Water carts such as these were in general use in 1896 in order to supply water to grazing animals in the fields, but also to provide a regular supply to outlying farms and cottages for domestic use. This practice carried on well into the 20th century in the more isolated parts of the countryside. In the upper part of the picture the water vendor is drawing water off the wooden barrel into a large stoneware jar to carry to the nearby cottage. Brian was aged nine when this picture was made. As a boy he was often excited by deliveries taking place at home, when he would rush out to draw the tradesman's horses delivering coal or other commodities to the house. The lower image appears to show a cast iron tank of a different design.