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most improved modes of performing the operation, I sincerely hope that 

 some good result may arise from my labors. 



In my opinion the attention of the Legislature should be directed to 

 this important matter, and the main outlets cleared at the expense of the 

 State. The climate of Michigan would be much improved by drainage. 

 It has been often remarked, that in this State the month of April is 

 sometimes warmer than May, and this arises from the vast quantity of 

 heat which is consumed in the evaporation of the water which accu- 

 mulates in the soil, after the melting snow, and the heavy rains of 

 spring. If the land were properly drained, the salubrity of the cUmate 

 and the fertility of the soil would be very much increased. 



Drains can be constructed much cheaper than some persons suppose, 

 as the common plow can be used to take off the surface sod; after this 

 the subsoil plow can be used to soften the clay to a considerable depth, 

 and then the loose soil can be thrown out by the shovel. 



Pipes can be manufactured much cheaper than the horse-shoe tile, 

 and those who doubt their efficiency should give them a trial before 

 they pass sentence upon them. 



A great deal of care should be taken, in order to lay the pipes or 

 tiles properly in the drains. In swamps or running sands, the bottoms 

 of the drains should be made three or four inches wider than the tiles; 

 by this means, a portion of stiff clay can be put over and around the 

 tiles, this being well packed will effectually prevent the entrance of sand 

 or mud. 



Some tough clay should always be laid over the joints of the pipes 

 or tiles, in order to keep out sand and sediment of every kind. 



The tiles should be well bedded in the bottoms of the drains, if they 

 are not, the pressure of the filling stuff will break them. 



The manufacture of pipe-t'le should be encouraged, as they are by 

 far the cheapest and best material for drains. 



The proverbial ingenuity of Americans, when directed to the im- 

 provement of tile-machines, will no doubt invent many contrivances for 

 simplifying these useful implements, and rendering them more accessi- 

 ble to the public. 



Every farmer should give close attention to the thorough drainage of 

 his land. It is a very great satisfaction, during rainy seasons, to be 

 certain that the water will be carried away by drains. 



