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course for want of proper depth, perhaps an incorrect calcu- 

 lation having been made at the time the ditch was made. A 

 very cheap and simple method for calculating a proper depth 

 or level being applicable, we may appropriately suggest it. 

 Obtain the use of a large sized spirit level ; drive a stake at 

 the edge of the pond in a place where the water is on a level 

 with the main body; the height of the stake may be of any 

 convenient altitude, say fiA^e feet ; upon this place the level, 

 and adjust it in a correct position pointing in the direction of 

 the required ditch; then direct an assistant to fix a stake at 

 any required distance from the level, upon which place a 

 conspicuous moveable object, which may be elevated at 

 pleasure; by taking a correct sight or aim over the top of 

 the level, the assistant may be directed to place the object 

 at an altitude corresponding precisely with the level. The 

 calculation is then easily made. For instance, should the 

 height of the object be three feet from the surface of the 

 ground, it is evident that a ditch of two feet must be dug at 

 that point to be on a level with the pond; the depth of the 

 pond being considered, and sufficient allowance made for fall, 

 the labor can be easily accomplished with certainty. In this 

 way every farmer can do his own leveling and dispense with 

 the expense and services of a civil engineer. 



Some remarks relative to the fertilizing influences of the 

 irrigation of soils might here be in place, but time forbids. 



Condition of Agriculture.— In a newly settled county, 

 such as we occupy, it is hardly to be expected that agricul- 

 ture should have attained the acme of perfection. Still it 

 should be the desire of the farmer in any section to promote 

 the advancement of agricultural improvement. The most 

 prominent defect in conducting farming operations in our 

 county, is a too free use of the plow and a desire to cultivate 

 too much land. The very fact of attempting to produce 

 thirty acres of corn with one hand and team is sufficient evi- 

 dence, that it is done in a careless and slovenly manner. The 

 amount produced, (generally an average of about thirty or 



