HIDRAULIC MILLS IN THE BASIN FORTUNA-ABANILLA (MURCIA)

Abstract

This work proposes the study and analysis of the grinding activity in the basin of Abanilla and Fortuna, located in the Region of Murcia. This espace is characterized by the scarcity and irregularity of the precipitations due to the subtropical arid enviroment, like it is the Mediterranean of coat in the peninsular South-East, the one which conditions the use of a tipology determined of hydraulic mill: mill of horizontal wheel 'rodezno' and niillpond. Investigation from documents and our researches in these zones have allowed us to find and describe six hidraulic mills in Abanilla (Chícanio. Partidor, Arco, Puente, Cal, Prao), and three in Fortuna (Molinico Viejo, Las Parecicas and the one in La Cana). In those whose rates of flows are scarce and variable ponds are included, in order to acumulate the enough water to the niill; Puente and Cal Mills, in the left bank of the river Chícamo next to Abanilla. and Prao Mill, in the right bank of the Zurca in the inmediacies of Barinas. are provided of this Technique.