These sprinklers were filled by horse power.

A chain, running through blocks attached to a solid upper framework, like the open belfry of an Italian monastery, dragged a barrel up a wooden track from the water hole to the opening in the sprinkler.

When in action this formidable machine weighed nearly two tons and resembled a moving house.
Other men had felled two big hemlocks, from which they had hewed beams for a V plow.
The V plow was now put in action.

Six horses drew it down the road, each pair superintended by a driver.

The machine was weighted down by a number of logs laid across the arms.