I am sorry if my previous post caused confusion. pol X: the cable that I mentioned that ties onto the depth meter through the attached loop gradually spins the device as it is lowered down into the well. The cable is usually attached to a motor of some sort, but since this version is more primitive, I suppose that the well maker would spin the cable himself as he lowers it. Once it reaches water, the device would produce a small chirp, or yelp if you will. This sound would be audible to the human ear and would notify the well maker that it has reached water. The device, using its micropores (located on the posterior end) would take a sample of the water and test its salinity level and composition. The well maker would then pull the depth meter out (or in more modern cases-the motor would), and read the dials. If the water composition dial indicates that it is safe for human consumption, the well maker's job is complete. He would then build a stone barricade around the hole and fit it with a wood roof and a bucket. The well maker would then be paid handsomely for his endeavor.

There have, however, been tales in which a small creature is tied onto the device as it is lowered down into the well. Once the depth meter reaches water, the creature would produce the yelp. Since it is unlikely that this primitive device has any advanced mechanism within it, I would suppose that a raccoon or mouse would be tied onto it.

I'm sorry to disappoint you, guys, but it is actually a well maker's depth meter. Before I retired, I used to help construct wells for families in rural areas. Since the depth of water wells vary depending on the source of the water below the earth, well makers need devices such as this to determine when to stop drilling. Once the well maker has drilled a hole of approximate depth (based on several calculations involving soil composition, soil water mass, and distance from a detectible natural reservoir) he or she lowers the depth meter into the well (by attaching the loop to a cable) until it reaches the bottom. If the bottom of the well contains water, one of the readings on the depth meter would indicate so (this is an older model, so the center dial would turn to the right). Newer models have electronic LCD screens. The other two dials would indicate the depth of the well (as indicated by the name) and the water salinity. If the underground aquifer is surrounded by saline alluvial soil, the water salinity knob (far right knob) would indicate so. The bottom projections simply detect surrounding obstructions. i own a slightly newer version of this device, which is almost identical, but contains LCD screens rather than dials. This specific model is pretty old, so the only way to see one is to go to a museum. Who know you could learn so much on Neatorama!

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