In the first place, the water is brought into a cistern placed at one end of the stable or shed at a sufficient elevation to give it the necessary fall in all the directions in which it is to be conducted.

The pipe used for each cow-box or manger connects each with the cistern, and the distributing end of it rests upon, or is suspended over, the trough assigned to each animal.

About one-third of this trough, which was here a cast-iron box, about twelve inches deep and wide, protrudes through the boarding of the stable.

In this outside compartment is placed a hollow copper ball attached to a lever, which turns the axle or pivot of the cock.

Now, this little buoy, of course, rises and falls with the water in the trough.