Treadmiill

Treadmiill, as an instrument of punishment in use in prisons, was introduced into our system by Sir William Cubitt in 1818. It consists of a wooden cylinder, fixed upon an iron framework, from 20 to 25 feet wide, and 5 to 6 feet in diameter, and is fitted with steps 7-1/2 inches apart. Its speed is regulated by a brake, and the circumference generally passes over a distance of 32 feet per minute. The time spent on it is generally 6 hours per day, divided into two spells of 3 hours each, the alternation of work and rest during this time being 15 minutes of the former and 5 minutes of the latter. A man thus climbs more than 1-1/2 miles per day. The men upon it are in separate compartments, and have a hand-rail to hold on by. The wheel is generally made to do some useful work, such as grinding corn or pumping water.