Hours were occupied in riding round such farms, hours which might be saved by simple means.

Suppose, for example, that a gang of labourers were at work in the harvest-field, three-quarters of a mile from the farmhouse.

Now, why not have a field telegraph, like that employed in military operations?
The cable or wire was rolled on a drum like those used for watering a lawn.
All that was needed was to harness a pony, and the drum would unroll and lay the wire as it revolved.

The farmer could then sit in his office and telegraph his instructions without a moment's delay.

He could tap the barometer, and wire to the bailiff in the field to be expeditious, for the mercury was falling.