The Problem of iMrovERisHED Lands. 117 



Land so treated tends to dry out earlier in tlie spring than 

 nnplowed soils ; and soils which dry out early in the spring are 

 "warm" and consequently "early." 



8. What 2>^oportion of fanners in your vicinity practice under- 

 drainage f 



The important point to be considered is, Does your farm need 

 under-draining ? 



9. How many of the farms need tender-drainage f 



There is comparatively little land which will not be improved by 

 under-draining. 



10. How deep and' how far apart would you lay tender-drains f 

 The distance apart should be governed in a measure by the depth ; 



the deeper the drains, the farther apart they may be placed. The 

 contour of the land and the nature of the soil will also influence 

 very materially in the matter. In a genei'al way we may say that 

 in moderately porous soils drains three feet deep should be from 30 

 to 40 feet apart. 



11. Do the farmers of your neighborhood have enough differ- 

 ent kinds of tools to enable them to till their land cheaply and 

 efficiently f 



This will depend upon the nature of the soil and the kind of crops 

 grown. It is a good question to think about. 



12. How many different hinds of tillage tools should a tnan have 

 to farm it properly if he has 100 acres devoted' to general farming, 

 of loJiich half is clay and half sandy soil f 



This question is too general to admit of any one lixed answer. 

 Each farm differs in some respects from every other, and the tools 

 used on the one farm probably would not be exactly suitable in all 

 details for another farm. Let each man answer. 



13. How often woidd you till afield of corn or potatoes? 

 Often enough to keep the soil-mulch in good condition, — that is, 



light and loose. Study this question. 



14. Why do you till your corn or potatoes f Are weeds the lead- 

 ing problem in your mind f 



The keeping of the soil-mulch light and loose should be the lead- 

 ing idea. When this is done, few if any weeds can grow. 



