There were lots of interesting machines used in the kitchen to save
time and labour.
For instance, there was a machine for peeling potatoes; a round metal
tub in which the potatoes were rushed round and round until their
skins were rubbed off, and they were ready for the cooking-pot.
There were egg-boiling machines, which, working by clockwork, kept the
eggs in boiling water for whatever time was desired, and then took
them out without any attention on the part of the cook.
There was a bread-slicing machine and a plate-washing machine, the
dirty plates being placed in iron racks and lowered into a tank where
boiling water is dashed on to them from both sides, so that they clean
themselves in no time. There was also a machine for kneading the dough
for making bread.
In fact, the whole place was a marvel of work and organisation all
compressed into a very small space, and yet done most successfully and
cleanly.
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