THE choice of a pumping plant for the drainage of a mine is a matter of such importance that it is obvious that in a short paper it is impossible to go fully into the reasons governing the adoption of any particular type. The author, therefore, proposes to briefly discuss the methods in vogue, and, as far as possible, to point out the advantages and disadvantages of the numerous systems. The problem is of extreme importance to the mining engineer, and it appears that in the past sufficient thought has not been given to this branch, as shown by the numerous failures which are encountered. When water is met with in large quantities, the development of the mine depends upon the pumping plant to such a great extent that the most careful consideration should be given before deciding on any particular scheme for drainage. The pumping plant in a mine should be looked upon in the light of an insurance policy, and should be treated as such, care being taken that the premium is as low as possible, and to ensure this it is necessary that the most efficient plant be secured. Local conditions play such an important part in the design of a plant that no hard and fast rules can be laid down. When the amount of water to be handled is small, and there is no possibility of any increase, the problem is a fairly simple one, and usually resolves itself into the most convenient method without too much attention being paid to economy; but when large quantities of water have to be dealt with the aspect is completely changed.