tank, where it lies covered with iridescent bubbles
and gradually thickens as it cools. Part of it is burnt
as fuel in the engines, where it makes a raging flame
like a sword of fire.
The Burmese system is yet simpler. A well is dug
to a depth of from two to three hundred feet, and lined
with wood to keep the sides from falling in. Looking
TH E BURMESE SYSTEM
down into its deeps, I can see the oil glinting at the
bottom, and quivering with the secret action of the
springs ; overhead, at a height of four or five feet, a
tree trunk to which pulleys are attached is placed
horizontally on supports. A rope is passed over the
pulleys and hauled by girls and men, down a long
slope, till the bucket of oil reaches the surface. Human
labour from start to finish. The contents of each bucket
are poured into large Ali Baba jars, which He half-
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