"an iron contrivance . . . " II
In this view, we can see clearly why Cummings called the pump a "contrivance,"
since it looks nothing like a pump. Unfortunately, we cannot see the
"stubby lever which,when pressed down,yielded grudgingly a spout of whiteness."
Notice, however, the boards on which the "contrivance" rests, a clear sign
of the well-hole underneath. Notice also the wall. Cummings writes: "The
contrivance was placed in sufficiently close proximity to a low wall so that
one of the catchers might conveniently sit on the wall and keep the water
spouting with a continuous pressure of his foot,while the other catcher manipulated
a tin pail with telling effect" (Enormous Room 157-158). Both photos
are courtesy of the site "La Ferté-Macé,
hier,... par les cartes postales anciennes."
Back to:
Gill, "Windows of Nowhere"
Enormous Room page
More photos of La Ferté Macé
"an iron contrivance . . . " (page 1)
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