Published in 1888 by the hydraulic engineer William Henry Wheeler (1832-1915), this work describes the methods and machinery used to drain the fens and polders of England and Holland in the nineteenth century. It is a reference tool for maintaining existing drainage systems or designing and implementing new systems.

A respected hydraulic engineer, William Henry Wheeler (1832-1915) established himself as an authority in the fields of low-lying land reclamation and drainage, embanking, and the improvement of tidal rivers and harbours. Based on articles written for The Engineer in 1887, he published this more substantial work in 1888 to provide a practical point of reference for those working on existing drainage systems or designing and implementing new schemes. Drawing on first-hand knowledge of the low-lying fens of England and the polders of Holland, Wheeler describes the processes of drainage by gravitation and steam power. The book also includes chapters on lifting and draining water using the scoop wheel, the Archimedean screw pump and the centrifugal pump. Providing also a wealth of operational facts relating to pumping stations in England and abroad, this remains a rich source of information for those interested in the history of civil engineering.