by the fan described and the cooler and moistener--Figs. 5, 6,
and 7, herewith--known as an _echangeur_. As the germinating grain has
a depth of from 30 inches to 40 inches some pressure is required, and
mechanical means are necessary for efficient and economical turning.
The _echangeur_ is a very ingenious application of the well understood
rapidity of evaporation of any liquid when spread out in very thin
layers over large surfaces and exposed to a current of air. It consists