Discussion on Irrigation. 59 



Mr. Grimes — In connection with the tile I spoke of, there is a 

 hollow plug which runs down into the tile. This lets the water run 

 out on the ground. They plow furrows and run a machine along 

 which makes the tile out of sand and cement. It is forced out a 

 little on the plan of a sausage stufFer. 



Prof. T. J. Burrill — I have a single item which may be of benefit 

 to those who want to try irrigating on a small scale. At our uni- 

 versity we water flowers a great deal. We put down flower pots and 

 put water in them. In this way the ground does not bake. 



Ex-Gov. Furnas, of Nebraska — It has been ray good fortune to 

 visit Southern California. The people there have found that only 

 one-tenth as much water was required by sub-irrigation as by ap- 

 plying it to the surface. 



Mr. WeUhouse, of Kansas — Is there no trouble from sediment? 



Gov. Furnas — I heard of none. 



Mr. Barnard, of Nebraska — I spent some time in California. I 

 found that top irrigation was a failure. Where it was used the soil 

 was impoverished and orchards killed. But where sub-irrigation 

 was used, we found good results. Common sewer pipes were used, 

 and the joints were sometimes cemented. On strawberry beds they 

 take up the pipes every two years or so and clean them. I find I have 

 more than doubled my crop by irrigation. I do not get better ber- 

 ries, but they will bring a better price from those who test berries 

 by the eye. 



The President — I want to hear from Prof. Cassidy on this subject. 



Prof. Cassidy, of Colorado — I am a new comer to Colorado, and 

 have not much to add now. The amount of water required varies 

 according to the soil. A stiff soil requires much more than a sandy 

 one. 



Mr. Hale — I would like to ask Mr. Barnard what size tile he 

 would use, and how deep he would put it? 



Mr. Barnard — A two inch tile does not fill up like a smaller one, 

 so it is preferable. It should be put in about six inches deep. Jt 

 is better to take these up to keep from frost. 



Mr. Gibbs, of Minnesota — I am reminded afresh of the vast 

 extent of territory represented by this Society and tlic varied 



