Moisture of the Soil. 



495 



In detenxjiniijg the moisture in a given soil, several samples 

 should be taken and these samples thoroughly mixed and then 

 accurately weighed. Then subject the sample to a heat of 212 

 degrees Fahrenheit for a few hours, then weigh and 

 heat again for one hour, then weigh again, and con- 

 tinue this operation until there is no further loss of 

 weight by heating. The difference in weight between 

 the original and the heated sample will indicate the 

 amount of moisture which was present. Divide the dif- 

 ference in the weights by the first weight of the 

 sample, to determine the per cent, of moisture in the 

 original sample and multiply by 100. The following 

 case will illustrate : 



Original weight of sample 2 lbs. 



Weight after dryiug 1.5 lbs. 



Loss in drying 5 lbs. 



Per cent, of moistiu'e in original sample = .5 •— 2. 

 = .25 X 100 = 25 per cent. 



An interesting line of work for granges and farmers' 

 clubs would be the investigation of soil moisture. 



The importance of thorough culture to conserve 

 moisture is so great that if its value was fully realized 

 we should experience less trouble from droughts. 

 Far better is a season with a deficiency of rainfall if 

 continuous surface culture be given than a season of 

 abundant rains with little cultui^e. Much wiser is he 

 who cultivates a small farm and cultivates it inten- 

 sively than he who attempts to spread over a large area 

 and allows his crops to suffer from droughcs, because 

 the moisture which they so much need has not been 

 saved by frequent tillage. Neglect the soil, allow the 

 orchard to care for itself, and when the time of harvest 

 comes the reward shall be according to the labor; but 

 treat the soil as a living thing, care for it faithfully 

 and intelligently, study the plants and learn their 

 ways and the conditions under which they thrive and 

 give them congenial surroundings, and they will re- 

 spond with a readiness that will abundantly repay the i49_Thesoii 

 best efforts in their behalf. sampler. 



